A GOLD key presented at Nowra Public School in 1908 was taken to England by the recipient, only to be returned to its town of origin some 42 years later.
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The story began when State Governor, Sir Harry Rawson was invited by the Parents and Citizens' Association to open a new wing of what was then Nowra Superior Public School.
He agreed on the proviso that it was to be an unofficial visit and "as private as possible".
His arrival with his private secretary on the midday train of July 11, 1908 was anything but low key, for the welcoming party included the local Member Mark Morton, the Mayors of Nowra and South Shoalhaven, the Clyde Shire President and officials of the P. & C.
After being entertained by Mr Morton at the Prince of Wales Hotel, the group moved on to the school where the crowd was estimated at between 1500 and 2000.
Senior and junior cadets formed a guard of honour, and the brass band played the National Anthem.
The tradition was for a holiday to be granted for such a visit but as this was on a Saturday, Governor Rawson proclaimed one for the children to be observed the following Friday.
Prior to the official opening ceremony, Nowra Mayor Ald. Robert Patterson presented the Governor with a key on behalf of the Parents' and Citizens' Association.
Made of 15-ct gold and some 9-cm long, it had an inscription recording the events of the day, and it was safely in the official baggage when the guest departed on the 4pm train.
The momentous event was recorded by part-time local photographer, Charles Hampson who produced postcards to be sold in his confectionery business.
One was purchased by Will MacLean who wrote to his mother in Newcastle, "Have had a visit from our Govenor; Nowra is looking up".
That card would return to a private collection in Nowra some 90 years later.
Sir Harry Rawson was the first naval officer since Captain Bligh to be appointed as Governor and he served in that position from May 27, 1902 until the same day in 1909.
On his retirement he returned to England where he died in 1910.
The gold key was part of his estate and some 40 years later it was part of the stock of an antique dealer at The Hoe, Plymouth being offered for sale at £15.
Word was received in Nowra and the matter was set for consideration of the P. and C. Association with a view to the purchase being made by ex-students.
This was not necessary for the cash was put up by the proprietor of the town's two picture theatres, Ted Potts, a generous supporter of the school.
And so the key was returned to Nowra where it was displayed at the school for some years before being lodged in the Nowra Museum.