OKAUIA.

Matamata Record, Volume III, Issue 154, 16 October 1919, Page 2

OKAUIA.

A soldiers’ welcome home social was held here on Friday last, when a large number of settlers and friends assembled to do honor to the returned soldiers of the district. A committee, ’consisting of Messrs Pilkington, Williamson, T. Douglas, W. O- Garland, R. Garland, Jones and T. C, Fogarty carried out the necessary preparations, and were ably assisted by a ladies’ committee, headed by Mrs O. Garland, Mrs Pilkington, Mrs Story and others.. The schoolroom was attractively decorated for the occasion by Mrs Garland, the Misses Garland and Messrs Tombs and F. Macdonald. A large tent was erected at one end of the building giving communication through the windows, and proved of excellent service, as there were about throe times as many people as the room alone would hold. The programme commenced with a concert, in which the following assisted: The Misses North, the Misses Cai'land, Miss Watts, Messrs Randall and Lucas, Mr Pilkington acting as chairman. At the conclusion of the concert the room was cleared for dancing, for which the music was supplied by Messrs Ingham (piano) and Lucas (violin); and Mr O. Garland acted as M.C. A little later refreshments were served, Mrs Story and }/Lrs Pilkington ably presiding over this department, assisted by willing helpers. When all had refreshed the inner man the returned soldiers were suitably addressed by the chairman, Mr Pilkington, and by Mr O. Garland, and replied toby Mr H. Basendine. Dancing was then resumed and kept up with spirit and enjoyment till the time of conclusion, when a notable event, unique in the annals of Okauia. came to a successful termination.