Medals and awards

Gold medals, suitably inscribed, to:

 

Presentation made by Mr Alex Campbell, M.P., in the School of Arts, Gerringong.

 

Presentation made in the School of Arts, Gerringong.

 

 

 

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Shoalhaven Advertiser, 20th December 1900

 

Gerringong.

ONE of the most brilliant functions ever held in Gerringong was the public demonstration of welcome extended to Sergt. J.S. DOOLEY on his return from South Africa.

The School of Arts presented a most attractive and picturesque scene, being artistically decorated with flags and ferns. For the former the Committee were indebted to Mr Foreman and Captain Fraser (of Kiama). The tea, provided by the ladies of the district, reflected great credit on their culinary skill. There was a super-abundance of good things, to which ample justice was done. The draping of the stage was exceedingly tasty. In the centre was "Welcome Home", and around were gaily coloured ribbons, lances, carbines and flags. On the table was a marble clock, silver cup, and silver card-basket (trophies won by Sergt. DOOLEY in various competitions held in Great Britain). Mr T. Hanrahan, the energetic Secretary, deserves much praise for his untiring efforts. He was ably assisted by a band of workers, who formed various committees, each doing their allotted work in an admirable manner.

At 8 p.m. the guest of the evening, accompanied by Mr Alex. Campbell, M.P., Captain A. Hay, Staff-Sergeant-Major Stanley, the Mayor and Aldermen, Mr and Mrs. Dooley, Senr., and family, entered the Hall, while Miss Miller played "Home Sweet Home".

The following ladies rendered valued services during the evening: - Mesdames Dunster, Kiley, Jordan, Carroll, with the Misses Campbell, Hall, Hindmarsh, Miller, Weir, Foreman, Kiley, Deitz, Taylor, Carroll, Devery and Sharpe.

When the tables were cleared and the audience seated, the hall was filled to its utmost capacity. Mr Campbell, M.P., presided. On his right was Sergt. DOOLEY, on the left, Capt. Hay, and other prominent residents and speakers occupied seats on the platform.

Mr Campbell, in opening proceedings, read apologies for the absence of H.D. Morton, Esq., and Mr G. Thompson, J.P.  He expressed his great pleasure and pride at being invited to preside, and referred in eulogistic terms to Sergeant DOOLEY, who was known by almost everyone present as a soldier worthy of the highest esteem. He referred to Sergeant DOOLEY's unique experiences in England and Africa, and concluded an admirable address by presenting Sergeant DOOLEY with a gold medal and gold sleeve links as a slight token of their esteem.

Alderman Wilson (Mayor) next spoke, thanking the Committee for their invitation, and bearing testimony of the good qualities of Sergeant DOOLEY.

Captain Alex Hay met with a hearty reception. He gave an interesting account of the Berry Lancers (of whom "Jack" DOOLEY was one) their journey home to take part in the Diamond Jubilee, their sub-sequent volunteering for active service, and how anxious he (the speaker) and the Dooley family was about "Jack", who, he was delighted to see, had returned safe and sound.

Mr R. Miller followed in a feeling address, in which he referred to the stirring letters of Sergeant DOOLEY from the seat of war. He also instanced men who had risen to prosperity and prominent positions, after being reared in this district.

Mr John James spoke manfully and feelingly of the universal respect in which the Dooley family was held. As to Sergeant DOOLEY, they had been proud of him from a youth. He was a quiet, unassuming gentleman.

Mr Foreman' s stirring patriotic address was one of the features of the evening, and was deservedly applauded. It was a distinct success.

Rev. T. Moore, the last speaker, was also in great form. He has seldom been heard to greater advantage.

The speeches were interspersed with songs by Misses Johnstone and Cook, the latter receiving an encore for "While Durban Sleeps”. An admirable recitation was given by Miss M. Weir, and a song, "A Soldier and a Man", by Mr D.F. Bailey.

