PUBLIC WELCOME TO RETURNED MEN.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 2054, 13 November 1919, Page 3

PUBLIC WELCOME TO RETURNED MEN.

Upwards of 60 returned district men were entertained by the local public at a dinner in the Town Hall supper-room on Tuesday night, and .subsequently with (heir relatives and friends at a social in the Town Hull.. The May dr (Mr John Chrystall) presided, and brielly welcomed the men.' After the loyal toast, the Rev. Thus. Holliday, Chaplain Captain, who went away with the 20th Reinforcements, in a happy speech, endorsed the Mayor’s welcome, and washed the boys a happy settlement and future prosperity. Mcsdames. Raine, Sea bury, Pearson and Miss Smith were admirable hostesses. The catering was in the hands of Mr Perreau, and left nothing to be desired. Included among the guests was Miss Hughes, who did splendid work among the soldiers in the Palestine campaign. After the dinner an adjournment was made to the Town Hall, where the rest of the evening was spent in dancing and a progressive euchre tournament, while several musical items were interspersed in the programme. There was a good at tendance of citizens, and the evening went with a merry swing, in which all present thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The M’s.C. for the evening were Messrs T. Hutton and R. Bright, who did their work in a most fitting manner. The euchre tournament was in charge of Messrs W. E. Burlier and 8. Compton, who were ably assisted hy Air McKnight. Musical items were given hy Mrs Premium, who sang ‘‘There’s a Ship That’s Bound for Blighty,” all present joining heartily in the chorus; Mr Head, a singer new to Poxton, sang in most pleasing voice’ the grand old song, “The Deathless Army.”- It is to be hoped that Mr Plead will be heard on many other occasions. The star -item of the evening was the duct, ‘“Come, sing to Me,” by Airs Freeman and Air Hapi Hakaraia. This item took the place of the quartette ou the programme, but which had to be abandoned owing to the illness of Air I etei Hakaraia. Both voices wore heard at their best, and those present showed their appreciation by vociferously demanding' an encore, which request was acceded to, and once more those present were greatly pleased by hearing “The Eud of a Perfect Day” sung most delightfully. At a fitting moment in the programme, His Worship the Alayor (Mr J. Chrystall), made a speech of welcome. We have seldom heard Air Chrystall in better vein, and in wellchosen words ho, uttered the feelings in the hearts of all, when he spoke of all that had been accomplished, and how very glad he was to see the soldier boys once more, and in a splendid peroration be wished the returned boys long life and happiness. The gathering continued till 2 a.m., and even then many were loathe to leave. The dance music was supplied hy Miss Reeves, Air Graham and Air Alerwood. Everything went with a swing, and the evening was a tremendous success. Hindi praise is due to all who worked so well, and especially to the ladies who undertook the collecting. Foxton lads did their part in. the great struggle, and Foxtou’s public has given them a fitting welcome home. . , An annual gathering ou similar lines would be a worthy event in the life of our town.