Mary Minnett Sinclair, (1870-26/9/1880). "found a deficiency"

 SUDDEN DEATH. CORONER'S INQUIRY.

An inquest, touching the death of Mary Minnett Sinclair, aged 10 years, who expired suddenly early on Sunday morning, under circumstances narrated in yesterday's issue, was held at the Globe Hotel yesterday, at half-past 9 a.m., before Dr Kilgour, Coroner, and the following jury: Messrs W. Burton (foreman), C. Buckland, E. Prescott, R. Walters, F. Amy, W. Wood jun,, J. Cocks, T. Hammond, J. Cook, F. Gerralty, R. Bateman, and T. Whitehead. Constable Cleary was present on behalf of the police. 

The jury having been sworn and viewed the body, the following evidence was taken: —

Peter Sinclair deposed that he was a carpenter by trade. The deceased was his niece, and was on a visit to his family. She had been staying with them for about nine months, during which time she had enjoyed good health. On Saturday last, about 8 o'clock in the morning, she complained of a little sickness. Mrs Sinclair gave her a tablespoonful of castor oil, which she vomited. About half-an-hour afterwards the dose was repeated, and it kept down, but had no effect until evening. Nothing unusual happened until between 3 and 4 o'clock in the afternoon, when she began to complain of her head. To relieve the pain, which was not acute, a little acetic acid was applied to the forehead. About 8 o'clock her feet and legs were bathed in hot water, an operation which, she said, eased her much, and caused drowsiness. Until 6 o'clock she took no food. At that hour she partook of a little corn flour. At 8, o'clock she went to sleep, and did not wake for two hours. After that she started occasionally, but did not wake until halfpast 11 o'clock, when she drank some tea with relish. She then went to sleep again, and did not wake again until halfpast 12. At that time she commenced breathing heavily, with a rattling in the nostrils. Witness thought that something was seriously wrong with the child, and sent for medical assistance, which could not be obtained.

By a juror: Not being able to procure the services of Dr Huxtable, he being absent from home, he interviewed Dr Callan, who asked him some questions about the state of the child. Witness informed him that she was dead, and the doctor said that in that case it was no use his proceeding to the house. It was not true that Dr Callan had refused to attend the child.

Dr Callan deposed that by the direction of the Coroner he had made a postmortem examination of the body. He found that the brain substance and membranes were in a healthy state. He then examined the abdominal cavity, and found the visera and intestines healthy. He next opened the chest, and found the lungs healthy. On opening and examining the heart, he found a deficiency of one of the aortic valves, with thickening of the left ventricle. The valve seemed to be more congenitally deficient rather than as the result of disease. The state of the heart, he considered sufficient to account for death. The body was fairly nourished, but did not present the type of a well-nourished child. The immediate cause of death was disease of the heart.

The witness having appended his signature to his depositions, said he wished to make a few remarks in reference to a statement that he had refused to attend the child. The facts were briefly these: About 2 o'clock Mr Sinclair, the uncle of the child, called upon him and asked him to attend it. After some conversation he (witness) consented to go and proceeded to his bedroom for the purpose of putting on his boots. On returning to the room where Mr Sinclair was, that gentleman said he thought it only fair to tell him that the child was dead. Witness then asked him what was the use of going to the house, and said that it would only be throwing away money. Mr Sinclair replied that he wished him to see the body so as to satisfy the child's friends and enable him to give a certificate of death. Witness said he could not give a certificate as he did not know the cause of death. Mr Sinclair then left. He (Dr Callan) wished to make this statement in order to clear himself of the one in the newspaper, which if not corrected might have an injurious effect on his practice.

The jury did not consider it necessary to take further evidence, and after a few minutes consultation they returned a verdict of "Death from heart disease."  -Thames Advertiser, 28/9/1880.

Symonds Street Cemetery, Auckland.

Captain Kenneth McKenzie, (1843-8/8/1881). "the finest man"

There is little doubt that the vessel which came ashore bottom upwards at Helensville is the schooner Rona, which usually traded to Lyttelton. She left Auckland in ballast, and was due at Kaipara about a week ago. Further particulars received state that the Maoris say there are yards, blocks, and one anchor upon the beach. The vessel is buried in sand. She was commanded by Captain Kenneth McKenzie, who was also half owner, and who has had charge of the vessel since she was built, two and a half years ago. He has a wife and four children residing at Oamaru. The names of the crew are —Robert Smith, Neil Carmichael, Charles Johnson, and W. Eagle. The vessel was insured for L400, only about half its value. Mr D. H. McKenzie owns half interest. Later. A search party have just returned from the investigation of the wreck of the vessel between Kaipara Heads and Manakau, and there is no doubt that the vessel is the schooner Rona, and that all hands perished. A board with the vessel’s name on the beam was brought to town and identified. The natives have burnt the vessel down to the copper, in order to hide signs of pilfering, and to secure the copper. As she now lies in the sand she is not worth L10.  -Marlborough Daily Times, 19/8/1881.

Kenneth McKenzie, the master of the Rona, was the eldest son of Mr. Duncan McKenzie of Waipu, and was in his thirty-eighth year. His first command was the schooner Jessie, then owned by his father, about ten years ago, his then next command was the brigantine Flirt, which he sailed successfully for about three years. On the arrival of the barque Cabarfeidh from America he took charge of her and became a part owner. He sailed her for some years in the intercolonial trade. He left her for a voyage through illness, but recovering before her return again, he bought the schooner William and Julia and made a few trips to the Islands, and ultimately sold her. He bought into the Rona about two years ago, and has successfully sailed her until this last unfortunate trip. Captain D. H. McKenzie says: — "After an intimate acquaintance with him for upwards of ten years, as master and part owner, I can truthfully say that he was the finest man that I ever knew, one of Nature's noblemen, that it would be hard, if possible, to replace. New vessels can easily be built, and perhaps, those lost be improved upon, but men of Kenneth McKenzie's character and worth cannot be replaced." Captain John McKenzie says that the deceased .master was as a brother to him, and that.no friends could have been more attached than they were to each other. He was cousin, also brother-in-law, to Captain John McKenzie, brother-in-law to Captain Smith, his wife being that gentleman's sister, and he bore the same relationship to Captain D. H. McKenzie. Mrs. McKenzie is at present residing at Oamaru, with her four children, the eldest of whom, a boy, is about seven years old, and the youngest a baby, of about seven days. They will be fairly provided for. Captain McKenzie's life was insured for £300, then there is the insurance on the vessel, besides which, there is other property to the extent of several hundreds of pounds. Mrs. McKenzie is said to possess considerable business capacity.   -NZ Herald, 20/8/1881.

