State: Victoria, Australia
Issued on: Return
Dates of presentations: 07/12/1900, 05/03/1901, 08/06/1901, 20/07/1901, 02/12/1901
Number issued: 14

 

Gold lockets [Gold & black enamel memorial locket, set with pearls, for Cpl. Cullen], to:
 

07/12/1900 presentation

1st Victorian Infantry Company [1st Victorian Contingent] –
101 Private Leonard Thomas COLLINS

99 Private William Allan WILKS

2nd Victorian (Mounted Rifles) Contingent –
210 Sergeant Henry Henderson BELL
220 Corporal George James CULLEN (died, Pretoria, 03/09/1900 – memorial locket presented to Cullen's widow)
211 Private William MEHARRY [Meanny] (absent; invalided, 29/07/1900)

208 Private William Alexander MORRISON (absent; invalided, 29/07/1900)

Presentation made by Councillor P.J. O'Donnell, in the Mechanics' Institute, Kerang.
 

05/03/1901 presentation

3rd Victorian (Bushmen's) Contingent –

611 Trooper Samuel John McCURDY (invalided, arriving in Australia on 01/03/1901)

Presentation made by Councillor T. Curlett (President of the Shire), in the Mechanics' Institute, Kerang.
 

08/06/1901 presentation

2nd Victorian (Mounted Rifles) Contingent –

250 Trooper [Sergeant] William McKENZIE

3rd Victorian (Bushmen's) Contingent –
490 Sergeant-Trumpeter Alexander Duncan BELL
576 Lance-Corporal Arthur Henry DOUGLAS

421 Trooper Charles REAPER

Presentation made by the Councillor T. Curlett (Shire President), in the Mechanics' Institute, Kerang.
 

20/07/1901 presentation

4th Victorian (Imperial Bushmen's) Contingent –
501 Trooper George Whitfield ANGUS

504 Trooper Angus BEGGS

Presentation made by Councillor P.J. O'Donnell, in the Mechanics' Institute, Kerang.
 

02/12/1901 presentation

5th Victorian (Mounted Rifles) Contingent –

1572 Private William GRIMES (of Cohuna; lost his right leg at Wilmansrust)

Presentation made by Councillor McDonald (President of the Shire), in the Mechanics' Institute, Kerang.

 

Type 1.

Inscribed: "From the citizens of Kerang to ________ for noble services in the South African War. 7th December, 1900".

Type 2 (gold & black enamel memorial locket, set with pearls).

Inscribed: "From the citizens of Kerang, in memory of Corporal George Cullen, who nobly died for the Empire in South Africa".

Supplied by Mr Waddell, jeweller.

 

Sergeant Bell received a second medal from Colonel Price "to mark his appreciation of the kindness shown to him by Bell during the colonel's illness in South Africa" (see VICTORIAN MOUNTED RIFLES).

 

 

Bendigo Advertiser, 07/03/1901
 
 
_________________________________________
 
 
 
Kerang Times, 7th December 1900
 

WELCOMING RETURNED SOLDIERS.

As before mentioned, it was decided a few days ago to suitably welcome the local soldiers back from active service in South Africa. A committee of citizens was appointed to work with the Shire Council in giving effect to the proposal, and it was decided that in addition to a banquet and public meeting of welcome, torchlight procession, etc., each of the district representatives should be presented on their return with a gold locket as a souvenir of the campaign. Mr C.H. Manning was appointed secretary and Messrs Geo. Adams and P.J. O'Donnell undertook to canvass the town for subscriptions. The latter met with a ready response, about £15 being collected. Our local representatives have given a good account of themselves in action, and have been so far particularly fortunate. Corporal Geo. CULLEN is the only one missing at the present time. He succumbed to typhoid fever at Pretoria, and it is proposed to present Mrs Cullen with a suitable memento as a mark of appreciation of her late husband's services in the war. An order was given to Mr Waddell to supply a handsome gold and enamel mourning locket set with pearls for presentation to Mrs Cullen and for handsome gold lockets suitably inscribed to be handed to the Kerang soldiers on their return.

