WELOME HOME.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 March 1919, Page 1

WELOME HOME.

gathering at town hagl. The Town Hall was crowded to the doors last wght when the returned soldiers who have come hack in the last few days were extended a welcome home. The proceedings were opened with the National Anthem by the Overseas Orchestra. A short music programme followed comprising an overture by the Orchestra, a solo by Mrs Brook (on. cored) recitation by Mr Coulson, piano, forte ’duet by Misses Stopforth and Halliday, solo by Miss Reynolds (encored) and musical duct by Messrs Gibbons (piccolo) and Lawn (piano) encored. Misses Daly and Giesc were the accompanists. THE SPEECHES.

The Mayor (Mr G, A. Perry) said he hardly knew how to express the feelings of thankfulness lie had that

evenin'*- in being able to welcome home the men who had returned. When he looked back upon the past four years and more, it was a great relief that we were now able to welcome home the men who during the strenuous years they had met to farewell. New Zealand soldiers have distinguished themselves and had brought honour and glory to the Dominion. The reputation they have gained on the field in their civil life he was sure ifliey would retain. To-day the prestige and power

of the British Empire was at the highest 'level it had ever been. New Zealand though a small country had started to make history, but in tbo last 41 years much had been crowded into it

They had gathered here to welcome our men back, and nothing can he dcto show how heartily we do welcome them. He trusted before many months passed that our soldiers would have merged themselves into the civil life of the country again. From the depths of their hearts they welcomed them home again. (Applause.) The County Chairman (Mr T. W. Duff) wished 'the returned men a very hearty welcome home, on behalf of the people of Westland. Pie was sure everyone in the district was glad to back the men who went to face the horrors and distress of war. In all parts of tho world they did their work well and faithfully. [Jnfortunatelv there were some who will not return and to their relatives our deepest sympathy lias gone out. Now that the men had come back be trusted that tlieir wants and requirements would be properly attended to. He felt that the Government would do what was right and just so as to make the men feel that they have not lost, but rattier have gained as a result of giving their services to the country. He extended again the heartiest of welcomes to the men on their safe return to New Zealand. (Applause) The Rev. Dr Holloway, speaking on behalf of the Churches Union said lie was glad to add his meed of welcome ; to the men who bad come back. They wished to tell them what they owed to them, and what they went to the war for, that they thought to make a better world to live in. They had played tlieir part and had done it for us. and we should never forget tlieir actions. They would find Hokitika the same old place, but they will also find la rather different spirit. We owed a great deal to the women of the district who had done much for the men at the front, pie was proud of the Overseas Club and admired those who had worked for the Club and for the returned men. They wcfuld find th ( , Overseas Club made for them and it will be of great use to them. He was indeed glad to bo present lo welcome them with all bis heart, back to their homes , and friends. (Applause). Mr D. ,T. Evans (President of the Overseas Club) wished to join in the chorus of welcome. Referring to tlic remarks of the last speaker he endorsed the remarks of what tile Overseas Club had done in tho interest of the soldiers. The tobacco fund was being brought to a close at tile end <>l the month, the sum of £I2OO having been raised and sent on to England and acknowledgments were still being received from recipients, only that day a post card having come from Mesopotamia. from a local resident serving there. To the soldiers he would say two words, —welcome and thanks. The Patriotic Society were anxious lo do as much for the men ns they possibly could. They were eager to give them whatever help they could. In connection with the cry for land it was a shame the way this part of the Dominion had been treated. Over a million bad been spent in the purchase of land in other parts but none of it bad been spent on tin's Const. The only offer they could got was that if the returned soldiers banded together and made a choice of a suitable area then tbo Government would endeavour to find tbo purchase money. All be could say was for the men to band together, and, endeavour to find a suitable area and when they bad done that then the Patriotic Society would do tlieir best to keep tin' Government up to tlieir promise. The Society would do tlieir utmost in assisting them in finding employment so that wo would not have the reproach of past wars. That past lias gone, wc hope never to return. No Army has fought or lias collie back with greater honors than the New Zealand Army,, (applause), and they were proud of them. Many had not- come back and to those who bad lost dear ones tlieir sympathy was extended. They extended n cordial invitation at the close to tho returned men and their friends to gather at the Overseas Club so Hint they could personally meet and be good friends for ever. Ap-

plilHH(’). As ;i mnrk or respect to tbe fallen (lie assemblage rose nti<l stood in silence. A further selection l>y tbe Oi'cbcst.ra and the singing of tbe National An.

them brought a successful gathering to a conclusion .

Subsequently the returned men and their friends were entertained at the Overseas Club where a pleasant hour was spent.

SERGT. T. MUIR, M.S.M., D.C.M

CFrom a' Correspondent)

A large crowd of relatives and friends gathered at the residence of Mr and Mrs Muir of the Three -Nlile, on Tuesday evening to welcome home thensecond returning soldier son Sergt. T. Muir after four years of service on the battlefields of Egypt, Gallipoli, and France, and. I ain very pleased to say the genial Tom is looking at his best, despite the many trials and hardships he has passed through during that long period of active service which was only broken by occasional holiday leave. Like most others Sergt, Muir is glad to get home again and thinks himself very fortunate to be able to get back to old Now Zealand. He was met at the Otira by his parents and came through by motor, and after the! usual hand-shaking and welcoming the large crowd of friends which was over 100 people, including the younger generation, sat down to tiie good things provided by Mr and Mrs, Muir which needless to say was done full justice to. The manner in which the two Misses Muir assisted by lady friends handled the visitors spoke volumes for their organisation. Mr Perliam, Sr., presided, and in proposing the health of the returned soldier said he was very pleas, ed to welcome him home, and concluded a fine speech by wishing Sergt. Muir long life, health, and prosperity. Sergt. Muir very ably responded' and thanked his friends for his splendid welcome home. Mr W. Jamieson proposed the health of the parents of the returned soldier, and, in doing so, said that 1 Mr and Mrs Muir may well be proud of their son who had rendered such splendid services, and came home with stripes and medals of distinction. Both toasts were drunk with full honours, and Ml- IT.. Muir, also a returned soldier, responded on behalf of his parents. Messrs Cameron and Souter also spoke. Mr Cameron referred to the splendid services rendered by families like Miami Mrs Muir which comprised such noble fighting sons. During the evening songs were rendered by Mrs Tainui, Miss Mason, Messrs Perliam (sr.), Hamilton, 8,. Souter, Sergt. Muir, IT. Muir, Tainui, Wright, and !R. Bradley, and the happy gathering dispersed with the singing of God Save the King.