WAIPU. 

Sincere sympathy is felt for the sad and deplorable loss sustained by Mr. Duncan McKenzie and his wife in the loss of their son, Captain Kenneth McKenzie, who was drowned when the Rona was wrecked at Kaipara Heads. Captain McKenzie was brought up in this district, and reflected credit on all connected with him. Messrs. D. H. and Norman McKenzie proceeded overland to the locality of the wreck yesterday morning.  -NZ Herald, 29/8/1881.

THE WRECK OF THE RONA.

INQUEST ON THE REMAINS OF CAPTAIN McKENZIE. 

An inquest on the remains which have been identified as those of the late Captain Kenneth McKenzie, of the schooner Rona, wrecked near the entrance to Kaipara harbour, was held yesterday at the Britomart Hotel. Captain Pennel was foreman of the jury and the inquest was held by Dr. Philson, District Coroner. Sergeant Martin represented the police. George Kitchen, boilermaker, in the employ of Messrs. Fraser and Tinne, deposed that on Sunday, 30th October, when on the north spit of the Kaipara Heads, to see the wreck of the James A. Stewart, he saw a boat about a mile distant, bottom upwards. He went to the boat, and there found the corpse. The boat was bottom up, and in good order. It was a 16 feet boat, but had no name on it. The corpse was lying outside the boat, except from the knees. The skeleton was partly buried in the sand, and the breast bone was missing. There was no flesh on the bones, nor any appearance of clothing on the body that he could see. The place was evidently above high water mark, and the boat had evidently been washed up by the sea. There was a rope round the chest of the body, the other end of which was secured to the stern of the boat. Witness then went to the pilot-station, about 11 miles from where the boat was found, and told Mr, White, the keeper. Next day he reported the occurrence to Mr. Smith, Harbourmaster. There were no lighthouses at the Heads.— Roderick Colin Fraser, storeman in the employment of D. H. McKenzie, deposed that he had been acquainted with the deceased for 21 years. He was a master mariner, and his last vessel was the schooner Rona, which was wrecked on the 8th or 9th of August at Kaipara. Information having been received as to the finding of the body, witness went on the 2nd of November to see if he could identify the remains found by last witness, and arrived at halfpast seven on Friday, 4th. He found the skeleton as described by the last witness. He identified the boat as belonging to the schooner Rona, having seen her often previously. By the peculiar formation of the teeth he identified the body, and believed the skeleton to be that of Captain McKenzie of the Rona. He identified the socks found on the feet of the skeleton. They were knitted at Waipu by some of the relatives of deceased. The length of the skeleton also corresponded with the height of deceased, 6 feet, and he had no doubt in his mind of the identity of the remains with those of Kenneth McKenzie. Witness described the appearance of the wreck, when he visited it. — James Smith, master mariner, corroborated the evidence of the previous witness. He had no doubt as to the identity of the deceased. The remains were found about 40 miles northward of where the Rona was wrecked. Since the wreck a body was found 15 miles northward of the wreck, but they then thought it must have been from the James A. Stewart, it was so much decomposed. He did not think so now after seeing the present remains. There was no lighthouse at Kaipara Heads, but he should recommend that there should be one. The of deceased was about 38 years, was married, and had a family of four children. — Captain John McKenzie, Deputy Harbour-master for the port of Auckland, deposed that he had now no doubt of the identity of the remains. He visited the wreck on the 10th August. He believed the vessel capsized coming on the beach, 20 miles to the south of the South Head, and the cause he should judge of her getting on shore was the stress of weather through westerly gales, which were then the heaviest they had had for a long time. The absence of a lighthouse was no doubt the cause, and he would advise a lighthouse of the first order showing bright on the channel, red on the north spit, and green on the south as a very necessary means of preventing accidents. This was all the evidence, and the jury, after a brief deliberation, brought in a verdict to the effect that deceased was found drowned, but there was no evidence to show how he was drowned. They added a rider recommending that in view of the large traffic to Kaipara harbour it was necessary that lights, as recommended by the Deputy Harbourmaster, should be provided for that port.  -NZ Herald, 8/11/1881.

Symonds Street Cemetery, Auckland.

Albert Ephraim Cohen, (1844-17/10/1871). "fearfully sudden"

NOTICE is hereby given that ALBERT EPHRAIM COHEN, of the City of Auckland, Agent, has this day filed in the Supreme Court, at Auckland, a Declaration of his Inability to Meet his Engagements with his Creditors, under the provisions of the Bankruptcy Act, 1867, and the Bankruptcy Act Amendment Act, 1868, and the Bankruptcy Acts Amendment Act, 1870. — Dated this 15th day of November, A D. 1870. 

E. A. MacKECHNIE, Solicitor for the said Albert Ephraim Cohen, Wyndham-street, Auckland.  -Daily Southern Cross, 16/11/1870.

FEARFULLY SUDDEN DEATH OF MR. A. E. COHEN.

One of those very sudden deaths which have so frequently occurred in this city, forcibly illustrating the uncertainty of life, occurred last evening. The deceased was Mr. A. E. Cohen, formerly engaged as an auctioneer and commission agent, but whose affairs are now in process of liquidation in the bankruptcy. So far as we have been able to learn the circumstances attending his death, they are as follow: —Yesterday evening Mr. Cohen had complained to his wife of being very weary, and went to lie down on his bed, intending, with Mrs. Cohen, to go out to a friend's to tea later in the evening. Mrs. Cohen in the meantime went out for a walk in company with a friend. On her return, in little more than an hour afterwards, she was startled to find her husband dead, and the body getting cold. Deceased was lying on his back dressed, the arms bent at the elbows, and the hands brought over the front part of the chest. There were no marks of violence to be seen, and only a slightly discoloured mark on the centre of the under lip, as if it had been bitten by the teeth. Dr. Hooper was called in, but could render no assistance, life being extinct, and we understand that the doctor expressed no opinion as to the probable cause of death. On the matter becoming known to the police, the body was viewed in the usual manner, and the Coroner communicated with; and there is every probability that an inquest will be held to inquire into the cause of death to-day. We understand the deceased was about 27 or 28 years of age, and has been married over two years.  -Daily Southern Cross, 18/10/1871.

ADJOURNED CORONER'S INQUEST.

