State: New South Wales, Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 16/01/1901
Number issued: 1
Gold medal, suitably inscribed, to:
Presentation made by Mr J. Cook, M.L.A., in the Public Hall, Blackheath.
Cripps later served as Sergeant with the 2nd New South Wales Mounted Rifles.
BLACKHEATH’S WELCOME TO PRIVATE W.S. CRIPPS.
A GREAT DEMONSTRATION.
Blackheath was en fete on Wednesday night, the occasion of Private CRIPPS’ return from South Africa. Great preparations had been made for his reception, and the public did their duty to the letter. Long before the arrival of the “fish” train from Sydney, the Lithgow band, which had been engaged, warned the people of what was to happen by parading the town in a coach. The road between the Public Hall and the railway station was lined with people. The railway station was fairly packed with people of all classes anxious to give a cheer to the local returned soldier. Invitations had been sent to the Lithgow boys – Privates THOMAS, SAXELBY, HALL, and GRACE – (CRIPPS’ comrades), all of whom gladly accepted, and took a prominent part in the proceedings. On arrival of the train the cheers that rent the air were deafening, the band playing “Home, Sweet, Home”. Accompanying Private CRIPPS were Mr Cook and Mr Jones. On alighting CRIPPS was besieged, and was escorted by the local Rifle Club to the coach, the horses of which were taken out. The four Lithgow soldiers, with Private CRIPPS, were seated therein. The band headed the procession, which was marshalled by President Slatyer. The local riflemen and residents drew the coach along, and were followed by some 200 others to the Public Hall to the strains of “Soldiers of the Queen”. The large concourse of people all along joining in made the affair very impressive. Once at the hall all dismounted. The Lithgow boys shouldered their comrade, and marching into the hall, landed Private CRIPPS on the platform amid great enthusiasm. The building rapidly filled. Special trouble had been gone to to decorate the hall with bunting and ferns. Cross rifles and bayonets, and red, white and blue ribbons in all directions made a splendid display.
Mr Laws acted as chairman. On his right was Private CRIPPS, and Mr Cook on the left, the Lithgow boys occupying seats on each side; also several members of the committee. Mr Laws, on rising to welcome Mr CRIPPS, was well received. On behalf of Blackheath, he extended a cordial welcome home to Mr CRIPPS, and made a most interesting speech, which was liberally punctuated with applause. There was a far wider view of the question than the one affecting their guest that night. This was one of the incidents of the great revival of the imperialistic sentiment which showed that the Empire was one.
Messrs Slatyer and Bettington voiced the welcome of the Rifle Association of Blackheath. They were greatly pleased at the way their townsman had covered himself with credit, and were very pleased to welcome him back to their ranks.
Mr Jones added a few words as an old schoolmate of Mr CRIPPS, and as one who was very proud of his acquaintance.
Mr Cook was then asked to make a presentation of a handsome gold medal, suitably inscribed, to Private CRIPPS, and made a good speech which was very cordially received. He said these men in khaki had done more for the Empire than statesmen could have accomplished in half a century, and it was on this account their obligation to them was so great. He had great pleasure in asking his acceptance of the medal, and hoped it would remind him of the cordial goodwill of the people of Blackheath, and their appreciation of his conduct at the war.
Private CRIPPS had a great reception on rising to reply. He thanked them from the bottom of his heart for their reception, which had taken him by surprise. During his remarks he referred to the fact that Private SAXELBY had once saved his life, and he was, therefore, very grateful to him. He had simply done his duty. He was loudly cheered on resuming his seat.
Each of the visiting soldiers in turn said a few words, all testifying their high regard for CRIPPS’ bravery and comradeship.
Mr Collier moved a vote of thanks to Mr Cook, comparing him to De Wet for the agility and readiness with which he moved through the electorate whenever he was required.
Refreshments, and most welcome numbers by Miss Laws and Mr Neate, senr., made up a most enjoyable evening. After the National Anthem had been sung the room was cleared, and to the accompaniment of music supplied by members of the Lithgow band the young people tripped it merrily until early morn.
The affair altogether was a great success.
