MANUREWA.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 8, Issue 471, 10 October 1919, Page 3

MANUREWA.

WELCOME HOME On Tuesday evening, 30th , September, a very successful Welcome Home evening, under the auspices of the Manurewa Branch of the Victoria League, was held in the Town Hall Mr C. H. Lupton, chairman of the Town Board, presided. (Where were all the city fathers on this occasion). The following returned soldiers received invitations ; W. Palmer, 0. and R. Dewar, A. Mackenzie, A. Williams, 8. Craig, G. Yardley, Robinson, R. Smith, G. Coxhead, H. and F. Lupton, 8. Johnston, G. Johnston and bride, T. Wright, H. Smith and bride, E. J. Kearney, A. Baguley, J. Lees and H. M. King.

Mrs H. Brown, president of the League, and Mrs} W. E. Perry and Mrs C. H. Lupton, vice-presidents, received their guests. The following programme was so thoroughly enjoyed that most of the iteens were encored.

Overture, by orchestra (McKay's); song, Mr W. Atchinson ; violin solo, Mr K. N. McKay (Irish airs); song, Miss Madigan; cornet solo, Mr B. Burnand, "Lost Chord; " song, Miss Maroney; amusing item, by Mr Adair, ventriloquist; violin solo, Mr McKay (Scotch airs); song, Miss Wood; song, Mr Atchinson; song, Miss Madigan; dance (Irish Jig), Miss M. Mitchell.

The chairman, in a short address, heartily welcomed the soldiers home to Manurewa. He pointed out that New Zealand had reason to be proud of the gallant deeds of her sons on the battlefield, both of Infantry and Mounted, and also of their gentlemany conduct otherwise, which had ; won for them a position in the esteem of the Homeland second to none. Our Gift Ship, the New Zealand, then in Auckland Harbour, had also filled her position in the Grand Fleet with the greatest credit to the Dominion. We must remembei that war was not only destructive, but constructive. Many soldiers would go back to their former work, but very many having tasted the fr. edom of open air life would leave the city for the fields. With their broadened views, and the experience gained, they would be a valuable asset to New Zealand. Bloodshed on the field of battle was the cement of nations, and in his opinion the increased unity of the Anglo-Saxon race was one of the best safeguards for the peace of the world. He hoped that the experience of the war brides would be so pleasant that it would lead to some of their relations and friends making their home in this splendid land of ours.

During the evening Mrs C. R. Bailey, who is leaving the district, was presented with a small silver vase from the members of the League, as a slight token of their esteem and appreciation of the good work she had done for the soldiers whilst a member. The President, Mrs H. Brown, also presented her with a beautiful bouquet of flowers from the ladies of the league. Mrs Bailey, in a very neat and effective speech, thanked the members for their presentation and kind wishes, and said she hoped to visit Manurewa again in the future. •Supper was then handed round, and was followed by a very enjoyable dance, the music for which was sup| lied by McKay's orchestra, to tlio entire of the dancers.