22353 Private James McGimpsey, (4/3/1890-25/6/1917). "uphold the fine record"

OTIAKE NOTES.

(From Our Own Correspondent) 

We have been called upon to part with another of our young men, Private James McGimpsey of the Sixteenth Reinforcements, who is at present on final leave. A very large number gathered from all parts of the district — some even coming from as far as Oamaru — to bid Private McGimpsey farewell and to wish him a safe return to Otiake. Mr Jefferis on behalf of the residents presented the guest of the evening with a wristlet watch and a pocket wallet, suitably inscribed, and said that though the war looked brighter in every way, it was still necessary to keep the reinforcements up and wished Private McGimpsey a safe return to Otiake. 

Mr Rodman (Oamaru) on behalf of the Oamaru Bible Class of which Private McGimpsey, while in Oamaru, was a member, presented the guest of the evening with a very handsome silver-mounted pocket book, and spoke of the sterling qualities of Private McGimpsey. Mr Rodman said he was sure while at the front he would uphold the fine record he had had in New Zealand.

"For he's a jolly good fellow," was then sung and three very hearty cheers were given for the guest of the evening, after which a verse of the National Anthem was sung.

Private McGimpsey then thanked the residents for their handsome gifts, also the Bible Class, and told them how highly he appreciated them, he also thanked the Red Cross for the parcel Mr Jefferis had just handed him, and said he thought Otiake Red Cross was doing very good work,

Songs were sung during the evening by Miss Ross (Otekaike), Messrs Martin and Densem (Kurow), and a pianoforte duel was given by Miss Eileen Hill and Miss McIlroy (Oamaru). Mr Richardson supplied the music in his usual manner, being assisted by Mr W. McGimpsey, while Mr John Sherriss made a very obliging M.C. Supper was handed round by the ladies and much appreciated by all. Dancing was kept up till a late hour, when the singing of "Auld Lang Syne" brought an enjoyable evening to a close.  -North Otago Times, 24/7/1916.

Mr Jas. McGimpsey, killed in action at the Battle of Messines, was an active and earnest young worker in the Young Men's Bible Class and Christian Endeavour Society, who enlisted as soon as he arrived at military age. The Session wish to assure the relatives of their deep sympathy with them in their bereavement, and pray that the Heavenly Father may comfort and sustain them in their great sorrow. Our Honour Roll now holds 65 names.  -Notrh Otago Times, 9/8/1917.

DROPS OF HERO BLOOD.

It will comfort many a stricken heart to-day to take solace in the thought that the gallant soldier whom they mourn, was called to that high dignity of making the supreme sacrifice in the desperate endeavour of duty nobly done. The epic narrative of the undying glory won by 'the brave sons of New Zealand in the bogs of Flanders thrilled us with admiration at the grit and heroism which the New Zealanders showed in the terrible ordeals during the month which has just passed into history. The men who have fallen have gone into a silence more majestic than life itself, for the memory of their heroic efforts "lives on, woven into the stuff of other men's lives.'' The lengthening casualty lists remind us of the stern struggle in which the great and small nations are engaged. During October, according to official figures, our troops in Flanders suffered 5302 casualties. The earlier lists announced over four thousand casualties. Of these, 950 were killed and 3052 wounded. To this heavy toll paid in the fighting between the 4th and 30th October must be added 1300 new casualties which are published this morning. These losses will be made good out of our accumulated reserves, while a large proportion of the wounded will recover. It is interesting to note, in this connection, that Dr Wood Hutchinson, lecturing before the Royal Society of Medicine, states,  so says a cable message this morning, that of the wounded who survive for six hours, ninety per cent. recover, while the proportion is as high as ninety-eight per cent. if the wounded reach the hospitals, owing to the masterly anti-infection control. "Despite the colossal increase in the instruments of slaughter, this war," Dr Wood Hutchinson claims, "is one of the least deadly yet fought in comparison to numbers engaged." Almost since the outbreak of war New Zealand has been sending forward reinforcements drafts of 2500 every month hence, despite the heavy casualties, the New Zealand Division and Rifle Brigade need not fall below strength. Our brave sons went forward to do their duty in trying to win the world for righteousness and cleanse it of its shame. They tarried not to count the cost, and with their faces to the foe, hundreds of them are giving back to England the golden gift of life that future generations may have peace and hope. The broadening shadow which the losses suffered in this titanic struggle against the bestial enemy of civilisation, have cast across this fair land, will not shake our inflexible determination to see this thing through to victory. Before the world-resounding boom of war has died away, every true Britisher will fight on to ensure that the crusaders in the cause of Right shall seal the doom — the final full and everlasting doom — of brutal Might. There are huge gaps in the ranks to-day which must be filled; there are five thousand rifles which have fallen from the hands of our. brothers. Whatever the cost, the people of this peaceful and prosperous country will not falter. This is our fight, and having put our hand to the plough we shall not turn back. The seed has fallen on good ground; the crop is ripening to the harvest, and we are sure we shall not fail for lack of reapers:

No drop of hero-blood e'er runs to waste, 

But springs eternal, Fountain pure and chaste, 

For cleansing of men's souls from earthly grime. 

