State: New South Wales, Australia
Issued on: Return
Dates of presentations: 10/09/1900, 21/01/1901, 24/06/1901
Number issued: 12
10/09/1900 presentation (all invalided)
146 Trooper Reginald SPRING
30 Trooper Albert CREECH [H. Creech]
21/01/1901 presentation
53 Trooper Edward Martin HOFFMAN
24/06/1901 presentation
384 Private Edward PHILLIPS (invalided)
49 Trooper Allan DOUGLAS [Allen Douglas]
447 Trooper [Shoeing-Smith] Edmund DWYER
371 Trooper [Lance-Corporal] Arthur Francis SPRING
454 Private Michael SHEEDY (invalided)
Presentation made by the Mayor (Alderman Whiteman), in the Town Hall, Young.
Reverse: "Presented to _________ on his return from South Africa, by members of the I Coy, 1st Inf. Regt. 1.9.00".
Reverse: "Pres. to ________ by members of the I Company and citizens of Young on his return from the Transvaal, 21/1/1901".
The first presentation was from the "I" [Young] Company of Volunteers, whereas subsequent distributions were from both the Volunteers and the citizens of Young.
Our Returned Soldiers.
ENTERTAINED AT A SMOKE CONCERT.
On Monday evening last, Troopers R. SPRING, H. POTTER and H. CREECH, who have recently returned invalided from South Africa, were entertained at a smoke concert by the members of the local volunteer company.
Captain Millard occupied the chair, having on his right the guests of the evening. The vice-chair was filled by Lieutenant Ashwell and about seventy sat down at the table.
The principal toast of the evening, that of "Our Guests" was proposed by Captain Millard. In doing so the chairman said that when news was received that Privates SPRING and CREECH were returning from South Africa it was decided by the volunteer company to meet the various members when they arrived at Young, and for this purpose they wrote to the returning soldiers but for some reason or other, either because the letters went astray or some other cause, the volunteer were unable to carry out the arrangement. It was then decided to entertain them at a smoke concert and present them with gold medals, and he wrote to the Council asking that body to fall in with the arrangement. The letter was received by the Council, but the aldermen, whose patriotism was only exceeded by their liberality, put the letter on one side. He had, however, received a letter from the Mayor expressing regret that he would be unable to be present that evening and forwarding a donation towards the funds. Mr Sloane, of Grenfell Road and several other residents had also expressed regret that they would be unable to be present but stating their willingness to subscribe. He was glad to see so many present that evening for, as Captain of the Company, he would have been disappointed had there not been a large number in attendance to welcome Privates SPRING, CREECH and POTTER home. It was only by accident that their friends had returned for they had the misfortune to be seized with illness, and had come home through no fault of their own. He had always considered that the Australians would show themselves to be the equal of the best fighting men of the old country. So they had, and as Australians we should be proud of the way our country men had behaved. They had been equal in pluck to the men of the British army and had shown more self-reliance. He had much pleasure in presenting each of the returned soldiers with a gold medal.
Captain Millard then handed a pretty gold medal to each of the guests. On the obverse side was engraved the initials of the soldier and on the reverse were the words "Presented to (name) on his return from South Africa, by members of the I Coy, 1st Inf. Regt. 1.9,00."
Lieutenant Ashwell supported the toast and endorsed Captain Millard's remarks. In doing so he said that he was pleased to see the three men who had returned, and he hoped that the company would meet again soon to welcome back their comrades still in South Africa.
The toast was honoured enthusiastically the company singing "Soldiers of the Queen" and cheering lustily.
Privates SPRING, POTTER and CREECH briefly returned thanks for the kind reception accorded them.
Welcome to Our Returned Soldiers.
LANCE-CORPORAL McGANN AND PRIVATE E. HOFFMAN.
On Monday night Lance-Corporal McGANN and Trooper HOFFMAN, two of our volunteers who after over twelve months' service in South Africa returned to Young last week, must have felt recompensed for the cool reception accorded them on their arrival here by the successful and enthusiastic Smoke Concert which on that evening was tendered them by the citizens and "I" Coy. Of Volunteers.
At about a quarter to eight o'clock the volunteers, to the number of about forty, were formed into line at this Drill Hall, and under the charge of Captain Millard and Lieutenants Ashwell and Forsythe, and headed by Mr Ward’s band, marched to the Town Hall, being accompanied by the two returned soldiers dressed in the uniform which they had worn with honour at the seat of war.
