State: Victoria, Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 30/05/1901, 23/07/1901
Number issued: 4
30/05/1901 presentation
??? Private T. LYONS
23/07/1901 presentation
543 Corporal Charles Advent OLLE
Presentation made by Mr John A. Hutton (President of the Shire), in the Mechanics' Hall, Penshurst.
HOME FROM THE WAR.
PENSHURST.
BACK FROM THE WAR.
WELCOME TO CORPORAL OLLE.
The local Mechanics' hall was filled to the door on Tuesday evening with a most enthusiastic audience, the occasion being to welcome Corporal Charles OLLE home from the war. The committee appointed to arrange the programme for the evening had done their work satisfactorily, and from the commencement it was obvious that a thoroughly enjoyable time was to be spent. The chair was occupied by Mr John A. Hutton who, in opening the meeting, briefly explained the object of the gathering, concluding with the remark that he could congratulate Corporal OLLE on his safe return.
There were a number of apologies read by the secretary from gentlemen who were unable to attend namely, the Revs. H.J. Ham, Dunkeld and M.J. Shanahan, Hamilton, and Crs Tobin and Kelly (Mount Rouse Shire) also one from Miss Waller, whose name had been enlisted on the programme for a song. A musical selection opened the programme, being an overture on the piano by Mr A. Olle, very well rendered. This was followed by a song very nicely rendered by Mrs Knowles, and yet another by the Rev. Elliker, of Dunkeld, who was awarded a well merited applause. A short address was then delivered by Mr F.L. Olle, in which he extended a hearty welcome home to his nephew.
A recitation was here very ably given by Mrs H. Barker, which, we were informed, was of her own composing, and was exceedingly appropriate to the occasion, being in the form of a welcome to the returned soldier. Mr F. Olle sang “John Ball Junior” in very good style, at the conclusion of which he repeated the last verse in response to repeated calls for a repetition. The Rev. Mr McNeilage spoke for some little time upon the work done by the Australians during the war, and expressed the opinion that meetings of that description were instructive, seeing that the war was an instrument in the making of the history of the British empire. He considered that the action of Australia and Canada had falsified the idea entertained among other nations that England simply set her colonies on their feet, when they drift away from her.
Miss A. Aitkin rendered “Home Sweet Home” in a very pleasing manner, the audience showing its appreciation of her talent with a hearty applause at the conclusion. Song, “The song that will live for ever” by Mr H. Pearson, the accompaniment to which was played by Miss Eales. Song, “The King's champion” by the Rev. Elliker.
Mr J. Robertson said that few could feel more cordial than he did towards their returned soldiers. And he was glad to say that with one exception they had returned unscathed. They had assisted in upholding the integrity of the Empire, and had carried themselves right royally, and to the credit of the great race, to which they belong.
The chairman then presented the guest of the evening with a gold medal in recognition of the high appreciation in which his actions while in South Africa were held by his fellow men. In the course of his remarks, when making the presentation, the chairman said, “you have contributed to the consolidation of our Empire, and have discharged your duties faithfully. We hope you may live long to wear this medal”. He then called for three cheers for Corporal OLLE, which were heartily given.
Mr F. Olle sang “Soldiers of the King”, which was encored, and Miss Pearson very nicely rendered “True to Jack”, which was also encored.
On rising to respond, Corporal OLLE was received with a perfect ovation. He sincerely thanked them for the gift, and also for the reception which they had given him. It was gratify to know that his actions had given them satisfaction, although the Australians had taken but a very small part in the war. He had no wish to return to South Africa, but if the Empire again needed his services, he would willingly go. (Applause).
An interval was here made, during which refreshments were distributed among the audience.
Mr J. Kirkwood sang “The Federal Flag”, in a very appreciable manner, and the recitation “Queen’s Letter”, by Mr H. Dunlop was equally well received. The song “Tommy Atkins” by Mr Tilley, was well received, he being recalled. The National Anthem then concluded the programme.
The committee, and especially the secretary, (Mr C. Dufton), are deserving of our congratulations, on the complete success of the undertaking. The takings at the door amounted to £11 odd.
