State: New South Wales, Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 14/08/1901
Number issued: 1
Gold albert, medal & sovereign case, to:
214 Trooper Edward CRITTENDEN
CUNDLE.
Cundle was en fete on Wednesday last. Trooper CRITTENDEN, of the Imperial Bushmen, had been away over 18 months in South Africa, and his friends determined to signalise his return. Over a week ago he was met and cheered on landing from the boat, being surrounded by a crowd of acquaintances. A canvass of the district was made by several friends, chief among the workers being Mr D. Jones and Mr N. Blackburn, and over £14 was collected.
A very neat gold albert, medal, and sovereign case were bought, and five sovereigns placed in for safe keeping and presentation. The medal is of extremely neat design, and bears the soldier's monogram on the face. On the reverse side is inscribed 'South African War. Trooper Crittenden, from Cundle friends, 14/8/1901'.
The School of Arts was gaily decorated with designs and flags, and nearly 200 people of all ages came together. The Committee occupied seats on the stage, Mr Gregson occupying the chair, with the guest of the evening on his right in uniform. The Chairman briefly outlined the reason for the function, and then all assembled gave a right royal welcome to 'Soldier Ted', who bowed his acknowledgments.
Miss Gregson opened the entertainment with an overture in good style. Mrs Holder then contributed a song in keeping with the occasion, and it was the vocal gem of the evening. Mr Edwards recited an 'Ode to England', and Professor St. Albyns took the house by storm in his musical sketches. Mr T. Richardson recited 'The Soldier's Return', in his usual veteran style. Miss Crittenden favoured the house with a song, and was encored. Mr D. Dorward also sang a comic soldier sketch, in his popular way. Mr Ahronson recited 'The Dandy Fifth', with telling effect, and Mr Gregson sang 'Sons of Australia', Miss Gregson accompanying him on the piano.
Short addresses appropriate to the gathering were made by Messrs Edwards, Ahronson, McDougall, and Stein, and the Chairman. All were 'bright, brief, and breezy', but Mr F. Stein deserved the palm for an able and telling deliverance, which carried the house with him.
After the returned Bushman had been decorated with the gifts of his friends, he gave a short address. He told them that his departure was hasty, and the experiences many and various. He was too deeply moved to speak at any length, but the homecoming was to him very pleasant, and its associations would forever be an 'oasis' in his life. He was again cheered at the close.
The school children sang 'Sons of New Britannia', and 'God Save the King', under the Chairman's leadership, and this closed a cheery concert at a little after nine o'clock.
The keynote of the whole affair was good will, and earnest desires were expressed for lasting peace and prosperity for the new colonies in Sonth Africa, that are now kindred with us in the Empire.
