John Hole Davis 1889-12/1/1935

JOHN HOLE DAVIS. 

The death of John Hole Davis, a well-known resident of Queenstown, took place in the Lake County hospital early on Saturday morning, in tragic circumstances. On Monday of last week the deceased, who was a member of the. s.s. Ben Lomond’s crew, met with a nasty accident while attending to the aft line as the steamer was casting off from the Kingston wharf. As a result, his left heel was almost severed from the foot, it was apparent that severe laceration had taken place and that the unfortunate man was in for a bad time. Skilled and unceasing attention was given the wound by the medical superintendent of the Lake County hospital (Dr W. A. Anderson) and by the nursing stall. However it was found necessary to amputate the leg below the knee on Wednesday morning. From this out the patient’s condition gave very grave concern. On Friday Dr McNickle, medical superintendent of the Southland hospital, flew from Invercargill and assisted Dr Anderson in a further operation, which it was still hoped might save Mr Davis’ life. However, the gangrenous condition of the unfortunate victim soon look its toll of his life. 

The circumstances surrounding Mr Davis’ death are most lamentable, and the community has been shocked by the occurrence. The greatest sympathy will be felt for his wife and young family of five children in the severe blow that they have sustained. 

The late Mr Davis, who was the youngest son of the late Wm. Lovell Davis, was born in Queenstown, close on 47 years ago. From early childhood till he was out of his teens he was brought up by the late Mr and Mrs J. George Bryant. About 25 years ago he took up a property at the old Brewery on the Gorge road and commenced mixed farming. He married subsequently and established a milk run in the town. Giving up the latter, deceased found employment on the Lake Wakatipu steamers. He was retrenched at the beginning of the slump, but was re-engaged some time ago. Altogether, he spent about 12 years in the service, and was a faithful and industrious worker. In his early life the late Mr Davis engaged in cricket and football. He had has been a useful member of the Queenstown Brass Band for several years. “Jack" Davis was a familiar figure in the town and he won the respect and esteem of his co-workers as well as of his fellow citizens. Besides leaving a widow and five young children (3 girls and 2 boys), deceased is survived by two brothers, Messrs Wm. Lovell Davis (Queenstown) and Chas. Davis (Dunedin), and by two sisters, Mesdames H. C. Buckham and Mrs. W. Downey (Queenstown). 

The funeral took place on Sunday, when his remains were interred in the local cemetery. A short service was held in St. Peter's Church, when the hymn, “Nearer my God to Thee,” was sung, and the “Dead March” in Saul was played by the organist. A large cortege followed the hearse. Included in the wreaths on the coffin were floral tributes from the employee of the Wakatipu Steamer Service and members of the Queenstown Brass band. The services at the church and at the cemetery were conducted by the Rev. A. A. Powell, vicar of the parochial district. The pall-bearers were Capts. T. Luckie and A. Munro, Fireman Ailson, Mate A. Burns, and Messrs H. Miles, senr. and junior.   -Lake Wakatip Mail, 15/1/1935.

Queenstown Cemetery.