State: Victoria, Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 15/07/1901
Number issued: 1
Gold medal, suitably inscribed, to:
Presentation made by Mr J.W. Bell.
WELCOME HOME.
TROOPER M. HALL ENTERTAINED.
On Monday evening last, a Welcome Home was tendered Trooper M. HALL (who recently returned by the Orient), by the residents of Boolarra and district, in Scanlon's Hall, when notwithstanding the inclement weather and very bad state of roads, Boolarra, wife and family, uncles, aunts and cousins, with the Shire President and other councillors thrown in, were all present to extend a hearty welcome to the returned soldier, the hall being filled to overflowing.
A committee, with Mr J.W. Bull as Secretary, was formed for the purpose of carrying out all arrangements in connection with the welcome home, and needless to say, they carried out their duties in an excellent manner, and everything in connection with the affair passed off without the slightest hitch, and, without doubt, was one of the most successful and enjoyable gatherings ever held at Boolarra. There is no doubt that our troops have been the means of uniting the states with the mother land in "the bonds of affection" and unity that could not be brought about by even federation, or statesmanship, but anyone visiting Boolarra could not fail to recognise the unity among the people in welcoming home Trooper HALL. It just appeared as though those present were all one large family rejoicing over the fact that a long-lost brother had been found, and for whom the fatted calf had been killed. No charge was made for admission, and everyone was made to feel at home. There was not one present who failed to thoroughly enjoy themselves, and the promoters, especially the energetic secretary, have certainly to be congratulated upon the results achieved.
The hall was decorated with Union Jacks, etc., whilst a text "A hearty welcome home" was placed upon the wall. Mr Bell presided, and in a few well-chosen words said they had met for the purpose of welcoming home one who had been fighting in the cause of liberty and freedom, and one of whom they were all proud. The next item was a pianoforte overture "The Transvaal War", nicely rendered by Miss Gleddon. Mrs Muir followed with a song "Dear Harst" which was highly appreciated. Master Dick Scanlon came next with the "Union Jack", which he recited in a most creditable manner.
Cr. J. Hall was then called upon to address the gathering. He stated he had been taken completely by surprise, as he had no idea he was to be called upon. He, however, was pleased to be present upon such an occasion, to welcome back one of the brave boys who had so nobly fought for the Empire and liberty in South Africa. It was not a time to discuss the merits or demerits of the war. They were all Britishers and Australia had sent her sons to fight in order that the freedom and liberty enjoyed under the British flag might be handed down from generation to generation, and the prestige of the British flag and nation maintained. It was the first occasion Australia had taken her share in such a responsibility, and they were all pleased to know that the men they had sent to the front had fought side by side with Tommy Atkins and had proved themselves in every way his equal. They had just cause to be proud of their boys. They were one people, having one flag, and one great and glorious destiny. Earl Roberts had recognised the sterling worth of the Australians, and paid high tribute to them when he formed his bodyguard from them. In conclusion he expressed a hope that Trooper HALL would live long and have a bright and prosperous future.
"Soldiers of the King" was next rendered by several boys and girls, after which a pianoforte duet was played by Mesdames Napier and Bastin. Misses Taylor and Downie followed with an old favourite duet "Friendship", which was a pleasing number. Mr W. Richards "brought down the house" with Kipling’s "Bobs", and in response to a vigorous encore recited "The Charge of the Light Brigade", with variations.
The President of the Shire, (Mr D. Macmillan) was next called upon for an address. He stated that he was taken completely by surprise, and really did not know whether he was expected to say something regarding shire matters, as president of the shire, or otherwise. He, however, was indeed pleased to be present on such an auspicious occasion. He was no great hero himself, but he was proud of the brave boys who had gone to the front, and given such a grand account of themselves, and their actions had done more in uniting the Empire than Federation or statesmanship would have done in many generations. In looking through the papers his blood always appeared to run quicker when he saw any mention of the Australians, and he was sure the prayers of all were that the boys may all return again. He had had a brother fighting at the front, and he was glad he had returned safe, and he was pleased that Trooper HALL had also been spared to return home. He had known the family for many years and had found them to be people worthy of the very highest respect, and anyone could rely with confidence that their stock would be a credit to them and their country. With regard to shire matters he informed them that he had ridden out along the road (from Yinnar to Boolarra) over which there had recently been such ructions at the council table, and intended going back after the meeting. He admitted the road was in a bad state, but said there were others within the shire equally as bad. It was a difficult matter, with the funds a council’s disposal, to keep all the roads in good repair, and they could only do their best for the shire generally. He told them that Cr. Hall and himself intended to seek re-election on August next, and if they took his advice they would give each a vote. In conclusion, he stated he hoped Trooper HALL would derive benefit from the training and discipline he had been subjected to at the front, and trusted he would live long, and at all times be prepared to do his duty to the King and the Empire.
Mr Gleddon next favoured the company with a song, "The Englishman", after which on behalf of the residents, presented Trooper HALL with a handsome gold medal, suitably inscribed. Trooper HALL, in a few appropriate words, acknowledged the gift, which he stated he would always value very highly.
A chorus "Rule Britannia" was sung by Messrs Gleddon, Bell, and Misses Taylor, Downie, Gleddon after which several boys and girls rendered a selection "Welcome Home". Miss Taylor delighted the audience with a recitation entitled "If I were a man", and for an encore gave "The Marriage fee", which also created much amusement. Mr Pilkington sang "Scarlet and Blue", and "Just as the Sun went down", which were well received, and "Mother kissed me in my dream" was nicely rendered by Mrs Smith, which was followed with a song "A soldier and a man" by the chairman. Mr Kneebone favoured the company with "You will miss me Cloe when I’m gone", "Annie Laurie", and the "Irish Emigrant", all being well rendered and much appreciated. Mr F. Wilson sang "Roaming on the Ocean" in a pleasing manner, after which Mr Gleddon delighted the audience with some ventriloquism, which was exceptionally good for an amateur.
During the evening sumptuous refreshments were provided and the gathering formed itself into a kind of promenade concert, and between songs, etc., Cr. O'Grady, Messrs D.T. Latter, C. Morrell, T. Scanlon and S. Gill extended a welcome to Trooper HALL, in neat speeches.
