OUR KUMARA LETTER.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 15 May 1901, Page 2

OUR KUMARA LETTER.

The Returned Troopers.

(QUE OWN COERESPONDENT.)

Yesterday afternoon and evening the town was en fete, the occasion being the rival home from the Transvaal of Corporal F. Wylde, and Troopers R. Bell and J. Gibson. It was fully 3.30 p.m. before any definite word reached town that the homecomers would arrive by the evening's train. However, immediately on receipt of the news the Mayor, Mr T. Jones, the Borough Councillors, the Volunteer Band and a number of relations and friends, proceeded at once to the Kumara railway station to meet the returning troopers. On the arrival of the train at the station, they were welcomed by the Mayor in tho name of the people of the town and district, while the band played " Seo the Conquering Hero Comes." immediately after the formal reception tho new arrivals preceded by a brake containing tho band drove to town where on entering it was found a large numof people had collected to join in the welcome. Here it looked as if the troopers would be mobbed by their friends in an effort to shako hands. After a short delay they were driven to their homes, to enjoy a brief quiet hour before facing the ordeal of a public reception. At 8 p.m. the troopers again came forth. A procession was formed headed by both bands —the Volunteer and Catholic—pnd proceeded round town. The guests of the evening were stowed away on a drag, somewhat to tho disappointment of the crowd, as they could not be seen. Indeed one disappointed individual remarked that all he could see was a khaki leg. If that proved a disappointment the meeting in the Theatre Royal sufficed. The large hall was packed, the stage beiDg occupied by the guests of tho evening together with His Worship the Mayor and Councillors.

The Mayor Mr T Jones precided and in a neat spsech welcomed in the name of the people Corporal Wylde and Trooper Gibson and Bell. He expressed his unqualified pleasure at the fact that the whole of the Kumara Contingent had so far escaped scatheless. He referred to the good work the colonial troops had done at the front and not only that but by their actions had brought the ties of tha Empire closer together.

Mr. J. S. Bonyon also expressed the pleasuro it gave him in welcoming home the returned so'diers. When they Were leaving for the war ho had sincerely hoped that they would return unharmed. He was by no means sure that *-.uoh a result would ensue. It had, however, and he was glad of it. Indeed, judging from appearance, they had not been feeding on locusts on the voyage home- He hoped that the returned trooporrt would not bo allowed to return to hard work, but as rhey had chosen a military career a position in that calling would be found for them where their experience would be of use to their fellows.

Mr T. V. Byrne followed and endorsed tho remorks of Mr Benyon, with regard to tho Government making use of the experienco gained by tho t.-oopers in actual warfare. He was proud to be there that night to welcome tho young men who had so worthily upheld the honor of the Colony and the Empire, lie concluded with a very feeling reference to those of tho Coast contingent who had found graves in Africa. Ho hoped that their memory would not bo allowed to die.

Corporal P. Wyldo, amid a storm of applause sustained for some time, thanked the audience on behalf of his comrades and himself, for tho splendid reception accorded them that evening. It had been entirely unexpected, and would never be forgotton. He referred to the fact, that tho AVest Coast in proportion to the numbers sent had lost more than any other part of New Zealand. However though they had loft some of their comrades behind they had not forgotten them in death, and had always managed to erect sotao memorial over their graves. Corporal Wylde stated that he and his comrades had promised to say a few words at the Volunteer concert set down for this evening at the Theatre Royal.

This will doubtless prove an additional attraction to patrons, but apart from it the programme, containing as it does the names of some very well known local and outside talent is sufficient to ensure a successful gathering.

I may say that it is intended to giv e a Grand Social to the returned troopers on Friday, May 17th in the Adelphi TheaJ tre. Tickets, double 3s. can be had from the secretary, Mr J. S. Benyon. It goes without saying that there will be a crush present.