You men are about to pass over the Hume Bridge, named after the famous explorer, who was the first man to discover the overland route from Sydney to Port Phillip, as it was then called.  After encountering many dangers and difficulties Hamilton Hume accomplished his mission and returned to settle in the Yass District.

You, too, are on the way to carve out the route to Berlin.  When you have accomplished YOUR mission, we will all hope that, like Hume, you will return to your native land to spend many years of usefulness in peace and quietness and, it is sincerely hoped in prosperity.

All those associated with me join in congratulating you on your soldierly bearing and gentlemanly conduct during your stay in Yass; I wish you all God Speed, and a safe return."

The Yass Courier then reported that three cheers for the Kangaroos, their officers and the King followed....the band played Auld Lang Syne as they marched off.