Country: New Zealand
Issued on: Return
Dates of presentations: 26/07/1901, 30/05/1902, 31/10/1902
Number issued: 7
26/07/1901 presentation
1020 Trooper Alexander CLARKE [G. Clarke / A. Clark]
1637 Trooper David HOWATSON
30/05/1902 presentation
3793 Trooper John Johnston SIMPSON
31/10/1902 presentation
8070 Lance-Corporal Robert ROBSON
9546 Trooper John PATERSON
Presentation made by the Rev. P.B. Fraser, in the schoolroom, Lovells Flat.
NEWS FROM COUNTRY CENTRES.
The following is the list of telegrams received from country districts: –
Milton.
Enthusiastic meeting of committee was held this afternoon. David BOWIE, Lovells Flat, volunteers; provide horse and equipment. Committee undertake to provide horses and equipment for two others from here, and doing their best for more.
The Fourth Contingent
SEND-OFF TO OUR BOYS.
On Saturday evening the local representatives in the Fourth Contingent were entertained at a send-off in St. George's Hall. The unavoidable absence of the secretary, Mr W, Forsyth, who has worked so energetically all along, and who, to say the least, is responsible to a large extent for the great success which has characterised the several patriotic undertakings in Milton, left a big gap in the management for the evening. The attendance was not what would naturally be looked for on such an occasion, when the whole countryside is seemingly filled with patriotism. However, the hurried manner in which the affair was got up was the chief cause for the attendance not being so large as might have been expected. Communication was only established on Friday with the men, who were to be back at the camp on Saturday evening. Indeed, it was thought that the send-off would have to take place in the afternoon, but after a great deal of telegraphic communication had been resorted to, the local committee succeeded in getting leave of absence extended to Monday morning.
The proceedings opened by the audience rising and singing the National Anthem.
His Worship the Mayor, Mr W. Moore, said they were all aware what they had met for that evening — to give the local contingent a send-off. The committee made every effort to try and have the send-off on Friday evening, but they were unfortunately defeated, the only concession they managed to obtain, in the way of giving them a little more time, was to have the men's leave of absence extended to Monday morning. Then again Saturday was not a suitable evening, and the majority of the people did not know that the send-off was going to take place. He was sure they were all proud to have such representatives as Messrs DRINNAN, HOWATSON, and THOMSON, as sat before them on the platform. — (Loud applause). The other two volunteers from the district, Messrs BOWIE and CLARK, were getting a send-off at Lovells Flat. Mr Moore said he was rather at a loss to know what to say on such an occasion. He was there as chairman of the meeting with the object of wishing the contingent God-speed and a safe return. This was the only opportunity some of them would have of wishing the men good-bye, as many would be unable to attend the final send-off in Dunedin. Probably, he said, when the Fourth Contingent arrives at the front their services will not be required, but if the opposite should prove the case they would not find them wanting in courage or bravery, but quite equal to either the first, second, or third contingents. — (Applause). They had met that evening on a memorable occasion — St. Patrick' Day — and he thought it would be only fitting if the band would favour them with some Irish airs — (Loud Applause).
The Band then played "Ireland " in a very pleasing manner.
The Mayor called upon the Very Rev. Father O'Neill, who he said ought to have something to say, seeing that it was St. Patrick's night.
The rev. gentleman, who was received with applause, said that if it had been any other night but St. Patrick's, he was afraid he would not have anything to say — (laughter and applause) — but being a son of the sod he ought to have something to say on this occasion. Their programme was short of their usual crisp standard, but the discrepancies would have to be overlooked. He said their gracious Queen had recently given a first-class object lesson to the world. She is now about to visit that part of her dominions where loyalty and devotion are as strong as in any other part of the kingdom over which she reigns — (applause) — and the imprimatur of her approval has testified to the bravery of her Irish soldiers who are fighting for the Empire. That venerable lady with the weight of four score years upon her shoulders, is about to cross the channel to visit the Emerald Isle, where she would be received with open arms and extended a real Irish Cead mile failthe. Indeed, be said, be believed that if some of them got near enough they would kiss her — (loud laughter). Irishmen had now reason to be pleased that they had one of their most tangible grievances removed. Scotchmen, he said, would not have so much to boast of regarding Her Majesty's annual visit to her highland home at Balmoral, as Ireland was now getting a show. — (Loud Applause). Father O'Neill, after making a stirring speech, concluded by calling for cheers for the Queen, which was vociferously responded to; Mr Taylor called for three cheers for St. Patrick, which were also liberally given.
Mr C. King then gave a very pleasing rendering of "The Dear Little Shamrock", for which he was deservedly applauded. Mr Parlane followed with a humorous recitation entitled "The Purchase of a Bible", and had to respond to an encore.
