Deadwood Camp Gedenksboek
De Krijgsgevangene No1 newspaper
This document was sourced courtesy of "Government Archives in Jamestown " and Wilf Vevers
Translation to English via J Marsh
De Krijgsgevangene no 1
H. Everitt and J.H.L. Schumann, Editors
(Author's copyright reserved) Saturday 8 June 1901
IN MEMORIAM
A. J Ter Meulen.
Captured as PoW at Boshof, 5 April, 1900.
Born in Bechum (Holland) 1874.
Passed away on 6 June 1901 in the "Boer Hospital", Jamestown.
(On behalf of Dutch PoWs)
A.F. van der Steenhoven
Where it might be needed in the public interest to criticise those men who have taken upon themselves the responsibility of running the camp, we shall have our rightful say without attacking personalities and keeping to the truth. And if in so doing we exceed the boundaries, we shall give the objections a fair hearing and open ourselves to all points of view. Our newspaper will be open to correspondence, but our readers must consider that space is limited; and the editors have the right to refuse inclusion of any letters submitted; in all cases the writer must sign his piece and include his tent or house number. Write only on one side of the paper. Items are to be addressed to "The Editor KRIJGSGEVANGENE" and must write clearly. The official language is [high] Dutch. You may also write in your "Patriotsch". [Afrikaans]
PoWs wishing to sell their made goods in South Africa can still obtain all information from us. They can advertise their wares in our paper, which will also be offered for sale in the Colony [Cape].
From these few comments we hope that the purpose and spirit of our paper will be clear, and we do not think it necessary to say any more. We shall be primarily dependent on your support as far as circulation goes on the island, and we leave our future in your hands.
It was decided to send a letter to the Secretaries of all the Unions in Deadwood Camp, telling them about the founding of this Club and asking them to help us get donations of sporting equipment.
After a few words from the Chairman the meeting closed.
As we are all well aware - and have discovered with gratitude - there is a collection on the European continent and especially in Holland, of considerable sums of money for the benefit of PoWs, women and children in [concentration] camps, and Widows and Orphans. Of these three, we favour the last-mentioned, because these unfortunates will always be with us, and in need of help, even after the war ends, while we, our wives and children are only temporarily in need, although we are very grateful for the successful assistance rendered to make out lot easier to bear.
To show our gratitude in a practical way to our European friends, and to contribute from our side to their good works, a Committee has been formed with Commandant Eloff as Chairman, H. Everitt as Secretary, and as members Messrs Nielsen, van Huijssteen, Coetzee and van Wijk. Their task is to collect all types of curios made by the PoWs and offered as free gifts, to pack and to send them on to Holland where their sale would contribute to increasing the Widows and Orphans Funds. The Honourable Capt V. de Witt-Hamer collaborates in this effort in that he sends the goods to his brothers [in Holland] who lend a hand by selling them there.
The first consignment departed on the latest mailboat. The contents included among others, 550 pen holders, 50 brooches, a number of slide-boxes [schuifdoors], boxes with secret compartments, spectacle cases, match boxes, and many other items of wood and bone, too many to list.
The second consignment is currently being collected and we appeal to all PoWs to contribute something - no matter how small - to this cause. Think that "every little bit helps" and even if the sum realised from selling our submitted items is small, it shows our deep appreciation for the sympathy shown us by our European friends, and our willingness to work alongside them in this highly praiseworthy charitable endeavour.
The Broadbottem Camp has a similar commission, with Commandant A. van Niekerk as Chairman, Mr H.Fivaz as Secretary and members Messrs Lindique and Victor.
We cherish the hope that not only one or two consignments shall be sent to Europe, but that so many items will be collected that the sending of a kist thereof can be sent with every mail-boat; and that the sale of those items would raise a considerable sum of money which might alleviate the suffering of many Widows and Orphans. This is a deserving cause and God's blessing will rest upon it.
The dream was admittedly dreamed long ago, but the explanation (or more exactly the fulfillment) is still ongoing. This is one of many revelations from God to people and is narrowly connected to three parties:
(To be continued).
The Christian Betterment Society Of St Helena Prisoners of War [CSV - Christelike Streven Vereniging]
By C.F.M.
This Society needs no introduction and the purpose of our writing is not just to introduce her to our readers of De Krijgsgevangene. We think though that our purpose and the workings of the Society might not be known to all and, who knows, "unknown means unloved."
On 11 May this year our CSV celebrated its first birthday on St Helena - may it also be the last under these circumstances! For members and particularly the founders [voorgangers], it was a day of jubilation and thanksgiving. Inevitably thoughts turned back to 11 May 1900 when Ds J.R. Albertyn founded the Society on the grass, under open skies, with nine members and five associates. Today there are over 300 members, most of whom are full [l-ende] members. For those who carry the Society in their hearts, there is much, almost unendingly much to be thankful for, and in everything they recognize God's good hand over them.