Yesterday afternoon when it became known that Privates L.T. COLLINS and W. WILKS, of the First Victorian Contingent, would return by the 9.30 train the town put on a holiday appearance in honor of the event. The loyal citizens draped their business places with flags. Visitors began to roll in from the country, and young and old prepared to greet the warriors with a cordial welcome. Shortly after 9 o'clock a large crowd began to assemble at the railway station and impatiently awaited the arrival of the train. When the train arrived, the crowd cheered enthusiastically. Sergeant BELL and Privates COLLINS and WILKS were met by representatives of the shire council and driven in a drag to the Mechanics' Institute, accompanied by a torchlight procession formed by the local military, the fire brigade and others, headed by the Kerang Town Band playing Soldiers of the Queen and other martial airs. The streets were lined with crowds of people, and it was seen at once that not one-half of those who desired to be present could find accommodation in the Mechanics'. In the absence of the President of the shire, Cr O'Donnell was chairman and suitably welcomed the soldiers. Speeches were delivered by other gentlemen, songs sung and the souvenirs from the citizens of Kerang presented. Owing to the lateness of the function a full report is unavoidably crowded out.
 
 
Bendigo Advertiser, 10th December 1900
 

WELCOME AT KERANG.

Kerang, 7th December.

One of the largest crowds—probably the largest—ever seen in Kerang assembled last night to welcome home from South Africa Privates L.T. COLLINS and W.A. WILKS, of the first contingent, and Sergeant H.H. BELL, of the second contingent. The gathering comprised not only townspeople, but residents from all parts of the surrounding district. Shortly before the hour scheduled for the arrival of the last train, the Mounted Rifles, Rangers, Fire Brigade and Kerang Town Band, took up a commanding position on the platform, from which all others were excluded, with the exception of the shire councillors and immediate relatives of the returning soldiers, the ever-increasing proportions of the surging crowd outside the barriers demonstrating the wisdom of this arrangement. As the train drew up, the band played "See the Conquering Heroes Come", and the sections of Mounted Rifles and Rangers were immediately supplemented by a number of rank and file, who had been present in the larger demonstration in Melbourne. The first greetings over, the returned soldiers took their places in a drag, with the shire councillors and others, and a procession, headed by the Town Band, was at once formed, and a start made for the Mechanics' Institute, where it was found impossible to provide accommodation, chiefly in the shape of standing room, for more than a very small proportion of those anxious to witness the proceedings. In the absence of the president of the shire, the chair was taken by Cr. P.J. O'Donnell, who was supported by Cr. John Cullen, while on the platform were the officers of the local detachments of the Defence force, the various ministers of religion, and a large number of representative townspeople and residents of the district. The appearance of the three returned "boys" was the signal for prolonged cheering, which was frequently repeated, particularly when later on each soldier rose to respond. Speeches appropriate to the occasion were delivered by the chairman and others, whiles a number of patriotic songs served to intensify the increasing enthusiasm of the audience. Each soldier was made the recipient of a gold locket, suitably inscribed, and similar presentations were made to Privates MEANNY [sic] and MORRISON, who returned invalided some weeks ago. The Rev. G. Tregear also received an "In Memoriam" locket, on behalf of Mrs Cullen, widow of the late Corporal George CULLEN, who succumbed to enteric fever at Pretoria. The proceedings concluded in due course with the singing of the National Anthem.
 
