THE SPECIALS.

Waipa Post, Volume VI, Issue 271, 9 December 1913, Page 2

THE SPECIALS.

WELCOMED HOME AT PIRONGIA.

(Own Correspondent) Quite the best social function held in this district for some time took place in the Pirongia hall on Friday evening, on which occasion a public reception, was tendered the returned specials, who had gone from this district to render service at Auckland during the times of recent industrial unrest. The return of these men was an occasion of much good feeling, and it was the unanimous desire of each and every resident to tender them a public welcome as a means of welcoming them home again, and also in a desire to express appreciation of the good work they, with all the specials, had done. A committee, with Mr G. Finn as secretary, was immediately formed to arrange all details, and that those responsible fulfilled their duties in a highly creditable manner was fully evidenced on Friday evening. Mr J. T. Johnson presided, and in welcoming the specials spoke in a highly appreciatory manner of the good work they

had done at Auckland. Evidence of this was to be found on every hand and work throughout the country was still going on in spite of the fact that a sudden stoppage of all industrial and commercial pursuits was threatened. He also gave a brief •

resume of the circumstances leading up to the organisation of the forces of specials and com-

mended the men for the very hearty manner in which they had

responded to the Farmers’ Union appeal at a time when the trade

of the Dominion was so threatened. Especial praise was due to the women and those who

had remained at home in charge

of the farms. It had meant the doubling of their duties and they had one and all cheerfully accepted the position, and with pluck and endurance had carried on the farm work with credit to themselves. (Applause). Mr J. H. Luxford, who had been in command of the Te Awamutu detachment, was heartily cheered on rising to respond. The men had been a credit to the district and had entered into the new role of specials with zeal and had proved themselvescapable and energetic. Messrs McDonald and Meyers also responded, and thanked those present for the kindly welcome home extended. Ihey spoke on behalf of the whole Pirongia squadron when they expressed the opinion that they had done only what they considered their duty, and what they would, if necessity arose, do again. (Applause.) ■ During the evening a very good concert programme was submitted, to which the following residents contributed items Mrs McCarthy (pianoforte solo), Mrs Durham and Messrs H. Godfrey, G. Dalton, W. McCarthy, and W. Godfrey (songs), Miss Benner and Mr H. Godfrey and Miss R. Fear and Mr C. E. Fear (duets), Miss R. Fear and Messrs Hodgs,on, Charlton, Luxford, G. Finn (recitations. The items were well rendered, and were received by an appreciative audience, encores being frequently called for. At the conclusion of the programme all joined in singing “ For they are jolly good fellows,” ' followed by three hearty cheers for the specials'and the chairman.

An excellent supper was then done full justice to, after which a most enjoyable dance was held. Messrs Peat (2) acted as M.’sC., whilst the dance music was supplied by Mr G. Dalton. Among those present were several residents of Te Awamutu, they having journeyed out in Mr Spear’s motor car. The evening was a thoroughly enjoyable one, and a fitting welcome to the Pirongia specials.