Deadwood Camp Gedenksboek
De Krijgsgevangene No4 newspaper
This document was sourced courtesy of "Government Archives in Jamestown " and Wilf Vevers
Translation to English via J Marsh
H. Everitt … … Editor
CHARLIE TAYLOR
Owner and manager
Who are our officers here? They are not Commandant, Veld-cornets, and others chosen by ourselves, and to whom we entrusted the right to rule us during peace time and lead us in time of conflict, and to rule over our lives or deaths. And do we grant them this trust even here? Yes, a hundred times yes. Then in our opinion, we can also entrust the prevention of crime, and the necessary punishment of offenders, to them.
When one becomes aware of an offence having been committed, he does not go off his own bat and confront the offender and slander and insult him; but he reports the matter to the officers, who are then able and required to investigate, so as to prevent a recurrence of the offence, and to take such action as they deem necessary against the offender, and should the matter be beyond their jurisdiction, to hand the offender over to the authorities for punishment. If any punishment is to be meted out to him here in the camp, then it must be done under the instruction of the officers; so that it would carry more weight than action undertaken by any single person. It actually insults our officers to bypass them in such matters, as has been done many times in the past, as they stand ready to assist any who approaches them.
This kind of action undertaken by a well-intentioned private person can easily lead to unrest, and unrest to the risk of our losing our good name. Until now we - the residents of Deadwood Camp - have had the reputation of being a morally upright, orderly, people, and we are recognized as such by almost the whole civilised world; why then perform deeds which might possibly harm our reputation? We are used to following rules in our own country, so why not now? All we can do to strengthen our case is to make sure that no blame can be apportioned to our nation by our own actions - let us ensure that.!
Commandant Eloff tells us he is busy with packing the second consignment of donated goods, and that there is still space for a few more boxes. He request all those who might still be busy making items for this purpose to please complete them as quickly as possible and hand them over to him so that the full kist might be sent off in the next available mailboat, which is scheduled to arrive around 4th July.
A while ago it was planned to start a trade school here. Management consisting of the Honourable Ds de Vos, Chairman. R.S. Becker, Secretary, and Messrs J.V. Carroll. J.L. Schmidt, A. Gauche were elected. Above Committee is taking steps to establish the school. We can already mention that Mr S. Hiten has been identified as supervisor and a dozen young men have been accepted as students. The building, which will be the workshop/shop is nearly ready and a start will be made soon on the actual training. The plan is to make the school self-supporting and to greatly increase the number of pupils. In choosing the pupils preference is being given to the needy and to those who wish to become carpenters.
CAMP NEWS
RECREATION ["NUT EN VERMAAK"]
This last Thursday the monthly general meeting was held. Among other things, it was disclosed that the contract between the Society and Mr Stom has been ended, and that tenders will be invited for operating the Buffet, which close on Wednesday 26th of this month. On the same day tenders will close for the post of janitor for the Society's building [Chucker-out sic]. Around thirty five members have been scrapped due to non-payment of contributions, and a number of prospective candidates are being put forward.
On Saturday there was a Smoking Concert, which promised to provide a convivial evening. The programme was outstanding. The duos for two violins accompanied by piano performed by Messrs Raw, Sausenthaler and Dijksman were excellent.
As usual Commandant Smorenberg unveiled an encore for his self-written patriotic songs. The comic performance (in German) by Mr Mosenhauer was very amusing as was the sketch "Poor Old Joe" by Messrs Staas, Bosman and H. de Meillon. We must however remark that the habit of some people of talking during a performance is not only an insult to the speakers but also a disturbance to others in the audience and we hope this will never recur.
Branch A:The subject of the weekly debate is "Which is the worst aspect of human behaviour - haughtiness or a bad temper?" Introducers were Messrs Rossouw and D. Roux. It was decided that haughtiness was the worst.
