John Grant Dreaver, 1878(?)-24/7/1914.

ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES.

An unfortunate and serious accident, with fatal results, befell Mr John Dreaver at Kurow on Thursday night (says the Oamaru Mail). Mr Dreaver, who is a guard on the railway, was assisting Acting Guard Dickson in shunting operations on the arrival of the train from Oamaru. At about 7 o'clock, whilst climbing into a truck next the engine, Mr Dreaver missed his hold and overbalanced, falling between the truck and the tender. Before the engine could be stopped the wheel of the tender had passed over the unfortunate man's left leg, badly crushing it just below the knee. First aid was rendered by Mr Hugh Barclay, and Dr Ferguson was quickly called and was soon in attendance on the wounded man. The doctor ordered his removal to the Oamaru Hospital, and the engine, with a van attached, was soon on its way, Mr Dreaver being accompanied by Mr Barclay and Constable Edwards. The ambulance was in readiness at Oamaru Station, and the sufferer was conveyed to the hospital. Here it was found necessary to amputate the left leg above the knee, but even that precaution did not save Mr Dreaver's life, for he gradually sank as the result, of the shock, and passed away at 1 o'clock yesterday morning. Mr Dreaver leaves a wife and family of six at Kurow, where he had been for about 13 months. He was well known and respected all along the line, from Kurow to Oamaru.  -Otago Daily Times, 25/7/1914.

Kurow Railway Station, Hocken Library photo.

INQUEST.

An inquest touching the death of Guard John Dreaver, who was killed whilst engaged in shunting operations at Kurow on Thursday evening was held on Saturday afternoon before Mr George Brownlee, J.P., acting-Coroner, and a jury of six, consisting of Messrs Wm. Veitch (foreman), Thos. Dwyer, George Farrant, George Third, John Gibson, and Dennis Barry.

William Henry Dickson, who was acting guard on the Oamaru-Kurow train on the night of the accident said he was on the opposite side of the line to deceased when the accident occurred. He heard a cry, and, after changing the points, he hurried back and saw deceased lying on his back between the rails with the wheel of the tender pressing on his leg. Deceased spoke to the driver of the engine, asking him to pull out slowly. Witness then procured a doctor, and the injured man was removed to the guards van. Witness .stated that it was a practice for the man who was off duty to give a hand with the shunting, and that there had been no instructions from the Department to obtain assistance from the guard off duty. 

Robert Mercer, acting engine-driver, said that deceased gave him the "comeback" shunting signal, from the waggon next the engine, and verbally instructed witness to "kick up." It was a very dark night. He then noticed deceased's lamp go out and he heard something strike the tender — possibly the lamp. Witness thought something was wrong, and immediately put on the emergency brakes,  pulling up within a foot. When he got off his engine, he found deceased lying between the rails across the track, with his left leg jammed beneath a trailing wheel of the tender. He endeavored to stop the bleeding and asked someone to go for a doctor. It was the practice for the men to assist each other in shunting operations. Deceased was off duty on the night of the accident. He could not give any explanation as to the cause of the accident. Asked where deceased usually stood, witness stated that he would probably at that time have been standing on the brake. Deceased had not been subject to fits, but had been off with influenza for a week some time previously.

Dr Scott, who attended deceased at the Hospital, said deceased was suffering from a crushed thigh and was in a very low condition. Dr Whitton was also in attendance, and an anaesthetic was administered. The limb was removed, but the sufferer gradually sank, dying two hours later. He did not think deceased would recover. 

Constable G. B. Edwards, of Kurow, said he accompanied the injured man to Oamaru, and asked if he slipped off the track, deceased replying "Yes, that's how it was done." Deceased did not blame anyone. 

The acting-Coroner said, that from the evidence it appeared that the night was a dark one and the accident evidently occurred whilst deceased was assisting in shunting operations. It was clear that no blame was attachable to anyone.

The jury brought in the following verdict: "That deceased, when helping to shunt at the Kurow station, fell off the truck and had his leg crushed by the wheel of the tender, and that he died from loss of blood and shock."  -Oamaru Mail, 27/7/1914.

John Grant Dreaver went over to the South African War in the 9th Contingent from New Zealand.  He was a locomotive driver from Dunback.  He signed up in March, 1902 and lefty Port Chalmers on the Kent. was discharged later that year, in August with the rank of Sergeant.