Life knows no waste. The Reaper toils in vain, 

In vain piles high his grim red harvesting —

His dread, red harvest of the slain!

God's wondrous husbandry is oft obscure, 

But, without halt or haste, its course is sure, 

And His good grain, must die to live again. 

From this dread sowing, grant us harvest, Lord, 

of Nobler Doing, and of Loftier Hope, — 

An All-Embracing and Enduring Peace, — 

A bond of States, a Tact of Peoples, based 

On no caprice of royal whim, but on 

Foundation mightier than the mightiest throne — 

The Well-Considered Will of All the Lands, 

Therewith — a simpler, purer, larger life,

Unhampered by the dread of War's alarms,

A life attuned to closer touch with Thee, 

And golden-threaded, with Thy Charity

A sweeter Earth, — a Nearer Heaven — a World

As emulous in Peace as once in War, 

And strlving ever upwards towards the Goal.

So, once again, through Death shall come New Life;

And out of Darkness, Light.

A concert in aid'of patriotic funds and for funds for farewelling soldiers from the district was given in the Otiake Hall last night by Mr D. H. Thomson's concert party. The hall was crowded, and every item was enthusiastically received, encores being frequently demanded. The programme, which opened with the New Zealand Athem sung by the whole audience, consisted of songs by Miss Collett and Miss Beth Colett, Messrs. H. Grenfell, Donaldson, A. Glass, H. G. Deal, T. L. Steel, and D. H. Thomson; duets by the Misses Collett; violin solos by Mr J. L, Steel; and quarfettes and glees by the party. The latter part of the programme was made up of plantation songs and melodies, interspersed with the customary jokes and local "gags," which greatly delighted the audience. The accompaniments were played by Miss Glen. The party was motored out by Messrs Patterson, Wilson, and Thomson, and were entertained at tea by Mrs. James McGimpsey and Mrs Robert Hill. At the conclusion of the concert votes of thanks were enthusiastically carried to the performers and to the gentlemen who had provided the motor cars. A dance followed, to which a large number remained.  -North Otago Times, 2/11/1917.

Hakataramea Cemetery.

4/427 Sapper Robert McGimpsey, (27/6/1893-20/9/1916). "worthy of the name"

An Otiake correspondent, writes: — Quite a gloom was cast over Otiake when news was received to-day that Sapper Robert McGimpsey had been killed in action. He was born at Otiake, and attended the local school, afterwards going to Waitaki (five years), and then to college in Christchurch. He subsequently studied engineering and surveying under Mr Freeman. Sapper McGimpsey was a very keen sport, distinguishing himself as a rower at Waitaki as well as on the football field. He was also a member of the Oamaru Boating Club. He enlisted with the Engineering Corps of the Main Body, and saw active service on Gallipoli, where he was invalided to England. For some months he had been in the trenches in France. Deep sympathy is extended to Mr and Mrs James McGimpsey in the loss of their son, who was remarkably popular. He was 23 years of age. A brother, Private James Mcgimpsey is with the 7th Reinforcement.  -Oamaru Mail, 9/10/1916.

LATE SAPPER R. McGIMPSEY

OFFICERS' TRIBUTES

Regarding the death in France of Sapper R. McGimpsey, late of Otekaike, the following letters have been received by the relatives of the late soldier from officers of his unit, and bear touching touching testimony to the courage of Sapper McGimpsey and also to his popularity among the men.

"It is with sincere regret that I write these lines to express to you our sorrow at the loss of your son Sapper R. McGimpsey. He was killed in action near the front line during the recent heavy fighting, He was always a brave soldier and I had personally recommended him for a commission as an officer. He was popular with every body and the officers, n.c.o.'s, and men desire me to express to your our deepest sympathy with you in your sad loss. We erected a cross over his grave and I will endeavour to obtain a photo for you when the British line advances —Yours truly, D. R. GIBBS, Captain N.Z.E., officer commanding 3rd Field Company, New Zealand Engineers." 

