RETURN OF AN OLD SETTLER.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1723, 12 April 1888, Page 2

RETURN OF AN OLD SETTLER.

Mr Angus Macdonald, who, with his wife and family, left Qeraldiue in April last to pay a visit to the Old Country, returned to Q-eraldine on Tuesday evening last, and was accorded a most hearty welcome by the townspeople. For several days the near return of the family had been looked forward to with extreme pleasure by his very large circle of friends and acquaintances—in fact, ever since his departure from the district he has been greatly missed by all classes of the community. "When, therefore, during the day the rather sudden news arrived by telegraph that he would be home by the evening train from Christchurch it was decided to give him a hearty welcome, and rapid preparations were at once made. Shortly before six the G-efaldine Brass Band mustered at the Volunteer Hall, and proceeded by Mi Q. Fox's express to the Orari Eailway Station. When the train came in a large number of friends were present, and a most hearty welcome was proffered to the expected travellers. Mr Macdonald was escorted to a carriage which was in waiting for him, and which he entered, accompanied by Mr A. B. Hawkins, manager of the Bank of New South Wales, and driven by Mr McLeod, manager of the station. Mrs Macdonald, with Miss Macdonald and the remainder of the family, were piloted by Mr E. Scott. The whole party were then escorted towards Q-eraldine, the Band playing various well-known tunes. Arriving at what is known as " Barclay's Corner," a very large crowd of friends were found to have collected, and further hearty welcomes and congratulations upon the safe return of the family were tendered. From this corner the demonstrations of pleasure were seen on every hand. Headed by the Band, playing " Only to see his face again," " See the conquering hero comes," and a number of other airs of welcome, the cavalcade passed up the long main street of Qeraldine at a sweeping pace. In every window lights were blazing, while the people came out on the footpath and gave vent to their pleasure in hearty cheers. In the busier pa>t of the town Chinese lantern*, with liahts of all descriptions, were ablaze. Illuminated mottoes were hung out, flags were waved, and guns fired to testify to the general rejoicing. The whole of the inhabitants seemed to have turned out, and as the carriages rolled along the cheering passed from mouth to mouth in a prolonged round. On arriving at the Bank of New Zealand another large party of intimate friends were met, and here a halt was made. 'J he Band formed up a short distance off, and, while further welcomes were being given, continued to discourse their excellent music. From this point the party were allowed, by their expressed wish, to continue their journey to Waitui alone, as they were too much fatigued by the long voyage and railway journey to desire to be detained late into the night. Probably few private individuals have ever received such a hearty reception in New Zealand. The cause of Mr Macdonald's popularity u not far to seek. About 35 years ago he came to tha colony, endowed with that spirit of enterprise and perseverance that characterised many of the early colonists Since that time he has by his benevolent and gentlemanly conduct continued to grow in public esteem, while his more intimate friends have become more and more endeared to him. Now that he has returned once more, he will still, doubtless, continue to retain the esteem he has so deservedly secured.