Percy John Turner, 1887-31/8/1912. "a shot was heard"

 SON SHOT DEAD BY FATHER.

The Terrible Turner Tragedy at Dunedin.

What Was Revealed at the Inquest.

Was the Old Man a Loafer? — Discharged From Seacliffe Mental Hospital — Says He Shot in Self Defence — The Old Man's "Last" Drink — Something About Deceased — Formerly a Police Station Cook — Turner's Dilapidated Appearance in the Dock — A Loaded Revolver — The Gun Pointed at Another Son — "That's the Gun I Did it With" — A Verdict of Murder.

One of the ghastliest tragedies, resulting from domestic infelicity, was enacted in the St. Kilda district of Dunedin last Saturday afternoon, about 2 o'clock, when Robert Turner, aged between 50 and 60, mortally wounded his son Percy John, aged 25. 

"Everybody works but father", is not intended to be flippant, because, in this very serious instance, these words from the old song put in a nutshell the alleged cause of the direful tragedy. 

Robert Turner was discharged from Seacliffe Mental Hospital about nine months ago. From the time of his committal, he was detained for only the short period of six weeks, after which period the Superintendent reported that Turner had made a most 

COMPLETE AND WONDERFUL RECOVERY from his mental derangement. 

The main trouble between father and son lies in the fact that the father did no work. Since his discharge from Seacliffe, father had done practically no toil, and as father was also very fond of his "pint and supper beer" that did not help to mend matters. 

On Saturday, morning last, between 8 and 9 o'clock, the consistent loafing of father became too much for Percy John and he gave his father a bit of his mind, which culminated in a quarrel, Percy John striking father, and putting father out. He also defied father to come back to the house, another fact which father greatly resented, as he was going to lose the pickings of his well-fed children. 

About noon time the elder Turner came back for lunch, and, thinking to get him out of the way, Mrs Turner gave him his lunch early. About one o'clock, or a little after, Percy John came home, and after lunch he packed some things in his box and went to a room next the stable to get a rope to tie up the box.

HIS FATHER WAS IN THE STABLE and after some conversation, which does not appear to have been shouted out, a shot was heard, and Percy was seen to stagger back and fall, while his father rushed out of the stable with a pea-rifle in his hand. A revolver was also found by the stable door, about ten feet from where Percy was seen to fall. 

The father claims to have done it in self-defence, and that Percy threatened him with the revolver, but the peculiar feature of this is that the police have so far failed to trace any relationship between the revolver and Percy. He is never known to have had the weapon, nor has it been ascertained that he made purchase of such a firearm on or about the day of the tragedy. 

As to whether the deed was the action of an insane man or not, Turner's very actions and callous words seem to give denial to any such supposition. As soon as the deed was accomplished, he admitted it without any qualms and made the excuse that he did it in self defence. On the way to the Police Station, he stopped at the pub for a drink in the private room, and when told by the bartender that he could not have a 3d drink in there, he replied, "You might as well give me one; it'll be the last I'll get; I've shot my son." He seemed more anxious to have a last snifter than to express any regrets for his action. Moreover, his demeanor in court on Monday morning and at the inquest at the Hospital on Monday afternoon could hardly be described as that of an insane man. He was cool and collected, showed no trace of anxiety, and indeed followed the inquest proceedings with interest, showing that he was quite cognisant of what was being said and done. 

A report of the inquest proceedings is given hereunder, and the Police Court proceedings were merely formal, the accused being remanded till Friday. On his appearance in court, the difference between father and son (or, for that matter, his other sons) was at once distinguished. Whereas the son was always a neat, well-dressed, smart looking man, Robert Turner presented one of the most dilapidated fronts which has ever graced the Police Court dock. He is short of stature, small eyes, has a prominent nose of a pronounced reddish tint, and wore a suit which had seen better days. He also wore a turned-over white collar, which had evidently been in mourning for some time, and surmounting this was about two weeks' growth of greyish black wool. At the inquest, he was somewhat averse to being looked at, and sat with his cap in hand to his mouth. He has a wife and three other children, two boys and a girl. 

The victim was formerly culinary artist at the Christchurch Police Station, and had the novel experience of 

BEING ARRESTED ON THE PREMISES. It was in connection with trouble with his wife, who obtained a divorce from him in Christchurch a few months back on the ground of misconduct with another woman. There was one child of the marriage, about three years of age. Turner was to have married the other woman in a week's time. The deceased for some time had been connected with the Auckland and Wellington police in the capacity of cook. Recently he took up a position as jewellery traveller on the T.P. system, as work in his own line was scarce. He lived for about four hours after being shot. 

Coroner Graham held an inquest at the hospital. Inspector Dwyer acted on behalf of the police, while Mr Bedford acted for Turner. 

Dr. William Stuart Roberts deposed as to the cause of death. The postmortem examination showed a bullet wound on the left side of the chest, between the seventh and eighth ribs, in the line of the armpit. The bullet had passed through the lower lobe of the left lung, causing severe hemorrhage, and the left chest was full of blood. The bullet had struck the vertebral column, and was finally lodged in the spinal cord. The cause of death was hemorrhage. He extracted the bullet (produced). The deflection of the wound was slightly downwards. It looked as though shot had been fired by a person standing to one side. 

