RETURNED SOLDIERS.

Matamata Record, Volume III, Issue 135, 5 June 1919, Page 4

RETURNED SOLDIERS.

Walton’s Welcome. Walton was en fete on Friday last, tho day being that chosen on which to hold tho first welcome home to tho district boys who have been away to fight the Hun. The hall was beautifully decorated with flags of the Allies, which were draped round the walls, at the head being a large Union Jack, Interspersed with the Hags were large niluiu palms with red, white and blue festoons across and along the hall. Each side of the “ Jack ” was a large red, white and blue “ welcomo homo.” Tho whole tnado a most brilliant effect, for which those responsible should be proud. The hall proved far too small to conveniently accommodate those present, quite a third of the floor space being taken up by those unable to fiud soats. However, all this was taken in good part, the main object being to Bhow the bojs that the people of Walton appreciated what they had done for tho Empire, and in this they succeeded without question. The first half of the programme was alternated with dance and song, the music for the former bong played by Mrs Darby, Mr W. T. Darby and Mr M. Bates. Those contributing vocal items were Misses M. Ross, Attwood and K. Cotter, Messrs T. Cotter and A. G. Yard ley ; duets (2) wero rendered by Mbs Ross and Mr Yanlley. Towards the latter end of the first half of the programme tho guests of the evening were formod up and addressed by several residents and presented with fountain pens (silver mounted and engraved). Those who had not received wristlet watches upon their departure were also tho recipients of the time-piece that night. It was stated that there wero eight district boys still in hospital in New Zealand, these also would receive their presents, aud similar functions would be held.

Mr T. Moars, in addressing the assemblage said how pleased they wore to see the men hack at Walton. The people of New Zealand generally, ho said were proud of the exploits of their men, and were exceedingly proud of the houor conferred upon them by the King and great generals. It was indeed gratifying to tho Walton people to see such a large percentage of their men return, ufter facing death in all shape and form such as had not previously been anticipated. They regretted that there were some who would not return, but who had laid down their lives for the Great Cause. They deeply grieved with tho relatives of these men.

Mr W. Crawshnw said they now realised what grand feats tho sons of tho pioneers had achieved. Tho men were admired by their countrymou and all prayed “ God bless them.” Mr G. W. Ross, who mado tho presentations, briefly addrossed the men in turn.

The following were the guests : Messrs W. Fisk, E. Hutchison, J. Given, J. McKelvie, W. MclCelvie, J. Geddes, J. Attwood, J. Cameron, D. Mapp, A. Mapp, F. Pitts, W. Wilson, F. Pilcher and D. McLean.

A gratoful note was struck by Sergt. Fisk, who in responding particularly emphasised tho thanks of the men for the gifts received while on active service. He said tho whole New Zealand division appreciated the fact that they wero tho best treated of any overseas forces by thoir homefolk. He also thanked the people of Walton for thoir groat welcome homo (applause). Tho sit-down supper, served in a large marquee uas one of the features of tho eveuing, which was of credit to tho ladios. Although three sittings had to be held thero was little waiting, and the supper was indeed enjoyable. Messrs G. W. Ross and W. McLean were M’s.C. and did exceptionally woll in handling such a largo gathering.