State: New South Wales, Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 06/03/1901
Number issued: 1
Gold medal, to:
Presentation made by the Mayor (Alderman M.F. Morton), during a picnic held on the cricket ground, Nowra Hill.
Inscribed: "Presented to A.J. Justin, from his Nowra Hill friends, on his return from S.A. War, 1901".
Supplied by Mr H.J. Neal, watchmaker and jeweller, Nowra.
SEE ALSO: NOWRA & SHOALHAVEN
BACK FROM THE WAR.
WELCOME TO CORPORAL ALFRED JUSTIN.
PICNIC AT NOWRA HILL.
Corporal Alfred JUSTIN, who recently returned from South Africa after serving with the N.S.W. Army Medical Corps, was entertained at a picnic at Nowra Hill, his native place, on Wednesday last, when over 200 persons, including ladies and children, assembled on the cricket ground and received the returned soldier with much enthusiasm. Refreshments on a liberal scale were provided by the ladies of the locality in a booth, and the young folk engaged in games during the day. Notwithstanding the hardships he endured in the long African campaign, Corporal JUSTIN appeared in good health and spirits, and evidently was much impressed by the warm welcome given him by old friends and acquaintances. Early in the afternoon a 'circle' was formed on the ground, and the guest was formally welcomed.
The Mayor of Nowra, in a brief, patriotic address, presented Corporal JUSTIN with a handsome gold medal pendant, subscribed for by residents of the district. The Mayor said he did not expect to be present or to be called upon to speak, but, being present, he had pleasure in joining with the Nowra Hill people in welcoming a young man of Shoalhaven home from the war. (Applause). He had known Corporal JUSTIN for some time, and he was glad to assist in that welcome-home demonstration. Corporal JUSTIN, they all knew, had been attached to the New South Wales Army Medical Corps, which had been of great service in South Africa. (Applause). Much had been stated about the fighters, but not enough generally was said about those men who went forward to succour and relieve the wounded. ("Hear, hear"). They had heard a lot about the firing on ambulances in the South African campaign, but latest reports went to show that this was not by leaders of the enemy, and that in most cases it was accidental. He was very glad to see Corporal JUSTIN returned from the war. (Applause).
Alderman Graham (Nowra) said he was glad to see so many pleasant faces that day. He congratulated Nowra Hill on having so estimable a young man who had bravely gone forth to fight for a just cause, and he congratulated the young soldier on his return to his native land. (Applause).
Captain Marriott said he was glad to see so many people assembled to accord a hearty welcome to one of whom they were all proud, and one who belonged to a corps of which they, and all who had read about it, were also proud. The Army Medical Corps had been spoken of highly by Lord Roberts, who had expressed surprise at what the colony had done in supplying field hospitals at the war. The people of Shoalhaven should feel doubly proud of the fact that in Corporal JUSTIN they had a young man who belonged to and had served so creditably with such a corps. (Applause).
Mr E.C. Hewlett said that, as one who had known Corporal JUSTIN a number of years, he was glad to join in welcoming him home after his arduous duties in the Boer war. He was glad to know that their friend had joined in assisting to relieve humanity, whether foe or friend. The Army Medical Corps had experienced dangers equal to those under which other branches of the service had operated, and it was gratifying to know that the work done by that corps had been so much appreciated. (Applause,).
Mr James Howitt said he was pleased to be given that opportunity of bearing testimony to the character of Corporal JUSTIN. In reading the accounts of the war they had been particularly interested in those nearly connected with us who were at the front, and their hearts went out to those of our own kith and kin who were reported to be acquitting themselves. They knew what Dr Fiaschi had said of the Ambulance Corps, especially in regard to the services of the New South Wales men at the time of Cronje's surrender. They were all thankful to know that Dr Fiaschi had men like Corporal JUSTIN, who went away with a good name and character, and was one that showed that it was not drink but stamina that carried them through the campaign. He congratulated Corporal JUSTIN on his return. (Applause).
