HOME AGAIN.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 21 March 1919, Page 2

HOME AGAIN.

SOLDIERS' WELCOME AT MANAKAU. A GREAT GATHERING. One of the biggest crowds ever seen at. Manakau assembled at the Manakau Hall last night—the occasion being a welcome home to a number of soldiers who havo recently returned from active service. Tho proceedings throughout were most enthusiastic, and the Manakau Patriotic Society (under whose auspices tho function was held) to be Congratulated on the great success of the affair. The stage had been very uncely decorated for the occasion.

The function took the form of a social, dancing being interspersed with songs, speeches, etc.

On behalf of the Manakau Patriotic Society Mr Leu. Atkins addressed the audience, and voiced Manakau 'is welcome to the returned men. He said Manakau was proud of its soldiers and the part they had played in the war. During the past few years they had met many times at Manakau, to *'ay good-bye to various men who were going to the front. At- those times there was always the feeling that possibly these men might never return) but now the war was over and tbey could rejoice at the return of tho men who had been spared. Mr Atkins referred to the splendid record of the New Zealand soldiers on the field. They were proud of their soldiers, and trusted they would get their desserts in this countrj-. He stated that the local Patriotic Society was most anxious to do ail in its power for returned men, and if any needed assistance they should let the Society know. Mr Atkins said the war had done a great deal to adverti;e New Zealand's importance as an outpost of the British Empire.

j Mr Howard Andrew (chairman of the Manakau Patriotic Society), who acted as chairman of the gathering, prodacea a German medal, struck to commemorate the sinking of the Lusitanin, and declared that a nation that could strike such a medal under such tragic circumstances could cot possibly be allowed to dominate Christian Europe. We had won the. war because we were in the right, and Germany was In ths wrongHe also accorded the soldiers present a hearty welcome home.

The guests of honour were then accorded musical honours, with hearty cheers. Vie. Trevcihick and Bomb. P. B. An. derßon, on behalf of the returned soldiers, returned thanks. The last-named soldier said he hoped, they -would prove, worthy Qf the splendid reception given them, and "that tfaey would make as as-e----fol citizen* as soldiers,

. Following ere the soldier* honoured: Ptes. Sara, Bevan, 3. Horn {M.M.}. P. Nicholson,- Trevetaiek, Harris, Keats! also several visiting soldiers. Daring the evening Misses Myra and Fiorrie Bevan sang a duet, and songs were contributed by-Mi*s F, MeCleJsad, Messrs Andrew. "Prank Penjj, Jacob Ufifettj Grahame,' and -j Maori party. • -■--

The dance anisic was kindly supplied by-a namljer of ladies, while .Mr Bramhf made an efficient MX. ThougS the floorspace ,*;oald'riot 'aecoistf&date'half the. great"'niiiaber; present,- all appeared' to enjoy themselves. - A .capital 'supper .was handed lonnd. Altogether "the gathering waj characterised by arson est huaia so.