Upon arrival at the Town Hall the doors were thrown open, and the volunteers and a large body of citizens who had assembled entered to quickly occupy every available seat, whilst ladies made their way to the gallery which had been reserved for the fair sex.
The hall was decorated with flags of all nations, and when those who had gathered took their seats it became at once apparent that a splendid response had been made to the invitation to accord the two volunteers a fitting welcome. Not only was every seat at the tables occupied, but many had to be content to take seats along the walls and under the gallery. The company numbered about 120, and was representative of all classes in the community. The gallery was crowded with ladies who had availed themselves of the opportunity afforded them of partaking in the welcome.
The Mayor occupied the chair, having on his right Lance-Corporal McGANN and on his left Trooper HOFFMAN. Captain Millard occupied the vice-chair.
"THE QUEEN".
The Major said that they all knew that at the opening of proceedings such as those it was customary to drink the health of the Queen. He did not think that this toast had ever been honoured under more unfavourable circumstances than those which existed that night, and he would ask the company in drinking the toast, to offer a prayer for Her Majesty's speedy restoration to health.
The toast was honoured in the customary manner.
"OUR GUESTS".
After several musical contributions, the Mayor said that he would ask them to charge their glasses, as he had risen to propose the toast of "Our Guests". As they were all aware they had met that night to do honour to two Young soldiers, Lance-Corporal McGANN and Trooper HOFFMAN, who had recently returned after fourteen months' service in South Africa with exceedingly good records. It would be fresh in the minds of all that a little over a year ago when things looked black in South Africa, when the clouds seemed to overshadow our arms, the Government asked for volunteers for active service. The guests of that evening were two of the first to hand in their names and tender their services. There was no waiting for others, no following other leads, but, although different opinions were expressed as to the reasons for the men volunteering, Lance-Corporal McGANN and Trooper HOFFMAN were two of those who said "We will go, whether it is popular or unpopular, and not mind what people think". And go they did and fought well. Some people said that the volunteers were going on a gigantic picnic trip and that the war would be over before they reached Table Bay, but these prophecies proved to be wrong for the war was very much alive when the volunteers reached the front, let alone Table Bay. He knew of no portion of the British Army which had acquitted itself with greater honour than the volunteers from Australia. During the war men with the scant training, such as volunteers received in a peaceful country like Australia, had fought side by side with the flower of the British Army, and the best men in that army had admitted that the Australians had acquitted themselves well in all departments. The officers of the British Army, from Lord Roberts downwards, had been generous in their praise of the Australians, and they could not think that this praise would be bestowed unless it was deserved. They did deserve it and he was sure that everyone in the district, and every citizen of our town was proud of the men who, from our midst had gone and given their assistance to the mother country. The men they had met there that night to honour were members of the first contingent and had fought throughout the whole of the time for which they engaged. They had seen so much service and had taken part in as many battles as any of the men who had gone from the Queen's colonies, and he trusted that Lance-Corporal McGANN and Trooper HOFFMAN would accept the little honour which they tendered them that night as a proof that the citizens of Young and the I Company of Volunteers were not unmindful of what they had done for Australia and for the Empire. He regretted that more had not been done, but he was pleased to be able to say that when the movement had been started, nothing with which he had been connected had been accepted by the townspeople with more enthusiasm. He tendered the returned soldiers a hearty welcome and trusted that in their future life they would live up to the high reputation which they had brought back with them from South Africa. It had been truly said that no coward had sailed from any of the Queen's colonies, and he believed that no braver men had sailed from Australia than those by whom Young was represented. The I Company might well be proud of their comrades, and he was proud of the company for the manner in which it had assembled that evening. Addressing the two returned men, the Mayor said that he had much pleasure on behalf of the citizens and I Company in presenting each of them with a gold medal as a memento of the high appreciation of their services.
The Mayor then handed Lance-Corporal McGANN and Trooper HOFFMAN two handsome gold medals, on the obverse side of which were engraved the initials of the returned soldiers, and the reverse side of which bore the inscription, "Pres. to" (name) "by members of the I Company and citizens of Young on his return from the Transvaal, 21/1/1901".
The presentations were made amidst applause.
