Returning Troopers.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 150, 6 July 1901, Page 2

Returning Troopers.

(To the Editor of the Times.) Sir, —As wo will soon be welcoming the East Coast troopers of the Fourth and Fifth Contingents on their return to their New Zealand homes, I would suggest that the matter of preparing for their reception he taken in hand at once, and not be left to the last moment, as was done on a previous occasion, and then rushed through in a most unsatisfactory manner —at least to the public. A public reception does not consist in a ha ldfnl of gentlemen taking part in a lunch at an hotel with the troopers, and expecting the public to pay the piper and appear pleased. What would be more appropriate on such an occasion would bo a promenade concert or a conversazione, where the troopers could mix with their many friends, and receive a hearty hand-shako, as well as spending a pleasant evening. Those occasions should not be prohibitive on account of the price of admission : they are not intended to raise funds for any other purpose than to meet actual expenses, which are only nominal when we consider that our local musicians arc only too willing to give their services froo; and others are also agreeable to give their services in promoting the success of such an auspicious occasion. A charge of sixpence per head should bo enough to meet all that is necessary in connection with the cost, and at such a charge the largest building in Gisborne would ho packed. Hoping that this letter may be the means of setting the ball rolling, and that others will take an interest in making our next wolcome a success, —I am, etc., Fair Play.