TIRAU.

Matamata Record, Volume III, Issue 142, 24 July 1919, Page 3

TIRAU.

It can probably safely bo written that there was no more popular soldier who left the Tirau district than Machine-gunner Frank Rose. Therefore it but follows that the people of the district, who always endeavor to do everything well should make a particularly good attempt on the occasion of Gunner Rose's return. A social and dance was tendered in honor of tlio return of Gunner Rose and Trooper C. Scott in the Tirau hall on Tuesday, July 15th, and although it had been raining heavily all d iy, and was still raining when the function commenced, there v.rv ' ! large attendance. There woia friends present from Putarurii, Gun bridge, Malamata and even Auckland to honor the soldiers and all were at the con elusion of the evening quite satisfied in having made the journey. The hall was nicely dec-rated and the music, played by Mrs Barnes and Mr L. Bell, was satisfactory to all. Thus thero was absolutely "no fly in the ointment" and every one enjoyed themselves.

Just before tho supper adjournment the guests of the evening were called upon the stage to receive the usual gold medals w hich Tirau gives to her returned lads. In making the presentation Mr J. W. Anderson spoke eulogistic illy of the services rendered by both men and expressed the s v tle s' gratification on their safe return. He stated that they were also very pleased to see the visiting friends, many of whom perhaps knew "Frank " Rose better than Trdoper Scott. Amongst the number was the chairman of the Matamata Town board, Mr J. Price, who was a particularly old friend, and also Machine-gunners C. Payzo, S. Harding and S. Stanley, of Matamata, men who left New Zealand with Gunner Rose and had been comrades-in-arms with him ■ nearly continuously since. The presence of these testified greatly to the returned soldier's' good qualities. Trooper not known perhaps as his comrade, but he had lived in Tirau long enough to earn the esteem of the residents. He wished both soldiers a long life and prosperous future. Mr Anderson also referred to tho fact that another soldier, Private Orr, ,was to haye been welcomed that" night, but was absent through illness Mr J. Price also made a few remarks welcoming both soldiers home. He spoke of Frank Rose as a manly man, whom he had known since he was a boy. Ho had never wittingly done a wrongaction, being " white" right through. Machine-gunner Payze spoke of Frank Rose as a splendid comrade, and one with whom he was proud to be associated. Musical honors wore accorded both guests. A function which that all wore present will remember for a considerable time, was brought to a close at about 3 a.m. Messrs J. W. Anderson and .E. W. Jordan were most capable M's.C.