Robert Franklin Turner, brother of the deceased and an employee of Hudson and Co., biscuit- manufacturers, said he identified the deceased as his brother Percy John Turner. 

Continuing, witness said: Percy John was a cook by trade, but has recently been a jewellery traveller. He 

STAYED AT HOME WITH HIS PARENTS and was 25 years. of age. I was at home on Saturday morning, but I know of no trouble between my brother and father. I leave home at 7 a.m., whereas my brother would not leave till 9 a.m. My brother and father were both in the house when I left home. I returned at 12.50 p.m. My brother came home about 1 p.m. Percy had his dinner on his own. After Percy had his lunch, he packed his box with a view to going away. He never said anything, but when he finished packing he went to clean his boots in the wash-house. He came inside again, washed his hands and went out to a room next the stable to get a rope to tie his box with.. That would be about 2 o'clock. He then went to the stable, and seemed to be talking to some one in the stable, but I did not see who it was. I heard a report and saw him fall. I should say it was a gun shot. My sister and I at once rushed out to the stable. My father came out from the stable and went back again. He had a gun in his hand (pea-rifle produced). I picked up a revolver at the door (six-chambered bulldog revolver produced). My father closed the stable door and 

AIMED THE GUN AT ME. The stable door is a grating door and he presented the gun through the open wooden spaces. He was inside the door. He said nothing so I aimed the revolver at him. He came out eventually, threw the gun at me and rushed away. I picked the gun up and threw it at him. He picked it up again and went out into the street. Mr Ross caught him on the street. Some neighbors had by his time arrived and they carried my brother into the house. My brother was lying about ten feet away from the stable, and I found the revolver close to the stable door. I never saw that revolver before. My brother never had that revolver to my knowledge. I never saw the rifle before. The revolver was fully loaded when I picked it up. My brother and father were not happy together. 

Cross-examined by Mr Bedford: I ascertained from Mr Aslin that the revolver was fully loaded. My brother staggered a bit after I heard the shot, possibly ten feet. I did not watch my brother closely previously to hearing the shot. My brother did not say he was going to any place when he packed his box.

William Ross, builder, St. Kilda, said: I live close to deceased. I was at home on Saturday afternoon. My attention was drawn to Turner's house by my wife. I ran round to the house, and met Mr Turner, jnr., about 40 yards from his gate with a rifle in his hand. I caught him as he was running, and took the gun from him. He said he was going to give himself up. The last witness came along and said "Turner shot Percy." I took him to the Police Station, where Turner said, "I've come to give myself up." Before we arrived at the Police Station, we went into the hotel, where

TURNER CALLED FOR A DRINK. That was in the side room. The bartender said they were all 6d drinks here, the 3d drinks were in the front bar. Turner said, "Oh. well, it will be my last, as I've shot my son." I identify the gun produced as the one I took from Turner. 

Sergeant Patrick O'Connell corroborated the evidence of Ross as to the statement made by Turner in the Police Station. Turner also said. "I've done it in self-defence. My son had a revolver, and he threatened to shoot me." I asked Ross "Whose is the gun?" and Turner said, "That's the gun I did it with." I cautioned Turner, but he repeated that he had done it in self defence.

To Mr Bedford: Ross was present and heard all that Turner said. 

The Coroner returned a verdict of death due to severe hemorrhage caused by a gunshot wound wilfully inflicted by Turner, senr.   -NZ Truth, 7/9/1912.

THE TURNER TRAGEDY.

Father Shoots His Son. 

The Latest Particulars. 

Accused Committed For Trial. 

[From "Truth's" Dunedin Rep.] .Reverting to the Turner tragedy, recorded in "Truth's" last issue, our Dunedin correspondent sends the following later particulars: — 

The rifle which was at first sight termed by the police and others "a pea rifle" is not in reality a "pea rifle." "Truth's" rep. made a closer examination of the firearm. It is an oldfashioned gun, such as might be used to shoot wild pigs, and has a slightly larger bore than a pea rifle. 

It is not in good taste to comment adversely on the dead, but in fairness to the father, it may be mentioned that according to the expression of the opinions which are being freely distributed around the Holy City, the deceased was alleged to be a man of irascible temper. He has been known to go into 

A PASSION OVER MERE TRIFLES. His divorced wife, who is at present employed as an assistant cook in a hotel near Moray-place, is reported to have said some months ago, "Percy will come to a bad end one day." Whether her words have any significance in view of the tragedy must be left to the judge and jury. 

It is alleged he also displayed palpable fits of temper on the football field when he was a member of the Union Football Club. 

It is now stated that although Turner did no work during the last nine months, he was not in the best of health, as was evidenced by his committal to Seacliffe, even if only for six weeks. He brought his family up respectably and always found them a crust. When he was getting old, he expected the family to find him a home. 

No further discovery has been made as to the ownership of the revolver. 

