RECEPTION TO SGT. H. PATTERSON, AIF

At ASCOT VALE

.... along Burton on crescent on Friday   .. there was apparently something do[ing]. A few of the Crescenters in shirt sleeves, with ladders, ropes, poles and ... had got a "move on," and were [conver]ting the quiet street into a gay be-   ... avenue. It looked as if the Governor or some noted person was expected. ... enquiry it transpired that it was the latter in the person of Sergeant H. Patterson, who was expected home from the great war.

[While] watching the efforts of these loyal[ists] a German passed under the "grand ... " to serve a client with his wares. [This] is the incongruous state of affairs [in] our country to-day.

.... arrangements had been made by [the] ladies to make for sucess. Headmaster Barrett, of the Bank street school, had [industrious]ly lent his aid, and with In- ... Irwin, they marched along with ... 100 cadets to form an escort to ....their old boy. When volunteers   [were] called for, they all responded with [the same] fervour that their elder brothers [had done] on the other side. Arrangements were upset through   .... of the transport, but that did ... keep the Cresenters, as when the   ... turned up, headed by their bugle ... and into the Crescent with ... tread and arms swinging like a .... of veterans, a thrill went through ... and their hearts went out to the ... who braved the elements. After re[freshments] had been served out to them ... paraded until forced to beat an or[derly] retreat to the houses for shelter.  

At about 6.30 there was a cry of "Here [he] comes!" and the lads were formed up ... first "strong post," and great cheers ... in the air for their old schoolboy. Af[ter ... ] words of welcome from Head[master] Barrett, the procession, headed by ... and moved homewards, where a ... gathering of friends gave the soldier [a] hearty greeting. Sergeant Patterson thanked all present [for] their great kindness, especially the ...whom he promised to visit at the   ... and tell them some stories of the [trenches]. Sergeant Patterson has seen two years' ... service, and was wounded and, unfortunately, lost an eye; but, to use his [own words], "his other lamp is good." [The] crowd dispersed after one of the ... played "Home Sweet Home," and ... "God Save the King," the Crescent [returned] to normal, but well satisfied   [with their] effort.

TO SGT. H. PATTERSON. A.I.F. (1918, July 11). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 3 Edition: Morning. Retrieved July 10, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74606544