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Maitland Weekly Mercury, 3rd October 1903

SINGLETON.

There was a large and representative gathering of the professional, commercial and social life of the town and district at Burdekin Park on Sunday afternoon to witness the unveiling of the monument erected to the memory of Trooper Herby WADDELL, a native of Singleton, and member of the Bushmen's Contingent, who fell at Piennar's River on the 27th September, 1900, during the progress of the late Boer war. The Mayoress of Singleton (Mrs. F.A. Bennett) performed the ceremony of unveiling the memorial, which had been erected by means of a shilling subscription fund inaugurated by Mr Alex. Morrison, proprietor of the 'Singleton Budget'. The monument is of obelisk design, 15 feet high by 3 feet 6 inches square at the base, sat on 6 feet square of concrete foundation, built in six pieces consisting of three bases, die, cap, and shaft. On the second base is carved a pair of crossed rifles. On the third base are four marble panels, with inscriptions in imperishable lead lettering. The four inscriptions are: —


On the front portion of the die is richly carved the figure of a bushman mounted on his charger. A laurel wreath is carved on each of the four sides of the cap. The monument is made of the best yellow freestone, and the weight is between five and six tons. The cost was £45 15s, being the entire amount collected by the proprietor of the 'Budget'. The contractor was Mr R. Clark, monumental mason, of Rookwood, who has carried out the work in a most faithful manner. The Mayor of Singleton (Mr F.A. Bennett) presided, and addresses were delivered by Mr C.H. Dight, M.L.A., and the Rev R.J. Wallace. Mrs Bennett was presented by Mr Morrison with a framed Paris panel photograph of the memorial, accompanied by a gold pendant and chain, containing a photo of the deceased, and inscribed as follows on the obverse side: — 'Presented to Mrs F.A. Bennett, Mayoress of Singleton, by the proprietor of the 'Singleton Budget' on the occasion of unveiling the memorial to Trooper Herby Waddell, in Burdekin Park, 27th Sept., 1903'. Mrs. Bennett bowed her acknowledgments.


Maitland Daily Mercury, 28/09/1903 (full report of the unveiling)

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Tpr H.W. Waddell

Elmarie,

Thank you for sharing the photo. I continue to be amazed at the breadth and depth of your information and willingness to share. Thank you