Deadwood Camp Gedenksboek
De Krijgsgevangene No 6 newspaper
This document was sourced courtesy of "Government Archives in Jamestown " and Wilf Vevers
Translation to English via J Marsh
(Author's copyright reserved)
IN FULL SWING
Te Huis
FOR PRISONERS OF WAR
MARKET STREET JAMESTOWN
All PoWs are assured of a hearty welcome.
Refreshments at lowest prices.
Here is a chance to spend an hour "AT HOME".
NEWSPAPERS and GAMES of all sorts are in the
READING ROOM.
Tired travelers from the Camp can sleep over in
clean, convenient and reasonably priced rooms.
CHARLIE TAYLOR
Owner and manager
Hermanus Phillipus Venter of Tijgerfontein, Ward Vaal River, District Potchefstroom, passed away on St Helena on 15th July 1901 aged 42, from weakness.
C.J. Geyer, of Bethulie District, O. V. S., passed away on St Helena on 16th July 1901, from dropsy [buikwater] aged 54.
As our readers might remember, a while ago a collection was held for the purpose of erecting a gravestone or memorial in memory of our brothers who have died on this island. Many have asked: what has happened to the monies so collected? The gravestone commission is now in a position to describe the developments in this matter.
A sum of £29 9s 5 ½d was collected from our PoWs and the Russian Prince who was among us as a PoW at the time promised to add £25. Since a very nice headstone could be purchased for £54, the commission decided to wait for the £25 and not take any further action until it arrived. But it has not arrived, not even now, so since further delay is undesirable the commission has decided to obtain the best possible stone for the collected amount.
But we have been informed that many among us have not contributed - some because they were not able to contribute when the lists went around, others because they only came into the camp after the collection - who might still wish to contribute their little bit in honour of our fallen. There is now an opportunity for them to show their willingness and to drop off their contributions - no matter how small - at Mr F.J. van Dijk Mathey, the secretary of the gravestone commission.
Naturally we would all like to see the erected memorial to be as good and as lovely as possible - that it would be beautiful, which would not cause us shame if we were to show it to the whole world as a remembrance of those who - while not killed in the war, nevertheless lost their lives through offering them up in the cause of their land and people. The more money, the more beautiful the memorial can be. Come on then, brothers! Do what is possible to enlarge the Funds to enable a good result.
THE WIDOWS AND ORPHANS FUND
The second consignment of goods donated for the purpose were sent to Holland in the latest departed mailboat. The goods filled a fairly large kist; a larger one would have taken up too much space but even so a quantity of 1520 penholders, 80 staves, 75 brooches, 25 wooden goblets and a large number of snake, secret [compartment], and other boxes, rings, baskets [or pressing mats], baboons and other objects too many to list.
In the absence of Commandant Eloff, Commandant Wolmarans was named as Chairman (temporary) of the collections commission, and a call shall shortly be made for items for a third consignment.
So be prepared, burghers, for the call which will be made upon you!
"NUT EN VERMAAK"
The result of the called-for tenders was that the Buffet has been awarded to Messrs C.J.W. Staas and G.J. Bekker, while Lieut. A. Raubenheimer has been appointed as the caretaker of the Society's building.
Changes in Management see Mr. F. Mygind appointed as Secretary and Mr H. Everitt as Treasurer of the Society.
Last Saturday a "Smoking Concert" was held which provided a good evening's entertainment. The programme was well filled, mainly with singing, with that of Messrs Dallmeyer, Louw and Mosenhauer (in German) taking the crown. The farce performed by Messrs Teengs, Staas, Ruysennaar and Rossouw was very amusing with the young girl portrayed by Mr Ruysenaar making many think of home.
During the evening silver medals, made in the camp, were awarded by the Chairman, Mr J.F. Houtzager, to the winning teams in the recently held Rugby Football Tournament, viz the 1st team "Federals" (Captain J.P.Nel), and the 2nd team "Pirates" (Captain I.J. Minnaar). This was something new, and well appreciated by the members if the applause was anything to judge by.
DEBATING SOCIETY
Branch A. The evening's business was the election of a Chairman and Vice-Chairman in place of the presently absent Messrs Eloff and Boshoff. After several proposals the choice fell on Mr H. Everitt as Chairman and J. du Preez as Vice-Chairman, following which the normal business resumed.
Branch B. A 'Parliamentary' debate was held in which firstly the Constitution, which had been passed by Branch A, was read out and approved. Then a "Mange/Scab Law" [brandsiektewet] was brought before the house, and about half of it was discussed.
The second Chess Concours in the Recreation Society has been held, with artfully decorated diplomas being handed out to the first and second winners, Messrs F. Mygind and C.R. Landa. Currently there is a concours being held for those who only started learning chess in their imprisonment.
There has been a change in our Censors. Mr C.E. de Beer returned to South Africa on the Mohawk and his place has been filled by Mr Roux. Mr F.W. Alexander leaves on the s.s. Zambezi, on leave.
