| SERVING THEIR KING AND COUNTRY: AN EX-DUNEDINITE AND HIS SON. Engineer-Lieutenant D. Swan. R.N., of H.M.S. Marshal Ney, and his son, George Swan, who is serving at the front. Mr Dave Swan is a native of Dunedin, and brother of Messrs Andrew and John Swan, of this city. -Otago Witness, 8/9/1915. |
The Country
Otakou
Social.—On Thursday, August 5, a social was held at the Otakou Hall to say farewell to our teacher, Mr George Swan, who is going into training for the front. The gathering was representative, and was one of the best social functions ever held in this locality. Dancing was kept up with much spirit until 11 p.m., when supper was announced. On entering the supper room everyone must have been struck with the handsome arrangements of the tables. After supper Mr J. Cross, chairman of the School Committee, in a few well-chosen words, presented Mr Swan with a handsome set of pipes in case, suitably inscribed, as a memento from the residents of Otakou. The school girls presented Mr Swan with a soldier’s kit, consisting of service bags and "housewife" filled with articles necessary in camp and field. Many speeches were made, all tending to show that Mr Swan had made himself well liked throughout the district, and it was repeatedly expressed that his place will be very hard to fill. Mr Swan feelingly replied. The following toasts were honoured: — “The King,” ”The Guest,” “ Our Boys at the Front,” "The Ladies,” and “The Chairman ” An adjournment was then made to the hall, and dancing was again taken up. During the evening Mr Swan gave several exhibitions of Swedish drill and dancing steps with the children, and for a final a Highland reel. The performances showed an excellent grasp of the method and how well it had been imparted to the children. Music for the dance was supplied by Mrs Russell, Miss V. Karetai, and Mr Austin, from Portobello. Dancing was kept up with much spirit until 3 a.m., when everyone returned home satisfied to have spent an enjoyable night, but tempered by the bitterness of parting. -Otago Witness, 11/8/1915.
The many Tuapeka friends of Mr George Swan (late teacher of Tuapeka West) who went to the front with one of the earliest Reinforcements, and is now in France, will be pleased to learn that he has been promoted to the rank of lieutenant. -Tuapeka Times, 21/10/1916.
In September, 1917, came the news that Lieutenant George Swan had been awarded the Military Cross. The large numbers of New Zealanders sharing the list of honours at that time indicate much courage, vigour and action. It was the time of the Battle of Messines, described in the Official History of the Otago Infantry Regiment, "a period of great activity and many hardships" - a harsh introduction to the war for many. The object of the Battle was to gain the high ground of the Messines Ridge which overlooked British lines, as a precurser to the larger offensive now known as 3rd Ypres or Passchendaele.
ARMY HONOURS.
GALLANTRY IN THE FIELD.
[From Our Correspondent:] LONDON, August 21.
Lieutenant GEORGE SWAN. Infantry - During our offensive he commanded his company with great coolness and decision. He showed utter disregard for danger, continually moving about amongst his men whilst consolidating under very heavy fire. He was wounded whilst encouraging his men. -Lyttelton Times, 19/10/1917.
George Swan was wounded on June 8, 1917, suffering a gunshot wound to the right leg. He was sent to the military hospital at Walton on Thames then an officers' convalescent home in Brighton. He was well enough by the following September to go on leave. On November 16, he embarked for home on the Ruahine, but not before honouring a special invitation.
BATTLE HONOURS
WON BY NEW ZEALANDERS
SPECIAL DEEDS OF GALLANTRY
(From our own correspondant.)
London, 18th September. Capt. K. P. D. Murray, R.F.C (Auckland), has been awarded the Military Cross.
Major R. B. Smythe, N.Z.S.C., received his D.S.O. at Buckingham Palace last week. On the same occasion the Military Cross was presented by the King to Capt. D.C. Armstrong, Lt. Edward Freed, and Lt. George Swan. -Evening Post, 3/12/1917.
Personals
One of the officers who returned today from the front was Lieut. George Swan, M.C., of Mosgiel. Lieut. Swan left New Zealand as a corporal in the 8th Reinforcement, and won his promotion on the field in France. After participating in several engagements in France, Lieut. Swan was wounded in the battle of Messiues, for his part in which he was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry. Lieut. Swan, who is attached to the Otago Regiment, went south by the express. He has to undergo treatment as an out-patient in the Dunedin Hospital for a month. At the time of his enlistment he was a school teacher. His only brother, who left with the Main Body, is still with the forces. -Sun, 8/1/1918.
SOCIAL NOTES
WEDDING AT RIVERTON.
