State: Victoria, Australia
Issued on: Departure
Date of presentation: 11/01/1900
Number issued: 1
Gold masonic jewel, suitably inscribed, to:
2nd Victorian (Mounted Rifles) Contingent –
140 Private Alexander John King CATON
A gift from fellow members of the Ancient York Lodge of Freemasons No. 80, Coburg, Melbourne.
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Melbourne Argus, 12th January 1900
There was a full attendance at the meeting of the Ancient Yorke [sic] Masonic Lodge, Coburg, last night, when the brethren presented to Brother A.J. CATON, one of the Second Victorian Contingent, with a gold Masonic jewel in recognition of his valour in volunteering for service in South Africa.
Coburg Leader, 13th January 1900
Mr. A. J. K. CATON, who leaves for the seat of war today is the eldest son of the Rev. J. Caton, Vicar of the Holy Trinty Church, Coburg. He is a Victorian native, having been born at Gordons, near Ballarat, October 31st 1870. He was educated at the Church of England School, Melbourne, and holds a position in the Bank of New South Wales, Collins street. The officers of the Bank have presented him with a very handsome silver flask and cigarette case inscribed as follows – "A. J. Caton on departure to South Africa, From Officers Bank N.S.W., 13 1 1900". It is pleasing to note that the Bank is keeping his position open for him. The committee of the Oaklands Hunt Club, of which he was deputy master gave him a royal send-off and on Thursday evening last the Ancient York Lodge of Freemasons No 8o, Coburg, of which he is an officer, presented him with a handsome gold Masonic jewel suitably inscribed. Mr CATON's grandfather was in the army, also an uncle after whom he is named. He has another uncle residing in Fitzroy, who has seen foreign service and wears well-earned medals. In printing Mr CATON’s photo last Thursday “Punch” say: that he is generally recorded as such a good fellow that he carries him all the good wishes possible of his fellow sportsmen.
