Honour Boards
Creswick North State School No. 2041 - The Great War & World War II
North Creswick State School Honour Roll. For King and Country. Location: As hung in the Creswick-Smeaton ESL Hall until 2016. Photo: Courtesy Creswick Museum
1914 - 1919
A. Anderson, J. Anderson, R. Anderson, V. Atkin, S. Barclay, D. Barclay, G. Barclay, W. Barclay, L. Beckerleg, A. Bowley, W. Bowley, R. Bowley, A. F. Bowley, L. Bell, V. Crougey, B. Crosbie, F. Clifton, H. Clarke, A. Chandler, F. Davis, W. Dennis, S. Douglas, A. Dudderidge, G. Dudderidge, R. Dwyer, J. Gardner, C. Gardner, W. Gardner, W. Grose, N. Grose, J. Grose, E. Gray, R. Gray, P. Hefford, J. Harris, H. Harris, R. Hawkey, W. Hartland, L. Hartland, .R. Howie, W. Hodgetts, C. Jackson, A. Johnson, T. Johnson, R. Jones. W. Jones, F. James, H. James, W. Jayne, A. Jayne, J. Keating, P. Kennedy, R. Lindsay, W. Lavars, A. Merriman, W. Merriman, U. Mungovan, W. Parkes, Ed. Pearce, Ew. Pearce, C. Phillips, H. Praetz, R. Peart, J. Rowe, S. Reeve, J. Smith, W. Smith, C. Sandford, G. Spittle, C. Sonsee, S. Thomas, N. Trewick, A. Treeby, G. Tait, H. Vague, H. Wall, R. Whiteley, R. Wood, H. Wearne, W. Ward, W. Wallis, C. Wallis, M. Wallis, A. Wade, C. Waddell, G. Wormald, A. Whitfield.
To date, no records have been found for when the wings were added to the Honour Board to honour those of the Second World War.
1939-1945
JR Anderson, L Andrews, AN, S, GC & VT Bellingham, J Cunning, JA & AL cloverdale, A Caldwell, AC Clarke, EJ, G, FA & J Clifton, WH Dean, H Dunkley, IJD Green, WJ Hawkins, VM & HAD Hugo, G Hodgson, F & H James, TC Keating A Leathan, IG Leathan, G Morris, JE, L & P Murnane, R & J Patterson, J & V Pearce, RP Peters, R, F & RV Pollard, LT Ryan, M Robertson, LW Reville, LF Shevlin, AJ & A Slade, RA & MT Spittle, R Simmons, AT Whitfield, A Walters, JL Willowhite.
A. Anderson, J. Anderson, R. Anderson, V. Atkin, S. Barclay, D. Barclay, G. Barclay, W. Barclay, L. Beckerleg, A. Bowley, W. Bowley, R. Bowley, A. F. Bowley, L. Bell, V. Crougey, B. Crosbie, F. Clifton, H. Clarke, A. Chandler, F. Davis, W. Dennis, S. Douglas, A. Dudderidge, G. Dudderidge, R. Dwyer, J. Gardner, C. Gardner, W. Gardner, W. Grose, N. Grose, J. Grose, E. Gray, R. Gray, P. Hefford, J. Harris, H. Harris, R. Hawkey, W. Hartland, L. Hartland, .R. Howie, W. Hodgetts, C. Jackson, A. Johnson, T. Johnson, R. Jones. W. Jones, F. James, H. James, W. Jayne, A. Jayne, J. Keating, P. Kennedy, R. Lindsay, W. Lavars, A. Merriman, W. Merriman, U. Mungovan, W. Parkes, Ed. Pearce, Ew. Pearce, C. Phillips, H. Praetz, R. Peart, J. Rowe, S. Reeve, J. Smith, W. Smith, C. Sandford, G. Spittle, C. Sonsee, S. Thomas, N. Trewick, A. Treeby, G. Tait, H. Vague, H. Wall, R. Whiteley, R. Wood, H. Wearne, W. Ward, W. Wallis, C. Wallis, M. Wallis, A. Wade, C. Waddell, G. Wormald, A. Whitfield.
To date, no records have been found for when the wings were added to the Honour Board to honour those of the Second World War.
1939-1945
JR Anderson, L Andrews, AN, S, GC & VT Bellingham, J Cunning, JA & AL cloverdale, A Caldwell, AC Clarke, EJ, G, FA & J Clifton, WH Dean, H Dunkley, IJD Green, WJ Hawkins, VM & HAD Hugo, G Hodgson, F & H James, TC Keating A Leathan, IG Leathan, G Morris, JE, L & P Murnane, R & J Patterson, J & V Pearce, RP Peters, R, F & RV Pollard, LT Ryan, M Robertson, LW Reville, LF Shevlin, AJ & A Slade, RA & MT Spittle, R Simmons, AT Whitfield, A Walters, JL Willowhite.
