BUCKLAND.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 379, 28 May 1918, Page 2

BUCKLAND.

BACK FROM THE FRONT. BUCKLAND SOLDIERS WEL» COMED. Buckland's appreciation of the services of its soldiers at the front was evidenced on Friday evening last when a banquet was given in the Public Hall, Buckland, in honour of five Buckland " boys " who have recently returned from the front, viz , Privates Wilfred Leighton, John Wilcox, E. Easton, and Iroopers " Ovey " Bilkey and Geoffrey Haire. Mr E. Allan presided and the company included many ladies, as well as Mr and Mrs Haire. The hall was prettily decorated for the occasion, the Uni6n Jack occupying a prominent position on the stage. After the singing of the National Anthem the toast of " the

King and Queen" was ably proposed by the Chairman while that of " the Governor " was voiced by Mr H. H. D. Wily, who made kindly reference to the Countess of Liverpool whose name had become closely associated with Women's Patriotic work in the Dominion. " The Army and Navy " was submitted by Mr A. Gummer and responded to by Mr A. J. Melville, Mr Pook proposing " Our Allies " and Mr 0. G. Avery responding. Mrs H. H. D. Wily proposed the " Boys at the Front," and in doing so made reference to the disposition on the part of so many to overlook the real service which our " boys " were doing for us. Trooper Wilcox briefly replied, /Mr Monty Bilkey as a returned soldier also stating that too much could not be done for those who made tremendous sacrifices for the protection of those left at home. In prdposing the toast of " Our Guests" Mr E. Allp, in a cheery speech, said he regarded it as an honour and a pleasure to welcome the guests. Everyone welcomed them and rejoiced in seeing them home again. (Applause). Some had returned with the scars of battle upon their bodies but they were honourable scars gained in a well fought battle and there was reason for all those boys to be proud that they had so nobly done their duty. Alluding to the fight for liberty, the speaker emphasised the tremendous price we had to pay for it so that we could as a nation go our . own ways and enact our own laws They appreciated all that the " boys " have done for them and the least they could do in return was to tell them how pleased they were to have them back again. Mr Allan also paid a Bighv tribute to the mothers who despift their many sacrifices had borne their part so well. Trooper " Ovey " Bilkey, on behalf of the returned boys, briefly returned thanks for the welcome.

The toast of " Parliament " proposed by Mr Barber was responded to by Mr Piggott. " The Mothers " submitted by Mr Hewitt was replied to by Mr E. Neal. Mr J. K. Ferguson proposed " Buckland " and Mr D. Smith humourously responded expressing views of what Buckland was destined to be in the future. The toast of " Our Departing Quests" proposed by Mr A. J. Melville was associated with the names of Mr and Mrs Ha ire who are shortly removing to Papakura after three years' residence in Buckland. During that time, said the speaker, Mr and Mrs Haire-and family had been ever ready to assist in any cause. All were sorry that they were leaving but trusted with the return of their son they would have much happiness and prosperity. Mr Haire returned thanks and assured the company they were sorry to leave [so many friends. " Tho Girls at Home," submitted by Mr J. K. Hamilton, was responded to by Miss Avery in a pleasant speech, while the toast of the " Red Cross " fittingly proposed by Miss Allen was responded to by Mr A. P. Home. Mrs A. F. Hewitt proposed " Education " to which Mr 0. G. Avery replied. During the evening songs were contributed by Miss Bagnall " Coming Home," and Mr A. Young "The Deathless Army" and " Annie Laurie," while an excellent violin aolo was rendered by Mr Kearney. The singing of the National Anthem brought a pleasant evening to a close.