DUNBACK.

October 27. — The wintry weather we, in common with many other parts of the colony, have experienced has given a decided check to all growth. Young lambs have also suffered. Grass is now green, but is still short. Snow lay on the low lands last Sunday week, but soon disappeared. There was another fall on Friday night on the hills, but it is nearly all away to-day. It is unusual to have so much snow here at this time of the year. 

Welcome Home. — A social is to be given in Glover's Hall on Wednesday, 8th November, to the Dunback returned troopers. Troopers W. Kennedy, W. Dreaver, and J. Dreaver (of the Ninth Contingent) returned some time ago, but Corporal Gilmour (of the Seventh and Coronation Contingents) is expected home at the end of this week. A public meeting has been held and a committee formed to carry out the social arrangements. It is the desire of the committee to make it worthy of the occasion, and if their ideas can be carried out it will be so. Subscription lists are in circulation to raise money to buy some articles for presentation to the returned men as mementos of their experiences in South Africa. All returned men who appear in uniform will be welcomed by the committee and admitted free. Given a good night the attendance ought to be a record one.  -Otago Witness, 5/11/1902.

DUNBACK.

November 8. — During the time the war was in progress in South Africa, seven young men from Dunback left the colony to take part in it. Three of them lost their lives, and a tablet was placed in the school in honour of their devotion to their country. The remaining four were entertained at a social in Glover's Hall on Wednesday, 8th inst. There was a large attendance from Dunback and surrounding districts, including some returned men from Oamaru and Maheno. The chair was occupied by Mr D. Philip, while on the stage were the Dunback guests of the evening, Corporal J. O. Gilmour (Seventh and Coronation Contingents), and Sergeant J. Dreaver and Troopers W. Dreaver and W. Kennedy, of the Ninth Contingent. Sixteen returned men, mostly all of whom were in uniform, occupied front seats. Messrs W. O. McKellar and J. Ritchie also occupied seats on the stage. An apology was received from Mr A. D. Bell, who wired as follows: — "I greatly regret that owing to serious illness in my family I find it impossible to attend the social. I am much disappointed at the necessity, but now heartily join in welcoming the returned troopers to our peaceful valley again." The Chairman, in opening the proceedings, said that, the local members of the Ninth had been back for some time, but it had been deemed advisable to wait until Corporal Gilmour arrived, and then to accord them all a welcome home together. He also asked those assembled, while rejoicing over the return of their guests, not to forget the friends and relations who were mourning over the ones who would never return, and had found a grave in South Africa, but think of the glorious deeds done by those men. He then referred to the disappointment that must have been experienced by the members of the Ninth, who, though willing to try and do as well as those of the previous contingents, arrived too late, through no fault of their own, to take any part in the late war. Corporal Gilmour's experience was that of a lifetime. Fighting through an arduous campaign with the gallant Seventh, being severely wounded at Bothasberg, recovering and being chosen as one of the Coronation Contingent, and during a protracted stay at Home travelling through parts of England, Scotland and Ireland, is an experience that rarely falls to the lot of any man. The treatment accorded the New Zealand representatives of the Coronation Contingent must have convinced them that the ties between the Motherland and the colonies were indissoluble. Mr Philip concluded by individually welcoming the returned men. — Mr C. Duncan then sang "The song that will live for ever." — Mr W. O. McKellar expressed his pleasure in having an opportunity to welcome home their representatives again, as he had been associated with Corporal Gilmour in the N.O.M.R. and the others in the cricket field. The members of the Ninth deserved honour for volunteering at a time when the war had developed to a guerrilla struggle, with the chances of honour and glory small, and the chances of being shot from behind a rock great. From the perusal of letters sent home by Gilmour, one would think he was having a splendid time at an extended picnic; but it was only from his comrades that we could form any idea of the deeds performed by him, the recital of which sent a thrill of pride through the district. He instanced one told by one of his comrades. Gilmour was in charge of an outpost of five men on the awful night at Bothasberg. When the Boers rushed the post two of his men (McLew and Fletcher) were mortally wounded, and he himself severely wounded in the back. One of the Boers shouted to him to surrender, and Gilmour's reply, more forcible than polite, was, "I'll see you d----- first," and he was taking aim at his opponent when his comrade pulled the rifle out of his hands; otherwise it is possible there would have been no reception for him that evening. Gilmour apparently would sooner die than surrender, and for that reason deserved the highest honour we could bestow on him. The Seventh Contingent held the finest record of any colonial contingent, and Corporal Gilmour was one of the finest men in it, and worthy of honour. Mr McKellar concluded by referring to poor Tom McLew as a popular lad, and willing to always do his duty, and died as a brave soldier — one whose name or deeds would never be forgotten by any who knew him. — Song, Trooper F. Bayley, "Off to Bulawayo" and as an encore "The Fifth New Zealanders." — Mr Ritchie, in the course of his remarks, referred to the great number of men who volunteered from a peaceful country. The question that often occurred to him was, Did these men volunteer for the love of bloodshed or for the salary? He felt sure it was not for either of these, but for their loyalty to the Crown, their love of adventure, and their desire to extend the freedom they enjoyed to South Africa. Their bravery descended from their parents: the Old Identities, who came here to an almost unknown country and waged a war against Nature to make a wilderness blossom like a rose. He was told by a local man who had recently returned from Scotland that the people of Scotland thought we had a big army, and were surprised to learn that out soldiers were ploughmen and shepherds, etc. One canny Scot had asked him whereabouts in Africa was the place called New Zealand, where so many "grand fighters came from." Mr Ritchie then, on behalf of the people of the district, thanked those who had taken part in erecting the tablet to perpetuate the memory of our brave lads who had died in their attempt to uphold British supremacy in South Africa. Mr Ritchie concluded by singing "Rule, Britannia" — Mrs Blundell, song, "Caller herrin'."— The Chairman then presented Corporal Gilmour with a pair of fieldglasses, and Sergeant Dreaver and Troopers W. Dreaver and W. Kennedy with gold maltese crosses, all of which were suitably inscribed. — Corporal Gilmour and Sergeant Dreaver briefly responded, and were heartily cheered. — Song, Mr Budge. — Votes of thanks to the chairman and the performers brought the first part to a conclusion. The hall was then cleared for dancing, which was carried on until early morn. Music was supplied by Miss Fodor (piano) and Mr W. Cheyne (violin). Mr W. Glover acted as M.C. Songs were sung during the evening by Messrs Kinvig and Budge. Mr Robertson contributed music for two dances with the bagpipes. A marquee was erected outside the hall, in which a splendid supper was provided by Mr W. Pearson. The hall was very tastefully decorated. The whole function was one of the most successful yet held in Dunback.  -Otago Witness, 12/11/1902.