"I am writing as lieutenant, in charge of your son's section of engineers to send you a word of sympathy in your sad loss, and to add a note of appreciation of the good services that he did for his King, his country and his company. He was a sapper worthy of the name in every way and a true soldier and comrade sadly missed, by all members of the company. Sapper R McGimpsey volunteered for special duty required to be done by my section on the night of 20th September for which four men were required to assist the infantry in securing a newly-taken position against counter-attack which was expected. He and his mates went forward and carried out their job and working with the infantry (N.Z.) succesfully repulsed repeated attacks at night by the Prussian Guard who endeavoured to retake this important position at all costs. Thanks to the combined efforts of the New Zealand troops there the German attacks were completely beaten off and they were not able to retake any of the captured ground from the New Zealanders. Further, the Germans lost heavily on that occasion. Unfortunately Sapper McGimpsey was amongst those of our men who fell that night and he was carried back by his mates and died on the way to the dressing station very soon after being hit. He is buried peacefully in a grave marked by a substantial cross made by our boys and engraved with his name and you would no doubt be able to obtain the exact location after the war, should you so desire. Again I offer sincere sympathies and remain — Yours truly, S. CORY.  -North Otago Times, 19/12/1916.

Hakataramea Cemetery.

8/1447 Private James Dasler, (4/3/1890-25/6/1915). "engaged on his father's property"

PERSONAL NOTES

Mr Louis Dasler, of Tokarahi, has received word that his son, private James Dasler, has been killed in action at the Dardanelles on the 25th June. Private Dasler joined the 3rd Reinforcements at Gisborne, but was afterwards transferred to the Otago Battalion. He was 25 years of age, and was engaged on his father's property up to two years ago, when he went to Gisborne. He was unmarried. Another brother is in the Main Expeditionary Force, while a step-son of Mr Dasler's is at present in the training camp. -Oamaru Mail, 12/7/1915.

James Dasler was killed during a relatively quiet period on Gallipoli for the Otago Infantry Regiment, though all places, front line or back line, were under Turkish guns.

Hakataramea Cemetery.

Thomas Herbert Johnston, (3/1914-13/8/1915). "in a well"

A particularly sad accident was discovered to-day, when the body of Thomas Herbert Johnston, aged 17 months, was found in a well at Kurow. An inquest will be held to-morrow.  -Oamaru Mail, 13/8/1915.

Our Hakataramea correspondent writes — A rather sad drowning fatality occurred here on Friday morning in which a little boy named Johnston, aged seventeen months, lost his life. The mother left the little fellow at the back of the house while she attended to some household duties and when she returned she found him lying in a shallow well nearby. Mr Hugh Barclay did all in his power to restore life by means of artificial respiration, but when the doctor arrived he pronounced life extinct. The sympathy of all is extended to the parents in their sad bereavement.  -Oamaru Mail, 16/8/1915.

Hakataramea Cemetery.

34893 Private Donald Roderick McKenzie, (-21/9/1916). "in camp about a month"

SICKNESS IN CAMP.

A DEATH AT TRENTHAM. 

The Defence authorities announced yesterday that Private Donald Roderick McKenzie, D Company, Twentieth Reinforcements, had died in Trentham Hospital in the early morning. The cause of death was pneumonia, following measles. 

Seven cases of meningitis are still on the serious list, but the improvement mentioned in previous reports is being maintained. The health of the troops is generally good, and the number of patients in the military hospitals is decreasing owing to the reduction in the number of cases of colds, influenza, and measles.  -Dominion, 22/9/1916.

ROLL OF HONOR.

McKENZIE, on 21st September, at the Trentham Military Hospital, Private Donald Roderick McKenzie (20th Reinforcements), second son of Mrs M. and the late Donald McKenzie, "Table Top," Hakataramea, aged 33 years. "For Home and Country." The funeral will leave Kurow at 2 o'clock on Tuesday, 26th September, for the Hakataramea cemetery.  -Oamaru Mail, 25/9/1916.

The death is announced of Private D. R. McKenzie, of the Twentieth Reinforcements, of measles and pneumonia, at Trentham Hospital. He had only been in camp about a month. The late Private McKenzie was a prominent and active member of the Waitaki Collie Dog Club and the Kurow Jockey Club. He was the second son of the late Mr Donald McKenzie, of Table Top, Haka, and was in charge of a sheep station for the past thirteen years.  -Press, 26/9/1916.

An impressive ceremony was performed at Hakataramea yesterday, when the remains of Private D. R. McKenzie, of the 20th Reinforcements, who died at Trentham from an attack of measles and pneumonia, were interred with military honors. The cortege left the Kurow Presbyterian Church, where a service was held, and the funeral was one of the largest seen in the district, friends and relatives of the deceased soldier and his family attending from far and near. A number of Territorials comprised the firing party, and the gun carriage and drivers were supplied by the Royal New Zealand Field Artillery. Captain Redmond, N.Z.S.C., represented the Defence Department. At the graveside Rev. Mr Bews conducted the burial service, and the "Last Post" was sounded.  -Oamaru Mail, 27/9/1916.

Hakataramea Cemetery.