 
Kerang Times, 11th December 1900
 

WELCOMING RETURNED SOLDIERS

The Mechanics' Institute was packed to its utmost capacity on Thursday evening last on the occasion of the welcome to the returned soldiers, viz. Sergeant BELL and Privates COLLINS and WILKS. Mr P.J. O'Donnell occupied the chair and in addition to the returned soldiers the local members of the Rangers and Mounted Rifles, the ministers of the different churches, and several prominent citizens occupied seats on the platform. The chairman set the ball rolling by asking the audience to join in singing the National Anthem, after which he delivered a brief address. He expressed his pleasure at being able on behalf of the shire council and residents of Kerang and district, to extend a very hearty welcome to the returned soldiers. The Australians in South Africa had done noble work for Queen and country and owing to this the colonies had risen from a position of comparative insignificance to one of greatness. The recent war had been a splendid advertisement for Australia. While they had been at home enjoying the blessings of a free country, their soldiers had been fighting in South Africa, enduring all kinds of hardships, and doing their very best to uphold the prestige of Great Britain. The Australians by their actions on the battlefield had shown that they were possessed of the same grit and heroism manifested by their forefathers, and he desired to join with the rest of the community in extending to their returned soldiers a very hearty welcome. The following musical items were then given, Mr W. Harris playing the accompaniments. Song, Home, Boys Home, Mr Neilson. Song, Rule Britannia, Mr Fraser. Song, Scarlet and Blue, Mr H. Colman. Song, Marching Through Pretoria, Mr Myles O'Brien. Song, Australia, Mr Neilson. Song, Soldiers of the Queen, Lieut. Coleman.

At this stage the chairman announced that he would present the gold lockets which had been subscribed for by the citizens of Kerang. They had been supplied by Mr Waddell, jeweller, and each one suitably inscribed. The first one presented was to Mrs D. Cullen, for Corporal CULLEN deceased, who had fallen a victim to enteric fever at Pretoria. The Rev. Geo. Tregear responded on behalf of Mrs Cullen. The three returned soldiers present, Sergeant BELL and Privates COLLINS and WILKS were each in turn made the recipients of similar presentations. The two latter responded very briefly and Sergeant BELL gave a short account of the entry of Colonel Price's men into Pretoria on the 4th of June last. Privates MEHARRY and MORRISON, who returned to the colony some time ago, were also similarly honored, Messrs G.W. Adams and Neilson responded in their absence. The remarks of the different speakers were loudly cheered, the whole proceedings being of a very enthusiastic nature. Mr Neilson favoured the audience with another song, as also did the inimitable Mr Charlie Thompson, who had to respond to an encore. The National Anthem was again sung and the proceedings terminated. The returned soldiers with their friends to the number of about 20, were subsequently entertained at Miss Harridge’s tea rooms and a very pleasant hour was spent.
 
 
Kerang Times, 8th March 1901
 

BACK FROM THE WAR.

RECEPTION TO TROOPER McCURDY.

On Tuesday last Trooper T.J. McCURDY, a member of the Bushmen's contingent, recently invalided home from South Africa, returned to Kerang by the afternoon train. He was met at the station by members of the K Coy. Victorian Rangers and the I Coy. Mounted Rifles, the officers present being Captain Davidson and Lieut. Coleman, of the Rangers, and Lieut. Williamson, of the Mounted Rifles. The Kerang Town Band, under Bandmaster Collins, played See the Conquering Hero Comes, and on Trooper McCURDY alighting from the train he was accorded a very hearty reception by the assembled crowd. A procession headed by the town band was then formed, consisting of a drag conveying Trooper McCURDY, the president of the shire (Cr Curlett) and Crs Cullen and O’Donnell, members of the military, etc. On arriving at the Mechanics' Institute, the chair was taken by Cr Curlett.

After the singing of the National Anthem, the chairman said it gave him great pleasure to be present on that occasion to join in the reception to Trooper McCURDY. They had met to do honor to a young soldier returned from the seat of war, one who had lived here from childhood and had been educated and trained in the district. They were proud of him because he had acquitted himself as a faithful soldier. It was a great honor for him to be able to say that he had fought with the greatest army that ever trod a field of battle and under one of the greatest generals that ever commanded a British army. Private McCURDY had been an eyewitness of scenes which had made their blood run cold as they read the harrowing details of what had taken place at the war. After the experiences their guest had gone through he would, no doubt, appreciate being home again. They had had their comfortable beds to lie upon, while he again and again had to lie upon the cold damp ground, with only the heavens for a covering. He (Cr Curlett) felt very proud of the conduct of their guest, and had come there to welcome him in the name of the citizens of Kerang and the residents of the shire. He hoped he would long live to enjoy the honors showered upon him, and though he did not come back with the Victoria Cross, he had proved himself a hero. (Cheers). The chairman then, on behalf of the citizens, presented Private McCURDY with a beautiful gold locket suitably inscribed.

