INVALIDED HOME.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1739, 21 July 1917, Page 3

INVALIDED HOME.

PRIVATE WITTON WELCOMED. Private F. Wit ton, of Oroua Downs, who has been invalided home from the front, was welcomed by the residents of that district on llimalangi by the midday train, and Thursday afternoon. He arrived at was met there by the residents, the Foxton Brass Band being also in attendance, and played “Home, Sweet Home" as the train drew into the station, A procession was then formed, which, headed by the Band, marched to Mr Hammond’s Hall, where Father Corley, on behalf of the residents, extended to him a. very hearty welcome back. He said that it was with unmingled satisfaction the people of Oroua Downs greeted him. He was the lirst one of the JO boys of that district to return from the battlefields of the Old World. He belonged to the glorious army that protected Suez, that won laurels at E! Arish, the first Christian army that, since the Crusaders —some (500 years ago — knocked successfully at the gates of Palestine, the land consecrated by the life of our Divine Loral. Father Corley then handed Private Witton- a purse of sovereigns, the presentation of the ladies of the Rod Cross. The recipient feelingly responded, thanking the residents for their hearty welcome. He said he was glad to be amongst them again; still, he was sorry that sickness prevented him from remaining with his mates'to continue to fight for King and Country. During the afternoon the Borough Band rendered a number of selections, including the National Anthems of Great Britain, France, United States and Belgium. A dance was held in the evening. The residents of Oroua Downs wish to express their appreciation of the action of Band members in .attending the welcome at short notice.