IN PRAISE OF THE AUSTRALIANS

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 10343, 20 May 1901, Page 2

IN PRAISE OF THE AUSTRALIANS

THE BEST CAVALRYMEN IN SOUTH AFRICA.-

LONDON, May 19. The Marquis Tullebardine, organiser cf TuHibardino's Horse in South Africa, writing to the- Caledonian Society' in London from South Africa, says:— "The Australians "are „ the best^cavalrymen I have seen out here yet."

SECOND BECEFTION OF THE RETURNED TROOPERS ,AT WAVEBLEY.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

WAVERLEY, May 18. There could not be two opinions regsrding the success of the Reception Social held last night. The - h.all was Bimply . packed from stage -to door, many only getting standing room. ■ The first portion of the programme took the form: of a gigantic spread, four tables runnincr the four tables being- laid' the whole length of the Hall, and simply loaded with all the dainties any epicure could wish for. After fully four hundred had partaken of supper the "tables were cleared out, and forms placed in their stead, and one of the oestj programmes ever put' on tho Waverley stage was gone through without a' hitch. The returned men were given a place of honour on the stage with Mr William Wilson, as chairman, who with a few pleasing remarks opened the concert". Unfortunately I'hove not a programme by me, consequently cannot give the, several items, but the following names of the ladies 'and pentleznon who took part will vouch for the quality of the items rendered — Miss Pinches (Wanganui), Miss Bremner (Wavorley), Mr J. G. Swan .(Waiiganui), Mr J. MoLean (Patea), Buy. McDonald, and .Trooper J. Irwin. Each of tho 'returned men was the recipient' of a beautiful gold pendant, suitably inscribed, the presentation being made by Mrs Walkington. The address of the evening was made, by' tho Rev. 'McDonald, and was ably r,espon3ed to by Trooper J. Irwin, who in a few woris thanked the Waverley people for the generpug manner he and his , comrades had been received home. After the concert* programme, the' hall was, cleared for dancing, which was kept up .with lively spirit until the small hours.

This is the second reception the Waverleyites have held in honour of the return of the members of the Wairoa Mounted Rifles who went to ' South Africa, ' and both of them have been a pronounced success in every way, and the committee are certainly to be congratulated on, the way they have worked up these receptions, and the. returned men have reason to feel proud, both as to the welcome they have received an* the handsome souvenir that has been given them of the campaign. In all, there wore 25 men who left the Wairoasforthe front, which, I venture to think, is a record for any one NewZealand troop. . v