The adjourned coroner's inquest as touching the sudden death of the late Mr. Albert Ephraim Cohen, was held yesterday, in the Naval and Family Hotel, Pitt-street, before Dr. Philson, coroner of the district. All the jurymen who were in attendance on the previous occasion were present. — Dr. Hooper was sworn, and deposed that, together with Dr. Goldsboro', commenced the analysis for strychnine according to Stas' principle. Strychnine being very insoluble in water, it is necessary to add spirit to dissolve it. I therefore digested a portion of the stomach of deceased with rectified spirits of wine in a water bath — a portion of acetic acid having been first added. The mixture was treated with bicarbonate of potash. Having then shaken the whole well together, the moisture was then filtrated and evaporated. A small quantity of concentrated sulphuric acid was then added to the residue, to destroy any organic matter mixed with the supposed poison. Peroxide of manganese was then added, but the colours which ought to have been produced were imperfectly shown. The result is attributed to the impurity of the chemicals. I do not consider the test mentioned demonstrative of the power of strychnine. The filtered liquor, after being digested with alcohol, had an intensely bitter taste — even the smallest drop. I then administered a small portion of the contents of the stomach, unacted upon by experiment, to two young kittens, to the first kitten, half a drachm of the contents of the stomach produced rigidity and spasms in less than three minutes, accompanied by twitching of the muscles, occasional spasmodic cries, violent protrusion of the claws, violent drawing back of the head, and death in about an hour. Similar results were obtained in the case of the second kitten. I took the remaining portion of the contents of the stomach, and forcibly administered about a wine glassful to a large sized dog. Certain symptoms were produced in twentyfive minutes. There was no vomiting. Death took place in an hour and forty minutes. The character of the convulsions was very marked. From the various experiments made I feel convinced that the deceased's death was caused by strychnine. The matter administered to the animals was taken from the stomach, and had not been acted upon by any chemicals. The matter was administered to the kittens on Saturday and Sunday. No one had access to this matter but myself, and the greatest care was used. The contents of the stomach having been sealed, when taken from the stomach, and never opened until it was opened in the presence of Dr. Goldsboro'. When I first saw deceased the limbs were rigid. In ordinary cases of death rigidity does not usually set in until several hours after life is extinct. Poisoning by strychnine is not usually attended by vomiting. I do not think deceased vomited prior to death. — By Mr. MacCormick: I could not detect any signs of deceased having drunk any ale, but he might have done so, and yet have been absorbed. I am aware that strychnine is sometimes used by brewers. Half a grain of strychnine has been known to produce death. Such quantity would be detected in a stomach by adepts in analysing. The symptoms as those described in my previous evidence were such as I should have expected to find in cases of poisoning by strychnine. The features after death in such cases are sometimes quite placid. — To a juryman: Nothing but strychnine would have produced the spasmodic symptoms mentioned. The strychnine in beer would not have caused them, as a very minute portion of strychnine is sufficient to impart a bitter taste to several gallons. — This concluded the evidence, so far as originally intended, but after the Coroner had addressed the jury and expounded the law in cases of poisoning, it was considered advisable to adduce something further. — Rebecca Marks deposed that deceased was her son-in-law. In most instances her evidence corroborated that of previous witnesses, but she said she knew that strychnine was kept by Mrs. Cohen in the house. Witness had seen, in a drawer of a Chinese work-table, a packet of strychnine. Witness produced what she had found. There were several packets, and each contained a few grains. These packets had not been touched when they were found, and before Alfred Cohen had expired. He did not know the poison was in the house, and the worktable in which the poison was kept was locked. Mrs. Cohen's father purchased the strychnine at Edson's. He had some colonial beer during the day of his death. At this point of the inquiry, Dr. Hooper produced the result of his analysis of the stomach of deceased, which shewed indubitable signs of having been subject to the influence of strychnine. — Detective Ternahan deposed that he had learned that deceased and his wife had been frequently buying poison, and that deceased purchased strychnine in August, 1870, for the purpose of poisoning rats. Again, in May, 1871, he did the same; and in June and July his wife did the same. — After this, the jury went to the residence of Mrs. Cohen, who corroborated the evidence of Mrs. Marks in every respect. — Sarah West was next examined, and deposed that she was aware strychnine was kept in the house. Mrs. Cohen had charge of it, and witness used to cut slices of bread and butter, and Mrs. Cohen used the strychnine to sprinkle on bread and butter to kill the rats. The strychnine was used with the full knowledge of Mrs. Cohen, and witness had at various times used it herself. — This concluded the additional evidence, and Mr. MacCormick, on behalf of the friends of deceased, addressed the jury. He urged the improbability of deceased having committed suicide, and brought forward many reasons to show that he could not have taken poison wilfully. — The Coroner thought the whole thing hinged upon the credence the jury might give to the evidence, and to the analysis that Dr. Hooper might have formed of the contents of the stomach. —After a retirement of nearly two hours, in which seven Israelites and five Gentiles took part, the following verdict was arrived at: — "That deceased, Albert Ephraim Cohen committed suicide by taking strychnine while labouring under great mental excitement."  -NZ Herald, 24/10/1871.

Symonds Street Cemetery, Auckland.

David Nathan, (1816-23/8/1886). "kindly, generous aid"

DEATH OF MR. DAVID NATHAN.

Mr. David Nathan, one of the oldest and most respected citizens of Auckland, died at his house, Waterloo Quadrant, at six o'clock last evening. Everyone of our older citizens will feel Mr. Nathan's death as a deep personal loss, for to many of them he had been a true friend when they needed friendly counsel and help. Of all these things the younger generation have heard. All of us knew him as one who had spent his life in Auckland, in the full view of its citizens, and who for 46 years had maintained a high reputation for all that gives dignity and esteem to a man.

Mr. Nathan was born in London in 1816, and left England in 1839, like many other adventurous young men, for the purpose of bettering his position and carving out a competence for himself in the Australasian colonies, where the avenues to social advancement were not surrounded with active competitors as in the old country. Mr. Nathan arrived in Sydney in December of the same year, en route for Adelaide, South Australia, but owing to the financial condition of the latter colony at that particular juncture, was dissuaded from going thence, and was advised by his friends to try New Zealand. He accordingly turned his face thitherwards, and embarked at Sydney on board the barque Achilles, Captain Veale, for Kororareka, the then seat of Government, arriving at that port early in 1840. Here Mr. Nathan commenced the work of colonisation by getting married early in October, 184I. Two of the officers of Her Majesty's ship then in port were present as guests, to whom, as well as to the residents generally, the impressive ceremonies associated with a Hebrew marriage were novel it being the first Jewish marriage celebrated in the settlement.

