Anglo Boer War - Saddle Hill & Fairfield, NZ

Country: New Zealand
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 09/08/1901
Number issued: 1

Gold locket & albert, suitably inscribed, to:

Kitchener's Horse –

23439 Trooper Alexander MILLER (subsequently 5681 Sgt. A. Miller, 8th N.Z.M.R.)

Presentation made by Mr James Loudon, at the Walton Schoolhouse.

Trooper Miller also received a silver watch.

Otago Witness, 14/08/1901

Otago Evening Star, 17/08/1901

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Otago Witness, 14th August 1901

The people of Saddle Hill and Fairfield assembled in large numbers at the Walton Schoolhouse on Friday evening in order to extend a welcome to Trooper Alexander MILLER, who went to South Africa with remounts, and subsequently joined Kitchener's Light Horse. Mr James Loudon occupied the chair. Besides the guest of the evening, Mr D.S. Mason, the schoolmaster, also had a seat on the platform, and, at the chairman's request, he opened the meeting with prayer. Several boys in khaki from the Taieri district were also present. A short programme of songs and recitations had been arranged, and was successfully carried through with evident satisfaction to the audience, who marked their appreciation from time to time by hearty rounds of applause. Songs were given by Miss Loudon ("Brothers", or "The colonies will fight at England's side"), Mis? J. Loudon (" Afton water "), Mr Alexander Gray ("Sons of the Empire"), and Mr J. McLean ("The song that will live for ever"); Miss H. Westfield and Miss Hatalie recited "The Pride of Battery B" and "The Dandy Fifth" respectively, each item being well received. During an interval the Chairman said that they had met not only to welcome their friend, but also to present him with a tangible token of their regard. He said that Kitchener's Light Horse was a body of men similar to our own fourth and fifth contingents — men who were ready to fight their country's battles and to rough it on the South African veldt. He then referred to the precarious condition in which British arms were in prior to our sending away the above mentioned contingents, and said that in every sense of the word those contingents were going forth to uphold the integrity and solidarity of the British Empire, and to guard the best interests of mankind in general. Kitchener's Light Horse was practically in the same position, and although our interest in them was not so great as it was in regard to our own contingents, yet they all felt that the men who composed that company did their duty to a man. Turning to Trooper MILLER, Mr Loudon said: "We are all very, very glad to be able to welcome you back safe and sound, and on behalf of the Saddle Hill and Fairfield residents I have much pleasure in presenting you with this excellent silver watch and handsome gold albert and locket. May you long be spared to wear them". — (Applause). Trooper MILLER briefly responded, and then three rinsing cheers were given respectively for Lord Kitchener, Trooper MILLER, and the Taieri contingents. During the evening refreshments were handed round, and after the concert dancing was kept up until the early hours of the morning.

Otago Evening Star, 17th August 1901

PRESENTATION AT FAIRFIELD.

An enjoyable social was recently held in the Walton School, the guest of the evening being Trooper Alex. MILLAR, who has just returned from South Africa. The schoolroom was well filled with Fairfield and Saddle Hill people, and there were also present several returned Taieri troopers. Mr Loudon occupied the chair, and in opening the proceedings remarked that it was usual on such occasions to commence with prayer. This, he thought, was most fitting, for in sending our boys to the war we sent them, with prayer, followed them with our prayers while they were away, and it was but right that on their safe return we should give thanks to God, who had guarded them. Mr D.S. Mason then offered prayer. Then came the musical items. 'Brothers; or the Colonies will fight at England's side', by Miss M. Loudon; 'Sons of the Empire', by Mr A. Gray; and a recitation, 'The pride of Battery B', by Miss H. Westfield. Mr Loudon followed, and in a brief speech observed that the purpose of the gathering was to do honor to their young friend Mr Alexander MILLAR. Mr MILLAR had not left them as a member of any contingent, but had undertaken the task of assisting to take horses to South Africa. Shortly after his arrival there he joined Kitchener's Horse, which company he believed was similar to our Fourth and Fifth Contingents, that is, a number of young Britons ready to do anything for their country's honor. We all remember that when those contingents left our shores the outlook in South Africa was not very bright. There were Ladysmith and Mafeking to be relieved, and fresh in our thoughts were the disasters at Magersfontein, Spion Kop, Colenso, and the Tugela. Great interest was taken in these contingents, and in his opinion the young men who left our shores were in no way inferior to the men who fought under Wellington at Waterloo. He concluded by asking Trooper MILLAR, in the name of the people of Fairfield and Saddle Hill, to accept a silver watch and gold albert and locket in recognition of his services to the Empire. Trooper MILLAR briefly responded, thanking the people for their extreme kindness, which he fully appreciated, and also for their handsome present. Cheers were then given for Trooper MILLAR, the Taieri boys present, and for Lord Kitchener. Miss Jessie Loudon gave 'Afton Water' (Hume), Miss Hately recited 'The Dandy Fifth', and Mr J. McLean sang 'The song that will live for ever'. Mr McCallum, chairman of the Reception Committee, proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the performers and all who had assisted in the reception. Misses J. Loudon and A. McLean acted as accompanists. Trooper G. WILLIAMS returned thanks on behalf of the Taieri boys. The concert closed by singing the National Anthem. A dance followed, forty couples being present. Mr J. Kenyon, jun., acted as M.C., the music being supplied by Messrs Marshall and Millar.

EMBARKATION DATABASE

Surname: MILLER

Reg No: 5681

Given Names: Alexander

Contingent: Eighth

Rank: Private

Unit: South Island Regiment - "E" Squadron

Joined from: Kitchener's Horse (Trooper, 10 months)

County/City: Levels

Age: 27 years

Occupation: Slaughterman

Ship: “Cornwall”, 8 February 1902

Address: c/o Mr F.C. Cowles, Strathallan Street, Timaru

Next of Kin: Miller, Mrs Jemima

Next of Kin Address: Fairfield North, Dunedin

Relationship to Soldier: mother

Medals and awards

Saddle Hill & Fairfield, NZ