State: Tasmania
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 24/06/1902
Number issued: 1
Gold shield pendant & chain, to:
MACQUARIE PLAINS.
On Tuesday, 24th, a successful social and dance was held in the Hop Kiln kindly lent by Mr V. Shoobridge, to welcome home Trooper George MARSHALL from South Africa, when about 500 were present, over which Mr F.W. Hume presided. The place was beautifully decorated with flags and ferns by the Committee, Mesdames Prisk, Hill, Fagan, Marshall, Misses Cashions (3), Oakley, Messrs Hume, Bass, Marshall, Hill, Fagan, Read, Burgess, Shoobridge, Taque and Joyce, and many willing hands. Noticeable among the decorations were the words “Welcome Home” made with large red, white and blue letters, by one of the local ladies, Mrs Hill. The tables were prettily decorated and they were heavily laden with provisions, subscribed for by the residents of the district.
After justice had been done to the good things, the Hon. Ellis Dean, M.L.C., apologised for the non-attendance of Mr Leatham, M.H.A., and in a stirring speech welcomed Trooper Marshall back to Macquarie Plains. The chairman on behalf of the residents of Macquarie Plains presented Trooper Marshall with a gold chain and pendant in recognition of his gallant service in South Africa; then all joined in singing “He’s a Jolly Good Fellow”, loud and prolonged cheers followed.
Trooper Marshall, who was most enthusiastically received, in response, thanked the residents for the kind, hearty welcome and present they had given him, he also gave a short outline of his experiences under Colonel Watchorn, which was listened to with interest.
Songs were sung by Mrs Hill, Misses Cashions (2), Messrs V. and H. Shoobridge, Read, Dunbar and McGuire, all of which were loudly applauded. Mr Prisk presided at the piano.
Speeches were delivered by Revs Warren and Dodson, Messrs W. Shoobridge and F.W. Hume.
Much praise is due to Mesdames Prisk, Hill and Fagan, who were the first movers of this successful welcome.
Councillor T. Marshall moved a vote of thanks to the Committee, who had worked so hard to make it a success, also to the performers.
The National Anthem was then sung.
The room was then cleared for dancing and those who were not lovers of the light fantastic toe went to an adjoining paddock to play games under the illumination of a large bonfire.
Refreshments were handed round at 12 o’clock and the singing of the National Anthem and three cheers for the King brought the evening’s enjoyment to a close.
