Joy for New Zealand native who rediscovers Rutherglen relatives

Dec 5 2012 by Jonathan Geddes, Rutherglen Reformer

A New Zealand native has spoken of his delight at re-establishing contact with his Rutherglen relatives - thanks to the Reformer!

We told two weeks ago how Don Hamilton was looking to get back in touch with the relatives he had over here.

And after we printed his story Margaret Court dropped him a line.

Don was understandably delighted to hear from her.

He said: “Margaret has been in touch and passed on her address.

“I responded giving her a brief account of our history since we last met.

“The Reformer have done a great job with this.

“ I am absolutely delighted to re-establish contact and as I said to her in our message we might just drop in for a cup of tea at some time, although 12,000 miles is a bit of a long way to go for a cup of tea!

“As it turned out the email address she included in her Christmas card was missing a six and that’s why my messages were rejected.”

Don’s father James was born and brought up in Rutherglen, before moving to New Zealand in 1915.

Don himself only visited the Royal Burgh for the first time in 1993, where he met his father’s cousin Eliza and her daughter Margaret.

He remained in touch with them, but lost contact a few years back.

Last year he received a Christmas card from Margaret that included her email address, but he was unable to reach her .

Don’s also trying to discover if his father was dux at Rutherglen Academy back in 1915.

He added: “ I have made enquiries with the old school but they were unable to confirm that the Honours Board entry and my father are one and the same person.

“If anyone looks at the old Academy website you will find reference to my enquiries including some supporting photos.”

Anyone with information can reach Don on d-mhamilton@clear.net.nz.