Country: New Zealand
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 23/07/1901
Number issued: 1
Gold medal, to:
"D" Squadron, 5th New Zealand Mounted Rifles –
Lieutenant Alexander McLENNAN
Presentation made by the Mayor (Mr Inder), in the Wedderburn Hotel.
Originally accepted for service as a trooper with the 4th N.Z.M.R., but transferred with a commission to the 5th Contingent.
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Otago Witness, 24th July 1901
WELCOME TO TROOPER McLENNAN.
On Tuesday the people of Wedderburn welcomed back Lieutenant McLENNAN, who joined the fourth contingent as a trooper, but was subsequently transferred to the fifth contingent, and given the position of lieutenant. On his arrival at Wedderburn station, Lieutenant McLENNAN was met by the residents of the district, among whom were the school children carrying flags. Mr John McKay spoke a few words of welcome on behalf of those present. In the evening he was entertained at a dinner in the Wedderburn Hotel. About 75 persons were present, including a number of residents of Naseby, and Troopers BEATH and WHITE. After the dinner a smoke concert was held, and at this Mr Inder (the Mayor of Naseby) presented Lieutenant McLENNAN, on behalf of the residents of the district, with a gold medal. The ceremony of putting it on was performed by his own mother, and this little incident was very affecting. Some excellent speeches were made during the evening, the speakers being Dr Church, Messrs A.L. Herdman, E.C. Cutten, Ginsberg, F. Francis, and Captain Logan. Musical items were given by Messrs Vellis, Roberts, O'Driscoll, Travers, and J. McKay, the first named gentleman also playing the accompaniments.
