State: New South Wales, Australia
Issued on: Return
Dates of presentations: 28/11/1900, 10/09/1902
Number issued: 8 - 11
Gold Maltese crosses, to:
28/11/1900 presentation
47 Private Christian MILLER
143 Private James McRAE
1707 Trooper Joseph George SHERRINGHAM (absent, medal given to his father)
462 Lance-Corporal William Martin HUGHES
1509 Trooper Henry [Harry] Robert SHERRINGHAM (died at Port Franklin Hospital - did his family receive a medal?)
Reverse: "Presented to Private _________ by Cumnock friends as an appreciation of his patriotic services in South Africa, 1900".
The pendant, which was nearly an ounce in weight, was in the shape of a Maltese cross surmounted by the British lion. On the front was the monogram of the recipient, while on the other side was the inscription “Presented to Private_______ by Cumnock friends as an appreciation of his patriotic services in South Africa, 1900”.
CUMNOCK'S RECOGNITION.
Presentation of Medals to Cumnock Soldiers.
THAT the people of Cumnock had already shown their appreciation of the “Boys’” action In going to South Africa could not be gainsaid, but this fact was emphasised on Wednesday night when they were invited to be present at the Hall. The public rolled up well to meet them, although they were slow in so doing, and as a consequence proceedings did not commence till after 8.30.
Mr S.P. Reynolds, mounting the platform, called upon Miss March for an overture, after which Mr A.E. Philpott rendered “Ye Banks and Braes” in such a way as to secure a recall. For his encore he gave the nigger song, “Father of a Little Black Coon”. Miss Rogers, a visitor from Sydney, and the possessor of a light but sweet voice, gave “Tit for Tat”, and was followed by Mr J. Hughes in “The Little Hero”, which is familiar to many Cumnock audiences. Nevertheless, “Jack” did very well. Mrs. J. Nugent sang “The Cricket on the Hearth”, and Mr Luke Hughes brought the house down with “She left us”. An encore was demanded, and he replied with “Take me in your arms love”.
The programme was here interrupted by one of the objects of the gathering – the presentation of medals. Mr Reynolds, after mentioning the objects of the gathering, said that he felt It an honor to be asked to preside at a meeting and do honor to the “boys” of the town who had left their homes at the Empire's call to fight for their Queen and country. The “boys” had a duty to perform, and had done it nobly. They as citizens had also a duty to perform, a small one in comparison with what the warriors had achieved, but Cumnock never shirked its responsibility, and they had a proof of that in the gathering that night. The Cumnock soldiers had kept their end up, and the people were now going to keep their end up by presenting some small token of appreciation for their actions. It augured well for Cumnock when the “boys” took the first opportunity that offered itself of returning to the town. But one could not wonder at this when one looked around and saw such an array of beauty that would tempt any man to return from distant lands. They were proud of their “boys” if they even strutted around in their gorgeous military uniform, but when they found them settling down to peaceful occupations and fighting the battle of life by hard work, they were still prouder of them. (Applause). The speaker expressed the hope that each would soon decide on his particular choice of a wife and settle down in the district. He then called upon Messrs C. MILLER, McRAE, DENNY, and W. FINCH to come forward. [It was noticed that none of the recipients were in uniform, which seemed somewhat out of place at such a function]. In a few appropriate remarks, Mr Reynolds, amidst applause, presented to each a handsome gold medal.
The pendant, which was nearly an ounce in weight, was in the shape of a Maltese cross surmounted by the British lion. On the front was the monogram of the recipient, while on the other side was the inscription “Presented to Private_______ by Cumnock friends as an appreciation of his patriotic services in South Africa, 1900”.
As Corporal OWENS was not represented, the Chairman asked Mr Black to take charge of his medal and forward it to him.
In a few words each recipient thanked the people for their kindness. (Applause).
An intermission of a few minutes and the consort programme was entered upon again. An overture by Miss Leary was followed by “Honey Dear”, sung by Miss Ida Hughes. Mr Luke Hughes reappeared in “In the pale moonlight”, and was recalled. ……
……. Mr. Reynolds then announced that the Hall would be available for dancing, which announcement was received with signs of satisfaction.
Cumnock.