Branch B: Subject "Is it desirable to introduce the natives to modern civilization?" Debate was led by Messrs J. du Preez and C.N. Swanepoel, the latter, whose stance was "no", carried the vote of the meeting
THE DEBATING SOCIETY
This Society was initially semi-private, developing from discussions that originated in a single tent. As in due course more PoWs expressed a desire to participate, a public Society was formed, with Mr D.J. Roux as chairman and Mr. J.J. van der Merwe as Secretary and Treasurer. A building was erected, and later enlarged so that there is enough room for our current, much enlarged, membership.
Our numbers have grown such that it has become necessary to split into two branches, Branch A for adults and Branch B for youngsters
Branch A has as management: Chairman, A.J. Boshof; Vice-Chairman, Commdt Eloff; Secretary/Treasurer S.D. Fick; and members Messrs H.Everitt, H.Louw, C.F. Mijnhardt, du Preez and K.W. Wapenaar.
The weekly programme consists of reading, recitation of essays, debating, improvisation and a monthly Journal. The office of Journalist rotates in turn between committee members, the tasks being to collect contributions from members and to rewrite them into the Journal book and to read them out aloud on the nights of the meetings.
Under the heading of Debates there are sometimes Parliamentary Debates, when new laws or amendments to existing rules, are brought before the house for acceptance or rejection, by the Ministry under leadership of Mr S.D. Fick. Amongst others, a new constitution, a new education law and an alcohol law have been passed; (under the leadership of Mr du Preez for Branch B.)
Improvisation happens when there is a dearth of other activities. Each member present writes down a subject on a piece of paper, which is placed in a hat. Each one draws a piece of paper and then has to speak for at least three minutes on the drawn subject. Some of the members find this extremely difficult, but it is so instructive, and the best practice in spontaneous [ex tempore] public speaking.
The progress made by members is remarkable. Several, who had stuttered and blushed their way through when forced to speak, are now able to stand up and argue their case in a debate using well-chosen words, and that sometimes in debates over complicated subjects.
The youngsters in Branch B are also making wonderful progress. The readings and recitations are well delivered and the debates are thoughtful and lively.
We are sure that when we return to our homeland many - young and old - will remember fondly the "PoWs Debating Society" and credit it with their good training, not only in [public] speaking, but in many areas, because the debated subjects cover a wide variety of things, with the sole exclusion of theological matters.
NIEUWSGERIGE - we have as yet received no reply to your letter which appeared in our issue published on 22nd June.
Without the association, and in particular the responsibility placed upon every working member, this Society would not be, by God's grace, what is today. Space prevents us from expanding on the various committees' activities. The Oversight committee looks after the members, that they participate and that they attend meetings conscientiously. They are also responsible for attracting new members. The Managing committee visits in tents and houses to hold services. One of the activities of the Mission committee is to collect postage stamps for the mission to benefit widows and orphans. The Functions committee welcomes every member with a hearty handshake at the "Excelsior" hall - visitors are also heartily welcomed - and must ensure that the hall is kept in good shape, which is sometimes difficult due to poor funding and scarce building materials.
By December 1900 our membership had grown so large that we had to split into groups. Four branch groups were formed (there are now six) each under the leadership of a committee consisting of a chairman, a vice-chairman, a secretary and six or more other members. These branch committees all deal with the same subject matter, having first gathered together in a monthly General Devotional Meeting. The different branches are managed by a Unified Committee, which consists of a President (C.F. Mijnhardt), Vice-President (A.S. Naude), General Secretary (B.J. Schoeman) and eight other executives who represent the [4] branches, and report on the activities conducted. Members are currently Messrs A.J. Reyneke, H.L. Webb, J.J. Esterhuizen, P.J. Zann, J.B. de Villiers, C.P. Badenhorst, L.S. Bester and A.P. Fourie.
Every morning there is a short prayer meeting (not more than 30 minutes) in the "Excelsior" hall. The intention is that prayers be short and businesslike. Prayers are for specific subjects, such as "the Church", "Christian operations", "Missions", "Our Country", "Schools". On Mondays the prayers are for the first mentioned, on Wednesdays for missions etc. This plan is working beautifully.
