BRUNNERTON BANQUET.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 27 July 1901, Page 2

BRUNNERTON BANQUET.

* at To Troopers Small and Smith. A banquet was held in Buck’s Hoad Hotel last evening to welcome Troopers Albert Small and John Smith home from Africa. The Mayor occupied the chair, and on his right were the returned Troopers. The Club room was tastefully decorated with Bed, White and Blue flags, and a large banner on tnc wall gave the room a most cherry and loyal appearance. The tables were loaded with delicacies and artistically laid out. which reflected great credit on Mrs Bussell. A very large number assembled to do honor to our hoys, after full justice had been dona to the eatables. The toast “ Tlio King and Queen ” were drunk with musical honors. Song, “ Mona, my lost Love," Mr J. Benyon. Song, “My Motl er’s Parting Gift to Me,” Mr Gutberlet.”

Mr Armstrong proposed the toast “ The Volunteers.*’ Most people were aware that the Colonial troopers who went to the front were volunteers. It was a common saying that if they were required for active service they would back down. Recent events had proved that they were true men. The Colonials have done so ; in the past they had not been encouraged as they should. Mr George Kaye replied. Song, “ Why Drown it in the Bowl,’ Mr T. Watchman.

Song, “The Battle of Sterling,” Mr Cosgrove, The Mayor, in proposing “OnrGuests,” gave them a hearty welcome home. He said they went at their country’s call, and they proved themelves true Britishers ; as after several refusals when they* offered their services, they showed pluck and perseverance and were accepted- - They did all they were asked to do, and the loyalty of the English colonies showed the European powers that in the hour of peril her various colonies were not only willing but anxious to come to the rescue. On behalf of the residents he welcome them home again. (Applause.)

Song, “Twelve Months Ago,” Mr W. Muncaster.

Trooper Small thanked them for the cordial reception accorded him, and said it was since he came back he found he had a large number of friends here. The troopers were enthusiastically received everywhere, but give him the reception at Brunner.

Trooper Smith also replied. Song, “ Four Jolly Jolly Smiths," Mr Noble.

Song, “ The Old Mulberry Tree,’ 1 Mr Watchman.

Trooper Smith proposed “ Our Boys at the Front." Mr Miller replied and trusted that those at the front would give as good satisfaction as those who have returned, and wishing them a safe return home.

Song, “England the Land of the Free,** Mr E. Smith.

Song “Their after mo." Mr P. Keenan. Mr T. Robinson proposed the Govern* ment. Responded to by Mr G. Newton. Song—Over the Garden Wall. Mr Seebeck.

Song “John Bull.” Mr T. Jones. The Mining Industry was proposed by Mr Noble, and responded to by Mr Ooulthard.

Song “For Old Times Sake,” Mr J. Ward.

Song—Mr M. Dando. The Local Bodies, proposed by Mr Allison, replied to by Messrs Coppersmith and Nybergi

Song—Mr Watchman senr. A large number of other toasts and songs made the evening pass quickly away, the gathering broke up at an early hour this morning.