The poem "ADIOS, AMIGO" to Dr F A Newman, was composed on the 17th February, 1909 and published in 1910 in Marri’d and Other Verses and also another expanded version in one of the manuscripts "To Dr F A Newman when going to Ireland".
In response to Jennifer’s request to more information, the Society has provided the following information on Dr F A Newman.
From a Newspaper Cutting possibly from the Casterton News dated February 25th, 1909.
FAREWELL DANCE TO DR. AND MRS NEWMANDr. Newman, who has practiced in Casterton close on nine years, and who now contemplates visiting England for professional purposes; was with Mrs. Newman tendered a farewell plain and fancy dress dance in the A.N.A. Hall on Friday evening last by their numerous friends residing in all parts of the district. A number of friends from distant parts – such as Hamilton, Penola, Mt. Gambier, Nangwarry, and other parts of South Australia were also present. The hall was most artistically decorated for the occasion and reflected great credit on the ladies who carried out the work with such consummate taste and appropriateness to the occasion. "Bon Voyage" was displayed in ornamental work composed of leaves, this part of the decoration being the special work of Miss Holland. The stage and walls were decorated, with artificial flowers in a great variety of colour; floral baskets with streamers, drapery and other kinds of ornamentation were freely displayed and added greatly to the effect produced.
The A.N.A. Hall never before presented such an inviting appearance. Close to the entrance a portion, of the hall had been reserved for those who, instead of dancing, felt inclined to indulge a game of bridge. The room thus improvised for the occasion looked very pretty.
The lamps throughout the hall were partially concealed with beautiful transparent shades of pink, and, this added greatly to the general effect produced.
The supper tables, arranged on the large and commodious stage, were most tastefully laid, and decorated with roses and other flowers, ornamental grasses, and foliage plants.
There were about 150 guests present in plain and fancy dress. The music was supplied by Mrs. CROWE (piano), Mr WYATT (piccolo) and Mr _____ (violin), and was all that could be desired for dancing, which was continued to 5am.
A flashlight photo of the scene was taken by Mr PETREE, of the Elite Studio, Henty Street, during an interval. The photo is an excellent one and reflects much credit on the artist; the figures come out very distinctly, Dr and Mrs NEWMAN being the centre figures of the group.
Supper was provided by the ladies, and the good things were highly enjoyed by all, as was also the dance itself, perhaps one of the most enjoyable held in Casterton for the past 30 years.
A special word of praise is due to Miss R Anderson and Miss V Jackson, who arranged the supper tables, and the decoration generally, with such consummate skill and taste. Other ladies too numerous to mention, tendered valuable assistance in that work. The secretarial work was carried out by the joint honorary secretaries, Messers W G HELPMAN and W T WOOD, valuable assistance being rendered to them by others. During the evening an enjoyable programme was supplied by the following:
Mrs MILLER, Mrs UNDERWOOD, Miss Annie HUGHES, Miss Ethel SEALEY and Mr G C LEAR.
Another Article taken from a cutting with a handwritten date of November 24th 1910 depicts an account of an accident involving Mr Ben JEFFREYS and outlines Dr F A NEWMAN’S attendance to his injuries.
Mr Ben JEFFREYS was the victim on Tuesday afternoon of an accident, which had painful and serious consequences. He was engaged at his Cordial Factory, in bottling ginger beer, when the cork from one of the bottles he was about to wire shot out, and struck him on the right eye-ball with great force. On the advice of Dr. GERRARD, who took preliminary measures for treatment of the injured eye, Mr JEFFREYS went to Portland by car on Tuesday night to consult an eye specialist in Dr. NEWMAN, who, finding there was considerable injury, with hemorrhage at the base of the eye-ball, after further preliminary treatment, as he was himself obliged to go to Melbourne yesterday, arranged for Mr JEFFREYS after returning home to follow him this (Thursday) morning for further treatment. Dr NEWMAN had intended leaving Melbourne today en route for New Zealand, but agreed to remain in Melbourne for a week or so to attend to Mr JEFFREYS injuries. It is understood that there is grave cause of fear that the sight of the injured eye may be permanently injured
Dr Francis A NEWMANDr. Francis Alexander NEWMAN of Collins Street, Melbourne and Myoora Road Toorak, died in hospital on Saturday at the age of 64 years. He was born at Gillford [Guildford] in the Western District. For many years he practiced at Portland before leaving for Melbourne. During his residence here he suffered bereavement in the death of his wife: Mary Josephine. Both were adherents of All Saints Church and as a memorial of his wife, Dr NEWMAN donated a series of oil paintings representing stations of the Cross. Dr NEWMAN practiced in Collins Street as an eye specialist and attained eminence in the medical profession. His remains were brought to Portland and interred in the South cemetery on Monday morning last, the burial service being conducted by the Rev Father CAIN. At mass on Sunday morning Father CAIN paid tribute to the memory of Dr. NEWMAN as an old friend, with appreciative reference to his exalted position in the medical world, and his many acts of benevolence and devotion to the church.
ADIOUS, AMIGOTo Dr F A Newman
Adious, Amigo!
Far across the sea
Lies a little island
Known to you and meThere the Shamrocks glisten
When the morn is new,
There the thorn is shining
In its web of dew;There the song is lifted –
Ah! My heart, be still!
Though I never see it
Yet another will –There the story lingers,
There the fairies play
When the netted moonlight
Ripples in the BayThere, in graves the greenest,
There our fathers lie –
We have not forgotten
Have we, you and I?There you go to-morrow;
Go, with God, I say!
"Adious, Amigo"
Let us ever pray!Mary Gilmore