State: New South Wales, Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 09/05/1901
Number issued: 2
Gold medals, suitably inscribed, to:
Subscribed for by the employees of Messrs. B.A. Moses & Co.
Home from the War.—
Privates H.J. and W. Dale, E.A. Ashton, Allan McDonald and E. Gilmour returned to Armidale by Thursday morning's mail-train, and Private Coucom arrived yesterday morning.
The home-coming soldiers were met at the Station by Captain Braund and Lieutenant Weaver, representing J Company, and numerous relatives and friends.
They were extended a most enthusiastic welcome, hearty cheers being given by those assembled on the platform.
At the local boot factory on Thursday evening the employees of Messrs. B. A. Moses and Co. met for the purpose of welcoming Privates Dale and McDonald, and presenting to them souvenirs in recognition of their career in South Africa.
The interior of the factory had been extensively decorated for the function, the machinery, walls and tables being liberally festooned with choice flowers and foliage. A tasty supper was provided by the ladies, many of whom, graced the gathering by their presence.
Mr. Walpole (foreman) occupied the chair, and was supported by Messrs. A. Crossman. J.P. and W. J. Dale. After the Chairman had briefly explained the objects of the reunion, for the promotion of which the employees of the factory were solely responsible, he called upon Mr. Crossman to make a presentation of a gold medal to each of the returned soldiers. Mr. Crossman, in a complimentary speech, made reference to the doings of the guests of the evening at the war, passing a high tribute of eulogy towards each of the trio. He then presented to the troopers a gold medal, suitably inscribed, from the employees of the factory.
