RECEPTION AT PUNI.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 581, 5 November 1920, Page 2 (Supplement)

RECEPTION AT PUNI.

TO SOLDIER SETTLERS. The Coughlin Estate, situated at Puni, acquired some time ago by the Government for the settlement of returned Soldiers, has now been taken, up by men who went forward and who upheld the traditions of the British Empire so gloriously. The men are now busily engaged knocking the 1 rough corners off their respective sections, and although it will take some time to put the holdings in good order, the future appears par-| ticularly bright for these soldier farmers. When men were going forward and returning from the war, the Puni people always rose to the .occasion to accord them a fitting fare-, well, or to extend a cordial welcome home, and their efforts in such functions will ever remain fresh in" the memories of the guests. But the function held on Monday, last in honour of the men practically' unknown to the Puni residents will never be forgotten by the gUests of the evening. The event acted as a fitting conclusion to a series of receptions to returned men, and was crowned with success. .About a dozen of the soldier farmers attended, besides about 150 residents* of Puni and surrounding districts, including about 25 'Pukekoheite. The Puni Hall, which was beautifully decorated with the various ensigns of the Allies, and greenery, presented a brilliant spectacle, and was totally inadequate to accommodate the laige crowd. Standing room was the order for many, and to dance comfortably on a beau.tiful floor was out of the question. Dancing enthusiasts did not mind this in the least, as they were there to extend a cordial welcome to men who had fought for justice, right and liberty against might.-

• The committee, with Mr. C. Dazeley as secretary, worked assiduously to make the function the event of the season, and their object was achieved. '

During the evening vocal items were rendered by Mrs. W. J. Taylor, of Tuakau, Messrs. W. Fallowes, W. T. Jones, T. Walker, Jas Pirrett (Tuakau), J. O'Malley and little Jimmy Hooper. The latter, a lad of about eleven years, sang a couple of songs in brilliant style, and in him Puni possesses a coming vocalist. Several recitations were rented by Mr Horace Gribble.

After supper had been dispensed, Mr. Robert Fulton, of Puni, ind Mr. Dynes Fulton, chairman of the Tuakau Town Board, extended a hearty welcome to the «men who Lad taken en-Go«ghHn ! « fetate.

Mr. Robert Fulton stated that the land occupied by the returned man was second to none in the North Island, and the men were rather fortunate in having such land Opened up for settlement by returned men. The farmers of Puni would always render them % helping hand whenever they required assistance.

Mr. Dynes Fulton said the Puni residents tfrere to be congraluiated on the ,3ptSKsicsl manner in which they welcome to the returned ma|pJ|. The function showed the of the men who had taken up sections on Coughlin's Estate. The estate land was good, but it did not matter how 'good the land was there were always ups and downs in farming. They had their hard and good times, and if a hard period came he was satisfied that the type of men who had been fortunate to get these sections would rise to the occasion and emerge successfully. The Puni people had set an example, not oifly to the ' Franklin district but to the whole community, in the practical mannei in which the function took place. Mr. Fulton pointed out that if at any time the returned nen required assistance, the New Zealand Dairy Company, of which he was a director, would r favourably consider applications for "assistance. The company had assisted numbers, and although it had taken on great risks in some cases, he was pleased to state the company had not suffered a loss. He advised them if they wanted help to take advantage of the opportunities extended by the company.

"For They are Jolly Good Fellows" was rendered, and the returned men accorded hearty cheers, after which Mr. T. Bradley, on behalf of the guests of the evening, thanked the residents for the hearty welcome extended to them. They appreciated the action of the Puni residents, and the hospitality and friendship always shqwn them. The men would never forget the Puni people, and the welcome would always remain fresh in their memories. He was sure the Diggers on the estate would turn out good farmers and would fill the bill in the eye of fellow-farmers. He hoped Ihe existing friendship would be cemented for all time. A successful function terminated in the small hours of the morning.