State: Victoria, Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 20/03/1901
Number issued: 1
Gold medal & chain, to:
PRESENTATION TO PRIVATE N. McLEAN.
There being a surplus over from the public reception tendered to Private Norman McLEAN on his return from South Africa, the committee decided to utilise it in making him a presentation commemorative of the event. This took place at Knox's Hotel last night, the presentation taking the form of a handsome gold chain and medal.
Cr Hardie occupied the chair, and briefly referred to the former welcome, and mentioned that with the surplus a present had been obtained, which would be a lasting memento of the gathering held on his arrival back in Maffra. He had much pleasure in handing him the watch chain and medal.
Inscribed on the medal was: – "Presented to Private N. McLean as a memento of his safe return to Maffra from South Africa".
Private McLEAN expressed himself as delighted to receive such a handsome token. He would not refer to the war, as whatever they had done was only their duty, but he was glad to see that their little efforts were not in vain as far as his friends were concerned, and he had much pleasure in receiving it.
After the presentation his health was honored.
Mr Hardie then proposed a vote of thanks to the secretary of the reception committee, Mr Percy Ryan, who had carried out the duties well and had placed a straight balance sheet before them.
