State: Queensland, Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 04/02/1901
Number issued: 1
Gold albert & pendant, to:
Presentations made in the Mutual Hall, Killarney.
KILLARNEY WELCOME TO RETURNED SOLDIERS.
THE patriotic spirit that prevails in Killarney (writes our correspondent) once more had the opportunity of making itself felt in the splendid reception accorded to Corporal J.C. BROSNAN on Monday night. The event had been previously postponed owing to the death of the Queen. Amid the sound of fog signals the train steamed in, having on board Corp. BROSNAN, accompanied by Privates Jimmy TURNBULL, CAMERON, BURGE, STEWART, BOURNE, and HUTTON (Allora), and Private WALKER (Toowoomba). Lieutenants De Conlay, Sargent, and Rowland (Warwick) were also on board. They were met at the station by the chairman and reception committee and the whole of Killarney. After some cheering and refreshments at Canning's hotel, a torchlight procession was formed, and under the direction of Actinig Sergeant O'Brien made its way to the Mutual Hall, which was comfortably filled. Mr L. Shadwell presided, and a number of the committee, together with Corporal BROSNAN and his father (Mr C. Brosnan, J.P.), also occupied seats on the platform. Mr Shadwell, in his opening remarks spoke very feelingly of the calamity that had overtaken the nation in the death of our beloved Queen, and referred to the high position her late Majesty had occupied in comparison with monarchs past and present; also the kindness shown by her when visiting the wounded at Netley Hospital. One verse of the National Anthem was then sung.
Rev. R.J. Wallace spoke at some length, and expressed the pleasure it afforded him to welcome Corp. BROSNAN back to Killarney, not only as a soldier of the late Queen, but as a friend. He referred to the many estimable qualities possessed by their guest, particularly the part be took in the debating class some years ago. – "Our Jack's come Home To-day" having been sung by Mr W.C. Speering, assisted in the chorus by the whole company,
The Chairman, on behalf of the people of Killarney, presented an address of welcome to the guest of the evening in a few choice and eloquent words. – Mr T.J. Howell, in the course of some remarks, said that so long as the Defence Force was represented by such men as Corp. BROSNAN there was no danger of the prestige of our soldiers going down. – Mr Fergusson sang "Australians to the Front", after which the Rev. G.F. Hart, on behalf of the town and district, presented the guest with a massive gold albert valued at £11 10s. Mr Hart, in the course of a happy and humorous speech, said he felt sure the chain, good as it was, would not lose any of its lustre when worn by so worthy a recipient.
Corp. BROSNAN was received with great applause when he rose to reply. After thanking the Killarney people for their handsome gifts, he said he felt it his duty, after having gone home to her late Majesty's Diamond Jubilee, to go and assist in upholding the honor and integrity of the Empire in South Africa, so that no one could point their finger at him and say "There goes a featherbed soldier". He went on to say that the Generals at the front prefer the Downs boys to any other Queenslanders. He also paid a glowing tribute to the splendid order and discipline shown by "Tommy Atkins". Tommy, be said, could give the colonials points and a beating on that score, and taken all round Tommy was a real good fellow. Corp. BROSNAN concluded a very interesting little speech by again thanking the people for their appreciation of his services
Miss Canning sang, "Just as the Sun Went Down", with very good effect indeed. Mrs Speering, on behalf of the ladies, presented the guest with a handsome gold pendant. That lady, in one of the very neatest of speeches, conveyed to the recipient as an accompaniment to the gift the hearty good wishes of the ladies for his future welfare and happiness. Corp. BROSNAN suitably replied. Private CAMERON also spoke. Mr T. Ardern moved a hearty vote of thanks to the trustees of the hall for its free use, to the musicians, and to the chairman; this was seconded by Mr Speering and carried with acclamation.
