State: Victoria, Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 04/02/1901
Number issued: 1
Gold locket, set with rubies and suitably inscribed, to:
1st Victorian Infantry Company [1st Victorian Contingent] –
92 Farrier-Sergeant William John MILLER
Presentation made Mr A.S. Bailes, M.L.A., at the Fifeshire Arms Hotel, 41 Eaglehawk Road, Ironbark, Bendigo.
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Bendigo Advertiser, 11th January 1901
TESTIMONIAL TO FARRIER-SERGEANT MILLER.
The residents of Ironbark have started a movement to present Farrier-Sergeant MILLER, one of the first contingent, who recently returned from South Africa, with a testimonial, in the shape of a gold locket, as a token of their admiration for his bravery and patriotism in fighting as a volunteer in the South African campaign. The request for subscriptions is being liberally responded to.
Bendigo Advertiser, 5th February 1901
PRESENTATION TO FARRIER-SERGEANT MILLER.
Last evening, at the Fifeshire Arms hotel, a gathering of the friends of Farrier-Sergeant MILLER, one of the Fifth Battalion members of the first contingent, was made the recipient of a social and presentation, as an expression of admiration for his soldierly qualities during the South African campaign. The chair was occupied by Mr A.S. Bailes, M.L.A., and a large number of citizens were present. After the loyal toast, Mr J.H. Abbott, junr., proposed "Our Guest", and in doing so referred to Captain Pendlebury's expressed estimation of the guest as a soldier as a proof of his fighting qualities. When a man was described as one of the finest sergeants amongst the colonial troops it was a high eulogium. From what he knew of Sergeant MILLER, however, it was well deserved, and, personally, he was proud of him as a Bendigo citizen, as he was one of the Australians who have earned a reputation for initiation which reflected credit on the colonies. The toast was supported by Messrs W. Gardiner, J. Clifford, H. Bradley, R.L. Ritchie, J. Pryor and the chairman, and honoured with great enthusiasm. The chairman then presented the guest with a handsome gold locket, set with rubies, and suitably inscribed, on behalf of his friends. The recipient suitably responded, stating that he greatly appreciated the kindness of his friends. "Our Forces in South Africa", was proposed by Mr J. Pryor; and "Success to the Outgoing Contingents", by Mr W. Gardiner was also honoured. Harmony was contributed by Messrs Bradley, Bailes and others, a very pleasant evening being spent.
