The occasion was reported by the Southern Mail. As quoted in last week's article, the paper noted that dignitaries and Royal Australian Historical Society members arrived from Sydney on the morning train, were given a tour of the district, had lunch at Berrima and then visited Christ Church at Bong Bong, where Guy Blaxland, descendant of the famous explorer and president of the society, read a brief history of the church. The report continues here.

"Adjournment was then made to the site, on Mr Talbot Sanderson's property, where the monument is situated, about 200 yards north of the bridge, on the right near the roadside en route to Bowral. Here there was already a large gathering, made the more colourful by the flags flanking the memorial on each side and the uniforms and colours of district Scouts and Guides who formed a guard of honour for His Excellency, under the supervision of District Commissioner Clemens, Group Scoutmaster Crago, and Miss Arnold, District Guides Commissioner."

"On the arrival of the Governor, Mr Blaxland conveyed a greeting to him, and addressed the gathering on the valuable work done by the RAH Society. He stressed the necessity for preservation of the spirit and memory of the pioneers, and illustration to modern generations of the accomplishments of their forbears. President of Nattai Shire, Cr Jurd, then spoke regarding the development of the shire in which the memorial is located."

"The Governor then unveiled the memorial and proceeded to speak most interestingly of the spirit of the old pioneers and the desirability of preserving the memory of their spirit and deeds. The obelisk, which was supplied by Loveridge & Hudson Pty Ltd, is of trachyte from The Gib, and part of the masonry and the setting was carried out by Messrs FJ Pope & Sons of Bowral. It bears the following inscription: "Site of Bong Bong Military Station and First Township Reserve on the Southern Highlands. Surveyed, 1821". Beneath the inscription is an accurately engraved map showing the layout of the old township as it was in its heyday."

"An interesting feature of the foundation is that it includes some fire bricks, made in England and originally forming part of The Briars nearby (built in 1845 or thereabouts)."

"Cr Ross, president of Wingecarribee Shire Council, then proposed a vote of thanks to the Governor for having performed the unveiling ceremony, and to those responsible for the organisation of the function. He also briefly traced the development of the shire and covered various historical matters. The vote of thanks was supported by Ald W Foley, Mayor of Bowral, and after having been carried by acclamation was duly conveyed by Mr Blaxland to those involved."

"After further brief remarks by Mr AE Stephen, Hon Secretary of the RAH Society, the function terminated and the majority of those present adjourned to The Briars, where the Moss Vale Red Cross ladies dispensed afternoon tea. Amongst those present were the very generous donors of the obelisk and of the land upon which it stands, Mr and Mrs H Talbot Sanderson, of 'Wongabri,' numerous members of old and pioneer families of the district, and the joint honorary municipal historians of Bowral, Rev S A Howard and Mr A V J Parry."

After the ceremony, His Excellency had a chat with the venerable Miss Sarah Loseby, then in her 100th year, being born at nearby Harby Farm in 1847. A sketch map of the original Bong Bong settlement was created from her memories.

More about the site's history and significance may be found in a Bong Bong Common booklet, available for download from Wingecarribee Shire Council's website.

On February 21, 1947 the Southern Mail reported that "before the departure of the Duchess of Gloucester for England she spent a day at 'Wongabri'. Her two sons, Prince William and Prince Richard, each planted a Lombardy poplar on either side of the obelisk commemorating the site of Bong Bong village."

While the poplars have now gone, the obelisk remains - ready for 2021, when Bong Bong celebrates 200 years.