Country: New Zealand
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 14/01/1902
Number issued: 1
Gold Maltese cross, to:
7th New Zealand Mounted Rifles –
4295 Trooper George Phimester HAROLD
Presentation made by the Mayor (Mr S.T. Bolton), before the business of West Harbour Council commenced.
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Otago Witness, 15th January 1902
Before the business of the West Harbour Council commenced on Tuesday his Worship the Mayor (Mr S.T. Bolton) presented Trooper HAROLD with a handsome gold Maltese cross and gold ring, suitably inscribed. The Mayor said he had received a good account of Trooper HAROLD when at the front. He had proved himself not only a good soldier, but a good comrade, and on returning to his native district he (the Mayor) had much pleasure, on behalf of the people of Ravensbourne and Rothesay, in presenting him with their souvenir as a token of their goodwill towards him. It would show him that when the soldier went to the front to fight the battle for his King and country they in their cosy homes did not forget their absent friends at the front, but followed their career until they welcomed them home. He had much pleasure in wishing him long life to wear and treasure the handsome token of the esteem and goodwill of the people of the district. The remarks of the Mayor were heartily endorsed by the whole of the council, after which Trooper HAROLD returned thanks. In doing so he said he was sorry he had had to be sent home from active duties. In one way, however, he was pleased, as it gave him the opportunity of getting back to his old friends. The very handsome presents that the Mayor had just given him on behalf of the people of the district would be cherished by him as long as he lived, and he thanked them sincerely for the kindness they had shown him on his return.
EMBARKATION DATABASE
Surname: HAROLD
Reg No: 4295
Given Names: George Phimester
Contingent: Seventh
Rank: Private
Unit: No 23 Company (nelson Section)
Joined from: none
County/City: Dunedin suburb
Age: 23 years, 4 months
Occupation: Carpenter
Ship: “Gulf of Taranto”, 6 April 1901
Address: Ravensbourne, Dunedin
Next of Kin: Harold, Mr John
Next of Kin Address: Ravensbourne, Dunedin (same)
Relationship to Soldier: father
