SOLDIERS HONOURED.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 102, 1 November 1915, Page 1

SOLDIERS HONOURED.

Pukekohe's Reception.

A public reception ,to Lieut. Halt and Sergt. Sehofield, who returned home invalided in tbe Hospital Train on Friday morning last, was held in the Oddfellows' Hall on tbe sauie afternoon. Resident* were present in a large body, and the women folk were well represented. Cheers greeted the returned men 88 they entered the hall. Alter tbe. audience had sung "God Save the King," the Mayor, addressing Lieut. Hatt and Serg'. Scbotield, said that the townspeople had gathered together to abow in some small way their appreciation and thanks for the services they (Lieut. Hatt and Sergt Schofleld) had rendered in defending their country and offering their lives in fighting a treacherous enemy. He hoped that their ezampie would be an inspiration to those eligible for service who bad not recognised; the gravity of the struggle. (Applause"). Mr R. F. Webster, president of the Fukekohe Chamber of Commerce, remarked that he considered it an honour, as president of the Chamber of Commerce, to have the opportunity of addressing Lieut. Hatt and Sergt, Sehofield. He claimed that every able-bodied man bad a duty to fulfil and that was to offer his services to his country. There were two men present with them who had done so, and their health was shattered as a result, but he trusted that such would only be tor a' short time. It was a pleasure for him to see that they bad both been honoured as they bad returned home with higher military honours than when they left. That went to show that their services bad not only been recognised by those present, but also by their superior officers. He was glad to see tbem so decorated, and was of tbe opinion that if they returned to the conflict that thev would c?me back again with greater glories. (Applause). Mr C. K. Lawrle, president of the National Reserve, felt honoured at the privilege of saying a few words on that occasion. He stated thai when Lieut Hatt and Sergt. Scbotield left with tbe Main Expeditionary Force,' he recognised that they were going out to an arduous task. He was accordngly very thankful to see them back again. He hoped that they would, later, be assisting the National Reserve, in wbich case the Reserve would become proficient in a very short time. When they left they had said to him (the speaker) "That they would do their best," and they bad kept to their word. Fukekohe had done remarkably well; so well that many of their representatives would never come back. If the "boys" had not gone to the front this young Dominion might have shared the same terrible fate as brave little Belgium. Those who remained behind were being kept safe by those brave soldiers who were defending cur rights on the battlefield.

On lining to apeak Lieut. Hatt received a great ovation. Leaning on a cnair, be returned thanks on behalf of Sergt. Scbotield and himself for the handsome reception accorded them, for which they were both deeply grateful. They bad approached home with mixed feelings of eadness and happiness. They were home for a short period to recuperate. When tbey had thoroughly recovered they would return with, he hoped, reinforcements. . He asked them to keep in mind the "boys" at the front who were peggiog away, and also tnose who would never return. He felt quite sure that everyone would always be quite cheerful and shoulder their share of the responsibility lor the cause. He emphasised "quite cheerful." because the lads were cheerful under all circumstances, if hammering or otherwise. Those at the front were spurred on by the knowledge that everyone was at their back in the bid for freedom. (Applause and three cheers for the "boys.")