FORSYTH—SWAN. On Tuesday Miss Dorothy C. I., daughter of Mr and Mrs John Forsyth, Riverton, was married to Lieut. George Swan. The ceremony took plae in St. Mary’s Anglican Church, and was conducted by the Rev. Mr Morland, Balclutha. After breakfast at Mr Forsyth’s home, “Richmond,” the happy couple left per motor car for Invercargill en route for the north. -Southern Cross, 6/7/1918.
George returned to his position as sole teacher at Otakou School but resigned his position in September of 1918. He took up a position at Caversham School the next month, then one at Green Island in 1919. He was gazetted as Lieutenant of the 4th (Otago) Regiment of the Territorial Army in 1920.
Births
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| Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin. DCC photo. |
MARRIAGE.
SWAN—GOURLIE. On December 24th. 1930, at the Strand Salon, by the Rev. G. Miller, George Swan, of Dunedin, to Helen, eldest daughter of Mr G. Gourlie, 22 Rosebery street, Belleknowes, Dunedin. -Evening Star, 11/2/1931.
PERSONAL
The Mornington School Committee has recommended the appointment of Mr George Swan as first assistant in the school, and the appointment will be confirmed at the next meeting of the Education Board. -Evening Star, 21/9/1931.
BIRTHS.
SWAN.—On November 10th, at 48 Newport street, Dunedin, to Mr and Mrs George Swan —a son. -Evening Star, 14/11/1931.
AMUSEMENTS
DUNEDIN RETURNED SOLDIERS’ CHOIR.
Conductor, John T. Leech. Accompanist, T. Kirk-Burnard.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, At 8 o’clock.
THE CONCERT OF THE SEASON,
A Magnificent Programme, including the Cantata
“KING OLAF’S CHRISTMAS” (Buck).
“THE MOON HAS RAISED” (from “The Lily of Killarney”), Choral Duet.
This number is a request from Mr Peter Dawson.
And 8 Part Songs, Choruses, and Stirring Choral Songs.
Assisting Artists; Miss Valmai Moffett, ’Cello Soloist. Miss Helen Roy, Contralto.
Soloists: Messrs D. Lyons, George Crawford, P. S. Anderson, George Ansell, M. O’Sullivan, and George Swan.
Tickets 2s and 1s at the Bristol.
Box Plan Opens Saturday.
P. F. HARRE, Secretary. -Otago Daily Times, 4/12/1931.
RETURNED SOLDIERS’ CHOIR
AN ENJOYABLE PERFORMANCE
The final concert of the season by the Dunedin Returned Soldiers’ Choir was given in the Concert Chamber last evening before a large audience. The work of the choir on the whole was distinctly pleasing, despite the slight irregularities in balance and cohesion which were occasionally noticeable, the singers responding with spirit to the directions of the conductor (Mr John Leech), and investing their offerings with an enthusiasm and spontaneity which were decidedly refreshing. The opening choral number was the old favourite “Down Among the Dead Men,” by Granville Bantock, a fine old drinking song which was presented with very fair effect. On one or two occasions there was a noticeable lack of cohesion amongst the various sections of the choir, the general tone quality suffering as a result, whilst one of the tenors was a trifle unrestrained, but otherwise it was a pleasing performance. German’s “O Peaceful Night,” which was sung unaccompanied, was a number which the choir gave very delicate treatment, singing with admirable restraint and fine tone. In the part-song, “Vineta ” (Abt), the choir again gave a thoroughly, enjoyable performance, the more subdued passages being sung with excellent expression and good balance. In response to sustained applause the last verse of the number was repeated. Dudley Buck’s cantata “King Olaf’s Christmas” was a number which tested the resources of the choir to the utmost, but the singers rose to the occasion with admirable spirit and gave a fine interpretation of the old Norse narrative. The tenor and baritone solo parts were taken by Messrs George Crawford and P. S. Anderson respectively, their efforts contributing in no small measure to the success of the rendition. Benedict’s “The Moon Has Raised Her Lamp Above,” from the opera “Lily of Killarney,” was given as a choral duet with pleasing effect, whilst “Farewell,” an excerpt from “Songs of the Fleet” (Stanford), received very artistic treatment, the choir soloist, Mr M. O’Sullivan, singing the solo baritone part with splendid expression. An old folk song, "Thuringian Volkslied” (Abt), a charmingly dainty little number which received very tasteful treatment, was followed by a quaint and amusing part-song entitled “A Catastrophe” (Sprague), which the choir presented with a spontaneity that was particularly attractive. Edward German’s “Sleeping,” a charming old English part-song, was sung with good restraint, the choir maintaining fine tone and balance, whilst the following selection “Peace to the Souls of the Heroes” (Callcott) was given with due regard to the changing interpretative shading required. The choral section of the programme concluded with an effective performance of “Stout Hearted Men” (Romberg), in which the solo was given with good spirit by Mr George Ansell, the choir providing a realistic representation of soldiers singing the refrain on the march. The choir soloists for the evening were Mr George Swan, who sang Piccolomini’s “The Toilers” with good expression, and Mr D. Lyons, who gave a pleasing interpretation of Marshall’s “When Shadows Gather,” both soloists being required to give encores.