Song, Australia, Mr Neilson.

Captain Davidson said he was glad to have the opportunity of joining in the reception to Trooper McCURDY. It was only a few months ago that he was a private in the K Coy. Rangers, and since then he had been to South Africa and made a name for himself. The manner in which he and others had acquitted themselves on the battlefield showed that they were equal to their forefathers. Their guest had had some trying experiences and had been in some tight places, but he (the speaker) felt deeply grateful that he had been allowed to return home again and hoped he would remain and give them the benefit of his experience.

Song, Soldiers of the Queen, Lieut. Coleman.

Lieut. Williamson commenced by reading an extract from the London Times, giving a graphic account of the engagement at Elands River, when the British were surrounded by 3000 Boers and defended their convoy against desperate odds. In Trooper McCURDY they had one of the boys who stood in that fight, and he (the speaker) hoped he would live long enough to be able to tell his grandchildren the story of that engagement.

Song, Mr Fraser, Rule Britannia.

Trooper McCURDY, who was received with load cheers, said he desired to thank them very sincerely for the hearty reception they had given him, and also for the presentation. He knew he had a few friends in Kerang but did not expect to meet so many. He then proceeded to relate some of his experiences after landing at Beira, where they had to remain seven days before they could commence landing their horses, which occupied three days. They then started by train for Umtali on a 2ft. gauge line, which passed through some of the most beautiful country he had ever seen in his life. A number of English people lived at Umtali but Beira was mostly peopled by blacks. Their next place of call was Marandellas, where they stopped a week, and then Bamboo Creek, where they camped for a month. During his stay in this part of the country he had tasted the flesh of every wild beast except the lion. They travelled from Marandellas to Bulawayo on horseback, a distance of 250 miles. The travelling was very slow, they could only do 12 miles a day. At Bulawayo they were formed into a rear guard to assist in the advance on Mafeking, but when that town was relieved they were 500 miles away. In due course they arrived at Mafeking, but there was very little to see there, only a few iron houses and some trenches. From what he saw there was no great feat in defending Mafeking after the trenches were dug; the great difficulty was the want of food. From Mafeking they proceeded to Elands River, where their first engagement took place. He gave a graphic description of the fight, and the blood curdling scenes to be witnessed on a battlefield. Subsequently the troops returned to Mafeking and then proceeded to Pretoria by rail. Then a further 70 miles in a north easterly direction, where he received the bullet wound in his head. Trooper McCURDY concluded his interesting address by a brief reference to the nature of the country. He said the Transvaal was admirably suited for farming purposes, and irrigation was practiced on a small scale. The Boer farmer only grew about 20 acres of grain, and used no machinery except a thresher.

The audience then joined in singing the National Anthem and the proceedings terminated.
 
 
Bendigo Independent, 4th June 1901
 

RETURNING BENDIGO SOLDIERS.

By the s.s. Morayshire, which is due in Melbourne tomorrow or next day, with 750 returning soldiers, several Bendigo boys are coming home. It is probable that they will arrive in Bendigo by Thursday evening’s express. It is to he hoped that arrangements will be made to give them a fitting welcome.

