WELCOME HOME.

Taihape Daily Times, 9 January 1918, Page 4

WELCOME HOME.

A very pleasing little function eventuated last night, when the personal friends of Private }' Ted ’ ’ Lenihan, who lias just arrived in New Zealand foregathered to extend a welcome home to him. Private LeniTian left with the earlier reinforcements, was all through Gallipoli campaign, and took part in the Somme offensive where he was badly wounded, in the log by a shell. Arriving in "Blighty” with the wounded draft, Private Lcmhan was for some fourteen months in hospital, where he went under no less than tv_ operations. He is still under the doctor’s orders. The function took the form of a free-and-easy convivial party,, which was remarkable for its camardcric and good fellowship towards the returned soldier. Private Lonihan was for some years a member of the Taihapo Times staff, and his contributions under the pseudonym of "Gazeeka, ” were always characterised by originality of thought and clarity of expression. It was a * very representative crowd who assembled last night to bid him welcome home. During the evening -Mr Lenihan was the recipient of a presentation from his numerous friends, which took the form of a beautiful gold medallion, inscribed; "To E. Lenihan from his Taihapo friends, -on 'returning {from

active service in Gallopoli and Franco —1915-191(5.”

Mr. J. Evans, in making the presentation said it gave him tlxc greatest pleasure to make the presentation to Mr. Lenihan, on behalf of his numerous friends. He voiced the feelings of gratitude of himself and others who were unable to go to the front, to men like Mr. Lenihan, who had gone to fight their battles. Speaking personally he had always found their returned friend a man, true and white right through; more than that it was unnecessary to say. He welcomed him back to Taihape on behalf of his wide circles of friends with the deepest pleasure and hoped he would take up his permanent residence here. The present which he asked Mr. Lenihan to accept was only a small memento of the esteem and regard in which he was hold. (Applause.) The toast of the health of the guest of the evening was drunk enthusiastically and with musical honours. Mr. J. Munro, in a humorous speech tinged with deep feeling, said in welcoming Mr. Lenihan home again, he was renewing his friendship with the dearest and truest friend ho ever had or ever expected to have. His experience of their guest, extending over many years, was that he was a man in the highest sense of the word. He was delighted to sec him home again, and hoped he would sec his way to stay here. (Applause.) Mr. Lovell, on behalf of the Taihape Times "Jstaff, welcomed Mn'i (Lenihan back as a comrade. You only had to work side by side with a man to estimate his true character, and he and the staff had always found Mr. Lenihan all that Messrs Evans and Munro had stated. There was one fault he had however, if a fault it could be called, and that was an under-approciation of his own ability.

Mr. Moloney, in a few well chosen remarks, said how pleased they all were to see Mr. Lenihan amongst them once more. Several others spoke in a similar strain. In responding Mr. Lenihan, said he was taken somewhat by surprise at the warmth of his reception. He was pleased to be home once more, and among such staunch friends as he had in Taihape. This place always had an attraction for him, and he was sure as time went on Taihape would become a very important centre. His future movements were somewhat obscure but if thov opportunity occurred he would make Taihape his home with pleasure. He thanked those present for the kind feelings of regard and friendship expressed that evening, and also for the valuable present which was a visible expression of those feelings.

The time honoured “For He's a Jolly Good Fellow” followed, the guest of the evening being elevated shoulder high. Musical and vocal items were contributed during the evening, Mr. Lang presiding at the piano and “Auld Lang Sync” brought one of the most pleasant evenings to a close.