Miss Helen Roy’s delightful mezzosoprano voice was given splendid expression in Saint-Saens’ “Fair Spring is Returning,” from “Samson and Delilah," which was presented with charming artistry and interpretation. Later in the evening Miss Roy sang Woodford Finden’s “Less Than the Dust,” from “The Indian Love Lyrics,” with very pleasing expression, and in response to demands for an encore presented a lively little folk song by Moore entitled “Barney O’Hay.” Miss Valimai Moffett, whose ability as a ’cello soloist is sufficiently well known to assure her a warm welcome on any Dunedin concert platform, gave a thoroughly delightful interpretation, of “Serenade,” from Hassan, by Delius, a number which has not before been heard in Dunedin. Miss Moffett achieved very fine depth of tone, her bowing and stopping being free and accurate. Her second number, “La Provencal ” (Morin Marais) provided an excellent contrast to the preceding selection, this dainty and vivacious number receiving very charming treatment. Later in the evening Miss Moffett played Cesar Cue’s “Orientale” very competently, her tone being warm and full, whilst her execution was impeccable. The pianoforte accompaniments to the choir and the soloists, which were provided by Mr T. J. Kirk-Burnnand, were always thoroughly sympathetic and artistic. -Otago Daily Times, 10/12/1931.
EGYPT GENERAL MISSION
ANNUAL MEETING (excerpt)
The field secretary (Mr George Swan), it was reported, hoped to complete the translation of the Book of Psalms into colloquial Arabic shortly. This makes the third Book of the Old Testament. Of the New Testament, St. John, St. Luke, and the Acts of the Apostles were already in circulation. -Otago Daily Times, 9/11/1932.
RETURNED SOLDIERS' CHOIR
To-morrow evening the Dunedin Returned Soldiers’ Choir will present its last concert of the 1932 season, a well-varied selection of part songs, choruses, spirituals, and operatic ensembles being included on the programme. The third act from ‘Tannhauser,’ which introduces Wolfram’s aria, ‘Elizabeth’s Prayer,’ and the ‘Pilgrims’ Chorus,’ will be presented, the part of Wolfram being sung by Mr Richard Duerdon, who has already won the high esteem of Dunedin audiences. In addition to the ‘Tannhauser’ excerpt, Mr Duerdon will sing ‘Eri, tu,’ from ‘The Masked Ball.’ In the Wagnerian number he will be associated with Miss Noni Davidson. Miss Aileen Smith will make her debut in Dunedin during this concert. This young violinist displays considerable promise, and produces beautiful tone. Negro spirituals will be a feature of the recital, with Miss Maude Kenward as soloist. Miss Kenward will also sing Handel’s ‘Largo.’ Mr George Proctor will be heard in a presentation of ‘Dolorosa,’ a selection which should provide ample scope for his true tenor voice. A grand finale to the concert will be the ‘Songs We Used To Sing,’ a pot-porri of war songs and bugle calls, with Major George Swan as drill instructor, and Lieutenant J. L. Napier as trumpeter. Mr T. J. Kirk-Burnnand will be the pianist, and Mr John T. Leech will conduct. -Evening Star, 22/11/1932.
R.S.A. CHOIR
LAST CONCERT OF YEAR
BREEZY WAR SONGS MEDLEY (abridged)
A very pleasant reversion to type occurred at the Returned Soldiers' Choir concert last evening. The ex-servicemen had sedulously sung a rather weighty choral programme, when they turned right about and delivered themselves of a very jolly medley of war songs, cloaked by the ambiguous title of "Songs We Used to Sing." It was a surprising and delightful novelty, and the zest with which it was put over was quite irresistible. Mr George Swan led the singing, which was interspersed with several ear-splitting bugle blasts from Lieutenant J. L. Napier. The unexpected medley consisted of ‘Oh, Oh, Oh, It’s a Lovely War,’ ‘If You Were the Only Girl in the World,’ ‘Mademoiselle from Armentieres,’ ‘Take Me Back to Dear Old Blighty,’ ‘Tipperary,’ ‘There’s a Long, Long Trail A-winding,’ ‘Pack Up Your Troubles,’ ‘God Send You Back to Me’ (sung off-stage by Miss Maude Kenward), ‘Keep the Home Fires Burning,’ and ‘Old Soldiers Never Die ’ (which was sung against a very effective bugle call from Lieutenant Napier).
