Medals and awards

SOCIAL WELCOME AT WILLUNG.

The quiet little township o£ Willung was en fete on Monday night, the occasion being a Welcome Home Social to Trooper Chris. McRAE, who has just returned from South Africa. Ever since the day Trooper McRAE arrived home the residents have been working together to tender him some reception, thus showing that his efforts on behalf of the Mother Country have been appreciated; and also, give a demonstration which he might remember always. The Willung Mechanics' Institute was the scene of an enthusiastic and patriotic assemblage. It could safely be said that the whole of the township was present, while a large number of residents from Gormandale and Rosedale were also in attendance. About a dozen of the Rosedale section of Rangers attended in uniform, and a more brilliant spectacle has seldom been seen than that presented in the hall on Monday. Never before, we believe, has been so large a number present at a social in Willung, and the committee and secretary (Mr E. Hillman) who had charge of the arrangements, deserve the greatest credit for the success which crowned their efforts.

The Chairman, Mr R.G. Timbs, explained the object of the gathering — which was to tender a welcome home social to Trooper Chris. McRAE, who fortunately had returned home sound in limb and mind. (Applause). The speaker was glad to see so many present, as it was a guarantee to their young friend, that his services had been fully appreciated. He and his other comrades had been fighting to uphold the interests of the Mother Country, and also Australia in South Africa. (Cheers). Australians had shown that they could fight, and were not the pigmy state in which light they had hitherto been regarded. (Hear, hear). The Australians had been in many engagements, and had at all times gained the reputation of being first-class soldiers. (Cheers). Some people considered that the war should not have been started at all, but he could assure them that had it been postponed later, Great Britain would have had a very much harder task than she has now, which was extremely hard. The Australian soldiers had shown on the battlefield that as sons of Briton they were ready and able to uphold the honour of the old flag, as well as those who had been born in the Mother Country. (Continued Applause). On behalf of the residents of Willung, he had much pleasure in presenting to Trooper McRAE a medal, as a token of respect and esteem on his return from South Africa. (Cheers).

Trooper McRAE was then handed a handsome gold star medal, which bore the following inscription: “Presented to Trooper McRae by the residents of Willung for his patriotic services in South Africa”.

Mr Dix said that he could not let the occasion pass without a few re marks. The celebration to welcome their returned soldier was quite unique and the people ought to be proud. It was a wonder to the whole world at large to see the way the Australians had conducted themselves in war They had come out with flying colours, and honoured the place of their birth & the flag they fought for. Too much praise could not be lavished upon them. He had learned when conversing with some of their young friend's comrades, that he was a brave man, and also a true friend. (Applause).

Three ringing cheers were then given for Trooper McRAE, the Gormandale boys (Troopers DAVIS and HORSLEY, who were present by invitation), and also the parents.

Trooper McRAE received quite an ovation on rising to respond. He considered he had been set a very hard task to thank them for their kindness, and all the nice things they had said about him. It was impossible for him to adequately express in words what he would like to say. His feeling at the way he had been received on his return could not be described. He had practically left Willung a stranger, which was all the more reason why he should be thankful for their kind reception. He thanked them most heartily for their handsome presentation, which came as a great surprise to him. (Cheers).

Mr McRae, father of the guest, also received an ovation, said that he felt a proud man that night. He was very pleased to see his son welcomed home in such a loyal manner. He was pleased to say that two of his boys had returned home safely, and that there was still another one at the front, who was also sound and well, when they heard from him, which was only on Friday last. (Applause). In conclusion he thanked them, on behalf of himself and family, for the kind welcome extended to his son. (Applause).

The musical programme was most appropriate, and songs were contributed by Miss McRae, Mrs Grace, Miss Portch, Messrs Rumpff and Gray.

Dancing was next indulged in, the hall being uncomfortably crowded, but the inconvenience was pleasantly put up with, and everyone appeared to thoroughly enjoy themselves. Messrs Rumpff and Scott acted as M.C's., while the music was supplied at intervals by Messrs H. Allen, C. Piera, Mooney and E. Hillman.

Refreshments were handed around, and a lengthy programme of dance music was gone through, dancing being kept up unflaggingly until the small hours of the morning.