Medals and awards

WELCOME HOME TO TROOPER SWANWICK.

Trooper Frank SWANWICK, of the Fourth Contingent, who returned to Lawrence on Wednesday last, was entertained at a social in the Wetherstones schoolhouse on Friday evening. The interior of the building was tastefully decorated with evergreens worked into various devices on the walls, the words "Welcome home" being conspicuous on all sides, while a number of Chinese lanterns added considerably to the general effect during the evening. There was a monster attendance, testifying amply to the popularity of the guest and the esteem in which he is held by the people of that district. Not only did the whole of Wetherstones appear to be present, but there was also a very large number of friends from Lawrence and Blue Spur present. Sitting room for all under the circumstances was not to be expected, and quite a number of the sturdier sex had to be content with standing space around the doorway. The Lawrence Brass Band was present in full force and played a number of popular selections in the school grounds before the indoor proceedings commenced and also during the interval. These were very much appreciated by all present and the members of the Band were accorded a hearty vote of thanks for their services which had been so kindly placed at the disposal of the committee. Trooper SWANWICK appeared on the scene promptly at 8 o'clock and was immediately pounced upon, elevated shoulder high and carried into the building and deposited upon the platform amid the hearty cheers of all those assembled. Here he was joined by his comrades-in-arms, Troopers GRAY and DUNCAN, who also received a hearty reception.

Mr J.K. Simpson presided and, after briefly stating the object of the meeting, proceeded to get through a lengthy programme of instrumental music, songs, recitations, etc., to which the following ladies and gentlemen contributed: — Misses Black, Devine and Fahey, Messrs Orchard, Applegarth, Jas. Sutherland, A. Sutherland, A. Walker, W. Sanson, W. Avery, S. Matthews, A.W. Tyndall, W. Smyth, the Chairman, and Master Coxon. Every item was enthusiastically received and encores were general. Where all gave such general satisfaction it would be invidious to single out any particular item for special mention, but none of the performers, we are sure, will begrudge a little kudos to Master Coxon for the splendid manner In which he sang "Song of the sea". This little gentleman has a splendid musical voice and his rendering of this song evoked a most hearty round of applause. During an interval in the programme refreshments, which were provided on a very liberal scale, were handed round by a host of young ladies, assisted by an energetic committee of young gentlemen, who did everything in their power to see that the wants of all present were attended to. Mr Tyndall prefaced his reading by expressing the pleasure the people of Blue Spur felt in Trooper SWANWICK's safe return to his home and friends. "It was easy", he said, "to judge of the estimation in which Trooper SWANWICK was held by the people of the district (and especially by the ladies) by the elaborate and tasteful nature of the decorations which it could be easily seen were not the work of mere man". — (Laughter).

At the conclusion of the programme Mr Simpson said it was his pleasant duty on behalf of the people of the Wetherstones district to present Trooper SWANWICK with a gold albert and pendant as a tangible token of their esteem and regard and also a souvenir of the occasion which had called for the services of the colonial soldiers in South Africa. He was not going to make a long speech on the virtues of the colonials as they had probably already heard quite sufficient on that point. As that meeting testified they were all heartily thankful and pleased to see Trooper SWANWICK safe back after undergoing the dangers incidental to a campaign such as he had taken part in. He had worthily upheld the honor of his country and they were proud of him, and it was only natural they should give expression to that pride. He (the speaker) had known Trooper SWANWICK for the past twenty years and had always admired him for his manly qualities, and he felt sure that should occasion again arise they would find him volunteering his services as eagerly as he had already done. They all trusted he would be long spared to wear their gift and in days far distant he would be able to look back with pleasure to the many true friends he had in Wetherstones.

Captain Pearson, Tuapeka Mounted Rifles, in a few words said he was proud to be present to welcome Trooper SWANWICK back to his friends. In his opinion the patriotic spirit was just as strong to-day as it was 18 months ago when the Fourth Contingent was sent away. Since the despatch of the Fourth Contingent they had established a mounted corps in Lawrence and a number of its members were now on active service with the Sixth Contingent and he had no doubt they would also give a good account of themselves. So far the men sent from this district appeared to be the pets of fortune as not one had received a scratch. The troopers who had returned had a great innings and had gained an experience which he felt sure would result in benefit to themselves and also to their country. — (Applause).

Trooper SWANWICK, in thanking the people of Wetherstones for their handsome gift, said that if they only knew how difficult it was for him to adequately express his gratitude to them they would pity him. They had sent him away well-equipped and he had endeavored to carry out the duty expected of him to the best of his ability. He need not tell them how he would treasure their gift. The chairman had expressed the hope that he would be long spared to wear it, and he (the speaker) hoped all present would be long spared to see him wear it. It was a circumstance worthy of note that directly the Fourth Contingent landed in South Africa Kruger left it. — (Laughter). The New Zealanders at the front had proved as capable as any section of the army, but they had not rushed into battle quite so heedlessly as the Australians and Canadians.

Trooper DUNCAN said he was delighted to see Frank SWANWICK get so warm and hearty a reception. During the campaign they had been comrades and he might say that he had never met with a better friend. They had fought together and commandeered together. They had gained experience which he felt sure would be useful to them during the remainder of their life. He concluded by thanking the people of Wetherstones for the hearty reception he had also received at their hands.

Mr W. Smyth proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the members of the band who always showed great generosity in giving their services for functions of the kind they were taking part in that night. The Vote was carried by acclamation.

The singing of "God Save the King" brought the social to a close.