Country: New Zealand
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 31/07/1901
Number issued: 1
Gold medal & albert, suitably inscribed, to:
RETURNED TROOPERS.
SOCIAL AT WAIKAKA SIDING.
A welcome home social was tendered to Trooper W. MILNE, a member of the Mataura Valley division of the fourth contingent, last evening by residents in the Waikaka Siding district. The social was held in Tothill, Watson and Co.'s large grain store, which proved in every way suitable. Despite the inclement weather there was a large attendance, about 120 braving the elements to show their sympathy with the purpose for which the entertainment was held. The expenses of carrying out the social, as well as the funds for providing the present made, were defrayed by residents of the district, and reflect upon them the highest praise for the very successful manner in which they carried out the proceedings, which were enjoyed by all. Dancing was indulged in to music supplied by Messrs Cunningham (piano) and J. Smaill and A. Cruickshanks (violins), and Mr J. Smith acted courteously as M.C. The refreshments as provided by the ladies left nothing to be desired. During the evening songs were rendered by Messrs A. Cruickshanks and J. Smith, and Mr R. Hay recited "Charge of the Light Brigade".
At a suitable interval Mr H. Smith, on behalf of the residents in the district, presented Trooper MILNE with a gold albert and medal, suitably inscribed, as a token of the esteem in which he was held by the people of Waikaka Siding. Mr Smith referred to the good work the colonials had done in South Africa, and made special reference to the excellent services rendered by the Fourth Contingent, of which their guest was a member. Trooper MILNE was one of themselves, having spent most of his life in the district, and naturally they followed the career of the Fourth Contingent, and Trooper MILNE in particular, with especial interest. He (the speaker) thought that the action of the colonies in sending help to the Old Country had been an eye-opener to the Boers, who had never thought of Britain receiving that help which had been extended to her by her colonies. He expressed his pleasure at seeing Trooper MILNE amongst them, and trusted he would be long spared to wear the albert. Cheers were then given for Trooper MILNE and the Fourth Contingent.
Trooper MILNE feelingly replied, and promised to value the gift as one of his most precious possessions.
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