Medals and awards

Returned Soldiers.

PRESENTATION TO SERGEANT KING.

The Narandera Rifle Reserves entertained about 30 riflemen and visitors at Hudson's Star Hotel last Friday evening, the occasion being to present to, Sergeant Joe. KING a handsome gold medal subscribed by the members of the Club in recognition of his services in South Africa. Among the guests were the latest returned Bushmen, Troopers ASHWIN, EMERY, NORMAN and MORTON.

Lieutenant Hulle, President of the local Civilian Reserve Rifle Club, occupied the chair, and opened the proceedings with the loyal toasts. Some music and songs followed.

The Chairman then, said it was his pleasing duty, by virtue of his office as President of the Rifle Club, to be present that evening to pay a tribute to one of its members; and as the mouthpiece of the Club to express its pride and appreciation of the manner in which Sergeant KING had maintained the honour and prestige of his land in the South African campaign; more especially as Sergeant KING had previously been one of the best members and finest shots in the Club. (Cheers). Of all the men that went forward from Narandera to the war, none went with a better spirit than their guest. He was animated with no bitterness against the enemy, and had no thought of personal gain or glory, but his sense of duty called him to be one of those who sought to do his best to uphold the flag that sheltered as all. It was a cause for extreme gratification that, considering that our army's losses totalled something like 20,000 men, so many of the local volunteers had returned safe and sound. We were glad of this, and proud of the class of men that went from our district; and among those who went to the front there was no one in whom we felt greater confidence or who was so well fitted for the exigencies of the class of warfare that prevailed, than Sergeant KING. A thorough bushman, ready for any emergency, capable, and calm under any circumstance and the best marksman in the district, he was thoroughly skilled in the tactics that proved to be most valuable and most successful in the war. It was no surprise therefore that he had so splendidly conducted himself and had won such merit. The Rifle Club felt that his services called for special recognition from themselves personally, and it had decided by a limited subscription among its members, to present Sergeant KING with medal as a taken of their appreciation of his services to his country. Had outside donations been accepted, the gift may have been of greater intrinsic value, but as it was, he felt that Sergeant KING would fully appreciate it in the spirit in which it was given. He had therefore much pleasure in handing to Sergeant KING the gold cross and clasp, inscribed — “Presented to J.R. King by the Narandera Rifle Club in recognition of his services in the Transvaal War, 1900-01”.

On the obverse side of the medal was a kneeling rifleman, and the medal was suspended by a deep blue ribbon from a gold clasp bearing the initials N.R.C.

The presentation was made amid cheers.

Sergeant KING, in response, said that he was no speaker. All he could say was that he sincerely thanked his fellow-members of the Rifle Club for their handsome gift. Perhaps later on he might be able to say a little more. (Applause).

After more music, the Chairman said he had much pleasure in welcoming among them Messrs ASHWIN, NORMAN and EMERY. He explained that a reception was arranged for them on the preceding Monday, but owing to their non-arrival, it had been postponed; it was intended, however, when all the men at the front had returned, to hold a big smoke concert and social, in which it was hoped they would join. He had no doubt that each of them had manfully fulfilled their duty, and had done more than they could reasonably have been expected to do.

The toasts of Sergeant KING and Troopers ASHWIN, EMERY and NORMAN were given with musical honours.