Mr James Shepherd, sen., said he had known Corporal JUSTIN since he was a laddie running about in petticoats, and he knew nothing bad in him. (Applause). He knew the family, and a very fine family they were, too. It was an honour to the district to know that Corporal JUSTIN had braved the war for the honour of England and his country, and it was an honour to receive the warm praise of Lord Roberts for the bravery and good conduct of our men. Not only was it an honour to know that our men fought so well for their country and God, but it was also an honour to see so many showing their loyalty in attending to welcome a soldier from the war. He trusted that Corporal JUSTIN would show in his character hereafter that he was not only a brave soldier of the Queen but a brave soldier for Jesus also. He welcomed him home with all his heart. (Applause).
Mr W. Corfield said that when he first heard of the success of the Army Medical Corps, he attributed it chiefly to Dr Martin, whom he had known for years, but when he now saw Corporal JUSTIN, with his fine open countenance and splendid physique, as one of the corps with which Dr Martin had had so much to do, he could well understand the efficient organisation of that corps and that Dr Martin had been ably backed up in the work. He congratulated Corporal JUSTIN on his return, and trusted that Heaven's blessing would rest upon him. (Applause).
Mr W.J. Wotton said he rejoiced at the doings of our boys in South Africa. If the war had done nothing else, it had shown the world that our boys were better, or at least as well, able to take part in campaigning as the regular red-tape trained men of the old country; and that in tackling the mother country its enemies had to remember that they had the old country's children also to face. He rejoiced in the return of their young friend, and he thanked God for it. He hoped he would be made a blessing to Shoalhaven, and, if asked again, he felt sure he would be found "into the breach" once more. (Applause).
Alderman Westbrook said he had watched with feelings of pride the doings of Australian boys at the front, and he thanked God that young JUSTIN came from stock British-born, though not colonial. He was glad to see Corporal JUSTIN back again sound in wind and limb. (Applause).
Mr Daniel McMillan said that he was especially proud of Alfred JUSTIN, as he had known him intimately for years. Corporal JUSTIN's return was somewhat unexpected; until he met him at the Shoalhaven Show he did not know that he had even left Africa. And he fancied that people in Nowra were rather indifferent as to his return, seeing what had been done in honour of other soldiers previously returned. War at the best was very serious and disastrous, and it was grand and noble to see that we had men like JUSTIN to step forth and fight for the Queen, who had since died, a fact that would be long regretted. (Applause). Corporal JUSTIN had gone right through the whole war, and he had returned a better man than when he left. (Applause).
Alderman Crawford said that he and Corporal JUSTIN had had some hard times camping out in years gone by. JUSTIN was a hardy, plucky man, and was able in the war to serve in several capacities, even to shoeing horses, from his knowledge gained by experiences in this country. No man was prouder than he of Corporal JUSTIN nor more pleased to see him returned. (Applause).
Corporal JUSTIN briefly acknowledged the presentation and the kind expressions concerning him. He said he could not find words to adequately express his thanks. He hoped he would never meet with his friends on worse terms than they were met that day. (Applause).
The returned soldier was received with musical honours, the company, led by Alderman Westbrook, singing 'For he's a jolly good fellow.' Cheers were given for Corporal JUSTIN, the Mayor, and the King; and, on motion by Alderman Graham, a vote of thanks was heartily passed to the ladies who had provided refreshments. These ladies included Mesdames Jos. Crawford, James Crawford, Justin, Scott, Humphrey Henry, G. Henry, jun., Francis Henry, T. Wernick, Johnston (Flatrock Creek), R. Solway, H. Oke, and D. McMillan.
NOWRA HILL.
Complimentary Picnic to Mr A.J. JUSTIN.
Nowra Hill was en fete on Wednesday last, the occasion being a complimentary picnic to Mr A.J. JUSTIN, who had only recently returned from South Africa, where he had been engaged as a member of the Army Medical Corps. Mr JUSTIN, who is a native of Nowra Hill, where his mother still resides, has for some years been connected with the police force of New South Wales, being stationed in Sydney, and when the first contingent was being sent to South Africa to take a hand in the Boer war, and a call was made for the equipping of an Army Medical Corps to accompany the volunteers, he offered his services and was accepted. Mr JUSTIN was amongst the first batch of men to leave these shores, and after fifteen months' service in the thick of the campaign, and in some of the most important engagements, where the N.S.W. Army Medical Corps were able to render invaluable assistance, and to gain an honoured and treasured name for themselves by their noble work, he was allowed to return home.