August 13 1918
A meeting was held at the Creswick State School, No. 122, last Friday afternoon for the purpose of organising an entertainment to provide funds for the school honour roll and for patriotic funds. There was an attendance of about 30 ladies and gentlemen. The head teacher (Mr. D. Dimsey) explained the object of the meeting, and on his proposition, Cr. C. W. Jebb was appointed chairman. The meeting decided that a bazaar and competitions be held for the purpose above mentioned, after which Mr. Dimsey was appointed to the position of secretary. The following committees were appointed to assist the staff in preparing for the bazaar:- Fancy work: Mesdames Broom, Bennett, Fish, Clarkson and Miss Dimsey. Confectionary: Mesdames Russell and Merriman, Misses Bray, Broom and Spunner. Produce: Mrs. Gurr, Misses Spunner and Martin, and Messrs Cassell, Lenthall and W. P. Chalmers. Woodwork: Messrs Keogh, Gurr, J. Ellis, C. Tank, E. White and R. Pasco. Flowers and plants: Misses Moore and Northcott, Messrs Wade, Tidd, Down and Howie. Refreshments: Lady Peacock, Mesdames Jebb and Tidd, Misses Giles and Tidd. The following were appointed as a general committee: Mesdames Bennet, Merriman, and Cassell, Misses Moore and Giles, and the staff. The fancy work committee was empowered to spend £5. It was agreed that a second hand stall be arranged for, to be filled with any articles that may be spared. The matter of cookery and fancy work competitions was left in the hands of the respective committees to arrange. A baby show will be held in connection with the bazaar, the decision to rest with the public vote- 1d. The function will probably take place about the end of November, but the exact date has not yet been fixed.
September 10 1918
The Honour Roll of the North Creswick State school will be unveiled next Saturday evening by Lady Peacock.
September 13 1918
The honour roll of the North Creswick State school is to be unveiled tomorrow (Saturday) evening at 7.30 o’clock. The ceremony is to be performed by Lady Peacock, and addresses will be delivered by the Mayor (Cr. A. Broom) Sir A. J. Peacock, M.L.A. Mr. D. C. McGrath, M.P. and others, a musical programme will be gone through, and all are welcome. A collection is to be taken up in aid of the school patriotic funds. Cr. W. Merritt, chairman of the committee, will preside over the gathering.
September 17 1918
HONOURING THE BRAVE
NORTH CRESWICK STATE SCHOOL
HONOUR ROLL UNVEILED
The interesting ceremony of unveiling the honour board of the North Creswick State school took place last Saturday evening, and was witnessed by a very large assemblage, the large room at the school being crowded to the doors, and the arrangements being well made, everything passed off pleasantly. It was indeed a worthy gathering in honour of the boys who were previously scholars in the school, who had answered the call on behalf of King and Country, and who had given of their best in order that freedom and justice might rule in the world, and not the principle of the German foe that “Might is right”. The room had been most tastefully decorated, and there was a profusion of flags neatly arranged throughout the building. The services of Mr. F. Keogh, the master of the sloyd centres of Creswick and Clunes, had been freely given in making the honour board, and he had what assistance he required from his pupils from the North Creswick school. The board has been placed on the north wall of the building, and its appearance is certainly highly creditable to Mr. Keogh. The design is a very nice one. The material used is blackwood, and a striking feature is the excellence of the polishing. The board is 5 feet 6 inches high and 3 feet 6 inches wide, with a massive pillar each side. The lettering was carried out by Mr. Raisbeck, of Ballarat, in a very capable manner. The school staff, scholars and committee should be gratified at the possession of such a fine honour board, which at present contains 87 names, and can carry a total of 99 names. The school committee (with Cr. W. Merritt as chairman and Mr. W. T. Kelso, secretary) and staff had made very complete arrangements for the unveiling ceremony. Lady Peacock had this pleasing task conferred on her, and there were several interesting addresses. Cr. Merritt presided over the gathering.
The school children repeated the oath of allegiance, after which the National Anthem was sung and the Rev. A. McKay offered up a suitable prayer.
Cr. Merritt said he was pleased to see such a large, representative gathering to honour the boys who had previously attended the school who had gone to the war. They would not be doing their duty if they did not turn out in large numbers to do honour to those who had done so much for us. When the war broke out in August, 1914, Mr. Fisher, then Prime Minister, appealed for men to go to fight, and the names of some of those who had responded were on the honour roll to be unveiled that night. Some said there was no need for Australians to go to the war, but what would they say of a son who would not go to the help of his parents? Some had given their lives for King and Country. When they thought of the noble deeds of their boys it made them feel proud they were Australians. They had written the name of Australia on the scroll of fame. When they returned, the people here had to see that they were well looked after. The Commonwealth and State Parliaments were doing something for these men by placing them on the land and in positions, and it was their duty to see they had the best it was possible to give them. They had also to remember those who had given their sons, and only sons too, to this great cause. He ventured to say that God is on our side, and if that is so God is greater than all against us. They were proud of the school children, who were knitting socks for soldiers and sending comforts to the Caulfield Hospital. He was sure when our soldiers return they will be proud of the boys and girls of the North Creswick School.
