NEW PLYMOUTH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIX, Issue VI, 9 August 1902, Page 367

NEW PLYMOUTH.

Dear Bee, —• August Ist. During the past week His Excellency the Governor haq favoured us with the light of his countenance and his gracious and courteous manner ingratiates him with our whole community. On. Wednesday evening he presented the South African medals to the returned Africa ’ medals to the returned ■troopers of the district in the Theatre Royal before an overwhelming audience. The stage was filled with a number of leading- citizens, the chair being taken by His Worship the Mayor (Mr. E. Dockrill), supported by Mr E. M. Smith, M.H.R., and the members of the Boro ugh Council. The recipients of the medals were:—Troopers W. C. Ellis, G. Fookes, C. Gill, W. Joel, Leech, Ross, Morrison, W. Allen, W. Barrett, L. E. Bacon, G. Thornton and Sergeant Heslop, who' were all loudly cheered as they retired. His Excellency then addressed the assembly on the subject of establishing a permanent home for New Zealand veterans, and in the course of an able and forcible speech, advocated the immediate inception of his plan for the purpose. He mentioned four centres which might be suitable —Auckland, Napier, Nelson and New Plymouth, but the choice would remain with the committee. On Thursday afternoon he unveiled the bust of Sir Harry Atkinson in the Town Hall, it being brought over from England by Mr. E. M. Smith; then he afterwards attended a test football match held in the Recreation Grounds. During the day His Excellency also visited the gaol, hospital, and St. Mary’s Church to view the regimental hatchments, and Mr. E. M. Smith’s mineral products, in Brougham-street. In the evening Lord Ranfurly left by boat for Auckland, but is returning on Monday, when he will visit Inglewood. The Guards’ Club held a PING PONG TOURNAMENT in the Drill Hall last Thursday afternoon and evening, and the results were as follows: —Ladies’ Handicap Singles (final), Miss S. Thomson beat Miss G. O’Brien; Final for Men’s Handicap Singles, R. Baker beat A. Tuke; Ladies’ Champion Singles (final), Miss S. Thomson beat Miss A. Brewster; Final for Men’s Champion Singles, R. Baker beat Braund; Ladies’ Doubles, Misses G. O’Brien and A. Brewster beat Misses Drake; Men’s Doubles, R. Baker and Braund beat S. Paul and B. Rennell; Mixed Doubles, Miss W. Baker and R. Baker beat Miss E. O’Brien and Braund. Captain Taunton,,as hon. secretary, with a strong committee, worked well to make everything go with a swing, which undoubtedly it did. NANCY LEE.