Captain Millard said that he was proud that evening to have there as guests two members of "I" Company who had done the service to the company which Lance-Corporal McGANN and Trooper HOFFMAN had. Whilst in Sydney he had spoken to Captain Holmes under whom the men served, and that officer had said that the two were men who could be relied upon in any emergency, and who could be trusted to do anything. He felt proud and pleased to welcome such two men home. When they arrived at Young very few attended at the railway station to receive them and no doubt this was disappointing to the men. The hour, however, was a most inconvenient one but the gathering of that evening would, he thought, prove to Lance-Corporal McGANN and Trooper HOFFMAN that their services were recognised by the townspeople and by the Volunteer Company. He had always held that when the occasion arose the colonial soldier would prove equal to the Imperial one, and so he had, and the mounted troops from the colony had shown to be as mobile as the force put into the field by the Boers. He had not the slightest doubt but that the knowledge gained by the Imperial officers and the Empire would be of service in the future, for he was sure that they had learnt that they must rely upon men of the stamp of the Australian soldier. He felt certain that their guests of that evening would in their future life try to uphold the dignity of the British soldier, and do the best for themselves as men. He hoped that all from the Young district now at the seat of war would return safely and that they would have the pleasure of welcoming them as they had done the guests of that evening.
Mr John Forsythe said that he was very pleased to be present that evening to add his measure of welcome to the two friends whom they had met to honour. He was sure that everyone felt pleased that the two young fellows had returned safe and sound and were also pleased at the good reports which they had heard of them. The war in South Africa had proved that in Australia everyone was determined to uphold the history of the British Empire from time immemorial. As an Australian he was proud to see the two soldiers home again, and he was sorry that the war was not over so that they could have welcomed them all back again. He trusted that when the others returned, they would be able to meet them in that hall and give them a rousing welcome. He noticed that the spirit which existed when the first contingent went away was still in our midst for he had had a number of visits from young fellows applying for recommendations with which to go and join the next contingent. He hoped that these would return as well and as hearty as those whom they welcomed that night. He hoped that the future of Lance-Corporal McGANN and Trooper HOFFMAN would be a prosperous one and that wherever they might be they would set an example to other young men.
Alderman Hills said that he was pleased to be present that night to see such a good gathering to welcome home Lance-Corporal McGANN and Trooper HOFFMAN. The two young men were natives of the town, and as one who had known their parents before they were born, he was pleased when the other night it was mooted to the aldermen that something should be done to show their appreciation of the two returned soldiers. When residents of the town of sometimes only two years' standing were leaving, they were given some token of esteem so why should not the town show its appreciation of men who had fought for their country with credit to themselves and the district? Never at any time was a gathering such as that of that evening so justified as on the present occasion, and he hoped that this would not be the last time they would meet to welcome back their soldiers, but that they would meet, three times three as many as were there that night, and when the others returned, tender all who had seen service such an event as had never been known before in Young. He hoped that the tokens of esteem which had been given Lance-Corporal McGAnn and Trooper Hoffman would always maintain them good citizens and good soldiers.
Mr John Russell apologised that as he had been called upon unexpectedly, he was not prepared to address them as he wished. He said, however, that nothing afforded him greater pleasure than to bid Lance-Corpora McGANN and Trooper HOFFMAN "Welcome" and he bade it on behalf of the town, on behalf of the colony, and on behalf of the Commonwealth. They sat down that night to a sumptuous repast with two young men who but a short time ago, for the honour of their country, were on the battlefield looking for a small drop of water with which to wet their parched throats. When the Government invited volunteers for active service, one of the parents of one of the young men sought his advice as to whether he should allow his son to go, and he, Mr Russell, replied "Yes, let them go and fight for their country. They can do nothing more noble". The father of one of the young men whom they were that night welcoming back, was a German but he was more of a Briton than many who were British born for he had sent two of his sons to fight for their country and their Queen. (Cheers.) The response which Australians had given to the call of the mother country had proved that they had as much Briton’s blood in their veins as any inhabitant of the dominion. He was exceedingly glad that he was present to testify to his appreciation of these two young men who had returned, after a campaign, from rifles on the one side, swords on the other, and the cannon's mouth ahead.
Alderman Sittyer and Rintoul also supported the toast, but we regret that owing to the already lengthy nature of our report and the want of space, we are unable to publish the remarks with which they cordially supported the previous speakers.
At the conclusion of the speeches the toast was honoured amidst great enthusiasm and the singing of "Soldiers of the Queen".
