Presentation made by ex-Councillor C. Tayler, in the Protestant Hall, Lara.
Private Smith also received a pair of gold cufflinks, and his mother a full-size portrait of her son in full uniform.
LARA
Wednesday.
The social in connection with the welcome home to Private Fred SMITH, of the Victorian 5th Contingent, was held in the Protestant Hall, which was literally packed by a most enthusiastic audience. Mr C. Tayler (ex-councillor), ably filled the chair. In a neat speech he dwelt on the many good points posseted by "our returned soldier and comrade", and stated that nothing gave him greater pleasure than to have the honour of presenting, on behalf of the residents, to Private SMITH a massive gold curb chain and locket (suitably inscribed), a pair of gold sleeve links, and a life-size portrait of Private SMITH, in full uniform for his mother. Private SMITH, on rising to receive the gifts, was received with long, continued cheers. He was visibly affected for some minutes by the warmth of his reception, but found suitable words to thank his friends for their kind gifts. He said he felt more overcome this night than on the night of the Wilmansrust disaster, when both his comrades were shot dead, one on each side of him. He then gave the audience a graphic account of the 5th's doings when on the march. The audience was favoured with songs by the Mesdames Gibbons, Hamilton, Jenkin and Walker. A recitation by "Mrs Brown" was well received. Messrs Middleton and Batten (Geelong) kept the company in convulsions with several "character" and comic songs. Mr Simon McDonald, of "Marathon", rendered "Let me like a soldier fall" in a very able manner, and was well applauded for another item. Mr and Mrs J. Firth, jun., gave a duet in good style. Refreshments, kindly supplied by the ladies, were freely partaken of by upwards of 400 people. The chairman moved a vote of thanks to the musicians and others who kindly gave their services gratis, and a special vote of thanks to Mr Arthur Armstrong, of the Railway department, Geelong. For the loan of his valuable bunting, banners, shields, etc., with which to decorate the hall.
Melbourne Leader, 31st May 1902
Lara Lake, May 12th.
Dear Cinderella,
This is the second time I have written to you. I was very sorry at not seeing my first letter in "The Leader". But I hope to say, that this one will be in. The last time I wrote to you I told you that my brother went to the Boer War in South Africa, and that he was supposed to be killed, in the Wilmansrust disaster. But this time I am going to tell you about his return, and the grand welcome he got from the residents of Lara. Mother, Father, and my Brother, went down to Melbourne, to meet the boat. You can just imagine how rejoiced we all were to see him back again. The railway station was decorated something beautiful with flags of all description all the colours you could think of. He has bought a lot of Boer curios home and some Kaffir bracelets. They are such funny looking things. The residents of Lara also gave my brother a grand social and ball. There were over four hundred people present. They presented him with a handsome gold chain, and locket suitable inscribed, and a pair of gold, sleeve links, they were magnificent. The ball was very nice. I had a few dances. I enjoyed myself grand. I think this is all I can tell you this time. I must conclude with love, I remain yours sincerely - BESSIE SMITH. Age 14-years.
Please put this letter in "The.Leader".
[You must indeed have been rejoiced to get your brother back safely, Bessie. — Cinderella]
