Dunsandel News.
A send-off and welcome home social was held in the Dunsandel Hall on Wednesday evening. The soldier going away was Corporal James Gemmell, eldest son of Mr and Mrs Robert Gemmell, of Dunsandel, and the soldier who has returned is Sergeant W. O'Brien, a member of the main body, who is the third member of five from Dunsandel to be welcomed home. The hall as usual was packed, the two soldiers receiving a warm welcome. Mr F. Smith presided, and the programme was one of the best yet presented at a social of its kind in Dunsandel. The performers were Mrs Coe and Misses Packer, Chamberlain, and Bremnen and Messrs P. Chamberlain and F. Hemmings. Corporal Gemmell was the recipient of the usual tokens (a pocket wallet and a body belt containing a half sovereign) and Sergeant O'Brien received a set of military brushes in a case. Both guests suitably responded. After supper was handed round the hall was cleared and a dance was held. -Ellesmere Guardian, 2/6/1917.
Dunsandel News.
(From our own correspondent.)
THE ROLL OF HONOUR
The Dunsandel roll of honour of those who have made the great sacrifice has again had added to it two names of men who left this district. The soldiers are Privates Stanley George Harding and James Gemmell.
Private Harding, who was an Old Country lad, is the son of Mrs Harding, of Kaiapoi, and was twentythree years of age. Before enlisting he worked for some time in Dunsandel as a carpenter in the employ of the late Mr Hugh Brown and was a very popular lad throughout the district.
Private Gemmell was the eldest son of Mr and Mrs Robert Gemmell, of Dunsandel, He was born in Dunsandel and educated at the upper Selwyn School. On leaving school he worked with his father on his farm and also as a road contractor. Much sympathy is felt for his parents and friends. -Ellesmere Guardian, 12/12/1917.
The Official History of James' Regiment, the Auckland Infantry, does not mention his death specifically, but does mention that on November 21st, 1917, "3/Auckland, in the line, found that a very great deal of work was required to make it secure and comfortable. They proceeded with this task. On the 21st one of their patrols was broken up by machine-gun fire at close range."
The General Committee of the Courtenay Agricultural and Pastoral Association met in the association's rooms on Saturday evening; present — the president (Mr A. Robertson), in the chair, and Messrs A. W. Colee, H. McLelland, A. Addington, W. H. Marsh, H. Roper, H. McNae, T. Vaughan, F. W. Roper, W. C. Bedford, W. Syine, T. D. Jarman, R. W. Wilson and G. T. Robertson (secretary).
Before proceeding with the business of the meeting, the president moved a vote of sympathy to the relatives of Lieutenant A. Deans, killed in France, and to Mr R. Gemmell, whose son, Private James Gemmell, died of wounds. The motion was carried in silence, members standing. -Lyttelton Times, 12/12/1917.
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