It was intended at first by his friends to give him a public welcome home, but that was found impracticable at the time, and arrangements were then entered upon to give him a complimentary picnic, which eventuated on Wednesday last, on the Nowra Hill cricket ground. The day, though rain threatened in the forenoon, turned out beautifully fine. There was a large attendance, numbering in all from 250 to 300, including moat of the residents in the immediate neighbourhood and not a few from Nowra and other parts of the district. The “Hill” folk, with characteristic generosity, provided ample and excellent refreshments, which were served up in the middle of the day and again in the afternoon to the large gathering. Not only was the supply of creature comforts abundant but the quality was all that could be desired. Those who contributed to this department, which was not the least important of the day's proceedings were Mesdames Joseph Crawford, H. Henry, G. Henry, R. Ison, R. Solway, W. Jarrett, James Crawford, Scott, F. Henry, D. McMillan, Wernick, and Justin. Fruit was supplied by Messrs W. Ison, T. Wernick, and W. Crawford.
Games of various kinds were indulged in for some time, and early in the afternoon the company was called together to assist in a Public Presentation to the guest of the day. Mr Alderman Crawford, who acted as “master of the ceremonies”, called upon His Worship the Mayor of Nowra (Ald. M.F. Morton) to make the presentation on behalf of the subscribers.
Mr Morton said he was very pleased to be present and to see such a large gathering to do honour to Mr JUSTIN. He had known Mr JUSTIN for a long time. They all felt respect for him in going away to South Africa, and also extended their congratulations to him on his safe return. Mr JUSTIN had the honour of belonging to the Army Medical Corps. Much was said about the men who took part in the din and strife of the campaign, but he thought not enough credit was given to the nurses and the men who formed the Ambulance and Army Medical Corps. They incurred great risks in following their arduous duties. The enemy were often charged with firing on the nurses and ambulance waggons, but he did not think that was done deliberately on their part, but was rather accidental, for he could not conceive of any civilized body of men acting in such a manner towards the brave women and men who went out to succour the wounded, and who often risked their own lives in trying to save the lives of others. Mr JUSTIN belonged to one of the best and noblest parts of the Army. On behalf of his numerous friends, he presented Mr JUSTIN with a gold medal, and hoped he would live long to wear it. (Applause).
Alderman Graham expressed the pleasure it gave him to be present to bid a hearty welcome to Mr JUSTIN, and to congratulate the people of Nowra Hill in having such a brave neighbour. (Applause).
Mr T. Marriott said they were all met there that day to offer a hearty welcome to one from their own district, of whom they were all proud. As the Mayor remarked, Mr JUSTIN belonged to a corps that they as New South Welshmen should be very proud of. The New South Wales Army Medical Corps had rendered excellent service in the field and had been amongst the best engaged in that class of work in South Africa. They were highly spoken of by Lord Roberts. They had not only sent splendid men to the fighting line, but had sent men who proved themselves equal, if not superior, to the British Army Medical Corps. He was glad to be one to welcome Mr JUSTIN home, and hoped he would remain here to give this country the benefit of his experience and training. (Applause).
Mr E.C. Hewlett, as one who had known Mr JUSTIN for a number of years, begged also to offer him his congratulations in that he had come home in health and strength after the arduous duties imposed upon him in the Transvaal war. He wished him every success and prosperity in his future life. He was thankful to know that he had been engaged in the work of assisting humanity, and in doing good to those who were in need of help, whether they were foes or friends. As remarked by Mr Marriott, New South Wales had gained great credit with its Army Medical Corps, which had to brave dangers equally with those in the thick of the fight.