The list for this district is as follows: Sergeant S.E. COURTIER, 3rd Contingent, Kangaroo Flat; Sergeant W.H. ESSEX, 3rd Contingent, Laanecoorie; Lance-Corporal A.H. DOUGLAS, 3rd Contingent, Bendigo; Lance-Corporal C.H. STEVENS, 3rd Contingent, Corop; Trooper C.W. BLANDFORD, 3rd Contingent, Huntly; Trooper H. McK. CHAMBERS, 3rd Contingent, Korong Vale; Trooper J.J. HUGHES, 3rd Contingent. Bet Bet; Trooper A.A. MACKIN, 3rd Contingent, Korong Vale; Trooper G. McELDREW, 3rd Contingent, Eaglehawk; Trooper D. McPHERSON, 3rd Contingent, Wycheproof; Trooper C. REAPER, 3rd Contingent, Murrabit; Trooper J. THOMPSON, 3rd Contingent, Eaglehawk; Trooper W. McKENZIE, 2nd Contingent, Kerang; Trooper NICHOLLS, Cameron’s Scouts, Bendigo; Trooper R.J. HOLLOWAY, 4th Contingent, Boort; Trooper J.W. HERSCHELL, 4th Contingent, Bendigo.
 
 
Bendigo Advertiser, 12th June 1901
 

BACK FROM THE WAR.

WELCOME AT KERANG.

Kerang, 11th June.

On Saturday night Sergeant W. McKENZIE, Lance-Corporal A.H. DOUGLAS, Sergeant-Trumpeter A.D. BELL and Trooper C. REAPER, members of the Australian Contingent, who returned by the Morayshire, arrived in Kerang. They were met at the railway station by the Shire President (Cr. T. Curlett), and Crs. O'Donnell and Williamson. After exchanging a hearty greeting, a procession was formed of the town band, the K Company of Victorian Rangers commanded by Captain Adjutant W.J. Rogers-Davidson, and the Cadets, under Lieut. Bossence. The procession marched to the Mechanics Institute, where they were publicly welcomed and congratulated by the Shire President, several Shire Councillors, Captain Davidson, and other leading citizens. On behalf, of the residents of the town and district, the Shire President presented each with a handsome gold locket, suitably inscribed. They were afterwards entertained at supper by Cr. Curlett.
 
 
Melbourne Age, 14th June 1901
 

KERANG.

Four of the soldiers who returned by the Morayshire, Sergeant W. McKENZIE, Lance-Corporal A.H. DOUGLAS, Trumpeter-Sergeant A.D. BELL and Trooper C. REAPER, were met on arrival at Kerang, and were welcomed by the shire president, Cr. T. Curlett, and Crs. O'Donnell and Williamson. A procession consisting of the town band, K company of Victorian Rangers and the newly formed cadet corps paraded the principal streets, and proceeded to the Mechanics' Institute. Here addresses of welcome and congratulation were made, and the men were presented with gold lockets on behalf of the residents of the town and district. They were afterwards entertained at supper by Cr. Curlett.
 
 
Bendigo Advertiser, 24th July 1901
 

BACK FROM THE WAR.

WELCOME AT KERANG.

Kerang, 22nd July.

An enthusiastic reception was accorded Troopers G. ANGUS and A. BEGGS, who returned from South Africa by the Orient last week, and arrived at Kerang on Friday night by the last train, when they were met and welcomed by Cr. P.J. O'Donnell on behalf of the Shire Council, and Mr G. Adams, J.P., representing the residents of Kerang. There was a large attendance of townspeople, and the Kerang Town Band played an appropriate air as the train drew up at the platform. On Saturday night the returned troopers were further welcomed at the Mechanics’ Institute. In the absence of Cr. Curlett (president of the shire), Cr. P.J. O'Donnell occupied the chair. Speeches were delivered by the chairman, Mr H. Williams, M.L.C., Mr John Cullen, M.L.A., Adjutant-Captain Rogers-Davidson, Lieutenant Williamson, and Mr G. Adams, J.P. The troopers were presented with gold lockets suitably inscribed. Patriotic songs were rendered, and the proceedings throughout were marked by intense enthusiasm.
 
 
Kerang New Times, 3rd December 1901
 

BACK FROM THE WAR.

RETURN OF PRIVATE GRIMES.

RECEPTION AT THE MECHANICS' INSTITUTE.