Early in 1840 Governor Hobson left the Bay of Islands in a man-of-war, owing to the receipt of instructions from the Home Government, to look out for a more central site for the seat of Government. He was accompanied by Captain Symonds (afterwards drowned at Cornwallis, in the Manukau) and other officials, and they proceeded up the Hauraki Gulf and the waters of the Waitemata, where Captain Hobson, with excellent judgment, selected Auckland as the new capital of the colony.

A few months after he had taken up his abode at the Bay of Islands, a party of settlers (of whom Mr. Nathan was one) sailed from the Bay for the Thames in the Mary, schooner, Captain Faulkner, and ultimately reached Coromandel, which the captain stated was the Thames. The captain stated that he was going to discharge his cargo at Fairburn's station, Waiheke. Some of the party started in a canoe from Coromandel to seek out the now capital selected by Governor Hobson. The natives hired as guides brought them up as far as Tamaki Heads, and landed the voyageurs at a native settlement, where they obtained refreshments. The natives stated that the man-of-war was a long way up the river, and refused to proceed any further, and there was no help for it but for the party to return to Coromandel. In the meantime Mr. Nathan proceeded up the Firth of Thames to see Mr. Webster, whose station was up the river, and on the way he landed at Taraia's settlement, where he was hospitably entertained by that old cannibal in native fashion — fish and potatoes, &c., being furnished in abundance from a native hangi, or "copper Maori." On returning to Coromandel, he fell in with three other young men, whose names have been subsequently prominently associated with the political history of the province and of the colony — namely, Dr. John Logan Campbell, Mr. William Brown (subsequently the principals of the well-known Auckland firm of Brown and Campbell), and Mr. (afterwards Sir Donald) McLean. Mr. Nathan returned to the Bay, arranged his affairs, and proceeded in November, 1841, to Auckland, which he finally made his home, purchasing the second allotment — a half-acre section— sold at the first Government land sale — namely, that on which the business premises of the firm of Messrs. L. D. Nathan and Co., Shortland-street, now stand. Here he commenced business in partnership with Mr. Joseph (brother of Mr. Joseph, the wellknown Wellington merchant), under the style of Nathan and Joseph, as auctioneers and commission agents, their first sphere of operations being a tent, their warehouses being the second business premises erected in Auckland, and Brown and Campbell's the first. Messrs. Nathan and Joseph, during their partnership, imported a number of artisans, of various trades, for the infant settlement — the want of these having been greatly felt. In 1843, the firm dissolved partnership, and Mr. Nathan commenced business on his own account, retiring after a long, honourable, and successful career in 1867, with a well-earned competency, in favour of his two sons — L. D. Nathan and N. A. Nathan — who have fully sustained the reputation of the old firm for straightforward dealing and business integrity.

The close of Mr. Nathan's commercial earner did not end his usefulness as a citizen. As a member of the Chamber of Commerce his wide and varied mercantile experience was brought to bear beneficially on the various questions which were brought up for discussion, or subjected to its consideration, while as a vice-president of the Auckland Savings Bank he took a lively interest in the social condition of the working classes, and in encouraging habits of thrift and providence. Mr. Nathan was a liberal patron and supporter of every institution and society in the province which was calculated to promote the general intellectual, moral, and social progress of the community in which his lot was cast, and as a proof of his genuine catholicity of spirit, it may be mentioned that while maintaining an unshaken loyalty to the faith of his fathers, his purse was ever open to the claims of other creeds, and that from old St. Paul's and old St. Patrick's Cathedral downwards, there is scarcely a place of worship in which he had not "a brick." As in matters of faith so in those of business, while a Hebrew of the Hebrews, and ever ready to lend a helping hand to the distressed of his own faith, he did not permit his benevolence to end there, and there is more than one business firm in Auckland, as well as persons in private life, who have been indebted for their start in life to the kindly, generous aid extended by him who has been termed "the Christian Jew" — David Nathan.

Mr. Nathan has been in failing health for over a twelvemonth. Many will recollect his last appearance in public, at the opening of the new Synagogue in Princes-street in last October. He has been suffering from acute pulmonary apoplexy, the result of heart disease, and may be said to have been dying for the last three days. He leaves a widow, two eons, and two daughters. The sons, Mr. Laurence and Mr. Alfred Nathan, are in the business founded by the deceased the daughters are Mrs. Harris and Mrs. E. Benjamin, the latter being a widow. The funeral will take place on Wednesday, at three p.m., at the Jewish Cemetery, Symonds-street.  -NZ Herald, 24/8/1886.

Symonds Street Cemetery, Auckland.

Louis Ehrenfeld, (1829-26/2/1897). "rare brotherly affection"

DEATH OF MR LOUIS EHRENFRIED.

General regrets will be felt in the city at the announcement that Mr Louis Ehrenfried died at his residence at one o'clock this afternoon. Mr Ehrenfried had been ill for several weeks from a complication of diseases, which baffled the skill of the attending physicians. He became unconscious yesterday, and passed away very peacefully at the hour mentioned. His career has been that of an enterprising and successful colonial, who owed his success in life to his own indomitable energy and business capacity. Born in Hamburg, he emigrated to Australia in company with his brother Bernhard, more than forty years ago. They went through all the vicissitudes of the rough life of pioneer colonists, with the customary ups and downs. In 1862 the fame of the Otago goldfields attracted the brothers there. They at once embarked in business, packing stores to the goldfields, where their trading ventures prospered so much that they were able later on to acquire a valuable station property at Mataura. This they were obliged to sell some years later in consequence of liabilities incurred under a guarantee for a large sum of money entered into on behalf of a friend without any consideration whatever. When leaving the district the residents presented the brothers with an address, regretting their departure, and a piece of plate. 

The next venture of the Ehrenfried Brothers was in the storekeeping line on the West Coast Goldfields, where business followed the usual fluctuations of a goldfield, ending in reverses which rendered it impossible for the firm to meet all the claims made upon them. It was, however, always in Mr Ehrenfried's determinations that he would repay the liabilities left unsettled when he closed his business on the West Coast, and this he succeeded in doing some years later; the creditors marked their appreciation of his honourable conduct by presenting him with a piece of plate. 

