State: Victoria, Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 18/06/1901
Number issued: 1
Gold medal & chain, to:
Presentation and Social to Private J.T. REDFERN.
As our readers are aware, steps have been in progress for some time by the members of the Portland Battery, G.A., to arrange for a presentation and public welcome home to one of their comrades, in the person of Private J.T. REDFERN, who recently returned from service in South Africa. The gathering was fixed for last night, and proved a decided success, notwithstanding that the weather was most unsuitable, the night being dark, wet and cold. On arriving at the scene of the festivities, the Orderly Room, it was at once noticeable that the members of the battery had been successfully exerting themselves to render the rather bare drill room attractive, and succeeded in effecting quite a transformation in its appearance. The large room had been partitioned off with an artistic dressing of flags. One portion was reserved for the first part of the evening, the social, while the other would be used for the dance to follow. A raised platform had been erected, on which His Worship the Mayor, Dr Levis, who presided, occupied the prominent position, being supported by Major S.P. Hawkins, the officer commanding the Western Brigade, G.A., and Lieutenant Huxley. The back of the impromptu stage was dressed with bunting, while in the centre were the words, nicely worked, "Welcome to our Hero, J.T.R."
The first portion of the evening was in the form of a social, in which a musical programme formed a conspicuous part, and which included the following numbers: – "Let me like a Soldier Fall", Mr W. Brown; "Sons of the Empire", Mr A. Campbell; "Scarlet and Blue", Mr Franklin; "England and Australia", Mr J. Oliver; and a recitation "The Motherland", Sergt.-Major Egan. Each and all of the items were well given and vociferously received. Miss A. Bennett was the accompanist, acquitting herself in her customary clever style.
During the evening Private REDFERN was made the recipient of a handsome gold chain and medal, the cost of which had been borne by the members of the battery, from the Major downwards. In making the presentation the Mayor made a stirring speech, but portions of which, unfortunately, were rendered inaudible to some at a distance through the stormy night. His Worship expressed his great pleasure at welcoming the returned soldier, and was pleased to be allowed to present him with the tokens as marks of esteem of his actions, He was also pleased that the welcome had taken the substantial form it had, instead of what was customary at some other functions, when all one could hear after the affair was talk at the street corners of what a night they had of it. He alluded to the receptions given on the return of the first troops as mere great rejoicings, but this one was a sober, warm one, with a deep conviction of the proud work done by our soldiers. He also alluded to the work which had been accomplished in Africa, and eulogised both officers and men for their share in it. His Worship again congratulated the battery on their choice of marking their appreciation for their comrade by securing something substantial in place of a carnival with speechifying and drink, which was forgotten after a week.
After the presentation had been made, Major Hawkins called for three cheers for Private REDFERN, which was right heartily responded to. Hearty cheers were also given for the Mayor and Major Hawkins.
Private REDFERN, in receiving the present, briefly acknowledged the kindness, and trusted he would be long spared to wear it.
