State: New South Wales, Australia
Issued on: Return
Dates of presentations: 22/05/1901, 08/08/1901, 00/08/1902
Number issued: 4
22/05/1901 presentation
504 Sergeant William WALLACE (Staff of Major-General E.T.H. Hutton, N.S.W.M.R.)
Presentation made by the Mayoress (Mrs S. Percival), on behalf of the residents of Ingleburn & Glenfield, in a marquee at "Ingleburn House" (residence of Mr W.J. Collins).
08/08/1901 presentation
64 Corporal William John McKENNY
489 Private Robert Charles BOLGER
Bef. 02/08/1902 presentation
3521 Sergeant-Major Boyd SCANLAN
Reverse: "Presented to Sergeant Wallace by his friends on his return from the South African War, 1901".
AUSTRALIANS WHO HAVE FOUGHT.
INGLEBURN, Monday.
Ingleburn.
A RETURNED SOLDIER ENTERTAINED.
At Ingleburn on Wedneidsr evening last, a complimentary social was tendered to Sergeant W. WALLACE, who recently returned from South Africa after having taken an active part in the Boer war. Two of his comrades — Trooper A. MAXWELL (Liverpool) and Trooper J. FOULSTONE (Hoxton Park) were also present by invitation. That the gallant sergeant is highly popular in the district was fully borne out by the large and representative gathering which attended to do him honor. Visitors from aII parts of the district were present, and the attendance must have numbered quite 200. The residence of Mr W.J. Collins was the scene of the festivities, and in addition to the accommodation which “Ingleburn House” provided, a large, gaily decorated marquee, giving a floor space of 42ft. x 42ft., was brought into requisition. Not only was Sergeant WALLACE tendered a social but he was also made the recipient of a valuable present — a gold medal, a gold sovereign-purse and sovereigns — the cost of which was subscribed by his numerous friends throughout the district. The medal, a really handsome one, bore the following inscription: — “Presented to Sergeant Wallace by his friends on his return from the South African, War, 1901”, and on the obverse was the monogram, “W.W.” The proceedings, which were most enthusiastic throughout, and in every way successful, were entered upon at about 8 o'clock. At this hour dancing was commenced, and was indulged in during the whole of the evening with little intermission. Shortly after 9, however, there was an adjournment, and the company repaired to the marquee, where the presentation was made. In the meantime, Mr Kidd, Minister for Mines and Agriculture, arrived, and the hon. gentleman consequently took the opportunity to make a few remarks, which were of an appropriate nature. The Mayor of Ingleburn (Alderman Percival) took the chair, and after having expressed the pleasure it gave him to be present, called upon Mr Kidd. Mr Kidd, who was warmly received, addressed the audience at some length. He was, he said, pleased to be present to take part in the gathering, which, as they all knew, had been organised to welcome back to Ingleburn one of its citizens in the person of Sergeant WALLACE. He was glad to see so many present; it showed the deep interest taken in the proceedings. The district had been well represented in South Africa, no less than five having taken part in the war; and it was satisfactory to note, all had distinguished themselves. As they were aware, the war was a very large question, and he could not on that occasion go into it, because it would take at least an hour to give an outline of the work done. Although a calamity, and something which they did not desire, the present war had shown, not only the Imperial authorities, but also the nations of Europe, that Australia could contribute a large and able body of men in the time of need. Seized of this fact, be opined that no foreign Power would readily raise a quarrel or attempt to effect a landing on our shores. Of all the troops which took part in the war, none did their duty in a more noble manner than the contribution from this State; therefore, all credit was due to Sergeant WALLACE and his comrades for the part they played. The function they were assisting at was some little recognition of the efforts of Sergeant WALLACE, who did so much on behalf of his country and for the credit of Ingleburn. (Cheers).
Mr Kidd having resumed his seat, the Mayoress came forward and made the presentation, asking Sergeant WALLACE's acceptance of the medal and sovereign purse and contents in a few well-chosen words.
Sergeant WALLACE, who was visibly affected, spoke briefly in acknowledgement.
Cheers for the King, Sergeant WALLACE, Mr Kidd, and the Mayoress followed, after which dancing was resumed to first-class music, kindly provided by Miss Scanlan and Miss Gough.
Ingleburn.
Welcome Home Social.
SOCIAL.
Ingleburn.