There is also a CSV in Broadbottom which, we are told, increases in members by the day. May the Lord bless CSV under all PoWs, and may the work be preparation for an even greater and delightful work when we are able to return to South Africa. "The upcoming generation must be a Holy people. The island will produce gifts."
F.J. FICK
PHOTOGRAPHER
Mainly portraits, or groups, 6s per half-dozen. Mr F.J. Fick thanks the public for support already shown and hopes to enjoy same in the future.
FOR SALE
A LARGE amount of WHALEBONE STICKS and WHALETEETH, at Moderate Prices.
J. SPIRO, First Tent
CASTLE GARDEN, Jamestown
(By Bohemian) - retyped, not translated
Wednesday the 28th of June was a gala day amongst Prisoners of War in Broadbottom;
the inhabitants of Sleepy Hollow shook off that air of Sobriety, which usually distinguishes them, and notwithstanding a misty drizzle, in the forenoon, everyone assisted in rendering the sports a complete success.
Most of the events were keenly contested and a few dark horses upset the calculations of the "cognoscenti" by an unexpected display of fleetness, particularly in the 100 yard dash which was won by Mickey Hartman of Senekal, the 880 yards when J. Holthuizen with 5 yards start won easily; and the 100 yards for men over 45 years which was won by a nimble veteran of 52 years, Mr Visagie.
The 220 yards was a closely contested race, but unfortunately Bronkhorst who was leading , in his desire to win by a head measured his length on the field within two yards of the tape and J van Wijk coming in feet foremost won with Piet Duvenhage and Johnnie Boddendijk close up.
The "Ruiter Tournooi" afforded much amusement and was won by Boddendijk mounted on Du Plessis. Adams mounted on Van Wijk securing second prize.
The High Jump prize was carried off by Zefanja Potgieter of Bethlehem (popularly known as "Pottie"). Below will be found the detailed results of each event.
Among the visitors were to be seen Col Shiel, the Rev Mr de Vos, Drs Birch and Moreland and later in the day Col. Wright with several British Officers.
The Committee
deserves every credit for the successful meeting. The worthy President Mr Hockie van Niekerk and the indefatigable Secretary Mr Johnnie van Rooyen have particular
reason for congratulating themselves on the happy result of their hard work.
The Military authorities rendered every assistance in the matter of accessories etc, and their conduct is deserving of a grateful mention.
The Committee was happy in the choice of Messrs Carroll, Becker, J Wessels, W.J. Henning, J Krijnauw and "Dop" Ortlepp as judges, and the starting was carried out efficiently by Mr Carl Meyer (the Paardeberg Paragon).
In the evening an entertainment was given by the "Broadbottom Boontjevreeters" in aid of the Sports Fund with Mr H Fivaz as Tambo and "Old Placidity" in true shangsaw
garb contributed a war dance; The efforts of these gentlemen were greeted with such thunders of applause as might have turned Irving green with envy;
a little unrehearsed acrobatic work on the part of Tambo evoked much laughter.
Capt De-Witt Hamer was kind enough to give a Magic-Lantern show at the conclusion of the entertainment, which was warmly appreciated.
The results of the various races etc. were as follows:-
On Monday 1st June, 1901
Prisoners of War home
Market Street
All Prisoners of War are assured a cordial welcome.
Refreshments at prices to suit the pockets of all.
Here is your opportunity to pass an hour at HOME
NEWSPAPERS PERIODICALS and GAMES of various sorts can always be indulged in
SLEEPING ACCOMMODATION for weary travellers from Camp, commodious, clean and reasonable.
CHARLIE TAYLOR
Proprietor and Manager
PRINTED BY B.GRANT, "GUARDIAN" OFFICE
PUBLISHED BY FICK AND EVERITT
AT DEADWOOD CAMP ST HELENA.
Agent at Broadbottom, Mr Carney
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