He Mayor said that before asking the returned volunteers to respond he would request that the company refrain from talking so as not to interfere with the young men who were unused to public speaking and were, as they said, better fighters than talkers.
Lance-Corporal McGANN's rising to respond was the signal for a perfect outburst of applause which continued for some time. He said that he was not a great speaker and, therefore, hoped that the company would forgive him if he did not make a long speech and also overlook any mistakes he might make. He was exceedingly thankful to them for drinking his and Trooper HOFFMAN's health in the manner in which they did, and he was glad to be amongst them once again. He and his comrade had seen a good deal of active service but had done no more than the other lads from Australia had. They could do no more than their duty and they had always tried to do this. They had gone through Cape Colony, the Orange Free State and the Transvaal without suffering any illness and without ever being away from their regiment. He thanked them for the kindly way in which they had received his comrade and himself that evening.
Trooper HOFFMAN, upon rising to return thanks, also met with the same cordial reception given his comrade. He said that as the Mayor had stated he was not a good speaker, and he would sooner face a Boer battery of artillery than the gathering of that evening. He thanked them for the kindly reception given Lance-Corporal McGANN and himself. He and his comrade had only done their duty and this was what made a soldier.
OTHER TOASTS.
The other toasts of the evening were "I Company", proposed by Mr Westcott, responded to by Captain Millard and Lieutenants Ashwell and Forsythe, and "The Mayor", proposed by Captain Millard responded to by the Mayor.
Our Returned Bushmen.
On Saturday morning a number of our townspeople assembled at the railway station to give Lance-Corporals A. SPRING and S. RHALL, Shoeing-Smith E. DWYER, and Troopers T. HARDY and A. DOUGLAS a welcome home upon their return from South Africa with that corps which has so much distinguished itself, the Bushmen. A rather unusual event occurred, the train arriving before its appointed time, and consequently when the men stepped upon the platform, the band and a number of other townspeople who subsequently gathered had not assembled. The band, however, arrived shortly afterwards and played "Home, Sweet Home", after which the returned volunteers were escorted down the street, where they dismissed to go to their homes.
On Monday evening a meeting of the local company of volunteers and other citizens was held at the Drill hall, the Mayor, Alderman Whiteman, occupying the chair. It was decided that a smoke concert be held on Friday night in order to give the residents of the town and district an opportunity of giving the men a reception worthy of their conduct, both in offering their services to the Empire and on the field. The smoke concert will be conducted upon the lines of the successful one which was tendered Lance-Corporal McGANN and Private HOFFMAN upon their return home some time ago, and it will be held in the Town Hall. It is not only to be a mark of the esteem which the townspeople hold for those who returned on Saturday morning, but advantage will be taken of it to demonstrate to Troopers E. PHILLIPS and M. SHEEDY that the residents of this district are not unmindful of their work. These two troopers returned some little time ago invalided, and have not yet received any public welcome. Every effort is to he made to make the event an enthusiastic one and to arouse the spirit of the people to that degree which was apparent throughout the colony when the contingents left our land. Young is asked to let Australians see that those who cheered the men's offer to lay down their lives in South Africa, can cheer still louder, when they return, their noble deeds upon the field of battle and can rejoice at seeing them return home safe and sound, bringing the honours of war with them.Our Returned Volunteers.
TENDERED A SMOKE CONCERT.
On Friday evening, a company of about one hundred and twenty attended at the Town Hall, to participate in a Smoke Concert which was tendered to seven of our returned South African volunteers. The "men in khaki" for whom this welcome was organised to "Home Sweet Home" were Troopers S. RHALL, A. SPRING, A. DOUGLAS, E. DWYER, T. HARDY, E. PHILLIPS and M. SHEEDY. The latter two reached Young some time ago having been invalided home, the former five reached New South Wales by the Morayshire, and were members of the Bushmen's contingent. Unfortunately, of these seven, Troopers SPRING and SHEEDY were unable to be present, having found it necessary to go to Sydney on important business.
The gathering on Friday night was a most representative one of all classes, including a number of residents of the country. The local volunteers were in very strong force being in uniform for the occasion, The Mayor, Alderman Whiteman, occupied the chair, having the guests of the evening on his right. The vice-chair was occupied by Captain Millard.
