State: Victoria, Australia
Issued on: Departure
Date of presentation: 10/01/1900
Number issued: 3
Gold medals, suitably inscribed, to:
Presentation made by the Rev. F.A. Darling, in the Surrey Hall, Surrey Hills.
Towt received a second medal from Boroondara (4km form Surrey Hills) on his return.
Send-off from Surrey.
FAREWELLING PRIVATES TOWT, BROWNING, AND LEAR.
Probably the largest and most enthusiastic gathering that ever thronged Surrey Hall was that which attended on Wednesday evening to say farewell and do honour to Privates BROWNING, TOWT, and LEAR, who depart for South Africa with their comrades in the second contingent tomorrow. A strong committee consisting of Messrs Beilbee, Lucas, Murphy, Hill, Anderson, Cotterell, Robinson, Snedden, J. Gray (hon. tres.) and J. Kennedy (hon. sec.) had been formed to make arrangements for the demonstration, and that they did their work well was evidenced by the crowning success of Wednesday evening. The hall was beautifully decorated with bunting, while tastefully laid out tables, loaded with light refreshments, were ranged along the building.
The chair was occupied by Mr A.J. Smith (president of Boroondara shire), the guests of the evening being accommodated with seats on his right.
Proceedings opened with the usual loyal toast, which was heartily received with musical honours.
Song, "Jessie's Dream", Miss Bransford.
Apologies for non-attendance were announced from Cr T.R.B. Morton, Major Cairncross, and Messrs Balfour, Knox, Madden, Keys, and Longbottom.
The chairman proposed the toast of "Success to Privates Browning, Towt, and Lear". He was pleased to see such a large attendance of ladies and gentlemen to do honour to the thee gallant young fellows who had volunteered to go and take part in the war in South Africa. Great Britain had entered upon this war with no idea of aggrandisement, but simply to secure the liberty of the subject, and there was no more glorious object than that. They had met together that evening to wish God-speed to three of their friends, members of the militia. They all might remember how the satirical papers used to make fun of the volunteers, and now some of these volunteers were going to show what they could do in the field. In the militia they had the flower of the colonial youth, young men who devoted their time to study the science of arms. One of the most notable features of the present war was the fact that young soldiers from colonies were allowed to take their place side by side with the seasoned soldiers of Great Britain. Hitherto there had been a tendency on the part of trained soldiers to look down upon common volunteers. Australians had shown that they could hold their own with the British in matters of sports, and in the arts of peace, and now they were going to show that they could do their duty on the battlefield, and carry out the traditions of their race, all for the benefit of the glorious empire of which they formed a part. He had no doubt that Privates BROWNING, TOWT, and LEAR would do their share, and he wished them every success. (Applause).
Song, "The Conquerors", Mr Garrett.
Mr G.H. Neighbour, in the course of a vigorous speech, remarked that this was the greatest event in the history of Surrey Hills, bidding farewell to three noble, brave, young fellows who were giving their lives for their queen and country, and there was nothing greater or nobler than that. They were carrying with them the best wishes of the people of Surrey Hills, who would take the greatest interest in their careers. Some people called this a stock-broking war, but he declared it was a righteous war, it was a fight for the liberty of the subject, for the administration of justice, the establishment of equal rights between man and man, between Croesus and Lazarus. The British wear bent upon destroying the corrupt oligarchy of that rascal, Kruger, (laughter and applauses), that deceiving old villain, (laughter), who for the last 20 years, with smiling face, had been quietly getting his siege guns, and Mauser rifles, and German and Austrian gunners, and when he thought he was prepared he breaks out into war, but he would find before it was over that he had started 10 years too soon. (Applause). Their young friends were going to fight for a righteous and just cause. He hoped these dear fellows would take advantage of cover wherever possible. This was not cowardice, but only the right and proper thing to do. It was not courage but foolhardiness for soldiers or officers to unduly expose themselves. Shooting with the newest arms had reached such perfection that it was necessary and prudent not to expose themselves unduly as targets for the bullets of the Boers. A voice. (Shoot them, but don't let them shoot you). Exactly, that was the thing. They should think of the gallant deeds of their forefathers and try to emulate those deeds. Their movements would be watched with affectionate interest, and all would rejoice if any of them got the V.C. for valour. He wished them God-speed, and though not a parson he prayed that God would direct and preserve them. (Applause).
