State: Tasmania
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 10/12/1900, 5/08/1901, 21/06/1902
Number issued: 5
Gold medals, to:
10/12/1900 presentation
91 Private Gilbert WELLARD
05/08/1901 presentation
65 Trooper Albert Xavier HAYS [Haiz]
21/06/1902 presentation
136 Trooper Arthur BAKER
A LOYAL WELCOME.
Hamilton-on-Forth had on Monday last the greatest day it has ever known. The ordinary occupations of the people appeared to have been totally suspended, and men, women and children gave themselves up whole-heartedly to the welcome of the town's two representatives with the second contingent — Troopers G. WELLARD and E.C. HAYS. The street was gay with bunting, a brave display crossing the thoroughfare in front of the Bridge Hotel. Soon after midday crowds of people began to gather at the bridge, and when the one o'clock coach arrived with the men on board — the vehicle being preceded by a number of mounted infantrymen — the assemblage gave vent to its enthusiasm with loud cheers. The troopers were warmly welcomed home, and heartily congratulated on their conduct on the field and their escape from the bullets of the Boers.
A picnic of a most successful nature was held on the Recreation Ground in the afternoon, Troopers HAYS and WELLARD being present. During the proceedings Rev T. Greon read an address of welcome worded us follows: — “To Troopers Hays and Wellard. — The residents of Hamilton-on-Forth take this opportunity of welcoming you home from the war. We acknowledge the mercy of God in sparing you to your friends and native land. Others have fallen in the strife, friends of us all, and their memory will be ever green with us. You have returned to us with the recommendation of your commanding officers and the gratitude of the country you have served. In honouring you we do ourselves honour, for you are our representatives. During your absence we followed you with our best wishes and prayers. We heard of your privations, and were proud to think that you, as Tasmanians, shared the privations of a soldier's lot with the troops of the mother country. The volunteers of the Australian colonies have made good our right to be regarded not as dependencies of the British Crown, but as integral parts of the great Empire which is one. God save the Queen!”
At an entertainment held at night the two men were presented with gold medals by the townspeople and others in recognition of their patriotism. A capital programme was presented and an enjoyable evening spent.
FORTH