The first toast of the evening was that of "The King" which was proposed by the Mayor and enthusiastically honoured.
The Mayor then rose and said that before asking the company to drink the next toast, he wished to express his pleasure at seeing so many present. It had been said of Young that when its representatives at the war returned, this town did not take its proper place. The gathering of that evening, however — representative as it was of all classes — showed that the people here were alive to their responsibilities and duty, and were prepared to do honour to those volunteers who returned amongst them. We ought to be proud as Australians that volunteers went from our land to aid the nation to which it was an honour to belong, and we also ought to be proud that Young district was well represented amongst those volunteers. This outburst had shown that there were no people more loyal to the motherland than Australians, and it also showed the world that England must be left alone, for it was not England alone which had to be fought, but it was all parts of the Empire. Whatever be their opinions as the cause of the war, he thought Australia was right in standing by England. He thought England was right, and that the people of the Transvaal desired to push Englishmen into the sea. If Mr Gladstone had done his duty there would have been no occasion for this war. Our brothers from Australia had gone to the help of England and had nobly done their duty. Amongst these were a number from Young, and they had met tonight to welcome home a number of Young representatives, who had returned, he was glad to say, safe and sound. There was one thing he would like to mention. He had noticed that returned men were clamouring to get into the public service. He was sorry for this, because he thought it showed a bad spirit when the men wanted to be civil servants instead of paddling their own canoe. He knew it was hard for men who had shared in the glories of war to go to work, but he thought it a far nobler thing to be at work in the fields and at trade than being a policeman. He hoped our young men would not wish to be fed by the Government, but would strike out for themselves and show that pluck in the battle of life which they had exhibited on the battlefield.
After some musical contributions, The Mayor said that he had to do a little pleasant business, and it was to present each of the returned men with a gold medal. The Mayor then handed each of the volunteers with a gold medal, bearing on the obverse side the initials of the recipient and on the reverse side the following: – “Pres. to Trooper (name) I.B.C. by the citizens of Young and members of I Coy, 1st Inf. Regt. upon his return from S. Africa. 21/6/01."
As each of the returned men present rose to receive his medal, he was received with enthusiastic applause.
Captain Millard said that on behalf of the officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the I company, he had much pleasure in welcoming back their comrades. He had been asked to apologise for the non-attendance of Dr Heeley who, as the medical officer who had passed the men would liked to have been present but could not. It was a great pleasure to him, Captain Millard, to know that the Australians had done their duty. When the men who went to the Soudan were ridiculed, he held that the Australians would yet prove themselves better than the Imperial troops, for they were men of energy and ability, and he was pleased to say that the Australians had done much better than he had anticipated. This war had shown that Britain and her colonies was a power that would have to be reckoned with. He was very pleased that those comrades present had returned looking so well, and he hoped that the others would do likewise. He regretted, however, that one, Trooper Ashton DOUGLAS, would not, but in war casualties had to be reckoned with. The men who returned having been under military discipline should be able to command positions even if as policemen, for policemen were necessary even in this community.
Alderman Hills said that, when as a townsman he was asked if anything was going to be done to give the volunteers who were returning a welcome, he said that he would be willing to assist. He was glad to see such a gathering present for it was a credit to Young. It was the duty of the townspeople to show these young men that their action was appreciated. By going to South Africa, the volunteers had brought us into much closer touch with Great Britain, than leading men could do, and, in his opinion it was due to the South African volunteers that the Duke of York had visited Australia. He was exceedingly glad that Young had welcomed their guests home, and he hoped that the same action would be taken with regard to those still to return. He was always willing to support such a movement as this, and hoped that this would not be the last merry meeting.
Alderman Learmont said that he was pleased to be present to welcome home these noble men — he could call them nothing else — who had fought, not the battle of England, but the battle of Great Britain. He was pleased to see these men back again. There were a fine-looking body of men. The Boers against whom they had been fighting was a formidable foe, and a hard man to beat for he was fighting for his home and country — and one of the grandest things to fight for was for your home and your land. If ever Australians be called upon to fight for their land and their homes, he hoped that they would prove the most stubborn foe which could be encountered. He had heard that one of the returned men had bought a butchering business in town. He was glad of this, for the sort of men Australia wanted were men who could be soldiers today and citizens tomorrow.