RETURNED SOLDIERS’ RECEPTION.
By the “Drayton Grange” a few weeks ago the last of the batch of Cumnock's contingent returned from the war. It was immediately decided by the citizens to organise a public reception, and also to present each soldier with an inscribed gold medal in recognition of their gallant efforts on behalf of King and country. Those who went to South Africa and returned last year from Cumnock were similarly honoured on their return, the recollections in connection with which will still be fresh in the memories of most of our readers.
On the present occasion a public meeting was convened, committees and canvassers appointed, with Mr W.L. Ross at the head of affairs, and the date for the reception fixed for Wednesday, 10th September.
The returning soldiers were Lance-Corporal W.M. HUGHES, Corporal Chas. GRIMSON and Trooper Geo. SHERRINGHAM. Trooper Harry SHERRINGHAM as already reported in the ARGUS, fell a victim to the broncho-pneumonia fiend while returning in the “Drayton Grange”, and was interred at Port Franklin Hospital, Melbourne. Naturally the sad event cast a gloom over the reception festivities, and deep and sincere sympathy was expressed for the bereaved relatives — Mr J.G. Sherringham and family. It is intended to place a tablet in the local church to his memory. Trooper George SHERRINGHAM was also unavoidably absent, being detained in Narrandera district.
Corporal HUGHES returns after a somewhat lengthy absence, during which he was invalided home to England. In April of last year, while in charge of prisoners, he met with a railway accident at Edenburg, and as a result had his left leg amputated above the knee. The gallant Corporal has been fitted with a cork substitute and is now in receipt of an Imperial pension.
Punctually at 7.30 on Wednesday, the first part of the programme commenced.
THE BANQUET.
Mr Leary's Hall was tastefully decorated for the occasion with flags, flowers and gaily colored streamers. Running the entire length of the building the table literally groaned beneath the weight of good things provided. The attendance was estimated at over 150 guests, relatives and friends, the tables being replenished three times before enough was cried. Among the ladies busy in attendance, we noticed Mesdames Black, Finch, Lord, Ireland, Ross, Anderson, March and Boutcher, Misses Raphael, March (2), G. Miller, Lord, Rubie, Finch, Black (2), and A. McCormack. Messrs W.L. Ross (Secretary), William Black, C.M. Ireland, W.T. Sherringham, T. March, J. March, Jas. Leary, R.A. Finch, J. McCormack, Jas. Eggleston, and N.J. Miller also assisted in many ways.
Mr S.P. Reynolds acted as Chairman, and at 9.30 announced another stage in the evening's programme – the “speech-making”. Apologies were received from Mr George Bruce (Loombah), and Mr John Bruce (Burgoon), both gentlemen being detained, but forwarded cheques with expressions of sympathy in the movement.
Trooper George SHERRINGHAM wrote from Coonong, Narrandera – "W.L. Ross, Esq., Cumnock. – Dear Sir, – I am very sorry that l am unable to attend the welcome home, as under present circumstances my situation will not allow me a holiday. – J.G. SHERRINGHAM, JUN."
The first toast was “The King”, proposed by the Chairman, who regretted that the ladies had not been supplied with claret cup – however, they must depend upon their imagination, in the absence of glasses, as the toasts were being drunk. (Laughter).
The Chairman then, in his very, best style, proposed the toast of “Our Guests” – a toast that would require very little “spouting” from any of the speakers – not forgetting those who, unfortunately, were destined never to return. They would pardon him, perhaps, for referring to what may now be called ancient history. But the further we get from the commencement of the war, the more we learn in connection with it. They were now in possession of facts that if at any time the Imperial authorities had been in difficulties, other powers intended stepping in with an eye on the British possessions. But the colonials had shown that they were equal to assisting the mother country in her time of need, and had also shown that if they did not continue to live under British rule, they would never submit to the yolk of any foreign power. During the war there had been periods of disaster, times when they asked each other what was coming next. But the colonials had risen to the occasion, had shown themselves worthy cubs of the British lion, able to take their part like men in upholding the honor of the old flag. (Applause). Coming nearer home, when they looked round and saw the exultant manner in which Cumnock district did honor to those to whom honor was due, they felt pardonably proud. Some districts, he regretted to say, bad failed in their duty in this respect. But not so with Cumnock. They honored the first of the returned soldiers, and they were now honoring the last. Cumnock people did not forget those who sacrificed their lives in the service of the King. Some had returned, but there was a vacant place, and in referring to Trooper Harry SHERRINGHAM's death, he said it was intended to place a tablet in the local church to his memory. The present festivities were in honor of those who had done their duty, and of whom they were proud. The ladies also appreciated the men who went forth to fight at the Empire’s call, and – “who wouldn’t fight for them?” said the Chairman pointing to the stage-adorned and hall-lined gathering of the fair sex.