It was in 1868 that the two brothers, who had been inseparable during all these years, came to Auckland, and they soon afterwards proceeded to the Thames, where they established the brewery which became the foundation of one of the largest and most prosperous businesses in New Zealand. The death of Bernhard was a severe blow to Mr Louis Ehrenfried. Theirs had been a partnership welded by rare brotherly affection. Mr L. Ehrenfried continued the business, and by his energy and foresight not only succeeded in securing the greater part of the goldfields trade, but extended his operations to Auckland. He entered heartily into the public life of the Thames and was elected Mayor in 1872, and was chosen for many other honourable offices by his fellow citizens. He was also appointed a Justice of the Peace of the colony. In 1885, Mr Ehrenfried took an important departure. His business in Auckland had extended considerably, and in that year he purchased the old established brewery business of Messrs H. Whitson and Sons. Removing to Auckland, he entered upon this large undertaking with all his characteristic energy, and rapidly extended the sphere of its operations. Mr Ehrenfried was a tremendous worker, and there is little doubt that his almost untiring exertions had something to do with the ultimate breakdown of his naturally robust constitution. He was a man of warm-hearted sympathies, open-handed, and his death will be lamented by many who have been the recipients of unostentatious acts of kindness. He was always a liberal supporter of the Hebrew congregation, with which he was connected, but his broad toleration secured a ready ear for any call for assistance on behalf of all religious and philanthropic movements. 

The surviving sisters residing in Auckland are Mrs Baume, Mrs L. Myers and Mrs A. Myers. A number of nephews and nieces, by whom the deceased was esteemed as a father, will also deeply lament his death. Among these may be mentioned Mr F. E. Baume, solicitor. Mr A. Myers, manager of the deceased's business and Mr Leo. Myers, Mrs W, Coleman, and Mrs Sydney Nathan. They have an assurance of the sincere sympathy of many friends in their bereavement.  -Auckland Star, 26/2/1897.

-Observer, 6/3/1897.

FUNERAL OF MR LOUIS EHREN FRIED.

Yesterday afternoon the remains of the late Mr Louis Ehrenfried were interred in the Jewish portion of the Symonds-street cemetery. The funeral cortege was one of the largest and most representative that has taken place in the history of Auckland. The footpaths in O'Rorke-street and Symonds-street were lined with onlookers. So great were the number present to pay their last mark of respect to deceased that in Symonds-street a double line of mourners had to be formed to follow the hearse. The coffin and inside of the hearse were covered with wreaths, while the remainder were carried in deceased's private carriage. The coffin was of unpolished and unstained wood, and bore no inscription. This is in accordance with Jewish custom, which levels rich and poor alike at the grave. At three o'clock prayers were read in the house by Rev. Rabbi Goldstein, when the body was carried to the hearse by immediate relatives.

The funeral procession was headed by members of the Ancient Order of Foresters, deceased being a member of Lodge Robin Hood, Panmure. At the head of the Foresters was Bros. H. T. Garratt and J. Sheldrick. The first four carriages following the hearse contained the chief mourners, as follows: — Mr J. Phillips (president of the congregation, and father of Mrs Ehrenfried), the Rev. Mr Goldstein, Messrs F. E. Baume, Arthur M. Myers, Leo. M. Myers, Ben Myers, Sydney Nathan, and Wm. Coleman (nephews of the deceased); C. J. Phillips (brother-in-law); L. H. Neumegen, jun., N. Goldwater, Wisotsky, Alfred Nathan, Arthur Nathan, and H. L. Posseneskie (committee of the Synagogue); and Mr P. Bennett (Paeroa). Following the fourth carriage were the employees of deceased's firm, representatives of the Waitemata Rowing Club, Auckland Swimming Club and Auckland Football Association.

Among the many others in the procession were: — Messrs Alexander, W. Neumegen, Caro, H. Copeland, H. Goldwater, Buckleton, Susman, Ernie Keesing, Myer Goldwater, L. Levi, Gabriel Lewis, H. Koesing, R. Keosing, J. Keesing, Collins, Mowlen, Oakley, Benjamin, L. Moses, Claude Moses, Louis Ballin, Leser, Isaacs, L. Lewis, Albert Goldwater, Cohen Sir Maurice O'Rorke, Messrs J. Ballard, W. Crowther, J. J. Holland, F. Lawry M.H.R.'s, Hon. Win. Swanson, Major Murray, Lieut.-Adjutant Grant, Hon. W. McCullagh, Hon. J. A Tole, Inspector Hickson, Dr. Mackellar, Messrs Thos. Cotter, P. Darby, M. Saber, Dufaur, B. Koni., E. Hesketh, S. Hesketh, P. A. Philips. M. A. Philips, Hellaby (2), T. T. Masefield, Lyell (2), S. E. Hughes, Thomas Foley, Julian, Chas. S. Wright, E. F. Warren (Public Trust Office), William Duncan (Advances to Settlers Office), Kronfeldt, W. Gaudin, J. J. Craig, McNab, G. W. Binney, P. A. Edmiston, S. C. Macky, Jas. Macky, R. G. Macky, A. Cairns, Lindsay Cooke, R. E. Isaacs, W. H. Churton, A. E. Whitaker, W. Lynch, A. G. S. Black, J. I. Eller, G. S. Budge, W. Stimpson, John Reid, W. S. Wilson, L. Moritzson, Farrell, Thos. Finlayson (Sargood, Son and Ewan), J. Stinhbury (Chairman of Auckland Charitable Aid Board), Grainger, Patterson, W. J. Napier (Chairman of Harbour Board), J. Lawson (Official Assignee), G. Mueller, D. W. Duthie, C. L. Thompson, junr. (representing Hon. Thos. Thompson, Minister of Justice), C. Ranson, H. Thompson, G. Aickin, Bacheldar, Jas. Hawkins, Thos. Mahoney, B. C. Roberts, J. McRae, R. Ternahan, R. Michaels, M. Keefe, Messrs Ernest and Eliot Davis (Hancock and Co.), Dr. Campbell, A. S. Bankhart (Brown, Campbell and Co.), employees of L. D. Nathan, J. Mowbray, W. Mowbray. 

The Auckland Bowling Club, of which deceased was a member, was well represented. Among the many members present were Dr. Hooper, Hazlett (Secretary), J. Kirkwood, Thomson, Shackelford, Monnie, W. Gorrie, Towsey, U B. Kingswell, Ledingham, and Geddes. 