The motto of the Society, like that of all CSV's in all countries, is "for Christ and Church", yet there is a second motto meant in particular for the local Union, which is: Ora et labora - pray and work.
The purpose of the Society is in short to "organize a serious, Christ-like life among the members, to increase their knowledge of each other, and to make them more useful in the service of the Lord." It can further be said that the members try to reach other young men and increase their interest in CSV work; the Society also aims to help the weak, visit the sick etc. Once a week there is a meeting where Biblical subjects are discussed, for example "the power of the Satans", "Paul as a missionary", "The most important [Ber en] of the Bible", "Feelings", "Humility", "Living with Jesus", etc.
It is expected of every working member to participate in the meetings (except for singing) by reading scripture here, which has a bearing on the subject, by a prayer or speaking a short word. The meeting only lasts an hour, and is kept as lively as possible by the Chairman by singing suitable songs - mainly taken from the "Kinderharp" - and short focused prayers.
(To be continued).
Boxing
The contest between J.P. Nel and G. Pienaar roused a great deal of anticipatory interest. It came off on the evening of Saturday, 1st instant, in the new building erected by Messrs Slabbert and Young. Notwithstanding the somewhat high price of seats, the building was crowded, and we feel sure that had the building been twice the size, it would have been just as full. We noticed a strong detachment of Military and other visitors, including Col. Paget - our Camp Commandant - and a number of other officers.
The proceedings opened at 8 p.m. with two preliminary four round contests, for which M J van Niekerk was elected referee, Messrs Pietersen and Waldeck as Judges, and Phil Blignaut as timekeeper. The first was J. Mynhardt vs Herbst, and produced four round of quick and lively fighting. Both men drew blood, and in the matter of exchanges there was little gained on either side. The contest was declared a draw.
The second contest was between E. Mynhardt and J. van Dyk. The latter had the advantage in weight, and at once proceeded to make use of it. Never leading, immediately Mynhardt did so Van Dyk bored in, forced his opponent to the ropes, and proceeded him to pummel, getting in so close, however, that his blows had no strength. In the third round he began to tire, and then Mynhardt had things more his own way, easily avoiding his Van Dyk's rushes, and making his reach tell. Finally the fight was given in Mynhardt's favour.
The event of the evening followed:-
J.P. Nel vs G. Pienaar,
to be a fight to the finish, or the best of thirty rounds, under Marquis of Queensberry rules, with 5oz. gloves.
Commandant Smorenburg was chosen as Referee, Messrs J. Kotze and H. Pietersen as Judges, and Messrs J. Raaff and J. Ludorf as Timekeepers.
The men were seconded by their trainers, viz.:-
Nel by Mr. Bekker, assisted by Mr. F. Roome, and Pienaar by Mr. W. Parker, assisted by
Mr. A. Jankowitz.
They appeared in the ring at the declared weights of Nel 11st. 4 and Pienaar 10st. 6. Both looked well, though knowing ones seemed to think that while Pienaar had been brought in perfection, Nel fell somewhat short thereof.,
Pienaar - who, we understand, now claims to be light-weight champion of the PoWs on the Island, - finished as fresh as a daisy, and reflected great credit on his trainer, Mr. W. Parker. We hear rumours of one or two prospective challenges in store for him, and feel assured that anyone tackling him will show the spectators a good fight. Pienaar is a quick and clever young boxer, and never loses his head.A team from the rival camp visited us on Saturday, but a very strong wind prevented any good play, and neither side scored. It must be admitted that the visitors showed better form and combination than our boys, and we think would have won on a quiet day. Our new full-back, Welgemoed, played a very sound defensive game, kicking most accurately with either foot, while Lubbe and Bodendijk attacked again and again for the visitors, but failed to put it through.
EXPECTED SHORTLY FROM EUROPE
"They will miss me" "Boer Prisoner's Return"
Song [sheets] from
J.H.L. Schuman, Deadwood Camp.
HARRY COX
Pancake Street, Deadwood
Storekeeper, Pawnbroker, Auctioneer, Commission Agent. Money advanced on all available articles and a General Stock of Camp necessaries always on hand at lowest prices.
PRESIDENT CAFÉ
M.J. Slabbert.
Apart from the best Cake, Coffee etc. you can obtain the best Groceries [sic] and Draperies [sic]
here at reasonable prices. The Owner wishes to always welcome his clients and as far as is in his power to satisfy them.
Stamps [sic] always available.
"SPORTSMEN'S RETREAT."
J.P. Smith & J.S. Grobelaar
Available at all hours: Coffee, Tea, Cocoa, Cake, Tarts etc.
"Hot Suppers" at any time
"Boarders" accepted, good eating guaranteed.
PRINTED BY B.GRANT, "GUARDIAN" OFFICE
PUBLISHED BY FICK AND EVERITT
AT DEADWOOD CAMP ST HELENA.
Agent at Broadbottom, Mr Karney
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