Whatever their musical value in comparison with the other choral items, the war songs certainly constituted the brightest spot of the concert. The programme was too long, one item having to be omitted. This and other societies would be well-advised to bear in mind that one way in which to keep a concert within reasonable bounds is to eliminate unwarranted encores. In any unduly protracted performance the audience is apt to experience an unpleasant reaction. -Evening Star, 24/11/1932.
GENERAL NEWS
The monthly meeting of the Mornington School Committee was held in the school on Monday, Mr A. G. Osborne presiding over a full attendance. The acting headmaster, Mr George Swan, reported that the attendance was still suffering as a result of an epidemic of colds and influenza. The average roll for the term was 549 and the average attendance was 508. The school medical officer's list showed that 48 pupils were receiving free milk. Three gallons of milk were being supplied daily, half a pint to each child. The Education Board intended at an early date to erect a concrete wall on the western side of the playground, after which the committee proposed to plant a macrocarpa hedge as a shelter for the playground. -Otago Daily Times, 19/7/1934.
PERSONAL
At the conclusion of the Mornington School flower show, held on Thursday, opportunity was taken to bid farewell to Mr George Swan, first assistant, who has been transferred to Wakari School as head master. During Mr Swan’s tenure of four years at Mornington he has rendered highly efficient service as a teacher, as a choirmaster, and for a term as acting head master, and as a citizen has been highly respected in the district. On behalf of the School Committee, Mr A. G. Osborne (chairman) presented Mr Swan with a Loewe pipe and case as a token of the good-fellowship that has always existed between Mr Swan and the committee. Mr G. A. Turner (head master) and Mr M. K. Haig (treasurer) also eulogised the excellent qualities of Mr Swan, and expressed regret at his leaving. Mr Swan suitably acknowledged the sentiments and gift of the committee. -Evening Star, 13/3/1936.
PERSONAL
A fine tribute to the late Mr Kenneth Cameron was paid by the Scottish Regiment at the funeral to-day. The regiment, under the command of Colonel George Swan, in full regimental dress, silently lined the roadside near the crematorium as the cortege filed past. -Evening Star, 24/10/1941.
FUNERAL NOTICES
DUNEDIN RETURNED SERVICES’ CHOIR. — Members are requested to attend the Funeral of their late comrade, George Swan, which will leave the residence, 184 Shetland street, Wakari, after a service commencing at 2 p.m. Today (Tuesday), for the Anderson’s Bay Cemetery. — B. H. B. Pinfold.
N.Z. SCOTTISH REGT. EX-MEMBERS’ ASSN. (2 Bn.), Inc. — Members of the above Association are requested to attend the Funeral of their late Commanding Officer. Lt.-col. George Swan, which will leave his residence, 184 Shetland street, Today (Tuesday), at 2 p.m., for the Anderson’s Bay Cemetery. -Otago Daily Times, 11/4/1950.
OBITUARY
Mr George Swan
Mr George Swan, who died in Dunedin on Saturday at the age of 61 years, had the unusual distinction of being associated with the organisation of arrangements for royal visits to Otago, and was in complete charge of the committee which arranged for the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester some years ago. Mr Swan was appointed to take charge of the committee to make arrangements for the visit to Otago of the present King and Queen. The tour by the Royal Family was postponed because of the King’s ill-health.
During 43 years in the teaching profession in Otago, Mr Swan gained the highest respect of his associates. He began teaching at the Kokonga School in 1907, and later held appointments as sole teacher at Taumata, Tuapeka West and Otakou. He also taught at Green. Island, High Street, North-East Valley and Mornington Schools, and was headmaster of the Wakari School when he retired on January 31, 1950.
Mr Swan also had an outstanding army career, volunteering for service in World War I and rising to the rank of lieutenant. He was awarded the Military Cross and was wounded. He continued his interest in military affairs when he returned to New Zealand, holding the rank of captain in the Otago Territorial Regiment. During World War II Mr Swan held several appointments in the forces in New Zealand, being second in command of the 1st Otago Battalion, officer commanding the Scottish Battalion at Forbury, and OC of the 5th Canterbury Regiment at New Brighton. He held the rank of lieutenant-colonel. He was a member of the RSA Choir from 1930.
Mr Swan took a keen interest in many outside activities and was president of the Combined Primary Schools’ Sports Association. He was a keen member of the Wakari Bowling Club and the Wakari Improvement Society. Mr Swan was an elder in the Wakari Presbyterian Church, session clerk and a member of the choir.
He is survived by his widow and two sons. -Otago Daily Times, 11/4/1950.
Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin. DCC photo.
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