9/29 Bombardier David (24/8/1883-17/9/1916) and 9/28 Trooper James (29/7/1886-5/8/1915) Dow. "beside his brother"

 

PERSONAL NOTES. 

Trooper James Dow was the younger son of Mr and Mrs John Dow, Dunedin, and only brother of Trooper David Dow, who is also in action at the Dardanelles. He was educated at the North-east Valley School, and served his apprenticeship as a blacksmith, later discarding his trade in favor of farming, which occupation he followed in the Wanaka district up till the time of his enlistment with the Main Expeditionary Force. Some time ago he had the misfortune to lose his left eye, but notwithstanding this he enlisted immediately after the outbreak of hostilities. Trooper Dow was a quiet, unassuming fellow, and greatly respected by all with whom he associated. So far neither date nor details of his death have come to hand, but from letters received it is known he had been in action previous to his last engagement, and was fighting beside his brother.  -Evening Star, 2/9/1915.

In the Empire's Cause.

Trooper Dave Dow, reported died from wounds received in action, is another young man who, although not a native of Cromwell, was looked upon as one of the community by reason of several years residence in the district prior to enlisting. He was a son of Mr J. Dow, Dunedin, a gentleman well-known throughout Central Otago, where for some years he travelled in connection with his particular line of business. Trooper Dow signed on in one of the earlier reinforcements, and took part in the Gallipoli campaign, where he was put out of action temporarily, and was later engaged in transport work in Egypt. In the western campaign he sustained wounds which added his name to the honored list of those who have laid down their lives in the great cause. He is the second son of the family to pay the extreme penalty, his brother James, also a resident of the Upper Clutha district, having fallen in the Gallipoli campaign. Like his brother who fell earlier, Trooper Dave Dow was a cheery and industrious young fellow, extremely popular with all who made his acquaintance, and from these the deepest sympathy goes forth to his bereaved parents in their great sacrifice for King and country.  -Cromwell Argus, 30/10/1916.

Bombardier David Dow was wounded during the Battle of the Somme, with shrapnel (or gunshot wounds) hitting him in the chest and knee. He sustained his wounds on September 13 and died in a Casualty Clearing Station on September 17th.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

30352 Matron Lucille Emily Souness RRC, (1897-12/7/1960). "lifetime of service"

OBITUARY

Matron L. E. Souness 

Matron Lucy Emily Souness, Royal Nursing Corps, who died in Dunedin recently, spent a lifetime of service in the nursing profession in New Zealand, reports the Press Association from Dunedin. 

She will be remembered by many soldiers who trained in New Zealand before service overseas in the Second World War. Between 1943 and 1953 she worked in military hospitals throughout the Dominion, including camp hospitals at Taiaroa Heads, Narrow Neck, Papakura, Raventhorpe and Waiouru, where she was matron-in-chief for three years. 

In 1954, after retiring from active Army service, she was appointed matron of a Wellington hospital for returned servicemen. In 1956 Miss Souness accepted the position of matron of the Caccia Birch Hospital in Palmerston. 

She retired a few months ago at the age of 63.  -Evening Post, 14/7/1960.

"RRC" stands for the Royal Red Cross, first awarded in 1883 and bestowed on Matron Souness by Queen Elizabeth II in 1954.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

Archibald John Shephard, (1879-2/7/1929). "dropped down on the rails"

 CUT TO PIECES

(By Telegraph. — Press Association.) DUNEDIN, 2nd July. 

A middle-aged man named Archibald John Shephard, married, residing at 11, Dacre street, Caversham, was killed in the railway yard this afternoon. He was employed in the goods foreman's department, and had finished work. When a line of eight cars was being shunted into the North End station he attempted to board the nearest car, but slipped, and the whole eight passed over him, cutting him to pieces.  -Evening Post, 3/7/1929.

DEATHS

SHEPHARD. — On July 2, 1929, at Dunedin (result of an accident), Archibald John (Jack), N.Z.R., dearly beloved husband of Maud Shephard. Funeral Intimation later.  -Otago Daily Times, 3/7/1929.

RAILWAYMAN’S DEATH

KILLED DURING SHUNT 

An inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Archibald John Shephard, who was kilted in, the railway yards on July 2, was held this morning before Mr J. H. Bartholomew, S.M. Mr W. Ward represented the relatives of the deceased, and Mr K. A. Newman the Railway Department, by whom the deceased was employed. Sergeant Vaughan conducted the case for the police. 

Albert Knute Dobson, a railway shunter, said that at 4.25, on July 2, he was engaged in shunting the Port Chalmers train off the main line into the north dock. The deceased came over the foreman of works’ gate with a number of other men, and ran out to board the shunt. Witness was travelling on the front platform, and was taking the shunt in on the hand brake. Deceased caught hold of the first upright rail with his left hand. He had a parcel in his right hand. He made a bad job of trying to get on, and dropped down on the rails. Before witness could stop the shunt, all eight carriages had passed over him. The shunt was travelling at seven or eight miles per hour. The deceased had no right to board the car. When he fell nothing could have prevented the fatality.