Songs, "Soldiers, good-bye", Mr Pryde; "in the old, old way", Miss Hughes.
Cr C.D. Hall, president of Nunawading shire, remarked that if anything were needed to encourage the young soldiers to do their duty it should be the thought of having had such a magnificent send off. They could not help being pleased at seeing such a large number of lady and gentleman friends present to bid them farewell, and wish them success. He had no doubt they would uphold the prestige of their race. There was one noticeable difference between this and former wars. In former days the men who did the fighting and lost some of their limbs were not even accorded ordinary thanks, and were left to starve in times of peace; but now provision was being made beforehand for the relief of those who were likely to suffer through the war.
Song, "The Recruiting Sergeant", Mr B. Woodhead. Reading, "Sketch of the British soldier of 1810", (Napier) Mr Neighbour.
Cr Wilson remarked that undoubtedly one of the greatest events in the history of Australia would be the demonstration of practical sympathy with the mother country shown by the Australian Natives in volunteering to fight shoulder to shoulder with British troops. It had been the fashion in some circles to discredit the Australian Natives, and to declare that they were hoping for severance from the empire. Recent events had shown that the tendency was towards a closer union. Most of those who had gone in the contingents were Australian Natives. The Surrey Hills members of the contingent were going to represent the district, and their friends were sure they would take their own part manfully in the struggle. He wished them God-speed, and hoped they would return crowned with glory and distinction. (Applause).
The Rev. F.A. Darling, on behalf of the people of the district, presented Privates BROWNING, LEAR, and TOWT each with a handsome gold medal, suitably inscribed. He remarked that their three young friends were going to the front in a representative capacity, and would carry with them the best wishes and respect of the Surrey Hills people. This crisis was bringing to the front the deep-seated loyalty of Australians, and was hastening on the unification of the empire. Though they might differ in politics, and nag at one another – whether Conservatives, Liberals or Radicals in a time like this they were drawn together with feelings of unity, loyality and good fellowship. (Applause). Another quality that was being brought out was the spirit of self-sacrifice. Sacrifices had to be made in the homes and in many a mother's heart. In the old days the mothers of Sparta fastened the shields on the arms of their sons and enjoined them to come back either bearing their shields of being borne on them. Some of the mothers of the district were letting their sons go forth, declaring that if their boys were prompted by loyalty to fight for their country they would not say them nay. It was the duty of all to cheer these mothers while their sons were away. The medals were slight mementoes to remind the young soldiers of the interest the people felt in them. The medals were of pure gold, and he hoped that they might be able to win the coveted V.C., a medal made of bronze instead of gold. He wished them God-speed and a safe return home, where they would be received with the utmost enthusiasm. (Applause).
Song "Soldiers of the Queen", Mr Robbins.
Privates BROWNING, LEAR and TOWT briefly responded, thanking the people for their presents and their good wishes, and hoping to prove themselves worthy representatives of Surrey Hills. (Applause).
Chorus, "Rule Britannia". Song, "Queen of the earth", Mr Garrett.
Mr W. Davis (Box Hill) expressed his feeling of admiration for the spirit shown by the three residents of Surrey Hill who were going forth to assist in upholding the honour of the empire. While they had such boys as these there need be no fear of decadence. (Applause).
Song "Hearts of oak", Mr Davis Reading, "The Absent minded Beggar", Mr Neighbour.
At the instance of Mr Kennedy, a vote of thanks was passed to the chairman, and the meeting broke up after giving hearty cheers for Privates BROWNING, LEAR, and TOWT.
