State: Victoria, Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 29/04/1902
Number issued: 1
Silver Waltham watch and gold medal, suitably inscribed, to:
Presentation made by Mr T.R. Ashworth, at Honeybone's Hall, Middle Park, Melbourne.
RETURNED SOLDIERS.
WELCOME HOME TO TROOPER WILL BROWNE
A large number of citizens of Middle Park, and friends of Trooper Will BROWNE, of the 5th Contingent V.M.R., which had rendered such signal service in South Africa, assembled at Honeybone's Hall to give him a hearty welcome home on Tuesday evening last. The evening was opened by dancing, interspersed with vocal and instrumental items.
In the interval, Mr T.R. Ashworth, who occupied the chair, presented Trooper BROWNE with a silver Waltham watch, gold medal, and gold sleeve links, suitably inscribed, and in doing so said that it gave him great pleasure to welcome back to their midst one of their young fellow citizens, who had served in the South African campaign with the Fifth Contingent. The Fifth had earned the commendation of every British officer under whom they had served, and had sturdily upheld the splendid reputation already gained by previous Australian troops. Mr Ashworth gave some personal reminiscences of a visit he had himself paid to South Africa some years ago, and gave, as an example of the different methods adopted by the British and Dutch Governments, their treatment of the Kaffirs and other natives. Under British rule their demeanour was characterised by a certain amount of respectful independence, but immediately on crossing into Dutch territory they became more timid. They knew that on the one side of the line they were treated as men, and on the other as slaves. In conclusion, he said he had known Trooper Will BROWNE for many years, and was proud of the position he had so ably filled. He was quite sure that Trooper BROWNE would look back in after-years, with feelings of pride, to that night. (Applause). Amidst loud applause Mr Ashworth handed Trooper BROWNE the mementoes.
On rising to respond, the guest of the evening was received with enthusiasm, and it was easy to see that he was very much affected by the kind reception accorded him. He had faced many a Boer sally with less nervousness than he did the task of making a speech. He modestly returned thanks, and said that he would look back on that night as the proudest of his life.
At the conclusion of the ceremony dancing was continued. …….