It would seem, from cemetery records, that John married Martha after his return from South Africa.  At some stage he moved to Kurow and worked on the railway there.

KUROW RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

To the Editor. Sir,—The sad consequences attending the distressing accident at Kurow on Thursday last, by which Guard Dreaver lost his life, leaving a widow with a large family of young children not well provided for, are deserving of substantial public sympathy, especially from those of us who depend from day to day on the careful execution by the guards of country trains of their dangerous work, for the safe carriage of our goods to and fro. 

A subscription-list opened by you I am sure will be appreciated by many sympathisers, who will be glad of an opportunity to subscribe. Enclosed please find one guinea on behalf of the Waitaki Dairy Co., Ltd. —I am, etc., "A. H. MACKRELL. 

[We are pleased to open a list in accordance with Mr Mackrell's suggestion, and will take charge of any contributions that are forwarded. There appears to be some difference of opinion as to whether or not Mr Dreaver was on duty when the fatality occurred; it is sufficient for us to know that he was complying with the usual custom on the line, and that the work that he was doing was essential. Mrs Dreaver's case is a deserving one, and we heartily commend it to the practical sympathy of the public of North Otago.  -Oamaru Mail, 28/7/1914.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin. DCC photo.

Deaths

DREAVER.—On July 2, 1941, at Dunedin, Martha, beloved wife of the late John Grant Dreaver, 64 Forth street, Dunedin, and loved mother of Doris, Mildred, and Vera, and Ormond and Arnold; in her sixtieth year. “With Christ, which is far better.” —The Funeral will leave the residence on Friday, 4th inst., at 1.45 p.m., for the Southern Cemetery. — C. J. Thorn Ltd., funeral directors.  -Evening Star, 3/7/1941.