Mr John Leary endorsed all that the Chairman had said – in fact Mr Reynolds had taken all the wind out of his (Mr Leary’s) sails. The returned soldiers deserved the reception – an honor due to those who sacrificed life and limb on the battlefield.
The toast was enthusiastically honored, after which Mr Reynolds presented Lance-Corporal HUGHES, Corporal GRIMSON and Mr J.G. SHERRINGHAM (on behalf of his son) with gold medals. The latter were of Maltese cross pattern, surmounted by a golden lion, bearing the recipient’s monogram and inscribed as follows – “Presented to _______ by his Cumnock friends for his patriotic service in South Africa, 1902”.
Corporal HUGHES, who was received with great applause, expressed the pleasure be felt at being among his Cumnock friends again. He thanked them sincerely for their hospitable welcome and also for the memento of their esteem which he would always regard and prize highly. Referring to the war, it had, he said, taught its lesson, and to no country more than Australia had that lesson been more valuable. The colonials had shown that in the saddle, combined with British pluck, they were a power to be reckoned with. As to their late antagonists, but now fellow colonists, the Boers, he hoped they would thrive under British rule. The Boer generals had agreed to let bygones be bygones, and it was his earnest hope that both sides would now strive to promote peace on earth and good will among men. (Applause).
Corporal GRIMSON said it was times like the present that made a man glad to be alive and well. Some 20 months ago he left with other Australians, to help and do his best towards upholding British rights. He had tried to do his duty like other comrades, many of whom had found a last resting place on the veldt. He was glad to be back at Cumnock once again among his old friends, for, after all, life at home was preferable to that which had been experienced in South Africa, where frequently the marches had been long and dark, and where a man for striking a match was liable to the death penalty. There were those who sneered at the soldier and said it was not patriotism that took them to South Africa. Be that as it may, his object in going to the front was to gain experience – experience that possibly may be of some future benefit to his country. Regarding the souvenir with which he had been presented by his Cumnock friends, he would always remember it and wear it honorably. (Applause).
Mr C. Miller, J.P., proposed “The Parents”, and was certainly original in his remarks. First, he maintained be was the oldest man in the room – [Cumnock must be a juvenile community. – Ed.] –then he said that but for the parents there would be no guests, a fact that struck everyone as being strictly common sense. But then, he was old enough to be the father of the parents of the guests. Of the six parents whose health he was now proposing, but three were now in the land of the living. He knew them all before they were married, and that, said Mr Miller, proves my age. He congratulated the parents upon the gallant conduct of their sons who had been guilty of no ill conduct or misdemeanour. (Applause).
Mr J.B. Hughes and Mr Edmund Grimson responded.
Other toasts proposed and responded to were “The Visitors”, proposed by Mr. Boutcher, responded to by Mr J. Leathem; “The Ladles”, proposed by Mr Simpson, responded to by Mr N.J. Miller; “The Press”, proposed by Mr. W. Black, J.P., and responded to by Messrs B.J. Baker (Argus) and J. Leathem.
During the evening Messrs. A.E. Philpott and L. Hughes rendered vocal contributions, several musical selections being played by Messrs Hughes Brothers.
A vote of thanks to the Molong Hospital Committee, for the loan of decorations and cutlery, was carried by acclamation.
On the invitation of the Chairman ringing cheers were given for the Ladies of Cumnock, who had been instrumental in bringing the function to such a successful issue.
Mr J. Leary called for cheers for the Chairman – “a white man and one who went to the front every time” – to which Mr. Reynolds briefly replied.
