WELCOME HOME.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 June 1918, Page 6

WELCOME HOME.

EGMONT COUNTY'S RECEPTION TO RETURNED MEN.

The Opuuake Town Hall was crowded on Wednesday evening, when residents of the Egmont County tendered a public ■'Welcome Home" to all returned men belonging to the County. A considerable number of soldiers assembled, at the invitation of the committee. The stage was tastefully draped with flags, the word ''welcome" being very prominent. Mr. C. Trotter, chairman of the Town Board, presided, and there were also on the platform, Mr. C. A. Wilkinson, M.P., chairmen of local bodies, and local ministers.

After the playing of the National Anthem by the orchestra, the chairman, on behalf of the people of Opunake, tendered a warm welcome to the lads who had done their duty nobly and well. The sacrifice they had made would never be forgotten and their names and noble deeds would be redbrded in the history of the Empire. The delay in giving the welcome was not due to lack of appreciation, but their isolated position made it impossible to give each lad an individual reception. It was intended to give these welcomes periodically, and he sincerely hoped the next would be final. While they rejoiced at the home-coming, they must not forget that there were many who had fallen, and, at his request, the audience honored their memory by standing while the "Dead March" was played. Mr. C. A. Wilkinson, M.P., congratulated the men on there return, remarking that it must be a satisfaction to them to know they had done their duty, and their children and children's children would respect them for the part they had played in the great war, which tliey fought for freedom, for civilisation, and to defend the greatest empire ever known. The Overseas Do« minions had, he said, pledged their resources to the utmost to win the war. The hearts of the people would go out in sympathy to the relatives of the men who had fallen, among them being the Chairman, Messrs Looney and Affleck. These men had given every-

tiling that we hight have our libertyReferring to Germany's desire to establish a submarine base in the Pacific, he instanced the exploits of one German vessel that got near the coast of New Zealand and back to Germany, showing that if the Germans had had a naval base in thq Pacific all our shipping would have been cut off. Taranaki had done well in the matter of sending men, and the present gathering testified to the respect in which they were held.

Mr. W. E. Wright, chairman of the Egmont County Council, also welcomed the men on behalf of the County., He did not blame the Second Division League for demanding 3s deferred pay, as this would help the men to keep their heads up on their return. The Main Body men would, but for considerable public protest, have been paid off at a few hours' notice on the arrival of their transport at Auckland. Mr. James Young, chairman of the Parihaka Eoad Board and Father Doolgathy also joined in the welcome. Mr. T. P. Hughson (chairman of the Harbor Board), Eev. Strand (Methodist) and Eev. Hammond delivered addresses of welcome, the latter stating that while the Germans had succeeded in turning Europe into a hell, yet never siace the world began had there been seen so much kindness, sympathy and love as to-day existed in the British Empire and among the allied forces. In concluding he referred to tile noble part which the native race had taken in the struggle.

Pte. D. Des Forges briefly thanked all for their kind welcome, and said that they had only done their duty as they thought every lit man should do. Songs (most of which were encored) were given by Eev. Papakakura, Mesdames Burton, G. Hopkins (Eahotn), Miss Eowlands, Messrs McGregor and E. Andrews; recitation, Miss Hedowicz; Highland Fling), Bonnie Boss; piano, forte, Mr. Bradley. Hie accompaniments were played by Misses Hooker,

Hodgson, Rowlands and Mr. Henderson. After supper dancing was indulged in to excellent music provided by Messrs J. Humphries (piano), W. McNeill, D. Markha.ni (violin), Bradley (cornet). Messrs E. Andrews and D. Des Forges, returned soldiers, made very efficient M.'C. The complete arrangements reflect gTeat credit on the committee and its energetic secretary (Mr. D. Boss).