Country: New Zealand
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 26/07/1901
Number issued: 1
Gold Maltese cross, to:
4th New Zealand Mounted Rifles –
1113 Corporal Roderick BISSETT (subsequently 6015 Cpl R. Bissett, 8th N.Z.M.R.)
Presentation made by Mr W.A. Young, in the Waianiwa hall.
Inscribed: "To Corporal R. Bissett, N.Z.R.R., 2/7/1901, 4th Contingent".
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Southland Times, 29th July 1901
SOCIAL TO CORPORAL BISSETT.
On Friday evening Corporal BISSETT was tendered a social in the Waianiwa hall, over 100 sitting down to an excellent repast supplied by Mr J.G. Steans, grace being said by the Rev. W. White. Mr W.A. Young made an efficient chairman and, after the loyal and patriotic toasts had been disposed of, proposed "Our guest", and in doing so congratulated Corporal BISSETT on his safe return, and presented him with a gold Maltese cross medal bearing the following inscription: — "To Corporal R. Bissett, N.Z.R.R., 2/7/1901, 4th Contingent". The recipient made suitable response, and said that if more men were wanted from New Zealand he would be among the first to offer his services. Mr E.K.F. Mackay (Makarewa), in proposing the "Army, Navy and Citizen Soldiers", paid a high tribute to the defenders of the Empire and to the efforts made by the Imperial Government in the matter of defence. Mr M.J. Forde replied in a neat speech. The Rev. W. White proposed "The N.Z. Contingents", and in doing so said that were he asked what was the most important event in Australasian history he would say it was the sending away of the contingents, which has had for its issue the solidifying of the Empire. He maintained there was no country which contended for liberty like the British Empire. Mr Colin Gray in responding said many people thought when the contingents went away that it was only the scum of the earth that were being sent, but he knew them to be men who had their hearts in the right place. He mentioned that he remembered Corporal BISSETT's grand uncle leaving the Old Country for active service. A number of minor toasts were duly honoured and songs were sung by Mrs Noble, Miss Crengle and Messrs G. King and R. Murray. A dance which followed was patronised by about 30 couples, the musicians being Messrs Bunton and King, and Mr W.A. Young making a capable M.C.
EMBARKATION DATABASE
Surname: BISSETT
Reg No: 1113
Given Names: Roderick
Contingent: Fourth
Rank: Private
Unit: No 10 Company
Joined from: none
County/City: Southland
Age: 23 years, 10 months
Occupation: Labourer
Ship: “Monowai”, 20 March 1900
Address: Waianiwa
Next of Kin: Bissett, Mrs Catherine
Next of Kin Address: Waianiwa (same)
Relationship to Soldier: mother
Surname: BISSETT
Reg No: 6015
Given Names: Roderick
Contingent: Eighth
Rank: Corporal
Unit: South Island Regiment - "H" Squadron
Joined from: Oreti Rifles (Corporal, 5 months) / 4th Contingent (Corporal)
County/City: Southland
Age: 25 years
Occupation: Labourer
Ship: “Cornwall”, 8 February 1902
Address: Waianiwa, Southland
Next of Kin: Bissett, Mrs Catherine
Next of Kin Address: Waianiwa, Southland (same)
Relationship to Soldier: mother