A large number came up from the Thames to be present at the funeral. Among those who joined in the funeral cortege were Mr W. Dynes, manager of deceased's farm at Puriri; Mr H. Clinker, manager of Ehrenfried's Thames Brewery; Woodward, Pacific Hotel; William Morrison, Post Office Hotel; Fogarty, Lady Bowen Hotel; Geo. Williams, Kopu Hotel; Styaak, John Costello, A. Price, J. McCowan, M.H.R.

When the cemetery was reached the employees of the firm of Ehrenfried Bros., each holding a wreath, lined either side of the walk from the entrance gate to the mortuary chapel, to which the body was borne by the relatives of the deceased. Here the Jewish service for the burial of the dead was commenced by the Rev. Rabbi, the Psalms and supplications being read in Hebrew and English alternately. The body was thence borne to the grave, where the service was continued, the relatives reciting the customary Kaddish, or special prayer for relatives, and afterwards covering the coffin with earth with their own hands. The Foresters' funeral service was also read by Bro. J. Shaldrick. 

At the mortuary chapel the Rev. Rabbi gave an address. He said they had met to pay a last tribute of respect to the remains of a brother whom it had pleased Almighty God to remove to a higher and more pleasant sphere. The largo concourse present spoke for the high esteem in which deceased had been held. The late Mr Ehrenfried had been a staunch and liberal supporter of the Synagogue — an active and a working member. It seemed but yesterday that his genial face had been seen in the streets of Auckland; it would be missed by a great many. The Hebrew congregation had suffered a great loss, and so had the city of Auckland, for he whose departure they were lamenting had proved himself a good and worthy citizen, and, as the sage said, "The loss of a righteous man was a loss to his generation." Why men whose life was prolific of good should be removed seemed strange; it was a problem that had engaged the minds of theologians and philosophers; it was a problem not easy of solution, and one that could not be satisfactorily explained to all. But let the words of the Hebrew sage be remembered: "One man may procure immortality in one year, while another procures immortality through the actions of a long life." In the words of the poet — 

"We live in deeds, not years;
In thoughts, not breaths; 

In feelings, not in figures on a dial. 

We should count life by heart throbs. 

He most lives who thinks most. 

Feels the noblest, acts the best," 

Continuing the Rabbi said that the chief characteristic of deceased was his philanthropy. He (the speaker) had never known a better man. He not only gave, but gave willingly and gladly. Although removed, he was not removed for ever. Death was simply a transition from the lower to the higher place; the deceased had now solved the mystery, and was enjoying, in the presence of God and the Creator of all humanity, the reward of a life well spent. His example still lived; and that example for goodness would be an incentive to many to follow in his footsteps. Might his soul rest in peace. 

Among the many beautiful wreaths was one in the shape of a pillar in white flowers, with the word "Rest" across it worked in blue. This was from the Albert Brewery employees. The warehouse employees also sent a beautiful wreath, as well as the immediate relatives of deceased. These were placed on the coffin. Mrs Seccombe and Sons also sent a beautiful wreath.

Telegrams of condolence were received from all over the colony, including the Hon. A. J. Cadman and Thos. Thompson, Mr James Coates, Rev. S. J. Neill (Thames), Messrs J. Hyman (Wellington), Henry Hayman (London), F. Arenas (Christchurch), L. Mendelssohn (Dunedin), M. Hayman (Dunedin), Mark Cohen (Dunedin "Star"), and Executive of Wine and Spirit Merchants Association (Wellington).

The funeral arrangements were made by Messrs Winks and Hall, while Mr Harry N. Goldwater ably assisted and acted as marshal.

On Saturday morning at the Synagogue, Rabbi Goldstein made special reference to deceased. He took up as the subject of his text, "A good name is better than good oil, and the day of death better than the day of birth."

The late Mr L. Ehrenfried has bequeathed £1,000 for charitable purposes. Of this amount £500 is for distressed Jews in Auckland province, and £500 for charitable institutions at Auckland and the Thames. The employees who have been in the service of the firm for over five years have also not been forgotten in the will. 

The business of Messrs Ehrenfried Bros, will be continued under the management of Mr Arthur M. Myers, who has been associated with his uncle in the management for the last 15 years.  -Auckland Star, 1/3/1897.

Symonds Street Cemetery, Auckland.

Captain Duncan Matheson, (1822-29/3/1882). "quality unsurpassed"

 

ANOTHER SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

A shocking accident happened yesterday afternoon to Captain Duncan Matheson, of the vessel Omaha. Matheson, with his son and a man named Darrah, were on board the newly launched schooner, Three Cheers, lying at the Railway wharf. The three were employed in lifting a heavy boom which was being triced up to do service as a derrick. The strap which hooked the tackle to the slipped when the heavy spar was 20 feet above the deck. It fell on Matheson, grazing his shoulder, and knocking him down jammed his legs close to the deck. The spar was removed, and on the arrival of Dr Honeyman both legs were pronounced to be broken, and the shoulder dislocated. The sight was a most painful one, the leg being smashed at the ankle, the bone protruding. The right leg was fractured above the knee. The sufferer was conveyed to the Hospital, and his condition ameliorated as far as possible. Strange to say, he remained conscious, and bore the excruciating pain of his injuries with scarcely a groan. Matheson is an old and respected colonist. He is over 60 years of age. From inquiries made at the Hospital today, we learn that the unfortunate man is in a very low state. His recovery is regarded as almost hopeless. Should he live, amputation of both legs will be necessary.  -Auckland Star, 28/3/1882.

SHOCKING ACCIDENT TO CAPT. DUNCAN MATHESON.

Yesterday, between 4 and 5 p.m., Capt. Duncan Matheson, of Omaha, his son Roderick, and Mr. Darrach were employed on board the new schooner Three Cheers, lying at the Railway Wharf, fitting her spars, &c. As they were lifting the end of the fore boom which was being triced for a derrick by means of a tackle leading to the masthead, the strop which hooked the tackle to the boom, when up about 20 feet, slipped off, and the boom descended to the deck, falling on Captain Matheson, who stood below, the ponderous spar crushing the unfortunate man to the deck, close to the combings of the hatchway. Assistance was at once rendered him, and a medical man sent for, the first to arrive being Dr. Honeyman. The doctor pronounced that both legs were broken and a shoulder dislocated. The poor sufferer presented a pitiable, heartrending sight. Men who have had much experience in accidents say they never saw a more painful one; yet Captain Matheson, who was quite conscious, bore the trial with amazing fortitude, uttering scarcely a groan. He said to the doctor, "Make as good a job as you can of it." His legs were sewn up, and he was placed on a stretcher, and conveyed to the hospital in an express, accompanied by Constable Foreman, where he received immediate attention from Dr. Cooper, Dr. Philson not being at hand. His condition was shocking. The left leg was broken at the ankle, the foot being pushed aside, the bone protruding a considerable distance, leaving a space into which one's hand might be thrust. The right leg was smashed just above the knee. Behind the knee the flesh was torn open. The joints seemed to be severed from each other, leaving the upper one visible. His left shoulder was broken, and there was a nasty wound above the right eye. When being conveyed to the hospital he complained a good deal of a pain in his chest. It was thought both legs would require to be amputated. Captain Matheson is an old and much respected settler. He was a strong hearty man, of probably over 60 years.  -NZ Herald, 28/3/1882.

