Country: New Zealand
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 18/06/1902
Number issued: 1
Gold medal, to:
6th New Zealand Mounted Rifles –
3794 Trooper Samuel John SELL
Presentation made by Bro. D.C. Cameron, on behalf of members of the Star of Freedom Lodge, I.O.G.T., in the Oddfellows' Hall, Roslyn.
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Evening Star, 20th June 1902
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES.
The Star of Freedom Lodge, I.O.G.T., held their fortnightly session in the I.O.O.F. Hall, Roslyn, on Wednesday evening, Bro. Smyth, C.T., presiding. Members and representatives from the different sister lodges were present, in addition to which an official visit was received from the G.L, Executive, consisting of Bros, D.C. Cameron, G.S., J. Thorn, G.T., T. Dalton, G.C., Sis. Thorn, G.D.M., and Sis. Cameron, G.S.J.T. Communications were received from the D.L., and four candidates were initiated, after which the business of the lodge was adjourned, the special feature of the evening being to afford a hearty welcome to returned trooper Bro. S.J. SELL after his eighteen months’ active service at the front with the Sixth Contingent, N.Z.M.I. The hall was tastefully decorated with flags, evergreens, and mottoes of welcome, and friends of members being admitted on invitation, the hall was comfortably packed. The programme opened with an overture (piano) by Sis. M. Freeman, after which songs were rendered by Miss Thorn, Miss Johnson, and Bros. Johnson and Morris, recitations given by Sisters M. Gemmill and L. Whale, and a humorous reading contributed by Bro. G.B. Lindsay. Tea, refreshments, etc., were handed round by the sisters of the lodge, after which Bro. D.C. Cameron, on behalf of the members of the Star of Freedom Lodge, presented Trooper Bro. S.J. SELL with a gold medal, beautifully engraved. In a neat speech he eulogised the patriotism of the members of the Order generally in their devotion to the cause of the Empire. The medal was handed to Sis. Whale, who fastened it on Trooper SELL’s breast amidst much cheering. Trooper SELL suitably responded, thanking the lodge for their presentation, and their appreciation of his services at the front. Bro. Whale expressed the pleasure it gave him in welcoming Bro. SELL home after his arduous duties at the front. The Star of Freedom Lodge had been well represented in the war, four members having joined the contingents to do battle for the country’s rights, one of whom had given his life, another had now returned, whilst two were still serving in South Africa. He concluded by wishing the brother, on behalf of the lodge, long life and prosperity. Mr L. Kemnitz, deputy-mayor of Roslyn, in welcoming Trooper SELL to the district, spoke of the unity and patriotism of the colony as a whole, and of the future benefits of liberty and progress as the result of their action. A Māori war cry was given by two members of the lodge, after which a sketch entitled ‘An Unwelcome Intrusion’ was well carried out by seven members of the lodge. Votes of thanks to the G.L. Executive and all taking part were then given, a very enthusiastic meeting being closed by the singing of the National Anthem.
EMBARKATION DATABASE
Surname: SELL
Reg No: 3794
Given Names: Samuel John
Contingent: Sixth
Rank: Private
Unit: No 20 Company
Joined from: Dunedin Navals (3 yrs)
County/City: Dunedin
Age: 25 years
Occupation: French Polisher
Ship: “Cornwall”, 30 January 1901
Address: King Street, Roslyn, Dunedin
Next of Kin: Sell, Mr Walter
Next of Kin Address: King Street, Roslyn, Dunedin
Relationship to Soldier: father