“Lord God of Hosts” was rendered by the scholars.
The Mayor (Cr. A. Broom), speaking on behalf of the citizens of the borough, expressed his thanks for the invitation to take part in the very important and sacred ceremony that night. He was pleased to see so many ratepayers present to do honour to those to whom honour is due. He did not know if their Federal member was present; if he was they would be please to see him, for he had been with their boys, and proved himself to be a Britisher. Their boys had gone to fight for freedom and justice, and many whose names were on the honour board had received training at the hands of that military enthusiast, Captain Mungovan, which no doubt had served them in good stead on the field of battle. He could not conclude without expressing the sympathy of the ratepayers with those who had just recently received the sad news of the death of their sons. He hoped they would not have peace by negotiation, but peace by victory.
The chairman said an apology for unavoidable absence had been received from Mr. D. C. McGrath, M. P., and also from the Rev. W. H. McCook, Cr. W. P. Northcott and Mr. R. H. Down.
Miss Jory rendered a solo, “Somewhere in France.”
The chairman said the honour of unveiling the honour board had been given to Lady Peacock because of her splendid work for the boys who had gone to war. Lady Peacock had been the president of that noble band of workers, the Red Cross Society, ever since its inauguration here.
Lady Peacock, on rising to perform the unveiling ceremony, was received with applause. She expressed her thanks for the very great honour of being asked to unveil the honour roll. They could not do enough for the boys who had gone from our midst. In honouring the boys they were honouring themselves. It was nice to show their interest in them, and to pay a tribute to the lads who had gone from our midst, from that school. Some had made the supreme sacrifice, others had been maimed, and others were still fighting on nobly. She had much pleasure in unveiling the honour roll. Most of the names were those of boys they were familiar with, and she hoped it would inspire the children to live the lives they had lived.
The flag was then removed from the honour board amidst applause, and those present sang “God bless our splendid men.”
At the top of the board was a Crown and the words “North Creswick State School, No 2041, Honour Roll” Beneath the names was written “For King and Country, 1914-19” between which were the National Flags in colors.
Sir Alexander Peacock said everyone was delighted to see so many present. It was quite right that they should honour the lads who had gone to the war, and in doing so honour themselves. They had a deep admiration for the young men who had answered the call of duty and passed over 12,000 miles of sea. These were serious times, but a fine spirit was animating all classes and sections, and they were recognising their responsibilities. It was true that some, owing to being so far away, did not recognise what it meant. They had not seen the devastation seen by their boys, and had not the true perspective. Some had wondered why America had not come into the war sooner than she did, and he explained the Munroe doctrine. America having decide to work out her own destiny and not concern herself with European troubles. But gradually the American public opinion changed. Sir Alexander spoke of the mixed population in the United States. Germany had broken treaties and promises, and when the proclamation was issued that she would destroy ships of friend and foe or neutral found in a certain zone, it was a challenge to the whole world, and President Wilson took it up. It was now quite clear that if it had not been for America coming in, the cause of the Allies would undoubtedly have been lost. Sir Alexander referred to the Australians stopping the German onrush in March last, when General Gough’s Army was retiring, and said if it were not for that feat the story of the war would have been entirely different. Recently the news had been of a more cheering nature, but the war was not over yet. He referred to the fact that if the Germans lost the iron deposits in the vicinity of the recent American attack they could not carry on. America now had 1,600,000 men in France, and could draw on 13,000,000 whilst the people were to be greatly taxed. America had only lost 191 men in transporting her army across the sea. Was it not something to be proud of that the Americans were now coming in? He saw present fathers and mothers of boys who had gone to the front, and as Lady Peacock had said, some had given their lives, others were maimed, whilst others were still fighting. His blood thrilled with pride when he heard a letter read from a man at the front whom he knew well, in which it was described how the Prefect of the Somme and the Premier of France went to see the Australian soldiers, and addressing General Monash, asked him to thank them for the way they had protected the men and women, boys and girls of France; they would never forget the men of Australia. These lads had reflected honour and credit on their parents and on the country from which they came. It was right that we should honour them. The names on the roll would be honoured when the others present were in their graves. We are living in comparative ease, but our boys are living under entirely different conditions. He described the deeds of three Australians who had added lustre to the country’s name. God grant that the bulk of our boys may come back to us. He asked the boys and girls to pay respect to the parents, sisters and brothers of those who had gone to fight for them. The women of France vie with one another in paying respect to our Australian boys. These were anxious but proud times. They were doing themselves honour by paying tribute of respect to their soldier boys. They would have to drop all their differences. The true spirit is that of President Gompers, of the Labor party of the United States, who said America could never forget what France and Great Britain had done for the world, and it was for the Americans to stand behind them. The Australian boys had dropped all differences in the trenches, and they at home should do the same. They would always remember, revere and respect the boys who had done so much for them.
