Medals and awards

SOCIAL AT WOORAGEE.

PRESENTATION TO PRIVATE W.J. KELLY.

A large and enthusiastic gathering took place at the Wooragee State school on Friday evening, the occasion being the return of Private W.J. KELLY, one of the Australian Bushmen, who had been invalided home on account of illness from enteric fever. The room had been artistically decorated; and the attendance to welcome the returned soldier was very numerous, all evidently being anxious to show their delight at his safe return from the seat of war in South Africa.

Cr. Turnbull occupied the chair, in the absence of Cr. Birtles, who was absent owing tb severe illness.

The Chairman briefly referred to the object of the meeting, which was to give Private KELLY a warm welcome home, They were all aware of the great respect and esteem in which the family were held by all Wooragee residents and the sympathy felt for them when Mr KELLY responded to the call of duty. He highly eulogised the splendid behaviour of the Australian soldiers, their bravery in action, their humanity and willingness to sacrifice their own lives, if it should be necessary to save that of a comrade, concluding amid general applause.

He then presented Private KELLY with a gold medal, bearing a Maltese cross, with the inscription "Presented to Private W.J. Kelly by his Wooragee friends, on the occasion of his safe return from active service in the South African war", accompanying the presentation with the hope that he would soon be restored to his usual health, and that he would long be spared to wear it. He felt sure from what he knew of Private KELLY that, if necessity arose, he would be one of the first to offer to return to fight for his Queen and country. (Applause).

Mrs Birtles here sang "Soldiers of the Queen", the whole company joining heartily in the chorus.

Mr Brewer expressed his pleasure at being present to do honour to their returned soldier, who with others had risked their lives to uphold the honour of the British flag. He was proud to think that Wooragee had been represented in the Boer war, and he had no doubt that if England were involved in another war, the splendid example of Private KELLY would be followed by many other young men in Wooragee. (Applause).

Mr Madsen, an old companion of Private KELLY, also spoke, congratulating him on his safe return.

Miss B. Nall then gave a recitation, "Hark! the bugles are calling", in a manner which was highly commended.

Private KELLY, on rising to respond, received a tremendous ovation. He expressed his acknowledgments briefly but feelingly, modestly stating that he had simply tried to do his duty.

Three enthusiastic cheers were then given for Private KELLY, also for the family to which he belonged.

Mr George Kelly, father of the guest of the evening, returned his thanks for the honour done to his son, also for the kindly feelings expressed towards the family.