State: New South Wales, Australia
Issued on: Return
Dates of presentations: 10/10/1900, 02/07/1902
Number issued: 4 or 5
10/10/1900 presentation
230 Trooper Albert Henry CHANDLER
02/07/1902 presentation
901 Trooper Charles CHANDLER
2913 Trooper Edgar BROWNING
207 Lance-Sergeant [Corporal] Albert Henry CHANDLER (absent - in S. Africa; second period of active service - did he receive a second medal?)
NEVILLE.
The Presbyterian's held another concert at Neville on Wednesday evening in the Neville hall. About 200 persons were present. Rev. J. Goudie was absent owing to private business taking him to Sydney. Mr Jeffries had charge of the stage and Mr R. Stinson was doorkeeper.
The concert opened with an overture by Mr Turnbull followed by song, On the Deep Blue Sea, Mr Jeffries; song, My Sweet Heart When a Boy, R.W. Tiddy (Carcoar), encored; song, Just as the Sun Went Down, Miss Sykes, a nicely modulated voice; song, Coming en Again, H. Bayliss, encored; duet, Chime Again, Misses Chandler, these ladies' voices blend well, encored; song, Castle Gate, J. Sykes; song, Sweetest Story ever told, W. Fox, recitation, Charge of the 600, T. Jeffries — Intermission.
Second part. Overture, Mr Turnbull; song, Pat Malone Forgot that he was Dead, H. Bayliss (with whistling obligate by a gentleman not on the stage or programme), for encore 'Slap Dash'; duet, Come o'er the Moonlit Sea, Misses Chandler; song, Queen of the Earth, R.W. Tiddy (Carcoar), as an encore he sang 'The Garonne'; song, True till Death, J. Jeffries.
At this point of the proceedings a very pleasing ceremony was performed. Mr Jeffries stepped upon the stage and said Ladies and Gentleman, I now call upon Mr Stinson to make the presentation to Mr Bert. CHANDLER. Mr R. Stinton: Ladies and Gentlemen, I am surprised that I should be called upon. I would have liked some other person, more competent, but it is a pleasing duty to make this presentation to Mr Bert CHANDLER who has just returned from South Africa, and though, he was wounded I am happy to say he is quite sound now. He has proved himself a brave man and fought to uphold and maintain British acts and British laws. To show their appreciation of Mr CHANDLER's bravery in fighting to maintain those laws, the residents of Neville desire to make this presentation. (Applause).
Berts' willingness to go to war is not yet over, for he volunteered to go to China. I am sorry I am not a better speaker, but that will not make the gift less valuable or less appreciated by Mr CHANDLER. This present is given by the residents of Neville. It is a very pretty gift. I have much pleasure, Mr CHANDLER, in presenting on behalf of the residents of Neville, this token of our esteem for you. (Cheers).
Mr CHANDLER: Ladies and Gentlemen, it gives me very great pleasure to be here before you again, not because I receive this valuable gift, but because we meet as friends again, arid you are friends indeed, I am also a friend of the Empire and a returned soldier who did not do much, but did his best. [Cheers] I wish to thank you all, and especially Mr Stinson for the part he has taken in this presentation.
Mr Stinson: I don’t deserve all the thanks; Mesdames J. Beddie W. Beddie and Mr S. Beddie helped me very much to make this welcome a success and also at the other gathering. I was sorry that their names were not mentioned in the Blayney reports. The gift was an expensive gold albert with silver match box and gold medal attached, upon the latter were engraved the words: –
“Presented to Mr H. Chandler of the 1st Australian Bushmen, on his return from South Africa, by the residents of Neville”. 10.10.1900.
RETURNED SOLDIERS’ WELCOME.
BLAYNEY, Thursday.
Soldiers' Welcome Home at Neville.
A most enthusiastic demonstration was held at Neville on Wednesday night, the occasion being a welcome home reception to Corporal A.P. RADBURN and Trooper C. CHANDLER, of the 2nd Regiment Mounted Rifles, and Trooper E. BROWNING, of the 3rd Regiment, who have returned home from South Africa. There was a very large assemblage present, including visitors from Blayney, Barry, Newbridge, Hobby's Yards, Gallymont, and other places. Amongst those present were Corporals J. OSBORNE and H. CAMPBELL, of Blayney, and Corporal J. FENTON (Hobby's Yards).