The children sang “O God our Help in ages past.”
Mr. Hurley, school inspector for the district, said it was a great privilege to be present that evening, to pay a tribute of respect to the boys who had gone to fight for us. The honour board would be one of the proudest possessions of the North Creswick people, and in the future the boys and girls would be able to look at the names and speak of their relatives who have been in the great war, and be very proud of them. The boy who got his name on an honour board should be the proudest in the Empire. All schools should see that the names were recorded in the same fashion. It had been his aim in his district to suggest that this be really necessary. Fully 70 per cent of his schools have an honour roll, some being even written in chalk as a beginning. Of the boys who had fallen, it could be said they had served their country and could do no more. In all these meetings the ladies, the mothers, were well represented. The honour board would show what fine mothers they had in the district, for he took it that the boys who had felt it their duty to go to war had had a good training. Next, their training in the school must have been good; if the training is wrong the nation would be wrong. The schools would be failing in their duty if they did not set the minds of the boys and girls in the direction of the country’s need. He referred to the Kaiser’s statement to the workmen at Krupp’s that he had tried to get peace in 1916. That statement appeared to him (the speaker) to be so incongruous, for if the Kaiser wanted peace in 1916, why not in 1914? Mr. Hurley next explained what General Pau meant when he said the Australians fought like Frenchmen, which was a great compliment. He spoke of letters received by a man who had three sons at the front, who told him to “carry on, dad,” What better button could they wear than “Carry On?”
The Rev. Canon Dalton said in the Old Country, from which he came, they would see in a great many places lists of names of those who had fought in days gone by. Australia had not had a foreign foe here, and he hoped they never would. It was not the first occasion men had gone from Australia to fight side by side with the Mother Country, for they had taken part in the Boer War, and now they had the greatest war ever seen. The honour board should inspire the boys and girls with a feeling of gratitude to those whose names appeared, who had gone and faced all the dangers, risked and given their lives, were wounded, or were still carrying on. They had not been forced to go, but had an affection for us, and said Australia must be kept safe, so they would stand by the side of those fighting for the freedom of the world. Then they could not look at the honour board without feelings of gratitude to the parents who were willing to let their sons go, although many hearts were aching. The honour board should also teach them a splendid lesson- what is the real value of life. It did not depend on the length, but on the kind of life, whether it was good or bad. Some lived a long life, but there was not much in it. Others lived only a little while, but did such a lot of brave kind things and helpful to everybody, having bravery and courage, and a love of country, of freedom, and sympathy for people downtrodden. He was sure they wanted to see all their boys back again, and that they would live long, for if that part was good they could expect all the other part of their life would be good. But they did not want them to come back before they finished their job. He hoped the boys and girls would pack as much good into their lives as they could, and be helpful to others. As a citizen of Creswick he was glad to be present, and hoped that the honour board would inspire the present generation to live noble lives.
Mr. L. S. L. Renouf sang “Let us have peace” and he was encored.
Dr. T. A. Wilson, the ex-Mayor, said he esteemed it a very great privilege to have the opportunity of saying a few words in support of the previous speakers, and to take part in doing honour to the brave lads who had gone from the school. They were present to show allegiance to King and Country, to the grand old Union Jack. In this fair land they did not want the red flag, but the red, white and blue of the Union Jack. As loyal Australians, as part of the British Empire, they were going to keep that flag flying. The second reason why they were present was to show that they honoured the men who had gone to uphold the dignity and honour of Australia, to protect and preserve for us and generations to be the freedom handed down to us. The third reason had been expressed by the previous speakers; they were present to show their appreciation of the sacrifices made by the relatives of the boys who had gone, and especially the womenfolk. The strain on them could not be estimated. They were all proud of the mothers, who were bearing their burdens heroically. Dr. Wilson spoke of the heartening reports now being received from the front. They did not want peace by negotiation, but peace by victory. They could not negotiate over a lie- that might is right. Might must be dethroned, and liberty, love, justice and freedom placed in the position of the “god” worshipped by Germany. The latter was now talking peace when the other fellow had the bigger gun. Germany’s gun, even if it had a range of 60 miles, was going to be outclassed by the gun of Uncle Sam. After speaking in favor of the 7th war loan, Dr. Wilson congratulated the committee on the chaste design of the honour board and the way the ceremony had been carried out.
