OUR KUMARA LETTER.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 21 May 1901, Page 2

OUR KUMARA LETTER.

(ODE OWN OOEEESPONDEKT ) The social and dance to welcome the returned troopers was held in the Adelphi Hall, and was a brilliant success. Indeed, it is no exaggeration to say it was the most successful ever held in Kumara, not merely in point of attendance, but also from a social standpoint. The arrangements were very complete and reflect great credit on the committee of management. The decorations were all that could be desired. An examination of the hall and stage just prior to the opening ceremony, gave one the impression that a great deal of labour must have been entailed in attending to detail and artistic arrangement that characterised the whole display. Both the Volunteer and Catholic bands turned out and played a series of airs around town and in front of the hall.

Dancing commenced at 8 30 p. m. and ere long the hall was well filled. Among the visitors were Mr L Northcroft County Chairman, Mr J. F. Byrne M.C.C., Mr J. D. Evans County Clerk, Captain J. CM’Farlane of Hokitika rifles,. Sergt. Martin; Corporal Ghesterman, Troopers Bergraann, Morgan, M’Fayden, Galwey, and Ford, as a'ao Corporal Wyldo and Troopers Bell and Gibson of Kumara. Several songs were rendered during the evening. Mr A. Stubbs sang “Boys of the Young" Brigade”, in his well known style, Mr M’Padyen brother of the Trooper sang two songs which were much appreciated. Mr PTansey sang “Bid Me to Love” very sweetly, Mr B Bremond gave a violin solo and was loudly applauded, Mr M*oloud danced a hornpipe to the delight of the audience. After supper all the troopers present on the invitation of the Mayor lookup places on the stage platform as also did Mr T. V. Byrne, Mr J. P. Byrne L. Northcroft. J. S. Benyon and Captain J. C M’Farlane. The Mayor Mr T Jones addressed the audience and thanked them for coming their in such numbers to welcome the troopers. He extended a hearty welcome to the Hokitika contingent and was proud to see them there that evening.

Capfc McFarlane thanked the Mayor and people of Kumara on behalf of the returned troopers and their parents for the splendid reception accorded them. He referred to the good work done by the New Zealand Contingents and how their example had tended to draw the bonds of union closer yet.

Mr Northcroft County Chairman, expressed the pleasure it gave ’ him to bo present that evenin'* to join in the general weleome° and rejoicing. Ho claimed that the men wore not pent away as Kumara or Hokitika men, but as Westlanders, and in joining the New Zealand Contingent had reached a higher standard than any local impor-

tanoe could give ’them. He expressed the pleasure he had experienced in reading the letters ol troopers from the front, and gave a special meed of praise to those of Corporal Wylde. The troopers had done their duty nobly and well, and the whole colony felt proud of them. He was glad to see so many of them had returned apparently none the worse for their experiences. They had, however, left some of their comrades behind, and these should not and would not be forgotten. Mr T. V. Byrne also spoke and welcomed the troopers back again.

Trooper McFagden thanked those present for their splendid reception. Corporal Chesterman in returning thanks said that were glad to bo back homo again, but it was well worth going through the trials and sufferings of the war to bo greeted by such a welcome home » b they had received that night. *J Corporal Wylde alsojipoke iu a similar strain to the others. * Trooper Gibson thanked those present but reckoned long speeches were out of place as he thought the ladies were getting cold. The tfcooper then gave the New Zealand war cry and dancing was once more resumed and kept up till a late hour. The meeting of the Kurnara Literary and. Debating Society, which was postponed owing to the reception of the returned troopers, will be held on Tuesday evening at the Town Hall at 8 p.m. The business is reading the “ Journal. ” Members will please note the fact. I learn that an arrangement has been made with the Young Men’s Club to hold the meeting on the night noted so we may expect a good muster. The Linda 'Webber, a brigantine, reported lost off the East Coast of the North Island, is commanded by a brother of Mr J. Shaw, winchman on the Greenstone Junction dredge. The owner of the vessel, Captain D. Shaw of Auckland is his father. Every sympathy is felt for Mr Shaw in the loss ho has sustained.