| Notes |
- The following notes from World Family Tree, Vol. 85, tree 746:
During a visit to Australia, aboard a ship on which he was First Mate, he decided to stay. He 'jumped ship' and during the ship crews search for him he was hidden in a shed by his future brother-in-law, Jack Hurley. He remained in touch with his family, particularly his mother and sister, for whom he was very fond. His mother sent him the money for the fare to return to Boston for a visit with his wife and young family, but he chose instead to spend the money on new clothes for himself and his family. He never returned to America.
He was very proud of his American heritage, but at the same time became a model emigrant to Australia, accepting the culture readily. He pretended to be a Canadian for purposes of getting on the Electoral Roll to vote at elections. He was a strong Labour Party supporter.
The following is a clipping from the Geelong Advertiser - mid 1950's
"GAVE 49 YEARS SERVICE ON THE WHARVES"
The following notes from World Family Tree, Vol. 85, tree 746
Mr. Charles Holden, foreman stevedore, was the guest of honour at a gathering at the office of Huddart Parker Limited, Moorabool Street, yesterday afternoon. This marked the retirement of Mr. Holden from his position of permanent foreman with the three interstate shipping agents in Geelong: Huddart Parker Limited, Howard Smith Limited, and R. Purnell Pty. Ltd.
That Mr. Holden was born in Newfoundland (see later note) and spent 11 years in sailing vessels is one of the best-known identities on the Victorian waterfront. Prior to accepting employment with the interstate companies in Geelong, he was a permanent foreman with the Victorian Stevedoring and General Contracting Co. Pty. Ltd. for a long period he also served Messrs E.P. and A. Fraser for a number of years in a similar capacity. Altogether he has spent 49 years on the wharves of Melbourne and Geelong, the greater part of this period having been spent at the latter port.
Mr. R. Peck, manager of Huddart Parker Limited, who acted as chairman, paid tribute to Mr. Holden for the unstinted service and co-operation given to the interstate companies during the 10 years that he has been in their employ, and referred with pleasure to the fact that he would still be available to assist these companies when required. Mr. Peck's remarks were endorsed by Mr. A. E. Pickrell, manager of Howard Smith Limited, Mr. J. Trebilcock, representing R. Purnell Pty. Ltd., J. Fiels, accountant for Huddart Parker Limited and D, Murphy, foreman stevedore. Mr. Peck, acting on behalf of the employers of the three companies concerned, presented Mr. Holden with a wallet of noted. Mr. Holden suitably responded.
Re: Born in Newfoundland.
For purposes of dealing with authorities, he claimed to have been born in Newfoundland as it is in Canada, and being a British country, it gave him the ability to get onto the electoral role in Australia - which he did within several years of his arrival in Australia. All family and friends knew that he was from Deer Isle and Boston.
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1887 - 1962 (75 years)
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