Sergeant DOOLEY, on rising to respond, received a perfect ovation of cheers and waving of handkerchiefs. In an admirable speech, he thanked them for that magnificent welcome, which he would never forget, and would try to deserve all the kind and good things said about him. Sergeant DOOLEY then dealt modestly and briefly with the stirring events of the Transvaal war, the battles of Belmont, Graspan, Modder River (where for 10 hours they were subjected to a perfect hail of bullets), Magersfontein (where the Highlanders were cut to pieces), the privations endured on the march to Kimberley, the capture of Cronje, entering Bloemfontein, the battle of Dornkop, were touched upon, and the appreciation felt on getting a parcel from this district met with great applause. Sergeant DOOLEY concluded his modest yet capital speech amid rounds of hearty cheers.

Trooper Knight also made a short but humorous speech.

Mr James Dooley, on behalf of his parents and family, gratefully acknowledged the warm-hearted sympathy and kindness of all throughout the district.

 

 

Shoalhaven Advertiser, 14th March 1901

 

Gerringong.

WELCOME TO RETURNED SOLDIERS.

KING EDWARD the Seventh’s subjects are not more loyal in any part of his vast dominions, than those who dwell on that little corner of the earth in and around Gerringong. To say that the hearts of the people were swelling with pride on Friday evening last gives a very faint idea of their true feelings. That enthusiasm and patriotism reigned supreme very mildly expresses those feelings. The hall of the School of Arts was packed to overflowing, sitting room was out of the question, such a gathering was never seen in the town in the memory of the oldest inhabitant. The occasion was a welcome tea and presentation to Lieutenants E. BLOW, W. MOFFITT, H. HINDMARSH, and Trooper RANKIN, returned soldiers. The ladies of Gerringong and locality provided a most tempting repast. The best of everything, including fruit in abundance, with cheerful and kind attention to the wants of everyone. Noticeably may be mentioned the Misses Campbell, Hall, Keys, Deitz, Carroll, Sharpe, Johnston, Devery. Dooley, Miller, Hindmarsh, and Mesdames T. Hindmarsh, Carroll, and Dunster. In consequence of the number who partook of refreshments, it was nearly ten before the meeting began. Mr Alex. Campbell, M.P. in the chair.

Mr Campbell expressed the very great pleasure he felt on occupying the chair at so large and representative a gathering of the people of Gerringong and locality. It proved more forcibly than words could do the sympathy with, and the pride in our Australian soldiers by the people of this portion of the district, and it must indeed be gratifying to Lieutenants BLOW and MOFFITT, and Trooper RANKIN to receive this kindly and heartfelt welcome from the people of Gerringong. Mr Campbell, on behalf of the residents of Gerringong and locality, then presented Lieutenants BLOW and MOGFFITT each with a handsome gold medal, suitably inscribed, and Trooper RANKIN with a dressing case. Mr Hindmarsh, sen., received on behalf of Lieut. HINDMARSH, a pair of handsome gold sleeve links. Each of the recipients thanked the donors for their beautiful gilts. Lieutenant BLOW referred in glowing, terms to his comrades Lieutenant MOFFITT and Sergeant Major DOOLEY. He also passed a high eulogism on their Captain, now Major COX.

The Rev. T. Moore in a very happy and humorous speech, described the formation of that celebrated regiment, the Gordon Highlanders. He did not think our Australian soldiers required the incentive of kissing to make them fight for their King and country, and while heartily joining in the welcome to those returned from the war, he sincerely hoped Divine Providence would watch over those returning to the war, and bring them back in safety to their homes.

Mr Robert Miller, J.P., said he would not detain them, only to express the pleasure he felt at being with them that evening and taking part in the cordial welcome extended to our returned Australian soldiers. He thought we should be very thankful that no calamity so far had overtaken any of the soldiers from this part of the district. Mr Miller concluded by reciting, with much pathos, that pretty little poem "The Soldier’s Dream".

 Mr John James, J.P., expressed the pleasure he felt at being present, and paid a high tribute of praise to the Australian soldiers, and especially to those of this part of the district. He was sure they would always be to the front and uphold the honour of their country. He had much pleasure in joining in this cordial welcome to their soldiers, and congratulated them sincerely on their safe return.

Songs were rendered during the evening by the Misses Johnston, Farrell, Phillips, Kelly, and Mr D.F. Bailey.

Apologies expressing regret at not being able to be present were received from Major Stanley, Messrs A. Blow, R. Wilson (Mayor), H. Hindmarsh, and H.C. Foreman.

Mr Phillip Deitz made an efficient and obliging secretary to the movement.