Mr E. Taylor said that he was pleased to be present to take part in the welcome to these young men who had returned. One of them had worked for him nearly all his life, and he was glad that he had been away and had proved equal to the occasion. He had noticed that the colonial soldiers had been praised by almost every general, and he was not surprised at this, because he had always believed that one volunteer was worth ten pressed men. He had interviewed one of the returned volunteers, who had said, that though they had had a rough time he would, if called out, go again. He, the speaker, would have been greatly displeased if the town had not given these men a welcome. He agreed with the remarks of the Chairman, and with the Mayor hoped the volunteers would turn their attention to going on the land or doing something else instead of running to the Government for work. If our young men did not strike out for themselves our country could not prosper.
Mr Forsythe said that as a citizen he was pleased to be present to welcome these men from South Africa. He was sure the experience the Australian volunteers had had would be of great advantage to them. He was glad to welcome the men back, and he congratulated their mothers and fathers upon having their sons back again. He hoped this war would soon be at an end. In this twentieth century, the countries of the world should be able to avoid war, but he was glad that when it arose there were men in Australia who were prepared to do their duty.
Mr John Little upon being called upon as "an old volunteer" said that he had been taken by surprise, nevertheless as one of the oldest volunteers in this district it was a pleasure to him to add his testimony to what had been said. He always looked with a great deal of pride upon volunteers, and he would advise every young man to join a volunteer corps. There were a few lines which he thought were appropriate for the occasion which he would recite. Mr Little then recited a spirited poem with regard to volunteers, resuming his seat amidst applause.
Mr Tucker said that as one of the oldest inhabitants of the town, he was glad to welcome back their guests who had arrived home safe and sound. He was sure that everyone present scanned the papers each day, and with some degree of apprehension, to see if any of the local men had fallen, but he was glad to say such was not the case. Whilst — not being a public speaker — he could not find words to adequately express himself, he yielded to no one with regard to the pleasure felt in welcoming their local volunteers back. As an old volunteer he joined with Mr Little in saying to every young man "Join the volunteers". He heard that Captain Millard had received word that day that he could make his company up to one hundred, and he hoped that in a short time the company would reach this strength.
Mr Hogan said that he hoped that because he had not spoken earlier the volunteers would not think that he was colder than those who had spoken before him. He was at all times willing to listen when others were willing to speak. As he had been called on, however, he was glad to add his quota of praise to what had already been said. He was glad to see the men looking better than those who remained at home. This spoke well for the commissariat department and the officers. The other night he had been speaking to some of the Wagga and Junee men, and one of these spoke highly of Lord Methuen, who had been blamed for the Magersfontein disaster. In the course of conversation the returned volunteer said that Lord Methuen was not to blame, but that he took all the opprobrium rather than blame one who belonged to the dead and could not defend himself. He stated that when the history of the war came to be written, Lord Methuen would be placed upon a high pedestal as one who had unjustly borne the blame so as to protect the name of a deceased comrade. He most heartily welcomed back their guests.
The toast was then honoured, the company singing "Soldiers of the Queen" following this with cheers.
Trooper E. PHILLIPS was the first to respond. He said that he was not going to make a long speech. With regard to their safe return, it had been remarked to him in Sydney that very few of the Australians had been shot, and he then pointed out that a good general knew that his success depended upon living men not dead men. After having narrated an amusing circumstance in connection with the Imperial C.I.V. Corps, Trooper PHILLIPS said that he must thank them most heartily for the kind reception, and said that it would cause him to always remember the good people of Young.
Troopers DWYER, S. RHALL, HARDY and DOUGLAS each briefly returned thanks, and expressed their appreciation of the reception.
Mr Martin Hoffman said that as one who had had three sons fighting in South Africa, two of whom were still at the seat of war, he thought it his duty to say a few words. He was glad to see so many returning safe and sound. He was sorry to say that he did not think one of his sons had been treated fairly. He referred to Trooper E. HOFFMAN, whom they had welcomed back some little time ago. Whilst in South Africa he had rescued a wounded comrade — one of the Wagga men he thought it was — from under fire. His son's conduct was such as should have gained him the V.C. but it was not awarded to him. Had his son received what was due to him, a native of Young would have received the V.C.
Captain Millard proposed the health toast of "The-Mayor" which was enthusiastically received.
The Mayor in responding remarked that it was a great pleasure to him to see all classes of the community come together at such a gathering, and to mark their friendly feeling which that evening existed between the people.
