State: Victoria, Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 02/08/1901
Number issued: 5
Gold Maltese crosses, to:
With gold suspension bar and khaki, red, white & blue ribbon.
"The mementoes presented were medals in the form of a Maltese cross, with a gold bar hung on khaki and red, white and blue ribbon. On one side were the following words – 'British South Africa. Transvaal war 1899-1900', and the following inscription on the other – 'To _________ , on his return from the Boer war, 1900-1, from the people of Heytesbury. Cobden, August 1st, 1901'."
HOME FROM THE WAR.
An Enthusiastic Public Meeting at Cobden Honors the Returned Soldiers of Heytesbury Shire.
COBDEN, Friday.
The presentation of mementoes to the returned soldiers from the Shire of Heytesbury took place last night in the Temperance Hall. The function was in the form of an entertainment. The building was literally packed from the stage to the door, dozens being unable to gain admission. Fully 275 people were in the building. This following on the public meeting held the night previous, clearly demonstrated the want of a suitable public hall in Cobden.
Cr. Ellis, president of the shire, presided, and made, the presentation. The mementoes presented were medals in the form of a Maltese cross, with a gold bar hung on khaki and red, white and blue ribbon. On one side were the following words – "British South Africa. Transvaal war 1899-1900", and the following inscription on the other – "To _________ , on his return from the Boer war, 1900-1, from the people of Heytesbury. Cobden, August 1st, 1901".
The following were the soldiers who received the presentations – Sergeant J. M. FINLAYSON, Corporal HILL, Lance-Corporal WARD, Troopers WOODS and ELLIS.
Cr. Ellis said it gave him the greatest pleasure to be able to present to these brave fellows a small token of the public's appreciation. He was sure they had ably done their duty in South Africa, and the enthusiasm displayed that night proved that the public fully appreciated the deeds done by them.
Sergeant FINLAYSON said that both he and his comrades had been in some hot corners in South Africa, but he felt this to be one of the most awkward moments in his life. Since they had landed in Melbourne, it had been one huge welcome, and he tendered his heartfelt thanks to the Heytesbury people for the enthusiastic manner in which they had been welcomed. He would treasure the medal as long as he lived, and above all his other trophies. (Cheers).
Corporal HILL said it came as a surprise to him to be included in the presentation, as he was from the other end of the shire, but he fully endorsed his comrade's sentiment.
Lance Corporal WARD, in a splendid speech, thanked the public for the welcome accorded, and spoke of the consummation of the Commonwealth in their absence. He graphically described one severe engagement where fifteen were buried at dusk, and said he was proud to be an Australian and a Briton. (Loud cheers).
Trooper WOODS and ELLIS also briefly returned thanks.
Trooper WOODS was the recipient of another present, donated by a Cobden gentleman. This was a stock whip with a beautifully carved and inlaid handle, the workmanship being local. The handle was myall wood, and the carving and inlaying were done at Forest Park. After the soldiers had returned thanks, three cheers were called for, and never in the history of Cobden were cheers given so enthusiastically in the Hall.
