Heavy rains fell here again on Saturday and Sunday, which will further delay the apple picking. The anniversary social in connection with the Presbyterian Sunday School was held on Tuesday evening, when there was a very large gathering of pupils, parents, and friends. Musical items were contributed by Mrs Evans,, Miss Pike, Master Basil Nottage, Messrs Thomson, Johnstone, and Stewart, and recitations by Miss. Rita Townshend and Master Arthur Thompson. Miss Taylor played the accompaniments. During an interval in the programme Mr T. M. Morrisey, on behalf of the residents of Mariri, presented to Private T. L. Field, who was present on leave a wristlet watch as a small token of esteem and regard, and wished the departing soldier Godspeed and a successful career in the Army. Private Field briefly replied, and thanked his friends for their kindness to him during his stay in this district. Games and competitions were carried out under the supervision of the Sunday school teachers, refreshments were dispensed by a willing band of workers, and the meeting closed with the singing of the National Anthem. -Colonist, 4/4/1918.
Thomas Field was with the Otago Infantry Regiment in the closing days of World War One. After the envelopment (soon to be liberation) of Le Quesnoy, the Regiment advanced through the Mormal Forest. The Regiment's Official History describes the death in action of Private Field:
No enemy resistance was encountered until Forester's House was reached. The enemy was found to be occupying this position and the high ground in rear in some strength; the machine gun and rifle fire from these points causing a temporary check. At an earlier stage the direction and speed of the advance had been seriously threatened by the dense undergrowth. Lieut.-Colonel Hargest having then with characteristic dash galloped forward and personally restored the situation, continued with the leading troops until the original impetus of the advance had been regained and the resistance at Forester's House and locality overcome. To bring about the destruction of the enemy at this point, 10th Company threatened it from the right and 14th Company from the left. A patrol from the former Company succeeded in reaching within 50 yards of the house, but there came under machine gun and rifle fire, the patrol commander, 2nd-Lieut. R. A. Savage, and one other rank being killed. An attempt was then made against the left flank, and two platoons from 14th Company worked their way to the rear. It was now observed that the enemy was preparing to evacuate the position. At 11 a.m. its capture was effected, two machine guns and about 30 prisoners being accounted for.
Mr G. E. Field, of Richmond, has been informed that his eldest son, Private Thomas Field, was killed in action on November 5th. -Colonist 18/12/1918.
Reference to the death of Private T. L. Field, killed in action in France on 5th November, was made at the Tasman Presbyterian Church on Sunday last. Private Field had been a resident of the district for six years, and the sad news of his death came as a shock to his many friends there. -Nelson Evening Mail, 26/11/1918.
FOR SALE.
THE ORCHARD PROPERTY of the late THOMAS FIELD deceased, Soldier.
31 ACRES; situated at MAURI. 11 Acres planted in good Commercial Apples; 6 years planted. 16 Acres being sowed in Oats. 16 Acres last year produced 28 Tons Oaten Sheaves, Four Acres Grass.
Good One-roomed WHARE (match-lined), large BARN.
Will give a Returned Soldier option under the Act.
For price and further particulars apply to F. E. NOTTAGE, Tasman (Phone 81, Motueka); or
GEORGE KIDD, Richmond. -Nelson Evening Mail, 14/8/1919.
No comments:
Post a Comment