Miss Sylvia Broom rendered a solo.
Cr. W. B. Grose said that the speeches to which they had listened had been both interesting and eloquent. If he were to speak, his first words would be those of congratulation to Lady Peacock for the appropriate and nice speech in which she had unveiled the honour board. The mother of two of the boys whose names appeared on the board had attended the North Creswick school at the time when Mr. Dimsey, father of the present head teacher of the Central State school, was head teacher of the school. The present struggle had been spoken of as being the ‘great war” and it was to be hoped that it would also be the last war- that there would be such a combination of nations as would prevent the recurrence of so much sacrifice and suffering. As Lady Peacock had well said, they were doing honour to themselves in honouring the boys who had gone on active service in the interests of civilisation. Everybody regretted that during the week the sad news had been received that a North Creswick boy, who had attended that school- a young man who had “worn the white flower of a blameless life”- had made the supreme sacrifice.
Cr. G. Tait said he was delighted to be present. The boys of Creswick were doing their part, as great a part as any portion of the Empire. He hoped the honour board would be an incentive to the boys and girls of the school to emulate the lives of those who had gone to the war. Some were present who had had serous losses, and they felt for them very much.
A collection was taken up in aid of the school patriotic fund, and realised about £4/8/.
Mr. J. Richards, head teacher, said his chief duty was to say how pleased they were to see so many present. The honour board had been erected as a matter of duty. Mr. Richards referred to the fact that the boys and girls were doing their “Little bit” to help the world to a greater freedom, and spoke of their collection of broken glass, etc., for sale for the patriotic funds, and also of the purchase of war savings certificates. He again expressed pleasure at seeing such a large gathering to do honour to those who were at one time in the school.
Mr. Kelso moved a hearty vote of thanks to all who had contributed to make the ceremony a success, making special reference to Mr. Keogh for his work in making the honour board with the assistance of the boys, free of cost; to Lady Peacock, the speakers and singers, also to Mrs. Richards, who came out from Ballarat to act as accompaniste.
Mr. W. Reville seconded the vote, and included those who had given donations, whilst the chairman also tanked Mr. Gurr for his assistance in the erection of the board. Cr. Merritt said a photograph of the board would be sent to the parents of each boy whose name was on the roll, and photographs could also be purchased.
A most successful ceremony closed with the singing of the National Anthem.
A meeting was held at the Creswick State School, No. 122, last Friday afternoon for the purpose of organising an entertainment to provide funds for the school honour roll and for patriotic funds. There was an attendance of about 30 ladies and gentlemen. The head teacher (Mr. D. Dimsey) explained the object of the meeting, and on his proposition, Cr. C. W. Jebb was appointed chairman. The meeting decided that a bazaar and competitions be held for the purpose above mentioned, after which Mr. Dimsey was appointed to the position of secretary. The following committees were appointed to assist the staff in preparing for the bazaar:- Fancy work: Mesdames Broom, Bennett, Fish, Clarkson and Miss Dimsey. Confectionary: Mesdames Russell and Merriman, Misses Bray, Broom and Spunner. Produce: Mrs. Gurr, Misses Spunner and Martin, and Messrs Cassell, Lenthall and W. P. Chalmers. Woodwork: Messrs Keogh, Gurr, J. Ellis, C. Tank, E. White and R. Pasco. Flowers and plants: Misses Moore and Northcott, Messrs Wade, Tidd, Down and Howie. Refreshments: Lady Peacock, Mesdames Jebb and Tidd, Misses Giles and Tidd. The following were appointed as a general committee: Mesdames Bennet, Merriman, and Cassell, Misses Moore and Giles, and the staff. The fancy work committee was empowered to spend £5. It was agreed that a second hand stall be arranged for, to be filled with any articles that may be spared. The matter of cookery and fancy work competitions was left in the hands of the respective committees to arrange. A baby show will be held in connection with the bazaar, the decision to rest with the public vote- 1d. The function will probably take place about the end of November, but the exact date has not yet been fixed.
September 10 1918
The Honour Roll of the North Creswick State school will be unveiled next Saturday evening by Lady Peacock.
September 13 1918
The honour roll of the North Creswick State school is to be unveiled tomorrow (Saturday) evening at 7.30 o’clock. The ceremony is to be performed by Lady Peacock, and addresses will be delivered by the Mayor (Cr. A. Broom) Sir A. J. Peacock, M.L.A. Mr. D. C. McGrath, M.P. and others, a musical programme will be gone through, and all are welcome. A collection is to be taken up in aid of the school patriotic funds. Cr. W. Merritt, chairman of the committee, will preside over the gathering.
