AN ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME HOME.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume III, Issue 676, 30 June 1882, Page 2

AN ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME HOME.

We learn from the Western Star that on the arrival at Riverton of Mr Daniel, M.H.R., and Mr T. Booth, from Invercargill, the other evening, a pleasant surprise greeted them. When it became known during the day that both gentlemen had been acquitted of the charges under the Corrupt Practices Prevention Act, it was decided to give thorn a royal welcome home. At the hour at which the train was due a large crowd assembled at the station, and when Mr Daniel stepped on to the platform he was carried on the shoulders of a number of ardent admirers and placed upon a buggy in readiness for the purpose, amid ringing cheers. A similar compliment was paid to Mr Booth, and to the music of “ See the conquering hero comes,” the carriage, drawn by some twenty or thirty people, was moved off, a large crowd joining the torchlight procession, which then proceeded down Palmerston street On arriving at the Post Office the procession halted, and Mr Daniel briefly addressed the crowd and thanked them for the welcome he had received, which he said was totally unexpected. He said he bore no animosity towards anyone, and he was willing to extend the right hand of fellowship to all. He had done his best, and had gained the victory, and that was all he cared about. In future he hoped they would all pull together, for the good of the district. He was proud to say that he had received a congratulatory telegram that afternoon from forty members of Parliament at Wellington. Three cheers having been again given for Mr Daniel and Mr Booth, the procession resumed its march, and proceeded along Jetty, Havelock, and Napier streets, and thence along Palmerston street to the residence of Mr Daniel, the band playing at intervals. On reaching home Mr Daniel again addressed a few words to the assemblage, remarking that he would not disgrace the district of Wallace. He said he might be able to do more for the district in Parliament if he were backed up by the electors, and he urged this duty upon them, as tending greatly to strengthen his hands in demanding justice. He then returned thanks and retired. Cries of “ Booth ” followed, and that gentleman responded by returning thanks for the welcome he had received, remarking that in his case right had triumphed over might. The assemblage then dispersed.