Mr James Hewitt said he had great pleasure in being present to bear testimony to the worth of his friend, Mr JUSTIN. He referred to the patriotic feelings that had been aroused amongst the people of these colonies when their kith and kin went forth to assist the British Empire in the time of danger, and how, because of their presence in the field, they followed closely the accounts of the campaign as appearing in the newspapers from time to time. Alluding to the capture of Cronje, he paid a tribute to Major Fiaschi, in charge of the Army Medical Corps, to whom the Boer leader surrendered, though that officer was a non-combatant. The part taken by the Major on that occasion showed how the medical corps went into danger and risked their lives. They should be thankful that men like their friend had gone forward to uphold the credit of the country. He had come back benefited by the experience he had gained, which no doubt would be helpful to others besides himself. He congratulated him upon his safe return. (Applause).
Mr James Shepherd said as a friend of Mr JUSTIN's he could say he had known him since he was a laddie, and he never knew any harm of him. He never heard of a black mark against his character. In fact, he had known all the Justin's and a very respectable family they were. (Hear, hear). Having made a eulogistic reference to the young Australians who had gone forth to fight for Queen and country and God at the call of duty, he expressed gratification that on the return of their brave men they were met by loyal men, women, and children, and accorded a fitting welcome as in that instance. He trusted that Mr JUSTIN would long live amongst them, that his later years would be worthy of him, and that he would show in his character that he was not only a brave soldier of his King and country but of his God. (Applause).
Mr W. Corfield stated that he had followed the doings of the Army Medical Corps with more than ordinary interest, because of his having been for 15 years an intimate friend of Dr Martin, one of the officers of that body. He congratulated the Corps upon the fame they had gained, complimented Mr JUSTIN upon his connection with it, and congratulated him upon his return to his early home and upon the honour done him by those who knew him longest and best. (Applause).
Mr W.J. Wotton remarked that, having been for 21 years a resident of the colonies, he thought he could now claim to be a colonial. He rejoiced in the success of the colonial boys, who had stood side by side with the trained men of England and had done as well, if not better, than they in the field. The rallying of the colonial boys had shown the enemies of Britain that they not only had to reckon with the mother land, but would have to reckon with the colonies too. Having joined in his congratulations to Mr JUSTIN, he said he felt confident that if he was required again, he would be one of the first to offer. (Applause).
Mr W. Westbrook humorously remarked that Mr Wotton had only just come of age as a colonial, but he was a colonial all through, born of British parents. That was the stock that had proved itself worthy of the brave race from which it had sprung. Like the others he congratulated Mr Justin upon his safe return from the war, and wished him success in all his dealings through life. (Applause).
Mr D. McMillan also spoke in a complimentary strain of Mr JUSTIN, with whom he had a long and intimate acquaintance. He extended to him the hand of welcome and wished him a bright and prosperous future. (Applause).
Alderman Crawford, addressing the company, explained that it had been intended by Mr JUSTIN's friends to give him a welcome home demonstration, but through being uncertain about the time of his arrival, and otherwise busily engaged with the show, they had been compelled to abandon that idea, but they were giving him instead a send-off upon leaving the district after spending a brief holiday amongst them. If he (Mr Crawford) had been Mr JUSTIN he never would have come back from the war. He would have stayed there and married one of the women Boers. (Laughter). But joking aside, he had known Mr JUSTIN from boyhood, and together they had gone through some rough experiences. Often, they had lain out on the bare ground together in the bush when after cattle. Those experiences had qualified him for the life he had to face in battle. There wasn't a horse in South Africa Mr JUSTIN couldn't ride; and he could shoe horses and do other things as well as most men. In fact, he was just the kind of man they wanted in South Africa. He was proud of him — as proud as if he were his own son. (Applause).
Mr JUSTIN, who met with an ovation, said he could not find words to express his thanks for the kindness extended to him. He hoped he would never meet them on worse terms than on that day. (Applause).
Three ringing cheers were given for Mr JUSTIN, the company all joined in singing “He's a Jolly Good Fellow”, and cheers were also given for the chairman. After tea had been dispensed, a hearty vote of thanks, moved by Alderman Graham and Mr Corfield, was accorded the ladies who had provided the edibles, and the company afterwards dispersed.