Questioned by the coroner, witness stated that the men were not allowed to ride on the shunts. 

William Urquhart, leading carpenter in the Ways and Works department, gave corroborative evidence. 

To Mr Newman: There was no necessity for the deceased to have crossed the line the shunt was travelling on. 

Peter McPherson, carpenter, also gave corroborative evidence. 

Sergeant Vaughan gave evidence as to the finding of the body. 

“The evidence is undisputed, and makes it only too clear how this tragic accident occurred,” said the coroner. “Death was due to injuries caused by the deceased being accidentally run over by a shunt of railway carriages.”  -Evening Star, 8/7/1929.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

27706 Private Charles Robert Smith, (27/8/1896-2/9/1918). "a sacrifice for liberty"

Charles Smith was working as a farm labourer in the Dunedin area when he enlisted in June, 1916. He was wounded by shrapnel (or possibly shell-shock: his Army record shows the note "sh/sh.") in the disastrous attack on Bellevue Spur on October 12, 1917 and was out of action for a month.

In February, 1918, he was affected ("wd gas severe") by poison gas during a relatively quiet time in the front line. He was out of action for a month and a half.

On September 2nd, 1918, Charles' Battalion, the 2nd Otago, had fought through the failed German offensive the previous Spring and was fighting a retreating but still strong enemy. The Otagos were consolidating their line on the day Charles was killed so his death might have been the action of a German sniper.

FOR KING AND COUNTRY.

DEATH. 

SMITH. — On September 2nd, 1918, killed in action somewhere in France, Lancecorporal Charles Robert Smith (17th Reinforcements), beloved second son of James R. and Margaret Smith, 89 Grosvenor street, Kensington, and beloved grandson of Mr and Mrs James Purdie, Balfour street, N. E. Valley; aged 20 years. 

He cheerfully did his duty.  -Evening Star, 19/9/1918.

FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE. 

IN MEMORIAM.

SMITH. — In loving memory of 27706 — Lance-corporal Charles Robert Smith, who was killed in action at Bancourt, France, on September 2, 1918. 

"Somewhere In France" he is laid to rest

His life's work nobly done; 

'Twas a sacrifice for liberty 

Ere life had scarcne begun. 

— Inserted by his loving parents grandparents, sisters, and brothers.  -Otago Daily Times, 2/9/1919.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

Sister Amy Rhodes, (1866-20/5/1918). "experiences after death"

SMITH'S Hall, Hanover street. — Meeting Sunday night, 7 o’clock. Sister Amy Rhodes, S.G.P., Order Light, from South Australia, True Believers Divinity Christ. Address; ‘Sacrifices.’ Spiritual messages. All welcome. Collection.  -Evening Star, 23/10/1915.

Sister Mary Rhodes arrived in Dunedin from Adelaide during the war years, after what seems to be a split in her original movement, the Order of Light (Inc.).

SMITHS HALL, Hanover street, Sunday, 5-7 p.m. — Sister Amy Rhodes, Sovereign Grand President, Order of Light; address, 'Christians Awake.' Messages from flowers; all welcome; collection.  -Evening Star, 30/10/1915.

SMITH'S HALL, Hanover street, Sunday, 7 p.m., Sister Amy Rhodes. Addresses: "The Bruised Heart," "Vengeance is Mine." Independent spiritual messages. Collection for charity.  -Evening Star, 8/4/1916.

DUNEDIN SPIRITUALIST CHURCH (Reg.), Smith's Hall, Hanover street, , SUNDAY, 7 p.m. SISTER AMY RHODES, Australia's Registered Medium. Subject: 'The Rich Man and Lazarus.' Independent Messages. Silver coin collection. Come early and secure a seat.  -Evening Star, 29/9/1917.

Smith's Hall, Hanover street, SUNDAY, 7 p.m. SISTER AMY RHODES, Australia's Registered Medium. TRANCE ADDRESS. Spiritual Messages from Flowers. Silver Coin Collection. Come early and secure a seat.  -Evening Star, 6/10/1917.

DUNEDIN Spiritualist Church (Reg.). — Smith's Hall, Hanover street, Sunday, 7 p.m., Sister Amy Rhodes. Trance Address: "Experiences After Death." Silver coin collection. Farewell address. Mrs Rhodes's private address: 21 Filleul street.  -Otago Daily Times, 15/12/1917.

FRIENDLY Societies’ Hall, South Dunedin, Sunday, 7 p.m. Sister Amy Rhodes. Trance address: ‘Hell: Where and What Is It?’ Spiritual messages from Rowers. Mrs Rhodes’s private address: 21 Filleul street. Collection.  -Evening Star, 26/1/1918.

