REGEPTION AT GREYMOUTH.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 August 1917, Page 1

REGEPTION AT GREYMOUTH.

. ' J, ' TO MR. p. c. WEBB M.R. , t very large crowd assembled at the Railway' Station, Greymouth, on Tuesilaf tiiglft, (says the Grey Star), tio wel--7 wane Mr. P. CM Webb, M. P-, bark tn Weymouth on Ids release from H.AI. Prisons at Lyttelton after serving « term for breach of the War Regulations. A special train from Runanga augmented the attendance with supporters of 'Sir. Wehb from the State Collieries district, whilst large numbers of the Member for Grey’s supporters from Blackball arrived by the Reefton train. The arrival of the 7.40 train was tlie signal for cheers and, as Mr. Webb was carried shoulder-high to ]iis carriage, the on thusia'sm was most marked and the * cheering continued for several minutes. Headed by the Greymouth Citizen s and Blackball Silver Bands a procession inarched from the station to the Opera House, via Boundary and Mackay Streets, Mr. .Webb being cheered again hml again in tho streets. At the Opera House a "packed aiuliente was presided over by M. Fitzgerald, President! of the Greymouth branch of the New Zealand Labour. Party. With him on the stage (which was decorated with forest, growths and a centre piece in red, relieved in large letters “Welcome to P. C. Webb, ALP.,) were prom--7 rnent members of Labour organisations ■oh the Coasts. Mr. Wehb was received with the singing of “For He’s a Jolly * Good fellow,” followed by enthusiastic cheering. ■' _• The Chairman read several apologies from Air. Webb’s admirers regretting tlieir inability to he present and offering their hearty congratulations. Thhse • ' included messages from Air. A. “Walker, M.P, for Dunedin North and the Pal- . inorstoh North Flaxmillers’ Association. The Chairman said it,gave him great pleasure to preside , and to-wFe such a vast audience,to give Mr. AVobb a splendid welcome home, in fitting tribute to the esteem and respect, in which their member was held by the people of the West Coast (Chers). He called upon Air. Hargreaves ,to orad an address from Afr. Webb’s supporters in the Grey electorate. The address was printed on satin in letters of gold, and beautifully embellished. Air. Webb on rising met with lour applause and continued approval throughout" his address. , . Subsequently a ball was held, the hall - : being crowded. ,