Country: New Zealand
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 21/07/1902
Number issued: 1
Gold albert and greenstone pendant, to:
7th New Zealand Contingent –
4429 Sergeant Duncan McLAREN
Presentation made by Mr R.A. Kempshell, in the Maungatua Schoolroom.
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Otago Witness, 30th July 1902
MAUNGATUA.
July 26.— A most enjoyable evening, was spent in Maungatua schoolroom on the 21st inst., to welcome our brave ex-schoolboy home from the war. Mr R.A. Kempshell presided, and said he was pleased to see so many present, as this was the first time they had met on an occasion of the kind. It gave him great pleasure to call on Sergeant McLAREN. — (Cheers). Addressing Sergeant McLAREN, he said on behalf of schoolmates and friends he had much pleasure in welcoming him home. He had been a credit to his school, his parents, his country, and his nation. He and his comrades had opened the eyes of the foreign nations. They thought that they had only England, Ireland, and Scotland to contend against, but now they find that there are other islands out in the ocean, such as Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, not to mention Canada, peopled by hundreds of thousands of men who are not frightened of Boer bullets or Russian shells, and who will fight for their kin and country. — (Cheers). He would like those present to try to follow Sergeant McLAREN through the battlefield. First, we find him in the troopship, where the officers made him corporal — (cheers) — next place we find him on the battlefield. There Corporal McLAREN and some of his comrades were surprised by a lot of Boers, and, in galloping back to inform his regiment, he saw one of his mates get his horse shot from under him. He galloped back through shot and shell, and brought him safely out of the line of fire. — (Cheers). Then the officers made him sergeant, affixing the stripes that we are proud of. — (Cheers). He was one of those who captured De Wet's guns. — (Cheers). Then, again, at Bothasberg, in Kitchener's great drive in the dead of night, he heard whips cracking and the bellowing of 28,000 head of cattle — a bigger mob than we are used to see — (laughter) — driven by natives and Boers, with 1095 fighting Boers, bearing down on the line where the Seventh Contingent was. When they got near enough our boys mowed them down and drove them Lack. — (Cheers). Where do we find Sergeant McLAREN? Standing, with his four comrades shot by his side. The next place we find him is in his old school. — (Cheers). The Chairman then said he had come to the best part of the programme — that was to present their guest with a small memento in the shape of a gold albert, with greenstone pendant, with monogram inscribed. He hoped the recipient would be long spared to wear it. — (Cheers). Sergeant McLAREN, in responding, said he was very pleased to be back amongst them again, and thanked them for their handsome present. Three cheers were then given for Sergeant McLAREN. There were also present Trooper McLAREN and Trooper WELSH and Lance-corporal SMITH, of Alexandra. Cheers were also given for the fathers and mothers of the troopers. Speeches were delivered by Messrs W. Thomson, R.A. Kempshell, and T. Gordon, and songs by Mr Clark and the Misses Heenan, Dale, Kempshell, and Messrs Heenan, Black, Clark, Gordon, Connor, and Don. The ladies of the district provided the good things, to which ample justice was done. Mr Heenan proposed a vole of thanks to the performers, and Mr Don to the ladies who provided the good things. The National Anthem having been sung, the room was cleared for dancing, which was kept up until an early hour. . .
EMBARKATION DATABASE
Surname: McLAREN
Reg No: 4429
Given Names: Duncan
Contingent: Seventh
Rank: Private
Unit: No 24 Company (Canterbury Section)
Joined from: no previous service
County/City: Taieri
Age: 22 years, 1 month
Occupation: Farm Labourer
Ship: “Gulf of Taranto”, 6 April 1901
Address: Maungatua, Otago
Next of Kin: McLaren, Mrs Eliza
Next of Kin Address: Maungatua, Otago
Relationship to Soldier: Mother