SHIPPING

The vessels in harbour and all the business places in town possessing flagstaffs hung flags half-mast yesterday as a tribute of respect for the late Captain Duncan Matheson, who died from injuries received on board the schooner Three Cheers.  -NZ Herald, 30/3/1882.

THE LATE CAPTAIN MATHESON.

The late Captain Duncan Matheson, who met an untimely end on board his schooner, Three Cheers, was an old colonist of excellent character. Though thrifty and hard in his dealings, he was thoroughly respected for his honesty and integrity. He was a sterling, upright man. He was born in Rosshire, Scotland, and while a very young man, emigrated to Cape Breton, North America. There he and a brother sailed vessels, besides building one or two, during several years' residence. In December, 1856, he left America for this colony in the brigantine Spray, which he fitted up with passenger accommodation, arriving in 1857. Selling his vessel, he took up some land at Omaha, and continued his business of shipbuilding as well. In 1864, he finished the schooner Saucy Lass, of 39 tons. Captain D. L. McKenzie a few days ago received a letter from a Southern gentleman, who is now her owner, that quite recently the schooner was opened out and examined, and found to be as sound as when built, 18 years ago. Having sold her, he built the Coquette, which he sailed and held an interest in, until she was lost at Fiji. The Coquette made probably the quickest passage round Tiri ever accomplished, the time occupied being, we believe, about 5 hours. The brigantine Ryno was next built, which he also retained an interest in, and sailed himself until she was disposed of, Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane being her present owners. Some six years ago he went to America, and there bought the brigantine Oceola, now the property of Captain D. H. McKenzie, on the stocks, and brought her out to Lyttelton, timber laden, and subsequently sailed her round the coast for some time. About three years ago he began the Three Cheers, which is just finished. No better vessels were ever turned out of Auckland than Captain Matheson's. They combined sailing qualities with carrying capacity, and the workmanship was perfection. The record is not numerous, but he could truly have boasted of quality unsurpassed. The deceased gentleman was a good colonist, being a hard worker. He leaves two sons and two daughters, all grown up.  -NZ Herald, 30/3/1882.

THE LATE CAPT. MATHESON.

INQUEST. 

An inquest was held yesterday, by Dr. Goldsbro, on the body of Captain Matheson who was injured by a falling spar on board the schooner Three Cheers, on Monday last. Mr. Alfred Tyer was chosen foreman of the jury. Dr. Philson deposed: Deceased, Duncan Matheson, master mariner, aged 60 years, was brought to the Hospital on Monday, 27th inst., about 5.30 p.m., with a compound dislocation backwards of the right knee, the lower head of the thigh bone having been protruded into the ham through a transverse rent in the skin six inches long. There was also a compound comminuted fracture of the left ankle. These injuries wore said to have been caused by the falling of a boom on board the schooner Three Cheers, at the Railway Wharf, from a height of 20 feet. There was also a scalp wound over the right eye. Deceased was quite sensible, and stated that the occurrence was accidental — that there was no one to be blamed but himself. Deceased was greatly depressed from the shock and loss of blood, and was deemed unadvisable to amputate the injured limbs until reaction should take place. The pulse was weak and soft, and the right leg below the knee was cold. The dislocations were easily reduced, and the wounds bound up. Brandy and water were administered, and hot tins applied, to the feet. In the course of the night vomiting set in, and next morning no reaction had occurred. There was incessant vomiting, pulse very feeble, surface cold, consultation was held, and operative proceedings were again deferred, but the vital powers never revived, and death took place on Wednesday morning at 12.40, about 31 hours after admission, On post mortem examination, the popliteal artery (an artery behind the knee) was found ruptured within the sheath, and the popliteal vein lacerated. All the hamstrings were torn across. The left ankle was a complete mass of broken bones. There were no other injuries. The heart was dilated and fatty. The cause of death was shock and debility from loss of blood.— John James Jackson, seaman, deposed to the circumstances under which deceased met his death. Deceased did not blame anyone for the occurrence. — Roderick Matheson, son of deceased, deposed that his father fitted the rope to the boom, and blamed no person for the accident. Deceased was a sober man, and was quite sober at the time of the accident. — A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. 

THE FUNERAL. 

The funeral of the late Captain Matheson took place at 3 o'clock from the hospital. Amongst those present were Captains J. Smith, John McKenzie, J. McKenzie (Deputy Harbourmaster), Jones, Nearing, Hooker, Elliott, D. H. McKenzie, H. Anderson, Buick, Ayres, Seymour, and Rattray. Nearly all the master shipwrights and builders in Auckland were present. The brother and two sons of deceased were also present, and followed the remains of Captain Matheson to his last resting place. The Rev. R. P. Macnicol read the burial service.  -NZ Herald, 31/3/1882.

Symonds Street Cemetery, Auckland.

Flight-Lieutenant Wesley Neal Spragg, (18/1/1894-1/1/1918). "stood up and jumped clear"

 Business Notices. 

NOTICE OF PARTNERSHIP. 

MR. EDWARD HAYDOCK, Who recently resigned the position of Engineering Workshop Instructor at the Auckland Technical College, begs to announce that he has entered into partnership with MR. WESLEY NEAL SPRAGG, of Mount Albert, and that the new firm has now commenced Business as GENERAL ENGINEERS, PATENT AGENTS, MOTOR CAR IMPORTERS, AND GENERAL INDENTORS AND IMPORTERS Etc.  -NZ Herald, 20/3/1915.

Mr Wesley Neal Spragg, son of Mr and Mrs Wesley Spragg, of Mount Albert, left Auckland yesterday for London to join an aviation corps.  -NZ Times, 6/10/1915.

AUCKLAND AVIATOR.