CORRESPONDENCE
To the editor of the Krijgsgevangene
Sir, - with reference to your request that any errors in the published list of our PoW casualties in the issue of 6 July, I am prejudiced to say that the number of dead should not be 37 but 38.
Those who died of lung diseases were eleven:
between 23 April and 8 July, 1900: 6
and between 27 April and 2 July 1901: 5
Those who died were between 29 and 47 years of age.
After lung infections, the next most deadly sickness was typhus and typhoid fever, which caused the deaths of seven PoWs, including one case of dysentery. And add one abdominal illness: eight.
Health statistics are usually expressed such that a death toll for a country, or a city, is expressed as the number of deaths per year per 1000 citizens. In the case of the PoWs on St Helena that would be for 1900, 12.6 and for 1901 so far, 6.4
PoWs can learn from this to be careful, not to ignore any cold which they might catch lest it affects their lungs, and to go to the doctor in good time.
When one considers that the germs of typhus and typhoid fever arise in unhygienic conditions, one can prevent the sickness by applying hygiene, not only to one's body, food and clothing, but also particularly to the ground upon which they are living: and use only the assigned places when they relieve themselves.
Versilewel de Witthamer, Capt. H.V.C.
Deadwood Camp, 15 July, 1901.
"Geen Lid = not a member." You are mistaken. Young and Slabbert's building is not a "club"; it is an ordinary coffee house and anybody can enter freely.
The Society "ALL GERMANY" comprising of 108 members, was established on 29 October, 1900. Only German-speaking PoWs can apply to be members.
The purpose of the Society is to meet regularly together in social groups, in order to bring members together and increase communication; generate German spirit and love of the Fatherland; and to make camp life more pleasant by the production of performances
(singing, recitation etc.) as much as might be possible under the current circumstances.
They erected a suitable building using simple materials, with a stage and a buffet, and named it "German Home".
On the occasion of the celebration of Christmas Eve - following the German custom of celebrating with a Christmas tree, various performances and surprises - "German Home" was officially opened and made available to the community for its intended purpose. At the start of the Society the following management commission was elected: Chairman, H. Martin, Vice-Chairman, A Graf, members: A.Taschner, A. Boas and A. Bucherer; Treasurer J.Willer and Secretary L.Goebel.
Performances take place on the occasions of Christmas and New Year, the birthday celebrations of HM the German Kaizer, Wilhelm II, as well as on other opportunities, in which both comic and serious characters are depicted. The management strives at these performances to amuse the members and cheer them up by means of plays, humourous pieces, couplets etc. as well as performances of serious songs, recitations etc.
Philanthropy from citizens in the far off German fatherland, in the form of generous donations of books and periodicals, allow the Society an extensive library; the books are available to members and also other PoWs.
To entertain the members chess, skat (card game) and 'salta' tournaments are held from time to time. Apart from the performances and tournaments, there are sometimes plays and performances by members and other interested parties, e.g "Reuter" by the famous German poet by Mr E. Just: "Superstitions of hunters and soldiers" by Mr Schutte-Broekhoff; "Something about cold water cures", Mr A. Graf; "Health measures. First aid at accident scenes. Bandaging techniques. Scientific eras." by Mr P. Ernst;. The development of architecture and "building knowledge of the 19th Century" by Mr A. Graf; "The development of shipping"; Mr G. Ely; and "The later history of the Zulus" by Lt Colonel A.Schiel.
Furthermore by the friendly offices of Mr Ely a syllabus [leercurcus] for English was drawn up.
As members of the management team left the camp, and with the usual passage of time, the management now includes: chairman A.Graf; Vice-chairman G. Vollmer; members A.Taschner, J. Vollhardt, G. Ely; Treasurer, A.Merkel and Secretary, P. Plage.
BROADBOTTOM SPLINTERS [SPAANDERS]
Life's hardships also hit our camp. In the blink of an eye we were censored, and the privilege of admiring the beauty of St Helena was removed from us. As opportunities to be outside the camp are lessened, so more opportunities need to be developed which would beneficially entertain us inside the camp.
The Broadbottom PoWs Debating Society meets this need masterfully. The Society's management consists of Hugo H. van Niekerk Chairman; F. Kok Vice-chairman; Bloementhal, Secretary; J Wessels, A le Roux, H. Kriek and J. le Roux.
Their programme consists of debates, recitative improvisations, reading, essays, unprepared speeches, and every three weeks a Journal. Four Journalists are elected every quarter. Current serving Journalists are Messrs C. Nolte, F. Kok, H. Kriek and J. Stegmann. The Society is flourishing and undoubtedly of great benefit.
As soon as the necessary freedoms are reinstated the Broadbottom Sports Union will resume the building of their hall. The hall will be a venue for a Club, concerts etc.
The Union regrets the temporary absence of Messrs Veld, v Niekerk, Carney, du Plessis and Henning. These people have in the interest of their health, been removed to a place which is intended to be calmer.
