Country: New Zealand
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 30/08/1901
Number issued: 1
Gold Maltese cross, to:
7th New Zealand Mounted Rifles –
4712 Sergeant James Morrison TAYLOR (formerly 1690 Tpr J.M. Taylor, 5th N.Z.M.R.)
Presentation made by Miss Sheddan, at the residence of Mr W. Taylor, Aparima.
Inscribed: “Presented to Sergt J.M. Taylor by a few young friends. A tribute of welcome home from Boer War, 30/8/01”.
____________________________________
Western Star, 7th September 1901
APARIMA.
Last Friday evening, 30th ult., the residence of Mr W. Taylor, Aparima, was the scene of a happy gathering, when about 35 young friends met together in the form of a surprise party to welcome home their comrade, Sergt. TAYLOR. In no time the capacious kitchen was converted into an extempore ballroom, and dancing commenced to excellent music supplied by Messrs T. Beck and W. Gregg. I think it was the merriest party I have ever seen together, and each and all appeared to lay life’s cares aside for the night and went in for thorough enjoyment. Before supper a very pleasing duty was performed by a couple of our young ladies. Miss McKenzie was first called on and said: — You all know the purpose for which we have met here this evening — that of welcoming back to our midst our soldier, Sergt. TAYLOR. We feel proud that so worthy a representative of the district went out to fight for King and country, and his promotion tells us that our hopes in him have been fully realised, and that he has done his duty right nobly, for we know that stripes are won, not given. We all grieved when we heard that he had been wounded, but tonight we think he is quite justified in being proud of the bullet mark he carries. I think I can safely say there is not a young man present but envies him it. To his father and mother we offer our sincere congratulations. Our sympathy was with them when the news came of his suffering as our congratulations and joy are with them now on his safe return. I think I voice the feelings of all present when I say that in the midst of our rejoicings tonight our hearts ever and anon turn to a lonely grave in that far distant land where another comrade that went out lies. We had looked forward to his return too, but ’twas willed otherwise. I have now much pleasure in asking Miss Sheddan to say a few words, trusting that Sergt. TAYLOR will be long spared to look back on the evening his young friends came to wish him welcome home. Miss Sheddan then stepped forward and said: Sergt. TAYLOR, I have much pleasure in asking your acceptance of this small memento from a few of your young friends in this district, sincerely trusting you will be long spared to wear it. Then while all joined heartily in singing “For he’s a jolly good fellow”, Miss Sheddan pinned on his breast a handsome gold Maltese cross bearing the following inscription: “Presented to Sergt J.M. Taylor by a few young friends. A tribute of welcome home from Boer War, 30/8/01”. Sergt, TAYLOR, who appeared to have got a pleasant surprise, in a few words thanked them all for their lovely gift. He begged to be excused from saying more as he admitted that the two young ladies had so surprised him that his speechmaking abilities had fled. After the applause had subsided, Mrs Taylor said she could not allow them to resume their amusements until she had thanked them all on behalf of Mr Taylor and herself for the great kindness they had shown their son. Supper was then served and dancing resumed. Songs were given during the evening by Miss M. McKenzie and Mr J. Dodds, and a recitation by Miss Sheddan. This very enjoyable evening was brought to a close at 2.30 a.m. by the singing of Auld Lang Syne and cheers for Mr and Mrs Taylor, the Sergeant, and the promoters of the affair.
EMBARKATION DATABASE
Surname: TAYLOR
Reg No: 1690
Given Names: James Morrison
Contingent: Fifth
Rank: Private
Unit: No 15 company (Otago Section)
Joined from: Southland Mounted Rifles (Trooper)
County/City: Wallace
Age: 21 years
Occupation: Farmer
Ship: “Gymeric”, 31 March 1900
Address: Aparima, Southland
Next of Kin: Taylor, William and Jane
Next of Kin Address: Aparima, Southland (same)
Relationship to soldier: father and mother
NO EMBARKATION RECORD FOUND FOR SERVICE WITH 7TH NZMR
