Medals and awards

Baringhup.

"When Baringhup does a thing, it does it well". That was the verdict of visitors to the "Welcome Home" accorded on Wednesday evening to Privates WATERSON and RODGERS, who recently arrived from the seat of war in South Africa. And the verdict was thoroughly well deserved. The heart of the people was in this reception to men who had dared to face the deadly Mauser in support of the principles of liberty and justice.

The Library Hall was in its gayest holiday attire, the decorations being of the most ornate description, flags, mottoes, flowers and evergreens having been arranged in a truly artistic manner, the harmony and warmth of colouring betraying the cunning of some presiding genius in the art of ornamentation.

Though the weather was wretched, the attendance was far greater than mere comfort demanded. From all parts of the district the people streamed. The proceedings throughout were of the heartiest and most enthusiastic character, as befitted the occasion. Not a single hitch occurred to mar the pleasant nature of the reception. To the chairman, Cr R. Chisholm, much of the credit for this is undoubtedly due, as, though at all times an efficient and happy chairman, he, on this occasion fairly excelled himself, discharging his duties with conspicuous success.

On taking their seats on the platform, the two gallant soldiers received an ovation.

The singing of "God Save the King" was succeeded by an address from the chairman. Mr Chisholm explained the object of the gathering, viz., to do honour to two men who had nobly done their duty to King and country. The Boers, in their insolent ignorance, had forced the war on the British, and it would redound to the eternal honour of Australia that her sons were foremost in upholding the honour of the grand old flag. Among those brave Australians who had so worthily discharged the highest obligations of citizenship were their guests of that evening. All Baringhup had anxiously followed the fortunes of their adventurous "boys", for whose safe return he thanked God with all his heart. He was proud to know that the British had prosecuted the war with great courage, but his proudest boast was that in the moment of victory the conqueror forgot all vengeful feelings, and saw in the vanquished foe only a suffering man and brother. In the words of the gallant old field-marshal, the British soldiers had been "heroes on the battlefield, and gentlemen everywhere". The chairman's address was vociferously applauded.

At the conclusion of the musical portion of the programme, the Chairman, on behalf of the residents, and in a happy little speech made the presentations, Mr WATERSON receiving a handsome gold locket suitably inscribed, and Mr RODGERS, a beautiful breast pin. Mr Chisholm wished the recipients prosperous careers, and hoped that they would both long be spared to wear the tokens of esteem in memory of a happy return to their native land.

Private WATERSON, on rising to respond, was enthusiastically cheered. He would never forget their kindness to him that night. He was so overwhelmed, he said, with emotion as to be incapable of adequately conveying his feelings and gratitude and pleasure to those who had thus so highly honoured him. He thanked them one and all very sincerely.

Private RODGERS, whose reception was a repetition of Private WATERSON's, also made a suitable response. Subsequently, by request, Mr WATERSON delivered a short but very interesting description of his experiences in South Africa. He resumed his seat amid tumultuous applause.

The Singing of a verse of the National Anthem, followed by a vote of thanks to the chairman, on the motion of Mr W. Kaye, concluded the first stage of the evening's programme.

The supper tables were well patronised, and ample justice was done to the culinary skill of the Baringhup ladies.