DEATHS.

RHODES. — On May 20, 1918, at her residence, 21 Filleul street, Sister Amy Rhodes; aged 52 years. Late of Australia. Private interment. — Hugh Gourlev, undertaker.  -Evening Star, 29/5/1918.

DUNEDIN SPIRITUALIST CHURCH. 

Smith's Hall, Hanover street, 

At 7 p.m. 

Mr FRED GEORGE. 

Memorial Service for late Sister Amy Rhodes. 

Messages from Flowers at Close.

Collection at Door.  

-Evening Star, 1/6/1918.

Not having access to Sister Rhodes' death certificate I do not know the official cause of her death. It might have been believed at the time that she was truly prescient of her own earthly end.  She might have died of a more predictable and inevitable cause.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

46702 Sapper John Dunipace, (24/8/1888-20/10/1918). "dangerously ill"

John Dunipace was a ploughman from Scotland, working for James English at Dipton when he joined the NZ Mounted Rifles at the end of 1916. He was hospitalised in April, 1918 with pyrexia (fever) and dysentry and then diagnosed with malaria at Gaza Hospital. On October 10, 1918, he was recorded as "dangerously ill" and he died three days later.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

Florence Emily Newbury, (7/10/1872-11/6/1874). "delicate children"

We regret to say that other two children belonging to the immigrants recently arrived per Atrato have died since Wednesday. They formed part of the Otago contingent, which was landed at the Quarantine Island on the above day, and are both described as having been delicate children. One, named Florence Newbury, aged twenty months, died on Thursday night; the other, Emma Jones, aged two years, departed this life yesterday. We are not informed of the cause of death in either case, beyond the fact that the complaint, whatever it may have been, was not infectious. We cannot but regard these deaths as other than exceedingly disquieting, occurring as they have so very soon after the official assertion vouching the particularly healthy condition of the Otago contingent.  -Otago Daily Times, 13/6/1874.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

Rosanna Boyle, (?-10/9/1883). "a spice of grim humour"

We learn by private telegram from Lyell that Rosanna Boyle, a well-known woman, was found dead in a tent on the 10th instant, and was buried on the following day.  -Westport Times, 18/9/1883.

"A well-known woman" was Rosanna Boyle.  Well known for what? Well, as it turns out, a number of things.

On Thursday morning last between five and six o'clock, a most diabolical outrage was committed on a woman named Rosanna Boyle, who occupies a house close to the firewood tramway. It appears that these men (brutes they might be more properly termed) went to her house partly drunk and demanded liquor. She went out and got some for them, and it was after drinking this the outrage was committed. They attempted to take liberties with her, which she at once resented, when one of the wretches held her while another attempted to perpetrate his horrible purpose. Being a very powerful woman, she struggled so successfully that they were unable to accomplish what they premeditated; and then commenced a scene that almost defies description. While one held his hand over her mouth to stifle her cries, the other beat her with bottles about the legs, thighs, and body, as well as jumping on her and kicking her, the man with his hand over her mouth beating her about the head with his fist. Her groans and cries now aroused those about, and although some few persons had already collected, they did not like to burst in the door, which was locked while this was going on. At last a man burst it open, when the ruffians rushed out and ran away. On entering a beastly sight met the eye, the poor woman rolling amongst broken bottles, and covered with blood and dirt. She was lifted to her bed and Dr Scubert came at once to attend upon her. Her eyes in a very short time became completely closed, and she was unable to open them until Saturday. Her face was also greatly swelled, owing to the hammering she received. She is still in her bed, from which she will not be able to move for some time. She knows the name of one of the party, and the others were recognised by those who saw them rush from the hut. The police are now on their track, and it is to be hoped that it will not be very long before they are taken. When will outrages on the Greenstone come to an end?  -Grey River Argus, 27/5/1869.

The men who committed the outrage on Rosanna Boyle are not yet in the hands of the police, although strong suspicions are entertained that they have not left the Greenstone yet; indeed, one man has already been taken up for using threatening language to her, and warning her "not to say anything, or else it would be worse for her."  -Grey River Argus, 3/6/1869.

The Greenstone has acquired an unenviable notoriety for rowdyism, find disturbances of different kinds. The latest occasion was on the 25th of May, when two men, who are well known, brutally assaulted a woman named Boyle. They have not yet been arrested, and in their case the usual intelligence that is characteristic of our police appears to be at fault.  -West Coast Times, 11/6/1869.

I have found no  record of the men responsible for the Greenstone "outrage" being brought before a court.

WARDEN'S COURT, AHAURA.

Thursday, April 11. (Before Mr Warden Whitefoord.)

