Blowering Honor Roll

7 September 1920 The Tumut Advocate and Farmers and Settlers' Adviser

On Sunday afternoon last what is thought to be the last of the local war functions took place. A variety of circumstances, wise and otherwise, combined to mar the original intention for unveiling the Honor Roll and it was not till then that the official unveiling could take place. The near departure of the secretary (Mr. N. Crook) called for hurried arrangements, which unfortunately prevented as many as would have liked to be present. Still, upwards of 70 people gathered at the local school, and quite a pleasant function was the result.  

Opening the proceedings, the Secretary outlined the history of the movement and paid a tribute to the men who had answered the call to duty from this centre. He then called on Mrs. Ryan, mother of Pte J. Ryan, V.C., (who was unavoidably detained by illness) to perform the ceremony. In doing so he presented her with a pair of silver sissors, encased and suitably engraved, with which to sever the retaining ribbon. Mrs. Ryan cut the ribbon, and a large Union Jack descended and disclosed what was generally admitted to be the finest work of art of its kind in the district. The National Anthem being sung, cheers were given for King and Empire, and the soldiers, and a period of silence was sustained In honor of the fallen heroes.

Mr. A. H. Watts spoke on behalf of the locality, and said how proud he was of the noble response to duty's call, and how glad that their deeds had been recorded on the Roll of Honor.

Warrant Officer E. Johnson thanked the assemblage for the action they had taken In honor of the soldiers, and assured them that his comrades appreciated it.

As a town resident, Mr. A. Ibbotson said he regretted that a more able exponent was not present to express the sentiments he was sure his fellow townsmen felt, and assured those present that the town was proud to have such noble suburban compatriots as the boys from Blowering.

As a lady worker for the cause, Mrs. Crook expressed the pleasure it had been to assist the movement, the only fly in the ointment being the remarks of one who characterised the organisers as flag-flappers. Such sentiments recalled the fact that some microscopical-minded individual so objected to the Union Jack flapping on the school flagpole that he cut it down and borrowed it, forgetting also to take the rope, which had at its end an appropriate noose.

Afternoon tea was served and the gathering dispersed with expressions of felicity on all hands.

A presentation to the departing occupants of the school residence, Mr. and Mrs. Crook, is to take place on Wednesday afternoon, with a social function to follow that evening.