RETURNED SOLDIERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 March 1916, Page 5

RETURNED SOLDIERS.

ENTERTAINED AT DUNEDIN. SIR JOSEPH WARD ELOQUENT. By Telegraph.—Preps Association. Dunedin, Last Night. A reception to returned soldiers who arrived by tho Arawa and other vessels was given in His' Majesty's Theatre tonijilit by the Mayor and City councillors. The theatre*was crowded in every part, just as it was on the previous night when the great recruiting rally was held. The Mayor (Mr. J. J. Clark), presided, and on the platform were Sir Joseph Ward, local members of Parliament, City Councillors and other prominent citizens, and the Knox Church Choir, who gave "Rule Britannia," after tho National Anthem had been lustily sung by the audience. The Mayor welcomed the returned troops, and paid a tribute to the work they and their comrades had done on the Hold of battle.

Sir Joseph Ward, who was the principal speaker, was received witli great enthusiasm. After cordially welcoming home the brave men who had gone out to do battle for the Empire, Sir Joseph said that members of the National Government were working together with one aim—to help the Motherland to win and to make the conditions of those who came back as happy and comfortable as they possibly could be. (Applause). The changes the war was bringing about were evidenced in the important results of the remarkable conference which had just been concluded in Paris. (Applause). Men with enormous responsibilties upon their shoulders, men of ripe judgment and experience, had expressed their satisfaction at the result. The co-ordination of the Allies would be fraught with tremendous results, and responsible Ministers would not have conveyed that idea unless they had strong grounds for the statements they had made. (Applause). When lie resumed his seat Sir Joseph was heartily and enthusiastically applauded, anil at the conclusion of the meeting Sir Joseph Ward and those who had assisted were accorded a hearty vote of thanks by acclamation, the Mayor stating that Sir Joseph had given an inspiring and eloquent address, and they all appreciated very much his presence in Dunedin to help on the recruiting movement. (Applause). The men were subsequently entertained at supper.