Rosanna Boyle was summoned for, a breach of the Gold Field Regulations, by occupying a business site without a license at Granville. The defendant did not appear. Senior-Constable Dorrin and the Clerk to the Court proved the offence, and the defendant was fined L3 with costs.  -Grey River Argus 13/4/1872.

LYELL

Rosanna Boyle was charged with drunkenness. She denied the charge, but notwithstanding the very ingenious defence set up by her counsel, Mr Staite, his Worship fined her 10s.  -Westport Times, 16/5/1876.

DISTRICT COURT.

(Before His Honor Judge Weston) Saturday, Feb. 20. 

His Honor took his seat at 9 a.m. Upon the list of jurymen being called, Thomas Jephcoate did not respond. Constable Hobson stated that he had served the summons upon Jephcoate's wife, within twenty yards of his residence. His Honor pointed out to the constable that he must either serve summonses on the individual personally or at his residence. In this case he had done neither, and thus the defaulting juryman escaped. All constables should be acquainted with the law in this matter. 

Regina by Police v. Elizbeth Martin

Charge of unlawfully cutting and wounding one Rosnna Boyle, at Lyell, on Dec. 18th. 

The Crown Prosecutor appeared for the police and Mr Cowan for the defence. 

Prisoner pleaded not guilty. 

The following jury were empannelled: — N. Blaxall, T. Brock, P. McEnroe, J. McCormack, J. Shaw, T. Geary, H. Carey. W. Struthers, J. Stitt, D. McNamara, E. Quigley, J. Duggan. 

W. Struthers was chosen foreman. 

H. Neil and A. Grant were challenged by counsel for the defence. 

The Crown Prosecutor said that there were two counts in the indictment, one for cutting and wounding and the other for inflicting grevious bodily harm. He admitted that the case did not present any very serious appearance, it seemed to have become the custom of late to disregard the old fashioned system of settling difficulties by fisticuffs, but to resort to the knife. This the law must put down. Mr South's brief showed that on Dec. 8th last the prisoner went to the house of the prosecutrix, at Lyell, some words arose, and the prisoner took up a knife and stabbed the prosecutrix in the thigh. Evidence for the prosecution was then taken: —

Rosanna Boyle: On the morning of the 8th December last was in bed, at her residence, Lyell. Prisoner came to witness' door at 6 o'clock, and called to be let in, no auswer being given she went away, but again came back again. As it was raining the witness let her in, and again turned into bed in another room. Prisoner followed witness and wanted to go to bed with her. This witness refused, and asked her why she did not go to her own bed. Witness offered her a blanket to lay on the floor, and on turning to get the blanket, prisoner took up a knife (produced) from the dressing table and stabbed her below the thigh. Witness took the knife out of prisoner's hand, and put her out. Witness could not see the wound, but could see the blood which flowed from the cut. Showed the wound to Mr Rowbottom and Mr Pringle. Have known the prisoner three years and a half. She was drunk when she committed the assault. Witness did not think the prisoner assaulted her viciously. 

By Mr Cowan: Have no desire to prosecute the prisoner. It was Constable Brown who laid the information. Did not loose a quarter of a pint of blood. Suffered a little inconvenience, but was able to work during the week, the wound could not have been the result of an accident. The only reason witness knew for the prisoner taking up the knife was that witness would not let her come into bed. Prisoner appeared as if she had been out all night in the rain. Witness did not give information to the police, as she knew that prisoner had been drinking, in company with Constable Brown, on the previous night. 

Witness was briefly cross-examined by the Crown Prosecutor.

William Rowbottom: Saw the prisoner, on the morning in question, standing and knocking at prosecutrix's door. After knocking a few minutes the prosecutrix let prisoner in. Prisoner was, in witness's opinion, "after a bit of a booze." [His Honor severely reprimanded witness for using slang.] When coming back at five o'clock m the evening, Rosanna Boyle called witness and showed him a scratch above the thigh, she was in bed at the time, and had on a chemise.

There was no cut in the garment. All the wound witness saw a mere scratch, and not a drop of blood was about. The scratch presented the appearance as if a nail had lifted the skin. The scratch was between an inch and a half and an inch and three quarters in length.

By Mr Cowan: Did not notice any blood about the bed. Am sure that my own finger nail could have caused the wound. 

His Honor said that if the jury wished to see the wound it must be shown. His Honor did not want to see it. 

Cross-examination resumed: Never heard any person say anything against Rosanna Boyle's character. She is like everybody else at Lyell. She will take a glass when she can get it, like her neighbors. 

At this stage the Crown Prosecutor said that he had never beard of a witness exhibiting a wound on the portion of the body as that on which injury to prosecutrix was situated. A medical man should examine the wound and give evidence.

