Country: New Zealand
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 01/08/1901
Number issued: 1
Gold Maltese cross, suitably inscribed, to:
SOCIAL AT CARDRONA.
A very enthusiastic gathering was held in the Schoolhouse last Thursday evening, the occasion being a social to welcome the return of Sergt. PATERSON, and to make him a presentation. As soon as it was known when he would arrive in the district, preparations began, and as each one tried to vie with the other in making the affair a success, the result exceeded the most sanguine expectations. The building was nicely decorated with flags, and on a draping were the words “Welcome home to Sergeant Paterson”, flanked on one side by a miniature Union Jack and on the other by the New Zealand flag. Proceedings were to commence at 8.30, but it was fully 9 before they did so. Dancing was the first part of the programme, so as to allow those who were from a distance to arrive in time for the presentation, which took place just before supper time.
Mr R. Mitchell said it was hardly necessary for him to say that they were present that evening to give a hearty welcome to Sergt. PATERSON, who had worthily upheld the honor of his country, and now that his work was finished, the speaker was sure that all were delighted to see him back safe and sound, and on behalf of the residents it gave him much pleasure to extend to him a hearty welcome. After briefly detailing the circumstances which led up to the raising and equipping of the Fifth Contingent and the send-off social which they gave to their representative seventeen months ago, Mr Mitchell referred in enthusiastic terms to the ready and cheerful manner in which the young men of the colony had responded to the Empire’s call. New Zealand had reason to be proud of the sacrifices which many of our young men had made to go to South Africa, and of the splendid way in which they had stood by the old flag, and he felt quite certain that should occasion arise, our other young men would not be behind in offering their services. Mr Mitchell, in his closing remarks, very fittingly said that although the present meeting was to be one of pleasure and one to be remembered, he hoped that in the midst of their rejoicing they would not forget those and the friends of those who had passed to their long rest on the lonely veldt, having given their lives as a tribute to freedom’s cause. He then presented Sergt. PATERSON with a gold albert and Maltese cross, suitably inscribed, which he hoped would be worn as a memento of the respect in which he is held by the residents of the district.
Sergt. PATERSON, who was received with loud applause, said that they had been well treated everywhere since their return, but he valued the welcome which he had received that night more than any other, as he believed it was sincere. Many times, while lying on the veldt, he had thought about his friends in Cardrona, but he never dreamed that he should have such an enthusiastic welcome on his return. During all the time he had never had a day’s sickness, and he had enjoyed the best of health. He said they must not expect a long speech from him, as he felt much more at home in a fight than in making a speech, and if he could not find words to express his gratitude for the present he had just received, he assured them that their kindness had gone home to him and that he would treasure it all his life.
Three hearty cheers were then given for the Sergeant, and three more for his comrade, Trooper SHANAHAN, who was also present.
An apology was read from Mr Monteith, of Pembroke, who expressed his regret at being unable to be present. In the course of his letter, he gave some good advice to the young generation regarding patriotism, and he hoped that the successes of the Empire might not make them vainglorious and boastful, and very appropriately closed with a quotation from Kipling’s “Lest we forget”.
After ample justice had been done to the good things provided by the ladies, dancing was resumed and kept up till a late hour.
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