A WAIHO WELCOME.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 September 1919, Page 2

A WAIHO WELCOME.

(From a Correspondent),

Many visitors from north and south rolled up at the Waiho to help the residents to welcome home Private Alee Graham and Mrs Alec Graham.

After the toast of “The King” was ■honoured, Mr. J. Donovan presented Private Graham with a gold medal, the gift of the Waiho residents, which he asked Mrs A. Graham to pin on. “A Jolly Good Fellow” was sung and amid cheers Private Graham was carried sholder high around the hall. Miss Gibb and Miss Green, on behalf of the Waiho ladies, then presented Mrs Alec Graham, whom our hero captured’ in England, with a writing desk. Miss Green asked for three cheers for the newcomer which were given with a will. Cheering broke out again after Private Graham’s very nice speech of thanks.

Mr F. Williams of Welieka gave a pleasant surprise when he called for returned soldier. Private E. Walsh, and presented him with a medal the gift of the people of Welieka district, which he asked Miss Walsh to pin on. Amidst cheering Private Walsh alfio made the tour of the hall shoulder high. After the reception, dancing started and was kept up till day-light. It becoming known that Mr J. Hewer, who was present, was leaving South Westland, Mr G. Searle, Chairman of the Reception Committee, in a very appropriate speech, wished Mr Hewer Godspeed and all prosperity in the future. Mr Hewer then thanked and said many nice things about the South Westland-. ers.

Many songs, speches, etc,., in the intervals of dancing enlivened a very successful night, which was materially helped along by the M.C’s, Messrs J. Butler Jr., and F. Williams, and the splendid music of Mrs J. Donovan.