Number issued: 2
Gold medals, suitably inscribed, to:
3766 Trooper Lewis MATHIESON
4534 Trooper Herbert HARRAWAY [Harroway]
RECEPTION AT GREEN ISLAND.
The people of Green Island assembled in large numbers last night for the purpose of welcoming home Troopers HARRAWAY and MATHIESON, who recently returned to New Zealand after service at the front. The reception took place in the Volunteer Hall, and it was marked by the same enthusiasm as characterised the successful gathering that was held last year, when Surgeon-captain WATT returned home. Green Islanders had promised to give the two men referred to a cordial welcome back, and without doubt they redeemed their promise to the full last night. When the troopers marched up the hall on their way to the stage they were loudly cheered, and on several other occasions those present took the opportunity of showing their gladness at seeing them back and their appreciation of their services while away on duty. The Dunedin Pipe Band, who along with the local Volunteers were present, and who helped to give considerable life and colour to the gathering, played a selection outside, then one on the stage.
The Mayor (Mr Kane), the Rev. Dr Watt, and Messrs Harraway and Mathieson, fathers of the returned troopers, the returned troopers themselves, and also Sergeant-major Kent and Trooper Waldie then took seats on the stage. The Mayor first spoke a few words. He said he was sure, by the look of those present, that they were all very glad to meet on such an occasion, and that they would give a hearty and sincere welcome to their returned troopers. — (Hear, hear). Lieutenant-colonel Smith, he might say, had written asking that his hearty congratulations to the troopers on their safe return from the war be accepted. Surgeon-major Will had also written apologising for his absence, also stating that "Tommy" had done well, but the New Zealanders had done better, and the Bothasberg men best of all. Mr Joseph Loudon had also written expressing his hope that they would have a good evening.
These few words spoken, Miss Harraway sang the appropriate song "Home, sweet home". She was followed by Mr Wilhelmson, who gave "The Gladiator" vigorously, and was recalled to sing "Marching to the front". Miss Jessie Loudon contributed a song that was decidedly pleasing, "The river of years", and a step dance (encored) was given by Piper McDonald, after which the Mayor stepped forward again.
He said the large gathering that night showed unmistakably the high esteem in which the people of Green Island held their two troopers, who had just returned from the scene of strife and danger. They all remembered the interest that was taken in the war when it first commenced, and ,also how that interest increased when the New Zealanders went to the front. Trooper MATHIESON had been a member of the Sixth Contingent — a contingent which, if it did not have a lot of heavy fighting, had had a lot of arduous work in driving the Boers from pillar to post. On the other hand, the Seventh, of which Trooper HARRAWAY was a member, got into the very thick of the fighting. And how well had they acquitted themselves at Bothasberg! — (Cheers). He hoped, however, it would be a long time before the New Zealanders would be called on to shoulder arms again for active service, but he was sure if it did happen they would again show themselves possessed of British blood and British hearts. The Mayor wound up a forcible speech with a few lines concerning British patriotism, starting off with the wrong line the first time, but, like a true Briton, did not give in, but had another and successful attempt. Then turning to Troopers MATHIESON and HARRAWAY, the Mayor presented each of them with a handsome gold medal and a purse of sovereigns as a mark of appreciation from the people of Green Island for the services they had rendered to King and country. Applause follower the ceremony of the presentations, and then someone in the hall called for three cheers for the troopers, which were given and renewed when Trooper MATHIESON stepped forward to reply.
Trooper MATHIESON found difficulty in making a start, but a cheery "Keep going" set him off. In a few words he thanked the gathering for their kindly welcome and their presentation. While in South Africa they had done their best. He was glad to know their work was appreciated. and he would always feel proud when he looked back on that night. — ("Hooray" from the audience).
Trooper HARRAWAY also found the beginning of his speech a difficulty to overcome. When the missing word was found he, amid laughter, said that he had been in many a tight corner, but none so tight as that night. He was glad to get back to dear old Green Island again. — (Hear, hear). And he thanked one and all for the kind welcome they had given him, and also the people of Fairfield for their remembrance to him while he was away, which he had previously omitted to acknowledge.
The Rev. Dr Watt then delivered an interesting address, shortly reviewing the causes of the late war, and stating briefly the reasons underlying the enthusiasm at that and similar meetings and the direful results that would have happened to that Empire if the British had not been successful. He snoke in praise of the work done by the New Zealand contingents, and wished the two representatives before them Iong life and prosperity in the land of their nativity.
Mr Henry Harraway, Trooper HARRAWAY's father, also made a few remarks, in , which he noted the opinion of Corporal Abbot, of the 1st Australian Horse, to the effect that of all the colonial troops sent none did quite so well as the New Zealanders. He drew attention to the manner in which the volunteers had been neglected by the Government, and asked them to use their influence as electors to get the force thoroughly equipped, and so make New Zealand invulnerable. He also expressed his gratification at the reception given to his son and Trooper MATHIESON. The family of both appreciated the great compliment paid to them. It was one they would never forget.
The musical part of the programme was then resumed. Mr D. Hutton sang "Dearer than life", one of the best items of the evening; the Pipe Band gave another selection; Messrs Clark and Bonham gave a double Highland fling; and Mr Birket two recitations, the latter as an encore. Miss B. Samson also sang in a very promising manner "The carnival".
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