September 17 1918
HONOURING THE BRAVE
NORTH CRESWICK STATE SCHOOL
HONOUR ROLL UNVEILED
The interesting ceremony of unveiling the honour board of the North Creswick State school took place last Saturday evening, and was witnessed by a very large assemblage, the large room at the school being crowded to the doors, and the arrangements being well made, everything passed off pleasantly. It was indeed a worthy gathering in honour of the boys who were previously scholars in the school, who had answered the call on behalf of King and Country, and who had given of their best in order that freedom and justice might rule in the world, and not the principle of the German foe that “Might is right”. The room had been most tastefully decorated, and there was a profusion of flags neatly arranged throughout the building. The services of Mr. F. Keogh, the master of the sloyd centres of Creswick and Clunes, had been freely given in making the honour board, and he had what assistance he required from his pupils from the North Creswick school. The board has been placed on the north wall of the building, and its appearance is certainly highly creditable to Mr. Keogh. The design is a very nice one. The material used is blackwood, and a striking feature is the excellence of the polishing. The board is 5 feet 6 inches high and 3 feet 6 inches wide, with a massive pillar each side. The lettering was carried out by Mr. Raisbeck, of Ballarat, in a very capable manner. The school staff, scholars and committee should be gratified at the possession of such a fine honour board, which at present contains 87 names, and can carry a total of 99 names. The school committee (with Cr. W. Merritt as chairman and Mr. W. T. Kelso, secretary) and staff had made very complete arrangements for the unveiling ceremony. Lady Peacock had this pleasing task conferred on her, and there were several interesting addresses. Cr. Merritt presided over the gathering.
The school children repeated the oath of allegiance, after which the National Anthem was sung and the Rev. A. McKay offered up a suitable prayer.
Cr. Merritt said he was pleased to see such a large, representative gathering to honour the boys who had previously attended the school who had gone to the war. They would not be doing their duty if they did not turn out in large numbers to do honour to those who had done so much for us. When the war broke out in August, 1914, Mr. Fisher, then Prime Minister, appealed for men to go to fight, and the names of some of those who had responded were on the honour roll to be unveiled that night. Some said there was no need for Australians to go to the war, but what would they say of a son who would not go to the help of his parents? Some had given their lives for King and Country. When they thought of the noble deeds of their boys it made them feel proud they were Australians. They had written the name of Australia on the scroll of fame. When they returned, the people here had to see that they were well looked after. The Commonwealth and State Parliaments were doing something for these men by placing them on the land and in positions, and it was their duty to see they had the best it was possible to give them. They had also to remember those who had given their sons, and only sons too, to this great cause. He ventured to say that God is on our side, and if that is so God is greater than all against us. They were proud of the school children, who were knitting socks for soldiers and sending comforts to the Caulfield Hospital. He was sure when our soldiers return they will be proud of the boys and girls of the North Creswick School.
“Lord God of Hosts” was rendered by the scholars.
The Mayor (Cr. A. Broom), speaking on behalf of the citizens of the borough, expressed his thanks for the invitation to take part in the very important and sacred ceremony that night. He was pleased to see so many ratepayers present to do honour to those to whom honour is due. He did not know if their Federal member was present; if he was they would be please to see him, for he had been with their boys, and proved himself to be a Britisher. Their boys had gone to fight for freedom and justice, and many whose names were on the honour board had received training at the hands of that military enthusiast, Captain Mungovan, which no doubt had served them in good stead on the field of battle. He could not conclude without expressing the sympathy of the ratepayers with those who had just recently received the sad news of the death of their sons. He hoped they would not have peace by negotiation, but peace by victory.
The chairman said an apology for unavoidable absence had been received from Mr. D. C. McGrath, M. P., and also from the Rev. W. H. McCook, Cr. W. P. Northcott and Mr. R. H. Down.
Miss Jory rendered a solo, “Somewhere in France.”
The chairman said the honour of unveiling the honour board had been given to Lady Peacock because of her splendid work for the boys who had gone to war. Lady Peacock had been the president of that noble band of workers, the Red Cross Society, ever since its inauguration here.
Lady Peacock, on rising to perform the unveiling ceremony, was received with applause. She expressed her thanks for the very great honour of being asked to unveil the honour roll. They could not do enough for the boys who had gone from our midst. In honouring the boys they were honouring themselves. It was nice to show their interest in them, and to pay a tribute to the lads who had gone from our midst, from that school. Some had made the supreme sacrifice, others had been maimed, and others were still fighting on nobly. She had much pleasure in unveiling the honour roll. Most of the names were those of boys they were familiar with, and she hoped it would inspire the children to live the lives they had lived.
The flag was then removed from the honour board amidst applause, and those present sang “God bless our splendid men.”
