Elizabeth (1857-22/12/1915) and Richard (1856-6/4/1930) Cotterell.

OBITUARY.

MRS R. COTTERELL.

 The residents of Nightcaps and district will be deeply sorry to hear of the death of a well-known resident, in the person of Mrs. Cotterell. The deceased lady was one of the earliest settlers in the mining township, and for years occupied the position of postmistress, etc, only retiring a few years ago when the office was transferred to the Railway station, and during her long association with the office she was untiring in her efforts to meet the wishes of the public. That her work was not in vain, was demonstrated by the valuable presents she received from the general public when relinquishing her duties. She was a woman of big heart and great sympathy and notwithstanding her many duties found time on a call from the sick or distressed to render valuable aid, when, no doctor could reach the patient for many hours Mrs. Cotterell leaves a husband and one daughter (Mrs. J. B. Purdue) to mourn their loss.   -Western Star, 24/12/1915.

RICHARD COTTERELL.

Another of the vanishing band of pioneers in the Nightcaps mining industry passed to his rest on Sunday morning. Richard Cotterell, familiarly known as "Old Dick" was in his younger days a figure of fine physique and commanding personality. His cheery word and pleasant smile won him many friends. Often employed as ganger and overseer on Railway construction and mining excavation work, his sound judgement and organising ability together with a fair share of native wit, secured the complete cooperation of his fellow workmen. Born in Benson, near Oxford England, he was early required to go to work, serving his time as a flour miller. Reaching manhood's estate, he married Elizabeth Beusley and the young couple shortly after set sail for New Zealand. They participated in the stirring times of the seventies, and shared the hardships of the gold fields. For a time, they lived at Millers Flat, while Mr Cotterell operated the Arrowtown flourmill, which still in operation at Lake Hayes. For a number of years, he was employed on railway construction work. The Kingston line, the Waimea line, the Otago Central through the Taieri Gorge, the Molyneux Bridge at Balclutha and the Thornbury-Nightcaps branch all received his attention. Shortly after the commencement of mining operations at Nightcaps the couple were engaged by Mr William Handyside as caretakers of the Nightcaps Coal Company's house. With the exception of a short period of employment at Melbourne Mr Cotterell was engaged by the Nightcaps Coal Coy. With his wife, he remained faithful to this trust as caretaker for over 30 years, until the death of Mrs Cotterell after which Mr Cotterell resided with his daughter, Mrs J. B. Purdue. The interment took place in the Nightcaps Cemetery today, Rev. V. R. Jamieson, Methodist Minister, conducting impressive services at the Church and graveside.  -Otautau Standard and Wallace County Chronicle, 8/4/1930.

Wairio Cemetery.

"Erected by the Nightcaps Coal Coy. Ltd., to whom she was a loyal friend and help for nearly 36 years.

Present at the birth of the colliery, the townships of Nightcaps and Morley, and also many of the inhabitants of the Wairio District, to whom her services were freely given day or night, in sickness or trouble, and by whom her memory will long be cherished."