His Honor said that there was no person who had greater respect for females, in either high or low society than himself, but feelings of delicacy should not bear weight against the liberty of the subject. 

Henry Pringle: Two days after the occurrence took place prosecutrix showed a scratch on her right thigh to witness. The wound was rather of a half moon shape, and could not have been more than the sixteenth of an inch in depth. The knife produced might have caused the wound. When prosecutrix shewed the wound to witness he laughed at it.

By Mr Cowan: Considered the wound too frivolous to look for blood about the bed or proseoutix's clothes. Witness had seen the prosecutrix drunk three days out of the seven, and he believed she was a person ot ill fame. 

Constable Brown gave evidence. When he saw the wound on the second day of its infliction, and it was then covered with an encrustation of blood, he aid not think that it could have been caused by a nail or pin. The prosecutrix refused to haud over the knife with which the wound had been caused, but he had subsequently found it. The reason that witness did not lay the information for some considerable time after the infliction of the wound, because he had reported the affair to the Inspector of Police and awaited his instructions. 

His Honor commended the Constable for the judgment he had displayed in waiting for and acting upon the orders of his superior officer. 

This was all the evidence. 

The Crown Prosecutor did not wish to address the jury. 

Mr Cowan, in addressing the jury, asked them to disabuse their minds of any influence that might have obtained by reading a moralising paragraph printed in an inconsiderable paper called the Lyell Times and republished by the editor of the Westport Evening Star. He continued at length, stating that the case could easily have been settled by the Magistrate at Lyell, and thus saved the expense which would be necessary, it was his opinion that the police wanted a job; perhaps they desired a trip to Westport, to enjoy the beautiful sea breeze. At any rate if the constable had important business to attend to the case would not have been brought.

His Honor had been considering during the hearing of the case if it was necessary for him to address the jury, but there were one or two points which required notice. If the case had not arisen in auy other but the Lyell perhaps it would be his place to say that the police had exhibited il-judgement, but in considering the case he would have to also consider the circumstances of the country. Iu referring to the plea that the prisoner should not be prosecuted owing to the prosecutrix desiring to withdraw, his Honor quoted the practice of the renowned Sergeant Cox, showing that the commiseration of the prosecutrix or prosecutor should not be taken into account. His Honor asked the jury to discard the two major counts and say whether a common assault had or had not been committed, in doing this they would respect their oaths and could then leave the case in the hands of the gentlemen whose duty it was to mete out punishment. 

The jury retired for five minutes, and upon returning the Foreman said that they had decided upon a verdict of "Guilty of common assault." 

Prisoner had nothing to say why sentence should not be passed upon her. 

Mr Cowan addressed the Court with a view to mitigation of the sentence.

In reply to his Honor Constable Brown said that the prisoner had served three months in Nelson Gaol for assault She had no family.

His Honor addressed the prisoner in a very kind and commiserating manner. It was lamentable, he said, to see women so abandoned as the evidence proved the parties in this case to be. If his Honor were to follow his just feelings he would send the prisoner on her way, in the hope that the scene she had taken part in to-day would prove of beneficial influence upon her. But if the prisoner were discharged, and returned to her old haunts at the Lyell, the scene she had passed through would harden her, and the result would be that she would again be found in this or some other Court charged with, some more serious offence. His Honor was of opinion that the only hope of reform for the prisoner would be to send her to some other portion of the Colony, in the hope that, upon her liberation, she would lead a better life. His Honor found that a prisoner could not be sent away from unless the sentence was for more than one month, therefore he would commit the prisoner to Nelson Gaol for six weeks, with hard labor, and hoped that when she was released she would not return to her old haunts. 

The prisoner was then removed. 

His Honor remarked that the jury's verdict was a very sound one, thanked the jurors, and discharged them.  -Westport Times, 24/2/1876.

Referring to the case of Police v. Eliza Martin, heard at the last sitting of the Magistrate's Court at Lyell, and in which the accused awas committed to the District Court, the Lyell Times moralises thus: Defendant was charged with stabbing one Rosanna Boyle. The evidence in this case was totally unfit for publication. The prisoner was in a partial state of intoxication, and the prosecutrix was in a miserable plight, and the evidence disclosed anything but a flattering state of morality at Lyell. There was, perhaps, to those who like nasty things, a spice of grim humour in the evidence given, but we confess it, and that without shame, that the sight of an abandoned wretched woman, standing in the dock, causes far other feelings in our mind but those of pleasure, and could some of those gay young woman who throng the streets of Melbourne, Sydney, and Wellington, but see themselves 20 years hence, standing trembling before a Judge, we should have fewer of them outcasts on the outlying gold-fields.  -Westport Times, 24/2/1880.

Rosanna Boyle's rapid burial after her death would indicate that she was buried in the local cemetery at Lyell, but she is not recorded as lying there.