At the top of the board was a Crown and the words “North Creswick State School, No 2041, Honour Roll” Beneath the names was written “For King and Country, 1914-19” between which were the National Flags in colors.
Sir Alexander Peacock said everyone was delighted to see so many present. It was quite right that they should honour the lads who had gone to the war, and in doing so honour themselves. They had a deep admiration for the young men who had answered the call of duty and passed over 12,000 miles of sea. These were serious times, but a fine spirit was animating all classes and sections, and they were recognising their responsibilities. It was true that some, owing to being so far away, did not recognise what it meant. They had not seen the devastation seen by their boys, and had not the true perspective. Some had wondered why America had not come into the war sooner than she did, and he explained the Munroe doctrine. America having decide to work out her own destiny and not concern herself with European troubles. But gradually the American public opinion changed. Sir Alexander spoke of the mixed population in the United States. Germany had broken treaties and promises, and when the proclamation was issued that she would destroy ships of friend and foe or neutral found in a certain zone, it was a challenge to the whole world, and President Wilson took it up. It was now quite clear that if it had not been for America coming in, the cause of the Allies would undoubtedly have been lost. Sir Alexander referred to the Australians stopping the German onrush in March last, when General Gough’s Army was retiring, and said if it were not for that feat the story of the war would have been entirely different. Recently the news had been of a more cheering nature, but the war was not over yet. He referred to the fact that if the Germans lost the iron deposits in the vicinity of the recent American attack they could not carry on. America now had 1,600,000 men in France, and could draw on 13,000,000 whilst the people were to be greatly taxed. America had only lost 191 men in transporting her army across the sea. Was it not something to be proud of that the Americans were now coming in? He saw present fathers and mothers of boys who had gone to the front, and as Lady Peacock had said, some had given their lives, others were maimed, whilst others were still fighting. His blood thrilled with pride when he heard a letter read from a man at the front whom he knew well, in which it was described how the Prefect of the Somme and the Premier of France went to see the Australian soldiers, and addressing General Monash, asked him to thank them for the way they had protected the men and women, boys and girls of France; they would never forget the men of Australia. These lads had reflected honour and credit on their parents and on the country from which they came. It was right that we should honour them. The names on the roll would be honoured when the others present were in their graves. We are living in comparative ease, but our boys are living under entirely different conditions. He described the deeds of three Australians who had added lustre to the country’s name. God grant that the bulk of our boys may come back to us. He asked the boys and girls to pay respect to the parents, sisters and brothers of those who had gone to fight for them. The women of France vie with one another in paying respect to our Australian boys. These were anxious but proud times. They were doing themselves honour by paying tribute of respect to their soldier boys. They would have to drop all their differences. The true spirit is that of President Gompers, of the Labor party of the United States, who said America could never forget what France and Great Britain had done for the world, and it was for the Americans to stand behind them. The Australian boys had dropped all differences in the trenches, and they at home should do the same. They would always remember, revere and respect the boys who had done so much for them.
The children sang “O God our Help in ages past.”
Mr. Hurley, school inspector for the district, said it was a great privilege to be present that evening, to pay a tribute of respect to the boys who had gone to fight for us. The honour board would be one of the proudest possessions of the North Creswick people, and in the future the boys and girls would be able to look at the names and speak of their relatives who have been in the great war, and be very proud of them. The boy who got his name on an honour board should be the proudest in the Empire. All schools should see that the names were recorded in the same fashion. It had been his aim in his district to suggest that this be really necessary. Fully 70 per cent of his schools have an honour roll, some being even written in chalk as a beginning. Of the boys who had fallen, it could be said they had served their country and could do no more. In all these meetings the ladies, the mothers, were well represented. The honour board would show what fine mothers they had in the district, for he took it that the boys who had felt it their duty to go to war had had a good training. Next, their training in the school must have been good; if the training is wrong the nation would be wrong. The schools would be failing in their duty if they did not set the minds of the boys and girls in the direction of the country’s need. He referred to the Kaiser’s statement to the workmen at Krupp’s that he had tried to get peace in 1916. That statement appeared to him (the speaker) to be so incongruous, for if the Kaiser wanted peace in 1916, why not in 1914? Mr. Hurley next explained what General Pau meant when he said the Australians fought like Frenchmen, which was a great compliment. He spoke of letters received by a man who had three sons at the front, who told him to “carry on, dad,” What better button could they wear than “Carry On?”
