Medals and awards

Troopers’ Welcome.

The warmth of the welcome tendered to the returned district troopers, at the Town Hall, Havelock, on Friday last, was distinct in its two main features — of evident rejoicing that those who were the guests that evening had passed safely and honourably through the stress of war; and a contrast of gloom at the loss of one who had been known from childhood amongst the majority of those who were present. The Committee appointed by the residents had made the arrangements with particular effectiveness, and the result struck a chord of harmony whereat all sections of the community were provided with an opportunity of testifying the spontaneous feelings that actuated the public mind. This was done, in a more than usually exuberant, spirit, and the sinking, even for the time being, of all feelings of personal difference, in the one object, was admirable, and its results may be, in this direction, farther reaching than the Committee imagined, in the universal programme that was so wisely provided.

The Chairman, Mr H.M. Reader, having read a telegram of congratulation from the Rev. H.W. Howell, at present on leave of absence, the Rev. J.S. Smalley, F.R.G.S., addressed the gathering. He expressed the privilege he felt at being asked to speak. It was a somewhat remarkable coincidence that two years ago, when the war movement was foremost in all minds, he had expressed his opinion that the foes of the Empire would find “there was life in the old land yet”, and he thought all would agree that it was a true prophecy, that had been fulfilled. The theme of the song “Home, sweet home” they had listened to would, that night, appeal in a different manner than it had before to those who had returned from the perils of war, guided safely to the haven of home by God. It was felt that those to whom honour was being extended that evening had done their duty most nobly, cheerfully, and thoroughly. The colonial troops had performed a distinct service to the Empire, and had brought the Colony before the world’s notice. The conduct of every trooper who had been sent to the battlefields of South Africa was a credit to themselves and to the Colony. If those who wore amongst them that evening had not gained the V.C., they no doubt deserved it, for the gaining of this distinction was often a matter of accident — as brave and heroic deeds were not always performed under the eyes of those in a position to recommend them. The mementoes that would be presented that night were of more value than the V.C.— they were mementoes of esteem. The war was a stern necessity, the reputation of the Empire being at stake, and the welfare of the black and white races pending in the balance. It was a painful alternative, and its romance was soon dissipated in the hardships the troops had to suffer; it was hated by all, even as deeply as Mr Stead hated it, but the stern necessity remained, and the Empire had been upheld worthily in the strife. In their rejoicings he asked them not to forget those who had lost dear ones, and were not able to rejoice with them. Let them not forget the nurses and non-combatants, that had tendered comfort to the troops in sickness and death. Let all buckle on their armour against worldly thoughts and dangers, proving themselves worthy soldiers of Christ; and let it never be said that temporal advantage was gained at the expense of spiritual advantages lost, for was it not to be remembered “Greater is he that ruleth his own spirit than he who taketh the city”. He wished those who were guests that evening many days of health and happiness.

The Rev. H. Foston said it gave him great pleasure to add his quota to the words of the last speaker. Those who were being honoured that night were their district representatives who had now returned after doing them all honour, and, as such, they were proud of them, and welcomed them home, for they bad done their work well, and the heart was gladdened by their presence. It was with sorrow they remembered that two of those who had departed from this district had been left, and their loss was mourned by all. He would ask the assemblage to silently rise and respectfully stand whilst he mentioned the names of those two who had left mourning relatives and sorrowing friends. The rev. gentleman then feelingly referred to Messrs Sid. HENDERSON and C.W. SMITH, those present standing until Mr Foston concluded by asking all to be thankful to Almighty God for having brought safely back from the war those who were present that evening. He asked that all those who had returned should be treated well, that their temporal wants should be satisfied, and if there should be any in want through their late action that such should be remedied. He further hoped and trusted that all would help them to keep in that track that led to a higher glory that was to be obtained in the world’s fields of battle.