State: New South Wales, Australia
Issued on: Departure
Date of presentation: 05/03/1902
Number issued: 1
Silver medal, to:
Presentation made by Mr A.E. Cornish (vice-president of the Hay Junior Football Association), at the Union Club Hotel.
Farewell and Presentation to Trooper C.M. SCHADE of the Third Commonwealth Contingent.
The Hay Junior Football Association tendered a social evening and made a presentation to one of their members, Trooper C.M. SCHADE, on the eve of his departure as a member of the Third Commonwealth Contingent, for South Africa, on Wednesday evening at the Union Club Hotel.
Mr A.E. Cornish (vice-president of the Association) occupied the chair, and there were about 40 gentlemen present, including a large number of senior sportsmen. The table was well laden with the choicest niceties and reflected great credit on the hostess Mrs Cooper, who had evidently spared no effort in honor of the young soldier.
Trooper SCHADE on entering the room was received with hearty applause. Troopers F. BIGNELL and Alf. HOWARD (local boys) were also present, and received an equally hearty welcome.
The chairman, after apologising for the absence of the President (Mr Osborne) said that the object of their gathering together that evening was to bid good-bye to one or two of their local boys who were going to fight in South Africa. He trusted they would have an enjoyable time.
After several songs had been rendered, the chairman gave the toast of the evening “Our Guest, Trooper C. SCHADE”. He said that he was pleased to have the honor of occupying the chair on an occasion like this. On Tuesday evening he had been approached by the secretary and treasurer of the Hay Juniors Association to come to the meeting that night which was to take the form of a send-off to one of their members, Trooper C. M. SCHADE, and to make a presentation to him on his departure for South Africa. He was glad that the young footballers were so loyal to the mother country in that some of their players were going to the front. The junior footballers wished the boys who were departing “God-speed”. They were sending them forth with pride and pleasure, knowing that they would show to the world that there were fighting boys in Australia. The old country could rely on the boys of Australia. The toast he had to propose that evening was “Our Guest, Trooper SCHADE”. He hoped that when he left Hay tomorrow morning he would go forward with a good heart, carrying with him their good wishes. He was sure that their friend would show a good front to the enemy and uphold the honor of Australia in South Africa. He trusted Mr SCHADE would not kill many Boers but be able to conquer them and help to bring peace in South Africa. He said it had been asked “Why should Australians go to South Africa”, but he would say that Australians were needed there as they were used to bush life. He had a pleasing duty to perform in presenting Mr SCHADE with a handsome silver medal. He would also like to mention Troopers HOWARD and BIGNELL who were also going forward to South Africa. He was pleased to see them present that evening. They were also our boys. He trusted that they would all return to Australia and to Hay safe and sound and all the better for having gone. He hoped that while there they would do as Australians always did — fight nobly, honorably and bravely. He then presented to Trooper SCHADE the silver medal, which bore the following inscription “Presented to C. M. Schade as a mark of esteem by the Hay Junior Football Association”. He trusted that their young friend would remember, on looking at the gift when far away on the battlefield, that the boys he had left behind were thinking of him, and that that fact would encourage him to go forward and do his duty. (Loud applause).
Mr G. Byrne (Treasurer Hay Football Association) said that he had always found their departing guest a true gentleman both on and off the football field, and he wished him every success in his career as a soldier. He hoped that he would return to them, after doing his duty in South Africa, safe and sound. (Applause).
Mr A. Ledwidge (secretary Hay Football Association) also supported the toast, and endorsed the remarks passed by the previous speakers. He said that Mr SCHADE had always played football fairly and squarely, and he was sure if the umpire had been present that night he would endorse his remarks. He wished Mr SCHADE a happy time and a safe return to Hay — and would express a similar wish to Troopers BIGNELL and HOWARD. (Cheers).
Mr Bird (Gunbar) said he wished the boys “God-speed” and exhorted them to trust in God and do their duty, and they would come back true British soldiers. He also said that in the same Contingent as the young men were serving in, there was a young gentleman from Gunbar going — be referred to Trooper E. ARMSTRONG, and he sincerely hoped that the four boys would return to Hay safe and well after having nobly upheld the honor of Australia. (Cheers).
Trooper BIGNELL also supported the toast, and was pleased to have the opportunity of saying a few words as to the good qualities of Trooper SCHADE. He could assure them that no one could be more loyal and patriotic than their departing guest. (Loud applause).
The toast was drunk with musical honors.
Trooper C.M. SCHADE on rising to respond, was received with loud applause. He desired to thank them very sincerely for the manner in which they had honoured him that evening, and to return grateful thanks to the members of the Hay Junior Football Association for their handsome presentation to him. He felt that he did not deserve all they had done for him (cries of yes, yes). He hoped to do his duty while in South Africa. He thanked them once again for their kindness to him. (Cheers).
Mr L.S.C. Robertson proposed “The Hay Junior Football Association”. In doing so he said that he was proud to be present to do honor to one of their members, more especially as he was one of the first of the juniors to go forward to defend the Empire and the dear old flag. He was pleased to see such a large gathering present to say au revoir to Trooper SCHADE and also to Troopers BIGNELL and HOWARD. He trusted that they would always remember that they had left behind them many who would be watching their career with interest and also hope for their safe return. He was pleased that the Association had presented Trooper SCHADE with a medal, and he hoped that their young guest would be presented with one by the country he was serving. The Hay Junior Football Association had not been long in existence, but had done good work since its initiation, and would continue to do so while it had such men as Mr Cornish at the head of affairs, as that gentleman was a great friend of the juniors. He hoped that Trooper SCHADE when he got into the football arena in South Africa would not only kick a few goals but make a few “marks” on the Boers. (Applause). He was pleased to see so many senior footballers present. He gave the toast coupled with the names of Messrs A.E. Cornish and W. Binney (vice-Presidents).
Mr H. Lincoln supported the toast. He was a footballer himself and always took an interest in the junior matches. He had watched Mr SCHADE on the football field and had observed that he was a very fair player. He was sure that Trooper SCHADE was honest and worthy to go forward to fight for the honor and glory of old England. He hoped to see their guest come back with the 'V.C.' on his coat. (Applause).
Mr Cornish responded. He thanked them on behalf of the Association for the kind remarks passed. The Association had been necessary in order to properly control football among the juniors. He hoped the Association would continue and be the means of bringing out some good players.
Mr W. Binney also returned thanks. He felt that he had not done much for the Association in the past but would do more in the future. He was sorry that Mr SCHADE was going and hoped that he would be able to dodge the bullets, and come back to them safe and sound. And if he should fall, he trusted that it would be facing the foe. He sincerely trusted however that the three young men — Troopers SCHADE, BIGNELL and HOWARD would all return crowned with the knowledge of having done their duty. (Applause).
The toast of “the Press” and “the Chairman” concluded the evening's enjoyment.
