WELCOME TO RETURNED SOLDIERS

New Zealand Tablet, 29 May 1919, Page 29

WELCOME TO RETURNED SOLDIERS

J Many of the ‘past pupils of ? the ! Christchurch Catholic Girls’ Schools, assisted by lady friends s of S those connected ' with the Celtic Club, 'Hibernian Society, and Marist Old Boys” 1 Association, ' ringed 7 a “Welcome Home” to their 1 returned; soldier ! friends 'in the Hibernian Hall on last Thursday evening, with a result Upon which the 'organising j committee, ‘ Mesdames Howard, Greenlees,' and Baxter,' Misses Celia 1 O’Connor, D. 5 and M. . Smyth, deserve' hearty congratulations (writes our own orrespondent). ; No effort had been ' spared in decorating the hall, and its festive appearance brightened the enjoyment of the' crowded assemblage.' Various games, musical' items, and other /attractions provided the evening’s programme, which was capably managed by Mrs. Howard and Miss C. O’Connor, the latter being selected to extend the ladies welcome 1 to the fine assemblage of soldier boys. In doing so Miss O’Connor said the girls considered it an honor and a pleasure to give the returned men a hearty greeting within the old familiar walls of the Hibernian Hall, which had, in days of peace, been so often graced by their manly, happy presence. They wished (she said) to express, on behalf of the promoters of the gathering, their sympathy with the relatives of the deceased soldiers : and to those returned they wished a long and happy life in “Home Sweet Home.” The boys then lined up in the hall, and theif spokesman, Mr. Frank Smyth, bn their behalf' expressed appreciation of the welcome which breathed hearty friendship in its true sense. The splendid evening given them was so expressive in its

V homely f; good nature, a that*-' they almost thought they were amongst’ the 'girls in ?Ireland. To be back in New Zealand was a great pleasure to them all, but to find that remembrance had been ever green • through the turmoil of the war heightened that pleasure, beyond what words could i describe. 'i' On behalf ; of. his : comrades, he asked 4! their -’ lady ■ friends of the Hibernian Hall Associations to accept' their very - deep v. gratitude; t,-,; Items during the a evening .r were contributed oi by r Mesdames Baxter and : Howard* MissesvN .’'Baxter;i N. Shaw, K. Nevin, arid Mr. Suckling. m Miss Baton, who had-charge of the supper arrangements, carried out her duties most efficiently. Mrs. Baxter supplied the music. The singing of “Auld Lang Syne” terminated a most enjoyable evening. •' -yi usli ■.■ui'J.h'ri •