BUCKLAND.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 245, 26 January 1917, Page 3

BUCKLAND.

GALLANT SOLDIER HONOURED.

* MAJOR S. 0. SCHOFIELD Buckland Hall last evening presented an animated scene. The building was artistically decorated with flowers and the brilliant colours of the Union Jack gave a patriotic air to the surroundings. The occasion was a welcome to one of the district's loyal sons in the person of Major 8. C. Schofield who had for a number of years been identified with Buckland and the district and who had recently returned from Egypt. The tables, which were laden with eatables, occupied the main body of the hall. Mr E. Allan presided over the gathering, Major Schofield being in uniform by his side, the company including a fair number of the fair sex.

Opening with the singing of the National Anthem, the following toasts were honoured and responded to: "The King and Queen," proposed by Mr Allan; " The Governor," proposer, Cr H. Wilcox; "The Army and Navy," proposer, MrA. J. Melville; " Our Allies," proposer, Mr H. H. D. Wily; " Our Boys at the Front," proposer Miss L. Allan, and Mr Jas. Wylie responding, "Our Guest," proposer, Mr E. Allan; " Parliament," proposer, Mr E. Piggott; "The Mothers," proposer, Mr 0. Avery, and Mrs H. H. D. Wily responding; " The Press," proposer, Mr A. P. Home; " Our Visitors," proposer, Mr F. Souster ; " The Girls at Home," proposer, Mr A. Civil; "Agriculture," proposer, Mr J. E. Hamilton.

Among returned soldiers present were Sergt.-Major Fear, and Privates Thompson and Lauer who, at the request of the chairman, appropriately spoke on behalf of the Army and Navy.

The chairman in proposing the health of the guest, Major Schofield, referred to his old association with Buckland and the district. In alluding to the part the gallant officer displayed in connection with the war now raging he paid a high tribute for the sustained interest Major Schofield always showed in the volunteering movement, always aiming, as the Major did, at efficiency. In the great strike in Auckland a few years ago, he said, their guest also took a prominent part. He wished the Major long life, success and every happiness. The toast having been drunk with musical honours and all heartily singiDg " For He's A Jolly Good Fellow," the Major, replying, expressed his pleasure at being home again, and in a manly way he related some of his experiences since he left for the seat of the war, especially dwelling on the true soldier spirit displayed by many of " the boys " at the front, with whom he had been identified. Being wounded he was sent to England, and spoke highly of that country and of the loyal reception given him whilst there.

During the evening two capital recitations were delivered by Mr J. Bulge. Songs were contributed by Miss Euth Allen and Miss Davy and Mr F. Souster much amused the company with his humourous recital " The Worcestershire Sausage Machine."

The gathering dispersed about 11 p.m., the company joining hands in singing " Auld Lang Syne."