Private W. GRIMES, of Cohuna, who proceeded to South Africa with the fifth contingent, returned to Victoria last week, and arrived in Kerang by the afternoon train yesterday. There was a large crowd at the railway station, and as the train came in the Kerang Town Band, under Mr Harridge, acting bandmaster, played a martial air. The military forces were represented by Adjutant-Captain Davidson and Sergeant-Major Wood, K Co.; Lieutenant Williamson, V.M.R.; and Lieutenant Bossence, in command of the Cadets, who mustered in full force. The following acted as a reception committee: — Cr McDonald, president, and Mr D.G. Rattray, secretary of the shire; the Hon. H. Williams, M.L.C., Mr John Cullen, M.L.A., Mr Geo. Adams, J.P., and others. On Private GRIMES walking on crutches alighting from the train he was loudly cheered, and after the usual hand shaking, congratulations, etc., a procession, led by the band, was formed, and marched to the Mechanics' Institute, where a reception was held. Cr McDonald occupied the chair, having the returned soldier on his right, and there were also on the platform members of the military forces and leading citizens already mentioned. The hall was well filled, and at the request of the chairman all joined in singing the National Anthem.

Cr. McDonald said he was pleased to be there to preside over that gathering; but at the same time the duty was not altogether a pleasant one, because Private GRIMES had come back maimed, and would be maimed for life. He had gone forth at his country's call, had taken up arms in its defence, and had thus shown he was possessed of pluck and courage. Private GRIMES, by his conduct on the battlefield, had shown he was one of those men of which heroes were made. When shot down in the Wilmansrust battle he got up and commenced firing away again, and it was through that he had the misfortune to have his right knee injured, which necessitated amputation. The result was he had come back, leaving a portion of his body on the South African veldt. He had been, in the truest sense of the word, a fighting soldier. It was a matter for regret that the war had been prolonged up to the present, but the people on the continent and others who were continually backing up the Boer cause, were to blame for that. What were the Boers fighting for, and what could they hope to gain by prolonging the struggle? They were opposing the only nation where true liberty existed. This war should have terminated long ago. They had heard a good deal about the inhumanity of the British troops, but no enemy had treated the Boers better than they had been treated; in fact they had had far too much consideration. The chairman concluded his remarks by presenting Private GRIMES with a gold locket suitably inscribed, expressing a hope that he would live long to wear it. (Applause).

The Hon. H. Williams remarked that it was often said "Good wine needs no bush", and he felt no words of his were needed to add to the hearty welcome that had been extended to Private GRIMES. Still, he was glad to be able once again to take part in the function of greeting a returned soldier, one of their own lads, and who had proved himself a hero in the battlefield. He had had a varied experience, and had passed through every phase of a soldier’s life. Trooper GRIMES had laid down his life for his country, but in the providence of God he had been able to take it again, and he (the speaker) hoped his life might be long spared and that he would be honored and reverenced everywhere. (Applause).

Mr Wade here recited effectively "The Little Hero".

Mr Cullen expressed the pleasure he felt at being able to join in the welcome to Private GRIMES. He was a native of the Kerang district, and he (the speaker) had known his parents for the last 25 years. He was glad to know that Private GRIMES had answered his country's call but pained that he had had the misfortune to lose a portion of his leg. He had, however, found his way home again and looked in the best of health. This was all the more gratifying when they remembered that he had to travel through difficult country and endure many hardships. (Applause).

Adjutant-Captain Davidson said the duty once again devolved upon them of welcoming back another returned soldier. He had come back minus a portion of one of his limbs, which he had lost at the front, and would never be able to recover it again. Those who went to the front had to pay the penalties of war, and they had ocular demonstration of that by the presence of the soldier who had returned that day. This fact suggested another matter, and the country would have to recognise the fact that Private GRIMES had come back in a condition which would prevent him earning his living, which he had been able to do before leaving Victoria. He would have to be provided with some light employment and he hoped their representatives in Parliament would take the matter up and urge that provision be made for such cases. (Applause).

