Country: New Zealand
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 06/12/1901
Number issued: 1
Gold Maltese cross, to:
4th New Zealand Mounted Rifles –
1156 Trooper David McKNIGHT
Presentation made by Mr R. Johnstone, in the schoolroom, Blackstone Hill.
_________________________________
Otago Witness, 18th December 1901
Hoisting the Flag.
The hoisting of the old flag took place on the evening of the 6th inst., the honour of performing the ceremony being in the hands of our recently-returned trooper, Mr D. McKNIGHT. The school committee and a large concourse of people were present, and a capital speech was made by the chairman of the committee, Mr R. Johnstone, on "the old flag". A social was then held in the schoolroom, which, by the bye, was filled to overflowing. The chair was ably filled by Mr R. Johnstone, and speeches were delivered in honour of the flag then floating overhead. Songs, recitations, and duets were interspersed, and during the evening a beautiful gold albert chain and gold Maltese cross, subscribed for by the residents, was presented to Trooper D. McKNIGHT, who suitably responded. Refreshments were then handed round. Three hearty cheers were given for the chairman, after which the room was cleared for dancing, which was kept up till daylight, when all wended their way home, thoroughly tired, but well pleased. The hoisting of the flag of liberty here will long be remembered by old and young alike, and I am sure our school mistress will teach our youngsters to salute and honour the flag, and will tell them what that flag has done, and what it is doing, in the cause of justice and liberty to all.
EMBARKATION DATABASE
Surname: McKNIGHT
Reg No: 1156
Given Names: David
Contingent: Fourth
Rank: Farrier
Unit: No. 10 Company
Joined from: none
County/City: Vincent
Age: 25 years, 8 months
Occupation: Farrier
Ship: “Monowai”, 20 March 1900
Address: Alexandra South
Next of Kin: McKnight, Mr James
Next of Kin Address: Blackstone Hill
Relationship to Soldier: unknown
