State: New South Wales, Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 00/08/1901
Number issued: 1
Gold medal, suitably inscribed, to:
New South Wales Imperial Bushmen –
289 Trooper Walter John CAUNT
Presentation made by Mr R. Hogan, at the Commercial Hotel, Grong Grong.
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Wagga Wagga Advertiser, 22nd August 1901
GRONG GRONG.
RETURNED SOLDIERS.
The residents of our little town and district accorded an enthusiastic reception to Trooper Walter CAUNT, who has recently returned from the war. The reception, which took the form of a smoke concert, was held in the large dining room of Mr Flood's Commercial Hotel, the room being literally packed with his many friends and old schoolmates, all of whom appeared to be eager to outvie each other in honouring their guest. Mr R. Hogan occupied the chair, and in opening the proceedings said he was delighted to see such a large number present, especially so many of the oldest and most prominent residents of the town and district. It was an honour their young friend and esteemed guest would, he felt sure, appreciate on his return from South Africa. Mr Hogan, whose remarks were particularly appropriate to the occasion, concluded by assuring Trooper CAUNT that everyone present joined in extending to him a true Australian welcome. The Chairman then proposed the toast of ''His Majesty the king", which was duly honoured. The next toast "Our Guest" was also proposed by the Chairman. Trooper CAUNT, on rising to respond, gave an interesting account of his experiences while at the front. The next toast "The Commonwealth of Australia" was proposed by Mr A.D. McLean. Mr J.A. Flemming proposed "The British Empire". The chairman then presented to Trooper CAUNT, on behalf of his many friends, a gold medal suitably inscribed, and in doing so he (the chairman) said that they did not ask him to accept it for its intrinsic valve, but as a very slight mark of the esteem in which they held him. "Our boys that have fallen in battle" was then proposed by Mr Watson, and was honoured in silence. Mr John Kennedy proposed "The State Parliament", coupled with the name of our member, Mr Fitzpatrick. ''Success to Grong Grong District" was proposed by Mr Reid, and "The Chairman" was proposed by Trooper CAUNT. The toasts were interspersed by a number of patriotic songs and reciliations. A very enjoyable evening was brought to a termination by the entire company singing "Rule Britannia".