Song, Army and Navy, Mr E. Williamson, Miss Williamson playing the accompaniment.

Lieut. Williamson said he also felt great pleasure in being able to join in the welcome to a comrade. Of all who had returned none had done their duty more faithfully than Private GRIMES had. The loss of part of a limb carried with it a great honor, which any soldier might envy. A good deal had been said and written about the war, and that it should have been concluded long ere this. It must be remembered that they had not only to fight the Boers in South Africa, but a section in England and a small section in Australia. These people, by their action had helped to prolong the war. If they had belonged to any other nation but Great Britain they would have been in gaol long ere this. It had been said by a previous speaker that Private GRIMES should be rewarded. There was no doubt he would be, if not they would know the reason why. He deserved it at the hands of his country. (Applause).

Private GRIMES was loudly cheered on rising to speak. He desired to thank them sincerely for the reception accorded to him. While fighting for king and country he had only striven to do his duty, and those left behind would, he believed, do likewise. He did not think the war would be over for another two years, as there was too much leniency shown. He knew of his own knowledge that the same men had been captured over and over again. Before the Wilmansrust disaster occurred, a warning had been given that the Boers were about. But no notice was taken of it. The leaders said there was no cause for apprehension. But they soon found out to their cost that there was every cause for alarm Then after the disaster mistakes were made. Medical assistance was not sent at once; if it had been many lives might have been saved. He knew of one doctor who wanted to leave at once in order to assist the wounded and dying, but he wasn’t allowed to travel at night. There was bad generalship somewhere, which was helping amongst other things to prolong the war. He desired once again to thank them for the hearty reception which had been accorded to him. (Applause).

Mr G. Adams, J.P., was glad on behalf of the townspeople to join in welcoming home Private GRIMES, who had been compelled to return home invalided. He hoped his services would be recognised, and he believed there were funds in all the colonies which could be utilised for the purpose. He had no doubt that those who came back maimed would be suitably provided for.

He thought they ought to recognise the liberality of the townspeople in subscribing the necessary funds wherewith to purchase medals as a slight recognition of what their returned soldiers had done for king and country in South Africa. He concluded by moving that the best thanks of that meeting be tendered to the people of Kerang for their donations.

Lieut. Bossence, in seconding the motion said on previous occasions when they had met under similar circumstances it had been an unalloyed pleasure. But it was not so on that occasion. He hoped that those who had been unfortunate enough to be maimed would receive proper treatment at the hands of the authorities. He also hoped that the Cadets would look up to their returned soldiers with respect, and strive to do as well as they had done.

The motion was carried unanimously.

At this stage a telegram was received from Mr J. McIver, Cohuna, regretting bis inability to be present. The National Anthem was then sung and the proceedings terminated.
 
 
Bendigo Advertiser, 5th December 1901
 

BACK FROM THE WAR.

Kerang, 3rd December.

Last evening an enthusiastic public inception was accorded Private W. GRIMES, of the Fifth Contingent, on his return from the South African campaign. The returned soldier who, unfortunately, lost his right leg at Wilmansrust, was met at the station by a representative gathering, including the president of the shire (Cr. McDonald), the local members of Parliament (Mr H. Williams, M.L.C., and Mr. John Cullen, M.L.A.), and suitably welcomed. A drag was in waiting, and a procession, headed by the Kerang Town Band, and comprising detachments of Rangers, under Captain-Adjutant Rogers-Davidson, Mounted Rifles, commanded by Lieutenant Williamson, and cadets, in charge of Lieutenant Bossence, was formed, and marched to the local Mechanics' Institute, where a large number of townspeople had assembled. The shire president, in an appropriate address, welcomed back Private GRIMES, and presented him, on behalf of the residents of Kerang, with a gold medal, suitably inscribed. A number of speakers endorsed the president's remarks. Captain Davidson and others urging that the State should make adequate provision for soldiers maimed while fighting under the flag. Private GRIMES, who was enthusiastically received, responded in a manly speech, embodying a telling but modest description of the Wilmansrust engagement.