State: Victoria, Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 16/08/1900
Number issued: 1
Gold jewelled locket [medal and locket] & double albert, suitably inscribed, to:
Inscribed (Bendigo Advertiser): "Presented to Private C.P.[sic] Topham on his return from the Transvaal war by the residents of Guildford and Yapeen".
Inscribed (Mount Alexander Mail): "Presented to Private C. Topham on his return from the Transvaal by the residents of Guildford and Yapeen, 17/8/00".
PRESENTATION TO PRIVATE TOPHAM.
Guildford, Friday.
Perhaps the most enjoyable smoke night ever held locally, and, certainly, the one that will be longest remembered by those present, was that held in Dunstan's Assembly Hall on Thursday night to commemorate Private C. TOPHAM's return home from the war in South Africa. Private TOPHAM volunteered with the first Victorian Contingent and was on active service with them until recently, when he was invalided home suffering from enteric fever. The returned soldier is the first local Australian native who has served his Queen and country and been under fire. The comrades of the returned private, therefore, considered it their duty to recognise in a fitting manner the services rendered to the Empire by our troops, of which Private TOPHAM was a member, and do honour to him as a townsman who had gone through privations and suffering whilst helping to uphold British supremacy in South Africa.
The many friends and comrades of Private TOPHAM, numbering considerably over the hundred, subscribed towards providing an evening's entertainment, and the occasion was taken advantage of, to present Private TOPHAM with a beautiful and costly gold medal and locket inscribed thus — "Presented to Private C. Topham on his return from the Transvaal by the residents of Guildford and Yapeen, 17/8/00". The price of the gift was 12 guineas and was subscribed for by all who took part in the welcome home. The Assembly Hall, in which the social took place, was gaily decorated with Union Jacks and other flags, whilst the tables were covered with refreshments.
Cr C. Smith was appointed Chairman.
The Fourth Battalion was represented by Lieut.-Colonel McCay, Captains Newell and Field, Lieutenant Thwaites, Corporal Archer and Dr Woolley.
Mr W. Scott, President, and Cr McElhinney represented the Mount Alexander Shire, and Cr Smith represented the Newstead Shire.
The members of the M.U.I.O.O.F. and all the local militiamen were present. Apologies were received from Messrs Zeal, Williams and Lawson expressing regret that Parliamentary duties demanded their presence.
Private TOPHAM and Corporal ARCHER, on entering the room with the officers, were warmly cheered. Lieut.-Colonel McCay, in making the presentation to Private Topham, gave a spirited address, and said—"In the first place I consider this a most important and pleasing duty, and always feel gratification on any occasion of this kind. All the officers who could possibly attend are present. Some ten months ago a great burst of loyalty spread over the different parts of the Empire, resulting from the beneficent sway of our beloved Sovereign, and at the time when danger threatened the Empire, this colony and this district was prepared to do its duty. If any distinction was to be made between our troops serving in South Africa, the honour should be given to those who went with the first Contingent, 13 of whom and one-tenth of the contingent were chosen from the battalion I have the honour to command, thus proving their loyalty and enthusiasm they showed for their Queen. I am sorry to say some of our comrades have fallen doing their duty, but disease has claimed more victims than the bullets of Boers. I have great pleasure in welcoming Private TOPHAM and Corporal ARCHER amongst us tonight, and have very great pleasure in welcoming them home again to Victoria. I have always watched with pride the doings of the Castlemaine and Guildford boys in South Africa, feeling certain that they would do their duty, and that they are able to do it. We always knew that we were loyal, and now other nations know that we were to be reckoned in the Empire. Touch England and you touch the Empire, and if you touch the Empire you will be sorry you did it. You have done your duty as men for your Queen and country and you have returned to live an honoured and respected life amongst us and we rejoice at your return, having earned the good will and esteem of all.
Mr TOPHAM, in response, said — "I feel highly honoured by your handsome present; I will value it above all my possessions, and will keep it for all time in remembrance of my kind friends. Accept my heartfelt thanks. I would rather fight a thousand Boers than make a speech".
The toast of the Naval and Military forces was proposed by Mr Dunstan and responded to by Captain Field, who said the people knew they were ready to do their duty.
Mr Binns proposed the toast "Invalided Soldiers", and commented on the physique of our troops being equal to any in the world. Responded to by Corporal ARCHER.
Corporal ARCHER related his experiences during the campaign and gave great credit to the nurses and medical staff in Africa. His address was greatly appreciated.
A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the business.
