Reception to Waimate Troopers.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume III, Issue 160, 8 June 1901, Page 3

Reception to Waimate Troopers.

On Thursday night “the event ; of the season " took place in the form of a reception and dance to the returned troopers who left Waimate to serve in the various contingents in South Africa. The Reception Committee had expected a large gathering, but no one dreamt that the Oddfellows’ Hall would be filled to overflowing. But so it was, the, crowd (from all parts of the district) being enough to render twice the space necessary to provide com-' fortable dancing and seating room. This, however, did not mar the enjoyment, and the 160 couples who took part in the Grand March, led off by Colonel Bailey and Mrs W, Ooltman, were in no mood to complain Of minor discomforts.

Dancing was commenced shortly after 8 o’clock and continued till 9 o’clock, when the other part of the programme was gone on with. Mr W. Coltman, secretary of the Reception Committee, read apologies for absence from Colonel Moore, Major Orawshaw, Sergeants Grahame, O’Oallaghan and Jowsey, Sergeant-Major Jones, Trumpeter Bowie, Troopers Munro and Freeman, and Mr Norton Francis.

A song, “ Home Boys, Home,” was rendered by Mr C. .1. Goldstone In capital style, and his capable rendering gave the well known song a new significance. Miss Boyd gave a very tasteful rendering of “ Will he come,” by Arthur Sullivan.

Major Steward, M.S.R* for Waitaki, bad the greateat possible pleasure in being on the platform to welcome the returned troopers. Au additional pleasure was given by the fact that he was himself an old volunteer officer, one who had volunteered his services for this war and who bad at the present moment two sous fighting at the front* He referred to the great benefits to the men who went to the front. Their eyes would bo opened as regards the conduct of a war and their experience on returning would be of utmost value to the» colony ‘as a whole. However in sending away the men they had done, the surface only of New Zealand’s capability bad been scratched. Should an invasion of our own colony occur, the inhabitants would rise to a man and it would be a bold foe indeed who would gain a footing. The war the} had been and were engaged on was not sent without some great purpose. It was quite that the British power was destined to prevail in the Dark Continent, and they in New Zealand had done their share to that end. With regard to the finding of employment of the returned troopers who needed it, he said it was almost useless to apply to the Government, who could not possibly find situations for those who wished them. The districts themselves should do what they could. He again expressed his pleasure at welcoming the troopers back. Song, “ Whit do you think of the Irish now ?” Mr J. W. Manchester with Just as the sun went down” as an encore. Miss M. Franklin played the accompaniments.

Captain Barclay Of the "Waimate Rifles, thanked the Reception Committee for allowing him to take part in the welcome of the rernrned troopers. Ha had been closely connected as Mayor of the town with the despatch of the members of the various contingents and it was with great pleasure therefore that hC welcomed them back safe and sound. He tendered congratulations to the Committee for the success of the social and for the great pains they had taken to the hall so nicely. A number of the returned troopers went away as members of the Waimate Rifles and on behalf of the corps he conveyed the heartiest congratulations on their return and expressed the hope that they would return to their old corps, which would be proud Indeed to receive them.

Lient.-001, Bailey thanked; the Committee for their invitation to be present to welcome the returned troopers. He like Major Steward had volunteered his services foi the front bttt they had not been accepted and he had had also two sons engaged in the war. One was invalided home, bat the other was still at the front. He had always taken a keen interest in the Walmate Volunteers, for it was in this district that he obtained his first experience of colonial life. He was exceedingly glad to see them all back safe and sound, and hoped to see them stick to volunteering and give the benefit of their experience to thejr comrades inarms. The souvenir medals were then presented to each of the men by the Mayoress (Mrs Manchester),; who. as she pinned the. medal on each troopdr’s breast* expressed ; the pride the town felt in its soldiers, and hoped that the memento would be long treasured by them as a reminder of their experiences in South Africa.' The names of the recipients are: Second Contingent—Corporal W. Butcher,, Trooper J. Goldstode and Bngler ' R. Goldstone. Third Sergeant* 0. Y. Ward, LanceCorporal. 0. A. Wilson,’ s*nd Troopers J. Cooper, T. Kelcher, R, D, Smith, T, Freeman and H.

Munro. As each trooper stepped forward he was greeted with cheers by the gathering. The ceremony being concluded, dancing was resumed and kept up till 2.50. The floor was in very good condition to start with, but a large number passing out and in to the hall, brought grit from the damp ground outside. Despite this, however, and the fact that dancing was out of the • question, owing to the crowded j floor, there was not one present who did. not thoroughly enjoy the evening. A liberal supply ofrefreshments was catered. by Mr Gill, and although here, too, the crowd rendered matters , somewhat trying, the efforts of Messrs Frahklyn Scott and 'Coltman(secretary of the Reception Oomiftittee), Pitcaithly and other gentlemen surmounted all difficulties, and everyone was satisfied., Capital music was provided by Mr R. Capstick (piano), and extras were played by several ladies and gentlemen.