SOCIAL EVENING.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 10 March 1919, Page 4

SOCIAL EVENING.

WELCOME HOME TO SOLDIERS. A "welcome home’’ social (under the auspices of the Otaki Patriotic Society) was held in the Otaki Town Hall on Friday-evening, when nearly a scoro of returned soldiers wore the guests of the evening; Dancing was the chief feature of tho gathering, while vocal items added materially to the harmony cf tho evening. The floor was in good order, while the music, supplied by volunteer- players, was appreciated. Mr Len Kilwister proved an efficient M.C. The main portion of the management fell tp'Mrs Hodgson, the energetic secretary, • who denied herself much pleasure for the enjoyment of others. Mrs Hodgson was assisted-in-her multifarious duties by Mesdames Swabey, Kilmister, and Baker, and Mr St. George, while a number of willing young ladies helped with the supper arrangements. During the evening Mr Byron Brown, in the absence of the chairman of the Patriotic Society, gave a brief address of 'welcome. Ho complimented the soldiers for their duty nobly done after strenuous trials, instanced how they had faced German bullets to keep our homes snug, and how many had laid down their lives so that the nation might live. He asked all present to think silently of the ones who would never come back, and spoko of tho noble lives lost at Gallipoli, and the brave and strenuous battles there and in France. While regretting the loss of bo many'gallaut men, he hoped those who had returned would make fine citizens,, and strongly contended that it remained for the Government of this country to do its duty and help all to progress. • Applause and the singing of "They aro Jolly Good Fellows, ’’ and the National Anthem followed, after which -Corporal Ryder, on behalf of the soldiers, thanked the citizens for the hearty welcome. His remarks were greeted with much applause.