.
SEE:
Footscray Tribute Medal
Footscray Independent, 7th June 1902
FOOTSCRAY CITY RIFLE CLUB.
PRESENTATIONS TO RETURNED SOLDIERS.
THE interior of the Mechanics' Institute on Thursday evening presented a gay appearance, decorated as it was with many bright-coloured flags, greenery, and palms, the occasion being the annual smoke night of the Footscray City Rifle Club, with which was incorporated the presentation of gold medals to recently returned local soldiers.
The chair was occupied by Mr W.B. Wilkes, president, and amongst those present were Mr S. Mauger, M.H.R., the Mayor, Cr McDonald, Mr D. Mitchell, J.P., and representatives of several suburban rife clubs.
The musical programme submitted was an excellent one, and was evidently appreciated by those present, the humorous songs by Mr H. Buck, comicalities by Mr Len. Le Mert, ballads by Messrs A.E. Thorley and W. Cuming, amusing songs by Mr R. Johnstone, sen., mock boxing bout exhibition of foils, single sticks, &c., by Messrs McDonald Bros., R. Johnstone jun., and T. Phelan, and instrumental contributions by Messrs W.B. Wilkes, J. McGinty, R. Borthwick, W.P. Smith, jun., R. Johnstone, jun., being of more than average merit.
Mr W.B. Wilkes proposed "The Army and Navy," and remarked that they were now supposed to be enjoying the piping times of peace, but a few days previously they were looking to their army to defend their Empire. Only a few years ago they looked upon the army as of less importance than their navy, but the war in South Africa had shown that both were necessary, and that both were ready and capable of upholding the honour and prestige of Great Britain. (Applause.)
The Mayor next proceeded with the presentation of medals to the following returned soldiers – Sergeant J.C. GANGE, Farrier Sergeant D. McLENNAN, Trooper Saddler T. DEARDEN, Troopers S. MAHER, G. McGREGOR, F. RINGHOLDT, Corporal C. MUNSOR, Privates W. COWARD and J.T. ARNOLD, and Trumpeter W.H. TICKELL (absentia).
In making the presentations the Mayor remarked that it gave him very great pleasure, on behalf of the citizens of Footscray, to wish the returned soldiers a very very hearty welcome home. There was no doubt that in common with the Australian troops they had shown by their actions and conduct on the field of battle that they were worthy descendants of a worthy race, and had shown the world that wherever, or whenever, Great Britain was in danger her sons were prepared to come to her assistance. (Applause.) He was sorry to say that they did not have sufficient medals to give each of the returned soldiers one, some of them came back after the medals were ordered, and one man had been inadvertently overlooked, but he had no doubt that their services would be suitably recognized later on (Applause.)
Trooper S. MAHER and Sergeant GANGE acknowledged the gifts on behalf of the recipients.
Mr G.A. Turner proposed "Kindred Clubs," and Mr Douglas, secretary of the Essendon Club, replied, while the toast of "The Visitors”, proposed by Mr J.T.C. Whitehead, was acknowledged by the Mayor, Mr S. Mauger, M.H.R., and Mr Lewis, captain of the Fitzroy Club.
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