WELCOME HOME.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 512, 8 September 1902, Page 1

WELCOME HOME.

RETURNED TROOPERS HONORED,

GATHERING AT TE ARAI

Te Arai Schoolhouse was the scene of a very large and enthusiastic gathering on Friday evening, when tho residents of Te Arai, together with their friends, assembled to do honor to and welcome homo the Te Arai portion of tho Tenth Contingent. The schoolroom had been very tastefully decorated for the occasion with the beautiful fronds of the punga, tho streaming loavos of tho cabbage tree, and the pretty blossoming branches of the saccaline, while tho interspersing of arum lillies among the greenery enhanced the general effect-. Tho Union Jack of dear old England, the llag of tho Southern Cross, and the Stars and Stripes of Uncle Sam were prominent on the walls, thus showing the patriotic character of the proceedings. The decorations wore very lavish, and rejected great credit on those who had undertaken the work —Messrs Baird, McCabe, Aislabie, Stacey, Craill, and Roberts. The floor was ih splendid order for dancing—the first part of the evening being allocated to tho devotees of the terpischorcan art—but the spaco was hardly sufficient to accommodate tho largo number present, about 150 people. Tho music supplied was of excellent quality, the musicians being Mrs McCabe, Miss Kirk, and Messrs Kirk (2). Mr T. Coppin performed the duties of M.C. in a capable manner, assisted by Mr B. Aislabie. Songs wore contributed by Mrs Finucane, who sang “ Nellie Gray,” while “ Wandering Home ” was given by Mr A. Tarr. The suppor provided was of a recherche order, the catering being in tho hands of Mrs Stevens, who had made ample provision for the largo assemblage. Dancing was continued till one o’clock, when a break was made in tho proceedings. Mr W. Baird took the chair, and a convivial time was spent, a number of toasts being enthusiastically honored.

Mr J. C. Woodward, in a neat speech, proposed the health of “ The Returned Troopers, Kirk and Daulton.” Ho felt highly honored in proposing tho toast, to which he felt he could not do justice. He was quite sure the troopers felt very grateful for the honor done thorn that evening. They had sent them away with good wishes and hopes of a safe return, while perfectly awaro of the danger they had to face. The troopers must have been thinking of tho friends left behind, and of how thoy would receive them when they arrived home. The reception they were receiving that evening must fill them with gratitude. Tho health of tho troopers was then drunk to the accompaniment of “ For They Are Jolly Good Fellows.” Mr J. Parker sang “ Geraldine.” Trooper A. Kirk, in responding, said : “ Residents of To Arai, I offer you uiy sincere thanks for the welcome you have given us.” Trooper T. Daulton, replied : “ I thank the residents for the welcome accorded me and Trooper Kirk. I havo no moro to say. I propose tho toast of the guests.” The Chairman proposed the toast of 11 The Visitors,” coupled with the names of Mr Tictjen (Makauri) and Mr Nasmith (Matawliero). Mr J. C. Wood ward sang “ White Wings,” Mr Tiet-jen said tho evoning spent had been exceptionally good, and ho was pleasod to be present at this wbl' I '' homo to the troopers. H« -] icd for three hearty,cheers f- lfle „ boys; . which wcre ou '.."oiastically given. Mr H. Hinton sang “ Good Old Jeff.” Mr M. G. Nasmith, junr., said ho had great pleasure in responding to the toast, and thanked those present for honoring the toast in so hearty a manner. He had visited Te Arai in several capacities on different occasions, and had always been treated in a handsome manner. He could confidently say he had never been treated better anywhero else. He thanked them, on behalf of the To Arai, Matawhero, and Gisborne visitors, for tho pleasant evening spent, and wished the To Arai residents every prosperity in the future. Mr D. Howell proposed tho health of “The Parents of our Returned Troopers,” Mr and Mrs Kirk and Mr and Mrs Daulton. Mr F. Parker recited “ The Bush Christening,” encore, "The Geebung Polo Club.” Mr T. Daulton thanked them for giving the troopers such a warm welcome. It would be something they would nover forget—the hearty welcome the Te Arai peoplo had given them. Mr W. Robb sang “ Fred Archer.” Mr W. M. Kirk said he felt extremely honored at the entertainment, and he hoped they all would be ready when tho Empire calls. Trooper Bougen, on behalf of the residents in and about Te Arai, proposed the health of “The Committee,” to whom they were greatly indebted, He coupled with the toast tho names of Mr W, Baird, chairman, and Mr A. Crawford, hon. sec.

Mr F. Jones sang “ Just tell them that you saw me.” Mr W. Baird, in reply, deprecated his having dono anything. At the initial meeting thirty-three residents attended, and they had appointed six of their number to make all arrangements, and (o whom the credit was due. He eulogised tho services of the secretary, and thanked Mr Daulton for placing his horse and cart at the disposal of tho Committee. At his call three hearty cheers were given for Mr Crawford and Mr Daulton. Mr J. C. Woodward sang 11 English, Irish, and Scotch,” encore, “ John Peel. Mr A. Crawford said everyono had worked with 'a will, and consequently there was no bother. He referred to tho services of the musicians, for whom be called three hearty cheers.

Mr T.Gedye sang “ Lads in Navy Blue.” Cheers were given for Messrs Coppin and King for services rendered, and after the singing of the National Anthem and ■‘Auld Lang Syne ” the convivial meeting brpke up. Dancing was then resumed, and the worshippers of Terpsichore remained at her shrine till the daylight hours were approaching. The residents of Te Arai are to be congratulated on the success of their efforts, and a word of praise is due to the secretary, Mr A. Crawford, for the manner in which he worked to make thfe affair a success, The gentlemen who took the matter first in hand were Messrs W, Baird, McCabe, F. L. Fearn, Stacey, D. Howell, B. Aislabie, G. Poulgrain, Craill, D. McKay, Roberts, C. Trilworth, Morris, H. Hinton, Coppiu, S. Sydney, Preston (2), E. Nicholson, R. Williamson, A. Willson, G. McGaviu, J. Dunstan, A. Whiting, H. Nicboll, M. Finucane, H, King, S. Fisher, A. Tarr, and G. Muir.