Mr J.A. Duthie was then called upon to give a speech or a recitation. Mr Duthie chose the latter, and recited the "Charge of the Light Brigade". The item was quite a treat, the audience manifesting their approval by continued applause. After the recitation Mr Duthie intimated that he had only recited once in his life before, and the audience could not expect him to repeat the performance which he had just gone through. A comic song by Mr Colvert was greatly appreciated, and he had to submit to an encore.
The Mayor then said that he had a most pleasing duty to perform. The suggestions as to what the presentation should be were varied and many and the committee, after a great deal of consultation ultimately decided on presenting Messrs DRINNAN, HOWATSON, and THOMSON, each with a serviceable silver hunting watch. He advised them to leave their gold watches at home with the ladies, and replace them by silver hunting levers. The watches, he said, were not of the class that were sometimes purchased for sixpence, and assured them that those he was about to present them with, cost a little more than sixpence. Mr Moore then made the presentations, hoping that they would live long to wear them, and often think of the occasion on which they were presented. Arrangements, he said, had been made to have the watches suitably inscribed before the contingent left Dunedin. — (Loud applause).
Father O'Neill, in response to a request from the audience, then sang "The Wearing of the Green". Needless to say, loud applause greeted the item. "Sons of the Sea", by Mr King, concluded the musical part of the entertainment.
Mr Moore thanked the audience for their attendance, and was very pleased to see the manner in which the ladies attended, and no doubt their contingent would be pleased at that too. They all wished our boys every success, and hoped at some future date to be able to again shake hands with them and welcome them home. — (Applause). He also desired thank Messrs Coombe Bros. for kindly giving the hall and lights free of charge for the evening. He had to apologise for the absence of their secretary who had worked so hard and energetically, that he must have felt the strain too great and could not attend.
Mr A.E. Stewart, stated from the hall that the Queen had now decided to form an Irish Guard as well as a Scottish one. "Let us hope", he said, "that with the bravery of the colonial troops in South Africa her Majesty will see fit to form a Colonial Guard", and called for three cheers for our boys now going to the Transvaal, which was vociferously responded to. All then joined hands and sang "Auld Lang Syne".
THE WELCOME AT MILTON.
Our own correspondent sends the following particulars of the welcome accorded the Milton members of the contingents who returned on Saturday: —
The Milton railway station was tastefully decorated with flags and evergreens in anticipation of the arrival of the local members of the South African fourth and fifth contingents, and the residents turned out en masse to give their boys a hearty welcome home. A long wait before the arrival of the special train was "whiled away" by listening to the Milton Brass Band, conducted by Mr King, playing a number of martial airs. When the special with the hundreds of troopers aboard drew up, hearty cheers were given; but some disappointment was felt owing to the fact that only Trooper HOWATSON of the fifth was amongst the number, Troopers THOMSON and DRINNAN being passengers by the express to arrive later. However, the first-named was warmly received, and after receiving the congratulations of his numerous friends on his safe return, was accompanied to a carriage by the Mayor (Mr William Moore), several councillors, and members of the Reception Committee. Headed by the band and Bruce Rifles (under Captain Stewart), a procession was formed to Messrs Coombe Bros' Commercial Hotel, where a dinner, served in the hosts' well-known excellent style, was partaken of. The usual loyal and patriotic toasts were duly honoured.
A few hours subsequently the express train arrived, and Troopers DRINNAN and THOMSON were also the recipients of a most cordial welcome; indeed, DRINNAN, who had been mentioned in despatches in connection with the capture of a gun, was besieged by a great number anxious to give him a hearty handshake. Since the arrival of the first train enthusiasm had been worked up a bit, and the procession down the street was a lively one. At the Commercial Hotel the previously-mentioned programme was gone through. There were also present Troopers CONDON (Oamaru) and CAMPBELL (North Island).
Lovells Flat
WELCOME HOME SOCIAL.
WELCOME SOCIAL TO LOVELLS FLAT TROOPERS.
