DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 January 1918, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

MOKAU (From Our Own Correspondent). A large crowd assembled in the public ball, Mokau, on the night of the lilth inst., to welcome home from the seat of war Rifleman Cecil Randell. Mr. H. Maine, chairman of the local Patriotic Society, who was the chief spokesman on the occasion, said that Rifleman Randell left the Dominion with the 17th Reinforcements over a year ago. Since that time he had been in many n Wri-fought conflict, rind in some of the heaviest fighting on the Western front. At the battle of Messines lie had the misfortune to lose his left arm, a misfortune deeply regretted by every man and woman in the district. They were proud to have him in their midst again, and in token thereof he bad great pleasure ?n presenting a handsome, gold medal, the inscriptum being- ''Presented to Rifleman C. Randell by his Mokau and district friends, on his return from active service. January 10, 1918." Rifleman Randell, upon rising to respond, was greeted with loud cheers. He said he felt speech-making was not his strong point. He was very grateful for t'he kind wishes expressed: on all sides. He admitted ho was unfortunate in losing his arm, but recognised it might just as easily have been hig head, which he thought would have been more unfortunate still. He thanked the people of the district for their handsome gift, and. could assure them that no matter what part of the world laid claim to him in the future his heart would still he with the people who had given him such a s-plendid reception that niglit. During the evening proceedings were enlivened by the rendition of songs by the following ladies and gentlemen f Mrs. E. Sampson, Miss Hazel Sampson, Miss R. Cane, Mr. C. Chittenden, Mr. Rikihana Mr W. Terril], and Mr T. White. The musician for the evening was Mrs. C Chrostofferson (piano). " Extras were played bv Mrs. A. Roie (piano). Air A Sole (Cornet), and Mr. A. G. Sampson (violin). 1 ' Dancing was engaged in until far past midnight, and the gathering broke tip to the strains of "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow."