THE COUNTRY
GARSTON. December 18. —After some time of dry, windy weather a welcome rain fell, succeeded by close, hazy days, which benefited all vegetation, as the moisture was not allowed to evaporate, as it woud have done with either wind or sunshine.
Going to the Front. — The young men who have recently left for active service — viz., Messrs Samuel Parker and John Peterson — were entertained by their friends and neighbours. Mr David Seator, who left for Trentham a few weeks earlier, is expected back before leaving finally for the front. Mr Naylor hears regularly from his son Fred, and he has ever but a cheery, hopeful account to give of their experiences. Farmers are contemplating offering their homes to wounded or sick returned soldiers to rest and convalesce in. -Otago Witness, 22/12/1915.
JUSTICE FOR FIGHTING MEN.
To the Editor. Sir,—At the social tendered here to Trooper Samuel Parker on Friday, 17th inst., it was pointed out by Mr T L Muirhead, replying to the toast of the New Zealand Government, that there was a great injustice being done to tbe brave boys that are leaving their positions to serve their country, as others hang back to jump into their places. As an instance of this being done there was a young fellow employed on the railway here who volunteered and went to the front, and as soon as he went his place was filled by a strong able-bodied single man with no one depending on him, instead of being filled by a returned trooper or some person not eligible to go to the front. So it was proposed and carried by all those at the meeting to get the chairman to write to the Southland Times so that the Minister of Defence could see the wrong that is being done to the brave fellows who go to the front and to put a stop to all benefits to those who are doing nothing for the country's good by hanging back until compelled to go.— I am, etc., GEO. MACDONALD, Chairman. Athol, March 18. -Southland Times, 20/3/1916.
Mrs R. Parker, Athol, Southland, was recently advised by a friend, Lieut. A. J. Nimmo, Wellington Infantry Regiment, regarding the manner in which her son, Trooper Samuel Parker, met his death fighting with the forces in France. The Lieutenant, who was associated with Trooper Parker, says inter alia: It was after we had made our first advance on the Somme front and during a heavy artillery bombardment that a shell landed inside our company headquarters' "dug out" and killed our Major, Sam and another lad. All three were killed instantly, which was really a blessing as all of them were badly hit and would have had little hope of recovery. Samuel had been mv orderly since his arrival in France with the 11th Reinforcements last May. I cannot express to you my sorrow, Mrs Parker, at your son's death as he was a faithful and steady lad whom I had every confidence in. I always found him reliable under all conditions. When in action and as a soldier he always behaved as a man. I am sending you home his prayer book which he had in his possession when killed, thinking it would be valued by yourself as a mothers' gift to her son." Such tributes as this must surely bring consolation to the parents in their hour of trial. It stands to the everlasting credit of one who fought and died for his country. The late Trooper Parker's brother, J. F. Parker, is also serving with the colours. In order to get away he had to dispose of his farm and sheep run at Nokomai. Both young men were honorable, trustworthy fellows, highly respected by all who knew them. -Lake Wakatip Mail, 4/9/1917.
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| Athol Cemetery. |
PERSONAL NOTES
The death took place at Athol on Friday of Mrs Rachael Parker, wife of Mrs Frank J. S. Parker, a very old resident of that district. Her age was 72 years. -Lake Wakatip Mail, 9/10/1928.
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