State: Victoria, Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 20/09/1900, 12/12/1900
Number issued: 3
Gold medals, suitably inscribed, to:
20/09/1900 presentation
78 Private John McCANCE
12/12/1900 presentation
75 Private Henry DYER
Presentation made by the Mayor (Mr Cribbes), in Otzen's Hall, Chewton.
Reverse: "Presented to by the residents of Chewton as a souvenir of the South African War. 19th September, 1900".
CHEWTON.
HONORING CHEWTON SOLDIERS.
Our Returned Soldiers.
PRESENTATION AT CHEWTON.
CORPORAL ARCHER AND PRIVATE McCANCE.
To say that Otzen's Hall in Chewton was packed with people last night would convey but a faint idea of what actually did take plane. The building— not a small one at that — was simply a mass of people, from small boys and girls up to grey-headed men and women, all imbued with the one feeling of doing honour to Ben ARCHER and Jack McCANCE, who had so worthily upheld the reputation of Chewton over in the Transvaal. Many were unable to obtain admission, and despite the wet night a large number hung about the doors content to hear the sounds of applause emanating from indoors. The occasion was the presentation of a handsome albert and inscribed medal to each of the soldiers, which had been purchased by public subscription. The articles were of gold. The chain was a double curb, containing 1oz 13dwt gold, and the locket was a pretty piece of work. On each side was a raised rustic border, and on the plate on one side were the words, neatly engraved — "Presented to by the residents of Chewton as a souvenir of the South African War. 19th September, 1900." On the other side a space is left for a monogram. They were turned out by Mr W. Embley, who is to be highly complimented on the workmanship.
The evening was devoted to the dual purpose of a concert and the presentation. The concert was very enjoyable, the Mayor (Cr Cribbes) presiding, and the following took part : — Mrs Tolstrup. Misses Nankervis and Lemon, Messrs Otzen, Marshall, Waugh, Baker, Pryde, White, Morrison, McDonold. Monteith, Rasche and Mentiplay.
The presentation took place during the interval. On the stage were the two soldiers, Messrs Lawson and Williams, Ms.L.A., the officers of the 4th Battalion, Private Topham and several prominent Chewton residents.
The Mayor of Chewton (Cr Cribbes) in making the presentation, said he had a highly pleasing duty so perform, although he had a feeling of regret in doing so, as he felt he was not gifted sufficiently to do justice to the occasion. They had met that night for an object which they had no parallel in Chewton history. It was 12 months ago since the difficulties arose in South Africa, and the head authorities of the country had called for volunteers, which call had been readily responded to. Men from their little town had enlisted willingly, and had undergone the hardships of warfare. They had worked admirably for the honor of Australia, and were a credit to their country. Two of their soldiers having returned, the people of Chewton thought it their duty to make them a suitable presentation, and, in recognition of their services to their Queen and country, he had sincere pleasure in presenting Corporal ARCHER and Private McCANCE with a gold albert and locket, and hoped they would live long to wear them. (The cheering here was simply deafening for a few minutes). The Mayor then called on Lieut.-Colonel McCay, the officer commanding the 4th Battalion to say a few words.
Lieut.-Colonel McCay said it was not the first time he bad joined in the rejoicings over the returned soldiers. He was glad to be present, and was also pleased to see Private Topham present. These three comrades were members of the battalion, and it was with feelings of intense pleasure and gratitude that be saw that the citizens recognised the loyal service these three men hid done. The returned soldiers must have learnt by the warmth of their reception, that when in South Africa they had the best wishes and heartfelt desires of the people in Australia. They were not only present that night on account of their good qualities, their bravery and endurance, but were visible signs of the greatest movement of the 19th century. That movement which moulded and consolidated the empire, and demonstrated to the world that to touch one part was to touch all.
Mr E. D. Williams, M.L.A, said about 12 months ago they had met together to bid farewell and God-speed to the troops. Comparing Chewton to other towns, he thought in proportion to population that Chewton bad sent a greater percentage to the front than any other town. He felt the occasion would be a proud one for the people of Chewton to look back upon and those present would be able to give particulars of the enthusiasm that night to the rising generation in years to come. He knew Chewton, and had been in that hall very often, but had never seen it so packed before. He knew the two soldiers since they were children and was pleased at their spontaneous offer to help the old Motherland. Their action was the outcome of the courage instilled into them by their parents. They had risked their lives to gain political liberty for the Australians and others who were not permitted to enjoy equal privileges in the Transvaal. They went there to knock the political fetters off their fellow countrymen, which had been fastened on them by cruel selfish men. In conclusion, he hoped they would have a long peaceful and prosperous life.
Mr H. S. W. Lawson, M.L.A., said the people now realised what the soldiers in South Africa had to undergo. When the members of the First Contingent volunteered they were all pleased that they had done so, feeling sure that they would exhibit courage and self sacrifice. They by their actions had said, "here we are to offer our lives if necessary in a noble cause". They had gone through the campaign and performed nobly and well, and the gathering that night was to show public appreciation of their conduct. Although Australia had not sent the numbers that the old country had, still they had sent enough to show the world the solidarity of the Empire, and proved the truth of Kipling's words, "truly you come of the blood". The same blood coursed in the Australian as in the Briton, and they were all proud of it. They were pioneers, as they were the first Australians to fight the battles of the Empire. The race had not degenerated as some would have us believe, the conduct of our men was an eloquent answer to such statements. He called for three cheers for the returned soldiers, which were given with enthusiasm.
Corporal ARCHER, who was received with deafening applause, briefly thanked them for their great kindness, and said they were only common soldiers, but they could appreciate the generous treatment meted out to them since their return. He would not say anything of his experiences as he had been asked to deliver a lecture on the subject in a few days in aid of the Rifle Club. He considered he could not lecture for a better object. He again expressed his grateful thanks.
Private McCANCE was received with a wild burst of cheering, and in a brief speech said words failed him to express his gratitude, but he would treasure and prize the gift. He assured them it was the proudest moment of his life.
In response to repeated calls, Private TOPHAM said a few words. If war broke out again he felt sure that both Corporal ARCHER and Private McCANCE would be the first to volunteer.
The Mayor mentioned that a chain and locket for Private DYER were in his possession, and would be presented to Private DYER on his return.
RETURNED SOLDIERS.
PRESENTATIONS AT CHEWTON.
Castlemaine, 20th September.
CASTLEMAINE. Thursday.
CHEWTON.
