POSTHUMOUS HONOURS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3312, 5 September 1917, Page 42

POSTHUMOUS HONOURS.

PRESENTATION OF MILITARY AWARDS. (From Our Own Correspondent.) OAMARU, August 30. His Excellency the Governor-general mado a snort stay here to-day for tho purpo&o of officially presenting to the next-of-kin military awards made to Oamaru boys for specially meritorious service at the _ front. There was a good turnout of Territorials and Cadets, and a big gathering of 'he public, business places having been closed an hour earlier than usual for the weekly half-holiday. There was, however, no c'omonstration of enthusiasm, any feeling in that direction bein-r probably repulsed by the remembrance that the three recipients of distinction had made tho supreme sacrifice. His Excellency said ho had to distribute two British honours —a Victoria Cross and a Military Cixks —and a Russian decoration. Tho people of North Otago should realise that it was a great honour that a Victoria Cross should come into their district, and it was especially an honour to the Waitaki High School, of which Sergeant Brown was an ex-pupil. The occasion was not one for 6peech-making. He could only express his regret that tho recipients of the honours were not present to receive them personally. The records of the deeds for which the awards were made eaving been read by his A.D.C.. his Excellency made tho presentations as follow:

Sergeant Donald Forrester Brown, Victoria Cross, to Mr Robert Brown, sen , father.

Lieutenant Edward H. Kibblowhite, Military Cross, to Mrs Kibblowhite, wife. Private Alexander Kennedy, the Russian Order of St. George, to Mr Donald Kennedy, father.

Sir James Allen (Minister of Defence) telegraphed his congratulations, coupled with his sincere regret that the three soldiers had not been spared to receive in person their well-merited honours.