The people of Lovells Flat have rarely shown so much enthusiasm over anything as they did on Friday evening last when they met to welcome back Troopers BOWIE, CLARK, and HEWITSON [sic] from the seat of war. The schoolroom was gay with flags of many different designs, shapes and colour, while the entrance was made gay with fanciful coloured Japanese lanterns. By 8 o’clock every available seat in the building was occupied, while many could only find standing room. On no previous occasion has there been such a large and joyous gathering in this district. A few minutes before 8 o'clock the troopers, of whom there were present no less than 13, took their places on the seats reserved for them. The returned soldiers, who besides our own boys, honoured our social by their presence, were Troopers Melville, McKechnie, Wilson. Mitchell, Stringer, Thomson, and Arnold, also Corporals Lowe, McKegg and Drinnan. Mr Wm. Fraser, who has done everything in his power to make the social the great success which it undoubtedly has been, opened the programme in a neat and appropriate speech. He also acted as chairman during the evening to the satisfaction of everyone. The programme was a very varied one, but the chief item on it was the presentation of gold medals, each bearing a suitable inscription to the three local troopers. This ceremony was carried out by the Rev. P.B. Fraser, and it could not have been placed in better hands. A better speech on the subject of the British nation, and its love of justice, freedom, and liberty, one seldom has the chance of hearing, and Mr Fraser fairly surpassed himself on this occasion. From the way he spoke it is clear that he has read and thought deeply on the subject and as he dealt with the question in his own apt and incisive way he caused all to feel that it was no small privilege to belong to such an Empire and to fight such a nation's battles. At the close of his speech he called on Miss Ada Nelson to pin a medal to the breast of each trooper. This duty was performed by the young lady amidst deafening applause. Each of the troopers then replied in a short speech thanking their friends for the gifts, and expressing their pleasure at being home once more.
RECEPTION TO RETURNED TROOPERS.
PRESENTATION AT LOVELLS FLAT.
The Schoolhouse at Lovells Flat was crowded to excess in every part on Friday evening on the occasion of the reception social tendered to Troopers John J. SIMPSON and Henry HARVEY, district representatives of the Sixth Contingent. Trooper W. MITCHELL (Balclutha member Sixth) was also present. Mr W. Fraser occupied the chair, and in a few well-chosen words welcomed the troopers back to Lovells Flat the audience singing the National Anthem. A very lengthy programme was gone through; Messrs C. Manderson and J. Hollis opening with a piccolo and violin duet; duet, "Break the news to mother", Misses Hewitson; song, "The King's own", Mr C. Bowie; song Miss E. King (a little tot of about six years); song, "O, a' the airts", Mr John Allison; song, "Irish girl's opinion", encore, "The exile's return", Mr Barrowman; song, "Killarney", Miss Aitken; song, "I’ll be your sweetheart", Miss Robson; song "Johnny Cope", encore, "Oor Kail yard", Mr W. Hewitson. During the first portion of the programme speeches were given by Messrs Bennett, R. Hewitson, and Rev. P.B. Fraser, of which the following is a brief report —
Mr J. Bennett delivered an address on his experiences during the early days, and related hardships which the pioneer settlers had endured, and stated that the hardships the troopers had endured were to be likened unto the experiences of the "old identities".
Mr R. Hewitson, in welcoming the "boys", said the Colonial volunteers had done remarkably well, and the public now looked with respect on our branches of defence. They had all regretted the severance of friendly ties, but Lovells Flat had been fortunate in that it's members of the contingents had come to no harm. The last words of the Premier when addressing the First Contingent on their departure, had been, "Do your duty", and all succeeding contingents had followed that advice to the letter.
The Rev. P.B. Fraser, in making the presentation, asked the troopers to accept as a token of the esteem in which they were held by the people in the district. He delivered an address on the causes that led to the war and its progress. The present war had been a question of whether Britain should hold sway throughout the world. She had learnt the strength of her foes and friends, and the war had brought to the front the intense loyalty of the colonies, and Great Britain would stand stronger than ever before in her history. In asking each of the troopers to accept a gold medal (inscribed) and a set of studs and sleeve links, he hoped they would long be spared to wear them. The medals were inscribed as follows: "Lovells Flat, Welcome Home; Name _____ ; 30th May, 1902"; and on the reverse side: "Pro patria, South African War, 1901-2. Date departure from New Zealand January 12th, 1901". — (Loud applause).
Each trooper briefly returned thanks for the splendid reception accorded them, and also for the handsome presents.
RECEPTION TO RETURNED TROOPERS.
A LIST OF THE MEN.
We have been at some pains to prepare a roll of the names of those who went from the Clutha District, Lovells Flat — Clinton, or were intimately connected with it. This was a more difficult task than at first sight appeared. The following list is, we believe, very approximately correct, but we shall be obliged if any of our [readers] will advise us of any additional names that may be within their knowledge: —
ROLL
Fourth Contingent (“Monowai”, Port Chalmers, March 24th, 1899): —
D. BOWIE, Lovells Flat
A. CLARK, Lovells Flat
Fifth Contingent (“Cymeric”, Lyttelton, March 31st, 1900): —
[D. HOWATSON, Lovells Flat — NOT LISTED]
Sixth Contingent (“Cornwall”, Wellington, Jan. 30th, 1901): —
H. HARVEY, Lovells Flat
J. SIMPSON, Lovells Flat
Ninth Contingent (“Kent”, Port Chalmers, March 8th, 1902): —
R. ROBSON, Lovells Flat
Jno. PATERSON, Lovells Flat
Lovells Flat.
EMBARKATION DATABASE
