State: Victoria, Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 06/03/1902
Number issued: 1
Gold Geneva cross & albert, to:
WELCOME HOME TO CORPORAL J. BAIRD.
AN ENTHUSIASTIC GATHERING.
LEARMONTH, Friday.
(From Our Correspondent.)
A welcome home social was tendered, in the Learmonth Temperance Hall, to Corporal Jas. BAIRD, who was recently invalided home in consequence of wounds received in action whilst serving with Tullibardine's Scottish Horse in South Africa. The function took the form of a banquet, but without the usual accompaniment of intoxicating liquors. There were about 150 ladies and gentlemen present. Mr J.P. Spiers occupied the chair, having on his right the guest of the evening, Corporal BAIRD, and Sergeant McDONALD, who has also served in South Africa. Messrs Geo. and M. BAIRD, two other returned soldiers, were also present. Dr Courtney and Mr C. Hamilton occupied the vice-chairs. The hall was very nicely decorated, and the tables were a credit to the ladies who carried out the arrangements.
The loyal toast having been honoured Mr W.H. Chandler sang "A Nation's Birth” (Commonwealth song), which was composed by his brother, Mr H.H. Chandler, and Mr David Baird recited “The last shot.”
Mr C. Hamilton proposed the toast “The Commonwealth Parliament”. After an interesting address the speaker referred in eulogistic terms to the guest. We could expect nothing else than that Corporal BAIRD would be a good, true and courageous man, because his pedigree was good. His father, the late Mr Jas. Baird, was one who fought for all that was good, pure and noble.
Song, “Life’s lullaby”, Miss L. Edmonston; song, Mr Chandler.
“The Guest” was proposed by the chairman, who said that It was of such men as Corporal Jas. BAIRD, who had risked their lives for the honour of their country, that the people of these states had reason to feel proud. They had so far upheld the honour of the Grand Old Flag, and Corporal BAIRD had done his duty as a soldier. Their guest had the courage of his opinions, and was one of those men who could differ from others and be friends afterwards. He was very pleased indeed to be present to do honour to such a man, and he had much pleasure in testifying to his worth.
The toast was honoured with much enthusiasm, the cheering for Corporal BAIRD continuing for some time.
Song, “The powder monkey”, Mr J.A. McGillivray.
The chairman then, in a few well-chosen words presented Corporal BAIRD with a very handsome gold medal of the Geneva Cross (British Ambulance) pattern and a gold Albert, as a token of the appreciation of the people of the district. The medal bore the following inscription — “To Corporal James Baird, of Tullibardine's Scottish Horse, March 6th, 1902”, and on the reverse side, “From the residents of Learmonth, as a memento of his service in South Africa”. The chairman, after reading the inscription, said no words of his were needed to show Corporal BAIRD how much he was appreciated. The fact that there was such a large number present would demonstrate that the guest deserved this token of good wishes, and he bad much pleasure in handing it to him.
Song, Mr A.C. Stewart, “Scarlet and blue”.
Corporal BAIRD, on rising to respond was greeted with a most flattering ovation. He said he felt deeply grateful to those present for their great kindness to him. It was a pleasure to him to look round and find so many of his old friends present to welcome him home again. He had seen some very good country in South Africa, but none so good as Learmonth. He had seen many people, but none so good as those in this district. He paid a high tribute of praise to the sisters at the hospital in which he was an inmate in Johannesburg. There was not a soldier who went to the hospital there but must admire the manner in which they carried out their duties. The medical attendance in the hospitals was also very good. Corporal BAIRD, before resuming his seat, again heartily thanked his friends for their kindness.
Sergeant McDONALD also addressed those present.
Recitation, Mr Chandler.
Dr Courtney proposed the “Army”, in a brief but entertaining speech.
Captain D. Kennersley, of the local rifle club, responded.
Mr John Baird proposed “The Ladies”, which was responded to by Mr W. Rain.
Recitation, Mr A. Patterson.
Mr A. Findlay proposed "The Press”, the representatives present responding.
The singing of "Auld Lang Syne” brought a most successful gathering to a close.
Apologies for absence were received from Lieutenant-Colonel Greenfield, Mrs James Baird (mother of the guest), the Premier (the Hon. A.J. Peacock), and Cr M. Ryan.
The medal which was presented to Corporal BAIRD was the workmanship of Mr H. Hutton, of Ballarat. The gold albert was also purchased at the same establishment.
