State: Tasmania
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 14/12/1900
Number issued: 1
Gold medal, to:
1st Tasmanian (Imperial Bushmen's) Contingent –
29 Trooper Joseph COOPER
Presentation made by Mrs Cave, in the Victoria Hall, St Mary's.
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Launceston Examiner, 20th December 1900
ST. MARY'S, Tuesday.
The demonstration to welcome home Trooper J. COOPER, of the Imperial Bushmen's contingent, took place last Friday evening. It will be remembered that COOPER was wounded in South Africa, and has been granted six months' leave of absence to recruit his health. It is estimated that about 800 people were present to witness the trooper's arrival. The town of St. Mary's was beautifully decorated with flags, bunting, and floral decorations, also several arches were erected in different parts. On the arrival of the 7.35 p.m. train with Trooper COOPER, the band played "See the, Conquering Hero Comes", and afterwards the doxology was sung. The procession then started, headed by Trooper Dore, followed by the St. Mary's Brass Band in a four-horse drag, then the committee of ladies and gentlemen, with Trooper COOPER, followed by the members of the defence force from St. Mary's and Fingal, under command of Lieutenant H.J. Smith; after them came the general public. The procession promenaded the principal streets, and halted at the Victoria Hall, which building was crowded. After the Rev. C.O. Lelean had made a speech, Mrs Cave pinned a gold medal on Trooper COOPER's breast; the medal was subscribed for by several of COOPER's friends and admirers. The Rev. C.O. Lelean then presented him with a purse of sovereigns, and Trooper COOPER returned thanks to his many friends for their kind present. He stated that he was glad to be amongst them once more, but hoped to return again to South Africa. The committee of ladies and gentlemen then invited Trooper COOPER and his friends, the members of the defence force from St. Mary’s and Fingal, to light refreshments. The band played several selections during the evening under the leadership of Mr J. Madden, and afterwards a dance took place. The members of the committee are to be complimented on the energetic way in which they carried out the programme.
