Medals and awards

Presentation Social.

On Saturday night last, in the Victoria Hall, a vary pleasing function took place in the shape of a social and presentation to Corporal Tom McWILLIAM, welcoming him home from South Africa. The attendance was very large, and the chair was taken by Jos. Abbott, Esq, J.P., who read apologies from the Hon. W Bennett, M.L. A., and F.A. Hooke, Esq.

The chairman, after expressing gratification at Corp. McWILLIAM's safe return, presented him with a golds medal, as a memento of the occasion. The inscription on the medal was, “Presented to Corporal McWilliam by his Dungog friends on his return from South Africa, 28/6/01”

J. Robson, Esq., J.P., J.A. Jones, Esq., J.P., G. Walker, Esq., and W.J. Young, Esq., also spoke, eulogising Corp. McWILLIAM's bravery and expressing pleasure at his home coming.

The chairman, and the other speakers also extended a hearty welcome to Lieutenant DUFFY and Private KELLY, who were also present.

Lieut. DUFFY, of the West Australian 1st Contingent, gave a short oration and said that the soldiers were very thankful for the comforts sent to them by the Australian people, and because of that they were the best clothed troops there, and also because of their commandeering propensities they were also the best fed. He thanked the people for welcoming him and his comrades home, and retired amid loud applause

Private KELLY, of the New South Wales 1st Contingent, also thanked the Dungog people for their hearty reception to him and his comrades.

Corp. Tom McWILLIAM thanked the people for their good wishes, and also for the medal, which he would always treasure. He related many stirring incidents of the campaign, and vividly depicted the relief of Rustenburg by the Australians. His graphic description of the hardships and fatigues endured by the soldiers, made a great impression on the minds of an attentive audience. In the chase after the Long Tom he said that a band of armed Kaffirs accompanied them, and they presented to the Bushmen's minds recollections of the painted aboriginals of our own shores, in their war paint. He also spoke of providential escapes from sudden death, when bullets shot down his comrades on either side of him. As an example of what they had to face, he produced a 7lb shell which was handed round for inspection. He concluded his thrilling narrative by again thanking the people, and on resuming his seat he was loudly applauded.

A musical programme was gone through, consisting of an overture by Master L. Piper; violin solo, Misses Dark; songs by Messrs Peard, Donnelly and Rev. Mr Cadell. Refreshments, provided by the ladies, were handed round at ten o'clock.

Presentation of Medals.

SUCCESSFUL SOCIAL GATHERING.

The social tendered the returned soldiers (when presentation of medals took place), on Wednesday evening last was a genuine success. The hall was well filled with friends and admirers of our brave boys. Mr J. A Jones was voted, to the chair, and those occupying seats on the platform were — Hon W. Bennett, G.S. Waller, Esq., J.P., Rev. F.A. Cadell, Sergeant T. McWILLIAM, and Troopers B.G. PERRIN, W.H. NASH, E.O. GRIFFIN [sic], J.A. BRIMS, and G. MURPHY.

Mr Jones apologised for the absence of Mr Ald. Robson, who had become suddenly ill on his way down to the ball, and had to return home. The Mayor had telegraphed from Stroud to say that he would not be present. The speaker said he was proud to be able to welcome 'Our Boys,' back from the war. They bad braved dangers and hardships for the honor of the Empire; had acquitted themselves with credit to the State; and he thought they deserved our warmest approbation. The Australians had rendered signal service in the late war, and had brought their native land prominently before the whole world. When Mayor of Dungog, he had taken a deep interest in the despatch of the troopers present and as a townsman and one who had followed their careers closely he felt that he must do something — when others failed to move — in according them a suitable reception home. The public bad been appealed to, and bad responded handsomely. After purchasing the medals, there would still be a surplus in hand, which would be handed to some local institution.

Vocal and instrumental items were then rendered by the following gentlemen: Mr Litchfield, songs; G.S. Cox, song; S. Wilson, cornet solo; Master Carl Jones, patriotic song; Mr E. St.H. Peard, song; Mr N.W. Mutton, recitation; Mr Royal, pianoforte solo; Mr A. Brady, recitation; and selections by the Town Band.

The various items were well received.

Mr Bennett, upon rising, said he was very pleased to have an opportunity to be present on that occasion to do honor to those brave soldiers, who had courageously gone to uphold the honor and integrity of the Empire in South Africa. The prowess of our Australian soldiers had won worldwide fame. England had been compelled to go to war to vindicate her position, and he was proud to say that although the conflict had been a lengthy one and the cost great, she had emerged stronger and more firmly united than ever. Peace had been proclaimed, and he ventured to hope that as a result there would develop and mature under the stimulating influence of civil and religious freedom, — which all people enjoyed under the British flag — a commonwealth in South Africa which would rival in wealth, population and prosperity, even the Australian Commonwealth, and be a credit to the mother land. Referring to the retrenchment being effected by the Federal Government in military circles, he said he hoped the Government would not hamper the development of the volunteer movement throughout the States. The citizen soldier should be encouraged, by a capitation allowance, and re-imbursement for loss of time, because we would have to depend in a very large measure upon the patriotism and devotion of our volunteers to defend our hearth and homes in the event of an invasion. He eulogised the young men who had gone from the Williams River district at the call of duty, and he was proud that the residents of the district had appreciated their valor, in subscribing to the handsome medals which he had the honor to present them with that night. The speaker expressed the regret that was felt everywhere for Hie Majesty the King in his recent severe illness, and he was sure, all his subjects rejoiced to learn of his progress towards recovery. King Edward had exercised great influence in bringing about peace in South Africa, and gave promise of following in the footsteps of his illustrious mother, the late Queen, whose wisdom, virtue and liberality were proverbial.

He then presented gold medals, suitably engraved, to the following troopers — Sergeant T. McWILLIAM, G.B. PERRIN, J.A. BRIMS, W.H. NASH, and E.O. GRIFFIN [sic].

Sergeant McWILLIAM returned thanks on behalf of his comrades, after which votes of thanks, at the instance of Mr Bennett, were accorded to the chairman, for his untiring effort to make the gathering a success, and to the band for their assistance.

Tea and refreshments were then served round, and the proceedings terminated with cheers for the King, for the Member for Durham, and for Mr Jones.

Thanks were also accorded those gentlemen who rendered items during the evening.

Presentation.