NARROW ESCAPE FROM DEATH

Latest advices received by Mr. Wesley Spragg, of Mount Albert, indicate that his son, Lieut. W. Neal Spragg, of the Royal Flying Corps, is now in England recovering rapidly from injuries sustained as the result of a recent accident to an aeroplane which he was piloting from Yarmouth to Norwich. On nearing the aerodrome at the end of the journey, the engine of the machine jammed, forcing the propeller off, and breaking the rudder control. Fortunately the machine remained upright, and planed uncontrolled to within 50ft of the landing, when its nose dropped, and it dived to earth.

Both Lieutenant Spragg and his observer stood up and jumped clear of it, just at it reached the ground. It was well that they did so, for the impact tore the heavy engine from the frame of the machine, and caused it to crash through both seats. The aeroplane was completely wrecked, while Lieutenant Spragg suffered the loss of some teeth and injuries to his shoulder, necessitating his undergoing hospital treatment for some weeks.  

About two months ago a large sighting-plane upon which he was engaged as observer was also destroyed by accident, and he was thrown out of his seat at a height of about 15ft. Cutting his way headfirst through the tail planes, he fell to the ground. Happily, in this case, a steel cap which he was wearing, and doubtless also the breaking of his fall by the tail planes saved him from injury. Notwithstanding these incidents, he is reported to be keen to start his work again.

Lieutenant Spragg was recently at the front, where he was engaged at times over the enemy lines, and where he saw something of the commencement of the allied offensive.  -Fielding Star, 16/9/1916.

The description of the first crash mentioned above, would indicate that Spragg and his observer were in a two-seater pusher plane.  With the engine behind the crew, these were notorious for killing their crews in exactly the way described and the men were probably prepared to do what they did when it seemed a crash was imminent.

Reference was published recently to the thrilling escape experienced by Lieutenant W. Neal Spragg, when flying in the Old Country. The Aucklander has since been promoted to a first-lieutenancy in the Aviation Corps, and has been sent to Hythe School of Musketry as an instructor in aerial gunnery. Lieutenant Spragg, who has made rapid progress in the aviation service, is the only son of Mr Wesley Spragg of Auckland, and a brother of Mrs Fergus Gumming, of Gisborne.   -Poverty Bay Herald, 20/9/1916.

In the course of an, interesting letter, written by Lieutenant Wesley Spragg, of the Royal Flying Corps, to his parents in Auckland, he states that he was just hack from France, where he had been delivering a new machine, and demonstrating a new gun which reduces the recoil to a minimum. This is very important in aero work. The machine was named the ''Maori;'' and was evidently presented by New Zealand. After an uneventful trip to Farnborough, where he stayed the night, he started at 5.30 next morning for St Omer. At Folkestone he was lost in a thunderstorm, the compass spinning like a top. After about a, quarter of an hour he gave up trying to cross the Channel, and put the machine's nose down, watching the aneroid dropping from 12,000ft to 1200ft. Then suddenly the clouds broke away, and below he could see the open country and the white cliffs on the coast. In the best R.F.C. style, he picked out the largest country house and dived for the cow paddock, landing well in the middle without a bump. He taxied the machine under some big chestnut trees, and got out to meet the inhabitants, who were streaming down to see the sight in dressing gowns and slippers. Some special constables turned up, and leaving them in charge he went off to breakfast. Subsequently he enquired as to whose place he was in and was not prepared for the shock that he received when he learned that it was General Henderson's, one of the highest officers in the Royal Flying Corps. The general was much interested in the new gun, which he had only seen in its experimental stage. He thought it a huge joke when told that his house looked the best breakfasting place from 1200ft above. About 11 o'clock the mist lifted, and the writer got away, landing in St Omer without adventure. This made the eighth machine he had landed in France. Subsequent advice states that Lieutenant Spragg had been promoted to first-lieutenant and gunnery instructor at Hythe, Kent. He mentions that he had been called out to try a new  machine carrying one man, a machine gun, searchlight, and a 250 horsepower engine. It was capable of doing a little over two miles in 60 seconds and climbs two miles high in 12 minutes.  -Poverty Bay Herald, 7/12/1916.

On New Year's Eve, 1917, Wesley and another aviator, Arthur Upham, attended a celebration at the NZ convalescent hospital at Heliopolis, near Cairo.  Taking off, they flew over the hospital to wish everyone a happy new year.  Hospital staff and patients witnessed the port wings of the biplane fail and the machine drop to earth.  Wesley jumped or was thrown out of the plane.  He died of a head injury and  Upham survived the crash, suffering a broken nose and shoulder.

ROLL OF HONOUR.

CAREERS OF THE FALLEN. 

LIEUT. WESLEY N. SPRAGG, R.F.C. 

Information has been received by Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Spragg, of Mount Albert, that their only son, Flight-Lieut. Wesley Neal Spragg, was killed in action in Egypt on January 1. Deceased left Auckland for London on October 5, 1915, and there joined the Royal Flying Corps, being appointed a flight-lieutenant. Later he was employed as aeroplane-machine-gun instructor, in which he was recognised as an expert. The cable received furnishes no details as to the sad occurrence. This adds one more to the roll of King's College, Remuera, of old pupils who have given their lives for the Empire. Lieutenant Spragg, prior to the war, was a partner in the firm of Haydock and Spragg, motor engineers, of Auckland.  -Auckland Star, 11/1/1918.

GIFTS TO THE CITY.

PARK ON THE MANUKAU.

CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUND.

Two fine gifts to the city by prominent citizens were formally accepted by the City Council last evening. One gift was that of a property of 761 acres on the Manukau Harbour, owned by Mr. Wesley Spragg, and the other an offer by Mr. I John Court to construct and equip a playing ground for children at Victoria Park at a cost of £1500. Mr. Spragg's property, known as Kaiteraki Park, adjoins the western boundary of Cornwallis Park, which was bequeathed to the city by the late Mr. J. McLachlan. The gift is to serve as an enduring memorial of Mr. Spragg's son, Lieutenant Wesley Neal Spragg, of the Royal Flying Corps, who was killed in action on January 1, 1918. The terms of the gift provide that the donor may erect on the property at some point of his own choice a suitable monument to his son, which will be kept and maintained by the city authorities, and in the event of it being destroyed restored in similar form and in the same position as originally selected for it. It is also provided that the monument shall have unobstructed faces to all waterfronts and aspects. Resolutions conveying the council's deep appreciation of both gifts were passed by the council.  -NZ Herald, 29/11/1918.

Symonds Street Cemetery, Auckland.