Country: New Zealand
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 09/08/1901
Number issued: 1
Gold Maltese cross, to:
2nd New Zealand Mounted Rifles –
482 Farrier-Sergeant Richard WILSON
Presentation made by Mr John Pitchers, at a social.
Obverse: "2ND / CONTINGENT / N.Z.".
Reverse: "To / SERGEANT R. WISLON / FROM / CITIZENS OF OPHIR / 1901".
Sergeant Wilson's medal sold through Noble Numismatics, 11/09/2023, for $800 AUD / £432 GBP.
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Dunstan Times, 20th August 1901
Ophir.
RECEPTION TO SERGT. WILSON
Farrier Sergt. WILSON (who left Ophir in January, 1900, to join the 2nd contingent, and after close on 18 months active service returned here some few weeks ago) was entertained by the citizens of Ophir at a social on the evening of Friday the 9th inst. The night was anything but an ideal one for the occasion, being dark and showery — preventing a large number from a distance from attending, but nevertheless the schoolroom was comfortably packed, and the gathering a very representative one. Mr Jno. Pitches presided, and although not very well, was, however, the right man in the right place, and in a speech brimming over with patriotic fervour, said that although a little behind our neighbours in entertaining our representative, there was an old saying, and a very true one, "better late than never". He said it gave him very much pleasure on behalf of the people of the district to heartily welcome Sergt. WILSON home again. At the conclusion of his remarks, which were loudly applauded, he called for three cheers for Sergeant WILSON which were heartily responded to, as was also his call for three cheers for Trooper SUTHERLAND of Matakanni, who was also a guest. Mr Jno. Wilson and Mr G.T. Alexander also said a few words. Sergt. WILSON on rising to respond was greeted with a vociferous outburst After briefly returning thanks he gave a very graphic account of the contingents' doings Mr Pitches then asked his acceptance of a gold Maltese cross, suitably inscribed, from his friends in Ophir. The sergeant suitably responded. Songs were contributed by Mrs Hawson, and Messrs Buckle, Thompson, G. Alexander and Phillips. The catering was in the worthy hands of Mrs Peacock, and although that lady has a well-earned reputation for the good things she provides, she fairly excelled herself on this occasion. Splendid music was supplied by Messrs Campbell (violin) and J. White (accordeon), assisted by several ladies and gentlemen on the piano Mr G. Alexander made an efficient M.C. Special praise is due to Messrs Richardson (conductor) Donnelly (secretary) and Mr D. Brown for their efforts. The items by the band were much appreciated. The whole affair was most successful, one and all being unanimous in praise of it.
EMBARKATION DATABASE
Surname: WILSON
Reg No: 482
Given Names: Richard
Contingent: Second
Rank: Private
Unit: No 2 Company
Joined from: Otago Hussars
County/City: Vincent
Age: 32 years, 9 months
Occupation: Farmer
Ship: “Waiwera”, 20 January 1900
Address: Downshire Farm, Ophir
Next of Kin: Wilson, Mr John
Next of Kin Address: Downshire Farm, Ophir (same)
Relationship to Soldier: Brother