APARIMA.

Western Star, 7 September 1901, Page 2

APARIMA.

A correspondent writes; Last Friday evening, 30ih ult., the residence of Mr W. Taylor, Aparima, was the scene of a happy gathering, when about 35 young frien !s met together in the form of a surpri.-o party to welcome home their comrade, Sergt.iTaylop. In no time the capacious kitchen was converted into an extempore ba'lroom, and dancing commenevd to excellent music supplied by Messrs T. Beck and W. Gregg. I think it was the merriest party I have ever seen together, am! each and all appeared to lay life’s cares aside for the night and went in for thorough enjoyment. Before supper a very j pleasing duty was performed bv a couple of our young ladies. Miss McKenzie was first called on and said : —You all know the purpose for which wo have here this evening —that of welcoming back to our 1 midst our soldier, Sergt. Tavlor. We j feel proud that so worthy a represen- • | tativo of the district went out to fight for King and country, and his pro* j motion tolls ns that our hopes in him have been fully realised, and that he has done his duty right nobly, for we know that stripes are won, not given. We all grieved when wo heard that he had been wounded, but to night we think ho is quite justified in being proud of the bullet mark he carries. I think 1 can safely say there is not a young man present but envies him it. To his father and mother we offer our sincere congratulations. Our sympathy was with them when the nows came of his suffering as our congratulations aud joy are with them now on his safe return. I think I voice the feelings of all present when I say that in the mid.-t of our rejoicings to-uight our hearts ever and anon turn to a lonely grave in that far distant land where another comrade that went out lies. We had looked forward to his return too, but ’twas willed otherwise. I have now much pleasure in asking.Miss Sheddan to say a few words, trusting that JSorgt. Taylor will be long spared to look hack on the evening his young friends came t© wish him welcome homo. Miss Sheddan then stepped forward and said : Sergt. Taylor, I have much pleasure in asking your acceptance of (his small memento from a few of your young friends in this district, sincerely trusting you will bo long soared to wear it. Then while all joined heartily in singing “For he’s a jolly good fellow,” Miss Sheddan pinned on his breast a handsome gold Maltese cross bearing the following inscription ; “ Presented to Sergt J. M. Taylor by a few young friends. A tribute of welcome home from Boer War, 30/9/01.” Sergt, Taylor, who appeared to have got a pleasant surprise, in a few words thanked them all for their lovely gift. Ho begged to be excused from saying more as he admitted that the two young ladies had so surprised him that his speeobraakiog abilities had fled. After the applause had subsided, Mrs Taylor said she could not allow them to resume their amusements until she had thanked them all on behalf of Mr Taylor and herself for the great kindness they had shown their son. Suppper was then served and dancing resumed. Songs wore given during the evening by Miss M. McKenzie and Mr J. Dodds, and a recitation by Miss Sheddan. This very enjoyable evening was brought to a close at 2.30 a.m. by the singing of Auld Lang Syne aud cheers - for Mr and Mira Taylor, the Sergeant, and the promoters of the affair.