Our school is blooming. Membership is around 380. The teachers, who carry out their duties faithfully and sacrificially, without any hope of payment, deserve all honour and praise.
Thanks are also due to Mr Fivaz and his enthusiastic helpers who have continuously worked for collecting curios for the benefit of the widows and orphans funds. A kist full of goods will be sent off shortly.
Boxing
The following are the full details of the fight omitted in our last issue:-
C.Levy vs J.J.Kruger
Being announced as a ten 8-minute round contest with 6 oz. gloves.
Messrs J.P.Nel and J.G.Smith were appointed as judges, Mr J.Ludorf as timekeeper.
Kruger (Toffie's merrie) - who was seconded by Messrs Buckle and C Rademeyer - is considerably taller than his opponent, and has a much longer reach.
Levy was supported by Messrs Roome and Quirk.
At the call of time both men went at it hammer and tongs, but Kruger had all the best of it. He drew first blood, and making the most of his reach got home on the point, and floored his man several times. In fact the gong saved a count out.
The 2nd round was only a farce, Levy being plainly done. Early in the round Kruger got onto his point again and floored him whereupon the towel was thrown up.
After an exhibition of light sparing by Messrs E and J, Mijnhardt, who pleased the spectators by their quickness in dodging and countering - declared a draw - there was an interval, after which the event of the evening took place, viz: - A fifteen round fight, under "Marquis of Queensberry" rules between
G.Pienaar and H.Z.Pietersen
Both men were cheered on entering the ring, and certainly looked well. The weights were declared at 10 st. each, "Gip" having come down 6 lbs, since his fight with Nel.
Messrs Parker and Kotzee supported Pienaar, Messrs Gardner and Biggs his opponent. Judges, Messrs Smith and Buckle. Timekeepers, Messrs Ludorf and E.Mijnhardt.
Round 1
Pienaar forced the fighting and had his man on the ropes once or twice. Manie was not at all backword in replying, drew first blood, and got in some very good exchanges.
Round 2
Pienaar pursued the same tactics, getting home several times on wind, and rattling his man round. Finally he landed one on the jaw, which dazed Pietersen, who appeared done..
Round 3
Gip had his man fairly beaten, floored him kocked him on the ropes, and finally got well home on point, leaving Manie hanging onto a corner post. Seeing this his seconds
threw the towel up.
Throughout the evening Commandant Smorenburg acted as referee, and as usual gave every satisfaction. Of course all kinds of explanation as to why Pietersen lost are flying around, but although he made a good and plucky fight for it, we do not think many will disagree with us, when we say that in this, as in the Levy-Kruger fight, the best man won. Anyone tackling Gip will have to be wide awake, especially if he gets a little more muscle on his arms; and we do not doubt his trainer, Mr W.H.Parker, will see that he does so in case of another fight.
Cricket
Nil Desperandum vs Z.A.R.
Last week's matches were between the first and second teams of the above clubs, better known as Parker's and Nel's teams respectively.
The first team match was easily won by the latter, by 45 runs. They batted first, compiling 96; J Lindenburg played a pretty innings for 36, though he was let off once or twice.
W van der Westhuizen (14), D. Malherbe (12) and A Pretorius (not out 10) also reached the coveted double figures.
The Nils were dispatched for 66, of which W.Parker made 35 by a fine display of hard hitting; G Scholtz made 12, the rest more or less failures.
In second attempt Z.A.R. got 58, J Lindenburg and "Nap" van Rijneveld (not out) each making 15 and H. Venter 12. This left their opponents 76 to tie, but they were
quickly disposed of for 31, Parker (13) being the only one to show up. Pretorius got five wickets for 14 runs, van Rijneveld three for 17.
In the 2nd team match the tables were turned, the Nils winning by 10 wickets. In their first innings they got 66, J van Dyk making 23, and du Plessis 20. The Z.A.R.'s got 48 and 20, leaving the Nils 3 to win. This du Plessis hit off the first ball delivered and ended the game.
Football
Owing to bad weather no "Socker" games were played last week.
Rugby
Eendracht vs Krugerites
The 2nd team game was won by the former by 11 to nil. Baantjies scored two tries from rushes by the forwards, while a good run by C.Rademeyer secured a third, which was converted by J van Buuren.
The 1st team game was also won by the Eendrachts by 11 points to 5. This was a very fast and interesting game, and some very pretty combination was shown by the three-quarters, especially by J.Lindenburg and the brothers C. and T. Mijnhardt, for winners. Jahard scored for the losers, after a very pretty run, preceded by some nice passing. Schultz and Erlank were particularly noticeable among the Eendracht forwards, and each secured a try, as did Fred Schonborne.
ADVERTISING TARIFF
One shilling and sixpence per inch, one shilling thereafter.
Copy to be submitted to the owners by Wednesday each week at
H. Everitt and H. Fick,
Deadwood Camp and Jamestown
"De Krijgsgevangene" is exclusively obtainable in Jamestown
from Mr A L INNES, Photographer.
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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