A procession, headed by the Neville Band, marched through the town, thence to the Hall, where a banquet was held. The interior of the hall was decorated with flags, arranged with artistic appropriateness by Messrs J. Stinson, J. and S. Sykes, Mrs Stinson, and the Misses Sykes and Stinson. Two tables were arranged in the hall, on which were set all kinds of pastry, fruit, and other nice delicacies, supplied by Mr Joseph Clements (Blayney), and the ladies of Neville. Great praise is due to Mrs Stinson, and the Misses Chandler, Sykes, A. Wallace, Stinson, and Radburn for the excellent manner in which the tables were set. The Rev. J. Onyons presided, and the returned soldiers occupied seats on his right. A number of willing ladies were kept very busy waiting on the tables, and the greatest credit is due to them for their unselfish and indefatigable efforts. In addition to the ladies mentioned above, the following assisted at the tables: — Mesdames Sykes, Radburn, and Misses M. and S. Radburn, Edge, Chandler, May, and others. After the sumptuous repast was partaken of,
The Chairman proposed the toast of "The King and Queen", and during an appropriate address the speaker referred to the recent illness of the King, and the welcome news of his recovery, also the great courage displayed by the Queen during the trying ordeal. The toast was enthusiastically received, the band playing the National Anthem.
Mr W.J. Barratt, J.P. (Blayney) proposed "Our Guests". He was very pleased to be present and join in welcoming the returned soldiers back to their homes. He referred to the splendid work performed by the Australian troops in South Africa, and spoke of their devotion to duty, making special reference to the late Trooper Hector BLACK, of Blayney, who remained with his regiment although he was suffering from enteric until he was forced by sheer exhaustion to go to the hospital, where he died within three days after being admitted. Mr Barratt said he was very pleased to see such a large assemblage present to welcome back the soldiers of Neville, and he was asked to perform a very pleasing ceremony, which was to present the soldiers with a memento of the occasion on behalf of the residents of Neville. He then presented Corporal RADBURN, and Troopers CHANDLER and BROWNING with a handsome gold medal each, suitably inscribed.
Mr Barratt concluded amidst cheers and the band struck up "Soldiers of the King", after which three enthusiastic cheers were given.
Trooper CHANDLER briefly responded on behalf of himself and comrades. He said he was sure that no city or large town had given their Soldiers a more hearty reception, and he thanked them sincerely for their very cordial welcome. Trooper CHANDLER resumed his seat amidst cheers.
Mr T. Martyn proposed "The Empire", after which the band played "Rule Britannia", and Miss Chandler sang "Sing this Song with Me".
Mr Stan. Beddie, in a humorous and appropriate speech, then proposed "The Ladies", and Mr J. Sykes responded. The band rendered a selection, after which Mr H. Woolley proposed "The Press", which was responded to by Messrs W. Mellor ("Blayney Advocate") and T. Black ("West Macquarie").
Mr Stinson proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the Neville Band for their valuable services, which was carried by acclamation, and Mr R. Edge responded. A vote of thanks was accorded the Chairman, and the National Anthem concluded the banquet.
The hall was then cleared, and a social was held. Although the gathering was too large to permit of comfortable dancing, everybody entered into the fun heartily, and the proceedings passed off merrily. Messrs J. Steers and T. Digby were efficient Ms. C., and excellent music was supplied by Miss Ruby Hawkins, of Millthorpe, on the violin, and Miss Seach (Spring Hill), on the piano, also by the Misses Rosewarne (Gallymont), L. Mellor (Blayney), and Mann (Barry). Refreshments were handed round at midnight, after which dancing was resumed and continued till 5 a.m., when the happy and enjoyable proceedings terminated. During the evening the following items were rendered, and were highly appreciated: — Song, "The Soldier's Tear", Miss M. Stinson; song, "The Man behind the Gun", Mr R. Edge; song, "John Bull, Junior", Mr Walter Gorringe; and a step-dance by Mr J. McGurren (Blayney).
