Medals and awards

DINNER AND PRESENTATION TO TROOPER T. WOODS.

On Thursday evening last a dinner was given at the Graig Hotel, Pontypridd, followed by a smoking concert and presentation, as a welcome home to Trooper T. WOODS, who returned from South Africa three weeks ago. WOODS was a member of the Penrhiw and Maritime Brass Band, and it was the members of the Band and a local committee, under the presidency of Prof. Desmane who took the matter up and determined not only to give him a hearty reception, but something of a more substantial nature, with the result that he was presented with a silver English lever watch, a gold curb albert and medal, suitably inscribed, as well as his photo taken in his Khaki uniform, and a purse of gold.

Mr Davies, the landlord of the Griag Hotel, had decorated the house tastefully both inside and out, and it presented a most picturesque appearance. The large club-room was crowded. Amongst others present were Mr Davies, manager Penrhiw Pit; Mr E. Leyshon; Mr Vairity; Mr Pigeon; Councillor Hibbert; Mr T. Barnhouse (Taff Vale Hotel); Messrs T. Leyshon, Garth House; H. Watkins, T. Williams, J. Evans, Splott Villa; W. Evans, Corporal Huggins; Corporal Shepherd, I. Lyles, and his son.

Mr Desmane occupied the chair at the dinner, which was heartily enjoyed. After the toast of 'The King', Mr Leyshon proposed a vote of condolence with the victims of the Stenghenydd explosion. Letters were read from Major Quirk and Captain Lewis expressing their regret at being unable to be present. The concert was then commenced. The gramophone selections included 'The Absent-Minded Beggar', and 'Tommy Atkins', the instrument being very kindly lent by Mr J.L. Evans. This was followed by a song by Mr Jack Reynolds, and a violin solo by Mr S. Hibbert.

Thie Chairman, in making the presentation, referred to what had been done in the town, and the determination in the Graig Ward to make the return of Trooper WOODS an occasion for an enthusiastic demonstration. He pointed to the fact of Great Britain always having been a fighting country, and spoke of the years 1854-5-6, and the bravery displayed during the Crimean War, and in heroic language referred to the Balaclava charge, which would live in the minds of men for all time. They had amongst them a veteran who had seen active service in that campaign in the person of Corporal Huggins, and he was also pleased to mention Corporal Shepherd, who had done good soldier work for his country, having taken part in the storming of Alexandria. Both gallant men had won and well deserved their decorations. A few years ago it had been hinted that we lacked the pluck and dash which had made us famous, but this was soon proved to be a myth when the war broke out twenty months ago. When the call to arms was made, married men left their families, their splendid homes and estates, and all manner of men, both high and low, fought shoulder to shoulder. (Hear, hear). That brought him to that night's banquet, the hero of which, Tom WOODS, was one who had left a comfortable home, father, mother, and friends, to fight the Boers, and to sacrifice has life if necessary for his country. He was one of whom we might well be proud. His gallantry was to be recognised by the handsome presents given to him. Mr Desmane then unfurled a Union Jack showing underneath the photo before mentioned. He said he hoped the trooper would look upon it, and his family might do so in after years with pride, and would point to the original of the picture as being their father, who had, volunteered for the service of his Queen in the Transvaal war. The speaker then handed the remainder of the presents to Mr Haines, who made the formal presentation. In doing so he was very much affected. He had, he said, known Trooper Tom WOODS for many years, and felt sure that when on duty at the front he would not be wanting in courage. His conduct abroad had proved that the good opinion formed of him at home was well founded. He was fortunate in having come out of the war without a scratch. He wished him long life and prosperity.

WOODS, in returning thanks, said he had only done his duty, and testified his gratitude for what had been done for him by his friends in the Graig Ward.

Songs were then given by Mr Harry Brooks, Mr Jack Harries, and Mr Collins, Mr Fred Harries playing a clever tambourine solo.