RETURNED TROOPERS.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 164, 23 July 1901, Page 2

RETURNED TROOPERS.

WELCOME SOCIAL AT THEATRE ROYAL. AN ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME HOME.

The welcome social to tho returned troopers, held in the Theatre Royal last evening, was an unqualified success. There was a large attendance, upwards of 250 being present, and the proceedings were characterised by tho utmost enthusiasm.

His Worship tho Mayor presided, and amongst others present were Major McCredie, Judge Batham, Captain Ferris, Captain King, Rev. Canon Webb, Rev. B. F. Rothwell, and Messrs C. A. DoLautour, E. C. Gold-Smith, J. Wliinray, A. Rees, and R. N. Jones. A largo number of country residents also attended. A parade of tho Gisborne Rifles, under Lieutenant Lewis, was hold at the Drillshodjat 7 o’clock, and at a quarter to 8 tho company, headed by tho Riflos’ Band (under "Bandmaster McKillop) marched to the Theatre. The City Band (under Bandmaster Morrison) were stationed outside the hall, and played a number of popular selections. Shortly after 8 o’clock, the returned troopers marched single file into the hall, their appearance being tho signal for enthusiastic cheers from all parts of tho crowded building. They were followed by members of tho local Volunteer corps and the Rifles’ Band, which played an appropriate selection inside the hall. His Worship tho Mayor in an excellent and eonciso speech, welcomed the returned troopers. He expressed the pleasure that tho inhabitants felt at the return of “ our boys ” from the front, and made reference to the highly creditable manner in which tho various contingents from this district had distinguished themselves. Tho district was proud that so many young men had como forward in tho hour of need to add strength to tho army of tho Empire. (Cheers). They were delighted ; yes, twice delighted to see them homo again. (Cheers). His AVorship paid a feeling tribute of respoct to tho memory of the lato Troopor Hurry, and narrated tho circumstances under which ho met his death. The campaign in South Africa had not boen a picnic for the Gisborne boys, and ho was sure that they one and all recognised the good work that they had performed. (Cheers).

The Rev. Canon Webb followed His Worship, and expressed the pleasure he felt at being allowed to say a few words at so important a gathering. He was sure that the district had reason to be proud of tho way in which the Gisborne boys had acquitted themselves in South Africa. (Cheers.) Mr F. Tent gave a spirited rendering of “ The Admiral’s Broom,” which was much appreciated by tho audience, and invoked considerable applause. Mr C. A. DeLautour, in the course of an appropriate speech, welcomed the returned troopers. Ho pointed out that the reception accorded that evening was only part of the enthusiastic welcome that had been given to tho soldiers of tho colony as a whole, It was a loving welcome so far as our own troopers were concerned, as they would judgo from the crowded gathering that evening. Miss Stewart, who was tastefully attired in khaki costume, sang “ The Man Behind the Gun,” in a manner that won for her the golden opinions of the audience.

The Rev. F. B. Rothwoll gave an excellent speech of welcome, full of patriotic fervor and practical illustrations, his remarks being punctuated by frequent and hearty applause. Miss Heaney greatly pleased tho audience with her vocal selection, and later in the evening sang “ The Gates of the West,” which was a real musical treat, and earned for the young lady the hearty plaudits of the audience. Shortly after nine o’clock dancing was commenced with a set of Lancers, whilst the supper rooms were also thrown open. An excellent spread was prepared by Mr J. Craig, whoso arrangements for the same were most complete, full justice being done to the good things provided. Dancing was continued until half-past eleven, whilst several musical items were also given. Miss R. Ryan delighted the audience with her singing of “ Remember Me No More,” for which she was deservedly encored. Later in the evening she sang a second number with equal success.

Miss Ferris gave a very pleasing rendering of tho song “Love and the Bird,” and was heartily applauded. Mrs Fernandez presided at the piano during the evening, playing the dance music as well as the accompaniments for the singers. She acquitted herself with much success.

Tho Committee arc to be congratulated upon tho success of tho social,* which was considered by one and all to bo one of the most enjoyable gatherings ever held in Gisborne. For this happy state of affairs praise is chiefly due to Messrs C. F. Lewis. T. Morrison, W. J. Ranger, and J. Stewart, who, with His Worship the Mayor, were untiring in their efforts to promote the success of the social.