The Rev. Canon Dalton said in the Old Country, from which he came, they would see in a great many places lists of names of those who had fought in days gone by. Australia had not had a foreign foe here, and he hoped they never would. It was not the first occasion men had gone from Australia to fight side by side with the Mother Country, for they had taken part in the Boer War, and now they had the greatest war ever seen. The honour board should inspire the boys and girls with a feeling of gratitude to those whose names appeared, who had gone and faced all the dangers, risked and given their lives, were wounded, or were still carrying on. They had not been forced to go, but had an affection for us, and said Australia must be kept safe, so they would stand by the side of those fighting for the freedom of the world. Then they could not look at the honour board without feelings of gratitude to the parents who were willing to let their sons go, although many hearts were aching. The honour board should also teach them a splendid lesson- what is the real value of life. It did not depend on the length, but on the kind of life, whether it was good or bad. Some lived a long life, but there was not much in it. Others lived only a little while, but did such a lot of brave kind things and helpful to everybody, having bravery and courage, and a love of country, of freedom, and sympathy for people downtrodden. He was sure they wanted to see all their boys back again, and that they would live long, for if that part was good they could expect all the other part of their life would be good. But they did not want them to come back before they finished their job. He hoped the boys and girls would pack as much good into their lives as they could, and be helpful to others. As a citizen of Creswick he was glad to be present, and hoped that the honour board would inspire the present generation to live noble lives.
Mr. L. S. L. Renouf sang “Let us have peace” and he was encored.
Dr. T. A. Wilson, the ex-Mayor, said he esteemed it a very great privilege to have the opportunity of saying a few words in support of the previous speakers, and to take part in doing honour to the brave lads who had gone from the school. They were present to show allegiance to King and Country, to the grand old Union Jack. In this fair land they did not want the red flag, but the red, white and blue of the Union Jack. As loyal Australians, as part of the British Empire, they were going to keep that flag flying. The second reason why they were present was to show that they honoured the men who had gone to uphold the dignity and honour of Australia, to protect and preserve for us and generations to be the freedom handed down to us. The third reason had been expressed by the previous speakers; they were present to show their appreciation of the sacrifices made by the relatives of the boys who had gone, and especially the womenfolk. The strain on them could not be estimated. They were all proud of the mothers, who were bearing their burdens heroically. Dr. Wilson spoke of the heartening reports now being received from the front. They did not want peace by negotiation, but peace by victory. They could not negotiate over a lie- that might is right. Might must be dethroned, and liberty, love, justice and freedom placed in the position of the “god” worshipped by Germany. The latter was now talking peace when the other fellow had the bigger gun. Germany’s gun, even if it had a range of 60 miles, was going to be outclassed by the gun of Uncle Sam. After speaking in favor of the 7th war loan, Dr. Wilson congratulated the committee on the chaste design of the honour board and the way the ceremony had been carried out.
Miss Sylvia Broom rendered a solo.
Cr. W. B. Grose said that the speeches to which they had listened had been both interesting and eloquent. If he were to speak, his first words would be those of congratulation to Lady Peacock for the appropriate and nice speech in which she had unveiled the honour board. The mother of two of the boys whose names appeared on the board had attended the North Creswick school at the time when Mr. Dimsey, father of the present head teacher of the Central State school, was head teacher of the school. The present struggle had been spoken of as being the ‘great war” and it was to be hoped that it would also be the last war- that there would be such a combination of nations as would prevent the recurrence of so much sacrifice and suffering. As Lady Peacock had well said, they were doing honour to themselves in honouring the boys who had gone on active service in the interests of civilisation. Everybody regretted that during the week the sad news had been received that a North Creswick boy, who had attended that school- a young man who had “worn the white flower of a blameless life”- had made the supreme sacrifice.
Cr. G. Tait said he was delighted to be present. The boys of Creswick were doing their part, as great a part as any portion of the Empire. He hoped the honour board would be an incentive to the boys and girls of the school to emulate the lives of those who had gone to the war. Some were present who had had serous losses, and they felt for them very much.
A collection was taken up in aid of the school patriotic fund, and realised about £4/8/.
Mr. J. Richards, head teacher, said his chief duty was to say how pleased they were to see so many present. The honour board had been erected as a matter of duty. Mr. Richards referred to the fact that the boys and girls were doing their “Little bit” to help the world to a greater freedom, and spoke of their collection of broken glass, etc., for sale for the patriotic funds, and also of the purchase of war savings certificates. He again expressed pleasure at seeing such a large gathering to do honour to those who were at one time in the school.
Mr. Kelso moved a hearty vote of thanks to all who had contributed to make the ceremony a success, making special reference to Mr. Keogh for his work in making the honour board with the assistance of the boys, free of cost; to Lady Peacock, the speakers and singers, also to Mrs. Richards, who came out from Ballarat to act as accompaniste.
Mr. W. Reville seconded the vote, and included those who had given donations, whilst the chairman also tanked Mr. Gurr for his assistance in the erection of the board. Cr. Merritt said a photograph of the board would be sent to the parents of each boy whose name was on the roll, and photographs could also be purchased.
A most successful ceremony closed with the singing of the National Anthem.