State: Victoria, Australia
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 27/08/1901
Number issued: 1
Gold medal, suitably inscribed, to:
Presentation made by Councillor H. Beardmore (ex-President of the Shire Council), in the Masonic Hall, Wodonga.
RECEPTION OF SERGEANT HUON.
On Tuesday evening there was a large and representative gathering of townsmen in the Masonic Hall, Wodonga, for the purpose of entertaining Sergeant Walter HUON, of Wodonga, a member of the New South Wales Bushmen's Contingent, and who recently returned from South Africa. Councillor H. Beardmore, ex-president of the Wodonga Shire Council, was in the chair, being supported by Councillor Leighton, the newly-elected president, as vice-chairman. Amongst those present were Lance-corporal Burgess and Privates Hartley and Lloyd; while during the evening Corporal Duffy made his appearance, and was warmly welcomed.
After those present had been seated, the chairman, in suitable terms, referred to the object of the gathering, remarking that the fact of their guest being a member of one of the oldest and most respected families in the district was a guarantee that he would always bear his part in a manly fashion, and his (Sergeant Huon's) conduct during the campaign fully bore out the speaker's belief. He (the chairman) advised all present to dispense with "stiff-necked formality", and enjoy themselves in a thorough manner, as he (Councillor Beardmore) had always found that where there was the most "starch" there was the least enjoyment.
This request was complied with to the letter, and, as a consequence, an evening of genuine enjoyment was spent. A suitable toast list was discussed, and some excellent speeches were delivered by the chairman, vice-chairman, and Messrs R.H. Smyth, J.P.; J.G. Shields, H.V. Smith, L. Harber, Wm. Huon, jun.; G.H. Huon, S. Mason, jun.; F.W. Edmondson, S. Carkeek, W. McDonald, A. Robb, D. Burgess, W. McDowell, O. Batt, J. Schwind, and others. Songs and recitations were also given by Messrs A.F. Doyle, H.V. Smith, A. Robb, Holt, and L. Harber, and added considerably to the enjoyment of the evening.
During the progress of the banquet, Sergeant HUON was presented by the chairman, on behalf of numerous townspeople, with a handsome gold medal, suitably inscribed. The recipient suitably acknowledged the gift, and also expressed his sincere gratification at the welcome and presentation, which he would never forget, and he would treasure the gift highly, as a memento of his Wodonga friends.
