State: New South Wales, Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 02/09/1901
Number issued: 6
Gold medals, suitably inscribed, to:
INVERELL, Thursday
INVERELL, Tuesday.
RETURNED BUSHMEN.
INVERELL, Tuesday.
The Returned Bushmen.
PRESENTATION OF MEDALS.
Monday night will long be remembered as having been responsible for what was the largest gathering of townspeople in any of its public buildings even within the memory of the ubiquitous "Oldest inhabitant". The Oxford Hill was densely packed by a representative gathering of ladies and gentlemen, many of whom had come long distances in order to show their sympathy with the movement and their appreciation of the brave deeds or the returned bushmen. The proceedings were characterised by much enthusiasm, and at times the cheering was perfectly deafening. The returned contingenters were seated on a special platform, and their appearance was the signal for hearty applause. Alderman Charles Wilson occupied the chair, while on the platform with him were Mesers W.D. McIntyre, M.L.A., J. McIlveen and E. Roos (hon secretaries to the movement) and a number of other prominent townsmen.
Prior to commencing proceedings, the chairman read apologies from Dr Scirton, Revs Fairbrother, Barr, Watson. and Father English, Messrs Cullen, Fitzgerald, and J. Borthwick, all of whom expressed regret at their inability to be present.
A short musical programme was then rendered, which was contributed to by Mrs Roos and Mr Mitchell (Overture), Mr Davidson, Mrs Watson, Miss Glendenning and Miss Rowland. In every instance the vocalists were in excellent voice, and the several efforts were well received. Miss Glendenning created quite a furore by her rendition of “Doon the Burn, Davie Lad”, a difficult composition, yet capably handled by a lady whose range of voice is wonderful. She was compelled to respond to an encore.
The chairman then introduced our member to the audience, and requested him to make the presentation.
Mr McIntyre, who was received with applause, said he never addressed an audience with more fear, seeing that in view of the honours won by the five men before him made him feel small. He paid a high tribute of praise to the men, especially Sergeant MOY and Corporal McCLYMONT, and read a cable, appearing in that night's Sydney papers, to the effect that a general order had been issued conferring a silver medal on the former for "distinguished conduct in the field". Such an announcement was eloquent testimony to his worth. At the same time, he (the speaker) did not wish to detract from the other men's bravery, because he was sure that they had acquitted themselves well. It gave him much pleasure to be present, and to assist those who took the matter up (Applause).
At the call of Mr McIntyre three hearty cheers were given for the men, after which the presentations were made, each recipient receiving a very flattering reception.
Brief responses were made by Sergeant MOY, Corporal EISENMONGER and Trooper STARLING.
In response to calls, Mr McIlveen also addressed the meeting. He intimated that with the takings at the door that night (£14, 4s.), the total receipts amount to nearly £70.
The musical programme was then proceeded with. Mrs Watson, Miss Glendenning, and Messrs Morton, Davidson and Ewing contributing. Miss Glendenning made a decided “hit” with a laughing song, and had to twice respond to encores.
The entertainment concluded with cheers for the secretaries, the subscribers to the fund and Mr McIntyre.
