State: New South Wales, Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 05/11/1902
Number issued: 1
Gold medal, to:
Presentation made by Mr Richards, during a picnic, held in one of Mr John Newman's paddocks.
A People's Gathering.
McDonald's Creek Recognition.
Welcome to Trooper URQUHART.
The people of McDonald's Creek mustered in goodly number in one of Mr John Newman's paddocks, yesterday afternoon, to do honour to one who had done duty in South Africa. It is not long since Trooper Fred URQUHART, youngest son of Mr John Urquhart, returned from the war, and the residents of the place were not slow in arranging the proceedings, which eventuated so auspiciously yesterday. At first it was proposed to have a banquet, but the influence of the ladies came into operation, and Wednesday afternoon's programme was adopted, and an invitation was sent the member for the district to attend, and present Trooper URQUHART with a suitably engraved medal. By three o'clock a good number had assembled, and at once it was seen the correct thing had been done. The scene presented all the features of a people's picnic.
No time was lost in disposing of the chief object of the occasion. Mr James Hill was chosen to preside, and that gentleman appropriately introduced Mr Richards, making references to Trooper URQUHART expressive of their little community's gratitude to him, as one who had left the comforts of a good home to do battle for the country, concluding by giving utterance to thoroughly loyal sentiment as regards the South African campaign, and its influences for national good. Having read an apology from Mr E.J. Gamgee, and expressed regret at the absence of Mr John Newman, J.P., who was indisposed, although deeply interested in their guest that afternoon. The chairman then called upon Mr Richards, who, having spoke at some length in introductory remarks, decorated Trooper URQUHART with a heavy gold medal, on which is inscribed 'Presented to Trooper Fred Urquhart by his friends and well wishers, in recognition of service rendered in South Africa'.
Mr Richards thanked them for opportunity of being present. He had to run away from duty in Sydney at an important time, but he owed the people of that locality his gratitude, outside the importance of the object of the gathering. He referred to a function he had attended at Millie, in the north, at the unveiling of a statue, to mark the untimely end of a noble fellow who had died in the field of battle. In that case a soldier was mourned. They were now rejoicing because one, who had gone, had, by God's decree, been spared. They rejoiced, too, because of the example Trooper URQUHART had set. The death of Trooper CROOME the community had only recently mourned. Others who had been in battle, and escaped, were Troopers BUCHHOLTZ, THOMAS, STRIKE, Mick FORD, and, he was reminded, Trooper BECKTON. It was quite right that time to remember their names. Twenty thousand men had died, or were killed, in the South African war. The price was a great one, at a cost which should not be undervalued. It meant the price for liberty, and let them hope it was not in vain that the glorious flag of freedom had been planted for all comers, and their hope should be that the country would be uplifted, and blessed by the British governing influence, which now aimed at shaping South Africa's destiny.
Trooper URQUHART suitably acknowledged the recognition bestowed on him, and said he would never forget their kindness.
Mr E. Hughes then proposed vote of thanks to the visitors, particularising Ald. Keegan, Mr P.[?] Garling, and the member for the district. Coming as these gentlemen did amongst them was to be appreciated.
Messrs Keegan, Garling, and Richards responded, the latter concluding by proposing a vote to the chairman.
Later the ladies of the committee regaled all present, a sumptuous repast, in rich profusion, being laid on the ground, all present apparently entering into the fullest enjoyment, thoroughly enjoying the homely hospitality of the functions.
