Medals and awards

SOCIAL TO TR. LABES.

The residents of Tuapeka Flat tendered to Tr. LABES, a member of the Sixth Contingent, a welcome-home social in the Tuapeka Flat Schoolhouse on Friday evening, 30th inst. There was a splendid attendance — the best that has ever been seen in the district and the greatest enthusiasm was manifested in the proceedings throughout.

Mr Philip Duffy, the oldest settler in the district, proved a very capable and up-to-date chairman, keeping things "going" with a swing from start to finish. The committee were fortunate in securing, in addition to a number of Lawrence singers, the assistance of Messrs Hutton and Laidlaw, of Dunedin, whose musical contributions added greatly to the attractiveness of the evening's entertainment.

The proceedings having been opened by the chairman stating the object of the gathering, songs were rendered by Miss Dugdale, Messrs Hutton, Mason, McClymont, J. Moloney and Mitchell, while Mr Laidlaw contributed several cornet solos, among them the popular air, "Killarney" which fairly brought down the house.

In presenting Tr. LABES with a handsome gold albert and pendant in recognition of his services in South Africa, the Chairman said that words failed to express his feeling of pleasure and pride in being deputed by his fellow settlers to make the presentation. He was delighted at seeing so many present to do honor to the young man, whom they had all known from boyhood, and who had returned to his home after worthily upholding the honor of the Empire in South Africa. He was a credit to their district and it must be very gratifying to him to receive on his return so enthusiastic a reception. Personally, and on behalf of all present, he had therefore very much pleasure in heartily welcoming him home and hoped he would be long spared to wear the chain which had just been given him and that he would enjoy a long and happy life.

The following inscription appeared on the pendant: "Presented to Tr. A. Labes by the residents of Tuapeka Flat on his return from South Africa, 30/5/02".

Tr. LABES briefly thanked the chairman and people of Tuapeka Flat for the very handsome gift they had just made him and for the very hearty welcome home he had received from his old friends. They had all good, sound British hearts. — (Applause).

At this stage an abundant supply of refreshments provided by the ladies of the district was handed round.

On resuming, Captain Pearson, of the Tuapeka Mounted Rifles, expressed his pleasure at the safe return of Tr. LABES who, prior to going to going to South Africa, had proved himself a worthy member of his mounted corps. He hoped he would again see his way to throw in his lot with them, and he had no doubt the experience he had gained in South Africa would be of benefit to the corps as a whole.