In the last few months — since Percy took up the T.P. jewellery business he had come to be regarded as something of a "hot air artist," and customarily made the statement that he carried five hundred quids' worth of jewellery in his bag. Even if this be true or untrue, it should not be looked at in an adverse light, because it might easily be regarded as 

"ONE OF THE TRICKS OF THE TRADE," and the more valuable the jewellery which he said he had, the better prospects of doing business. 

Public sympathy seems to be divided at the present time. One thing is certain, all join with "Truth" in saying that the family are to be sympathised with over the dreadful and unfortunate occurrence, and what the outcome will be no one will know, until the matter goes before the Supreme Court. 

Investigations made by "Truth" show that on the morning of the tragedy Percy came up to the office of Goatham and Co., jewellers, for whom he was working, and told Goatham and the boys that he had had a row with the old man, and that the old man had knocked the youngest boy about, whereupon he (Percy) objected, and knocked the old man, 

WHO GRABBED A CARVER and chased him (Percy). Eventually the old man dropped the knife after Percy had threatened to fell him. Turner senr., locked himself in a room, and Mrs Turner made peace, and Percy went off to work. This is the narrative as told by Percy when he went to work on the Saturday morning. Goatham did not want Percy to go home on Saturday at noon-time, because of the fact that there might be further trouble, but Percy persisted, and the tragedy happened. 

Another of Goatham's travellers went out to Forbury-crescent, and obtained the jewellery bag which Percy had been peddling. 

One peculiar circumstance is that on the tragic day a married sister came down from Oamaru with a few weeks' old baby, and there was to be a christening feast. The good things had been ordered, but the tragedy interrupted all possibility of ceremonies, and baby is still unchristened. 

At the Dunedin S.M.s Court on Friday of last week, Robert Turner was charged with murdering his son, Percy John Turner. 

The evidence given was similar to that adduced at the inquest. 

The accused, who reserved his defence, was committed for trial.  -NZ Truth, 14/9/1912.

THE TURNER TRAGEDY.

Accused Man Removed to Mental Hospital.

Police Reticent and Give No Reason

Investigations Re a Revolver.

[From "Truth's" Dunedin Rep.]

Robert Turner, the alleged murderer of his son at Forbury Park Crescent, St. Kilda, was on Tuesday morning week transferred from Dunedin Gaol to Seacliffe Mental Asylum.

When "Truth's" rep. saw the old man on the station platform at Dunedin,. he seemed, if anything, to have gained a more

VENERABLE AND REPUTABLE APPEARANCE during his enforced stay in the gaol. He has lost the dirty, unshaven appearance, and has grown, quite a respectable short, black beard, which is heavily tinged with grey.

He appeared to have a somewhat vacant look, and with his long hours of idleness, with many moments for brooding over his act, his mind, which has previously been shown to be not altogether of particularly sound balance, may probably again have become to some extent slightly unhinged.

The authorities are very reticent on the subject, and will give no authentic reasons for his removal from gaol, but the foregoing seems to be the very probable reason.

He looked at "Truth's" rep. for some little time, and "Truth's" rep. said "Good morning," but

TURNER DID NOT REPLY. As he proceeded along the platform, he gazed at the intending passengers and carriages with no apparent line of vision, and his gait was aimless.

With his approaching trial in the Supreme Court next month, on or after Monday, November 11, there must be a good reason for his removal at this, the almost eleventh hour. Another opinion is, however, expressed that the removal has not been made on account of his present mental condition, but simply that thoroughly competent observation may be kept on the alleged murderer, so as to determine his present state of mind, in view of the approaching trial and possible defence of insanity.

Meantime, the police have been making very close investigations as to whether the revolver, which was found on the scene of the tragedy, was or was not the property of 

PERCY TURNER, THE VICTIM. Persons, who have been interviewed by the police, have spoken to "Truth" on the subject, but these persons declare that they can give no definite information as to whether the revolver was actually Percy's property, or that the revolver was in his possession at the time of the tragedy.  -NZ Truth, 9/11/1912.

THE TURNER TRAGEDY.

Murderer Insane and Sent to an Asylum.

Doctor's Evidence Precludes Defence

Case Short and Sweet.

(From "Truth's Dunedin Rep.).

Some sensational medical evidence was given at the hearing of the murder charge in the Supreme Court, Dunedin, before his Honor Mr Justice Sim last Tuesday, when Robert Turner was accused of having shot his son on August 31 at the family residence in Forbury-crescent, St. Kilda. From the testimony of Dr. Stenhouse, gaol surgeon, who had had the accused under observation from September 3 to October 29, it appears that Turner has been making things merry within the prison precincts. He has shown himself to be sullen, morose, and depressed, though not apparently suffering from any anguish or remorse such as might be expected from a normal father under the circumstances. He refused to answer the doctor's questions, and told the grey-bearded, bespectacled old saw-bones that he had no right to ask questions. He stolidly 

REFUSED TO ANSWER all questions relative to drinking habits, and when questioned on that point Turner was very nasty, but said that he drank like other men. When interrogated as to his previous committal to Seacliffe in November of last year, Turner turned up with wrathful ire and declared that at that time he had been drugged by some person unknown to him. He only wished he knew who it was, and also how long these drugs had been administered to him. Dr. Stenhouse give it as his opinion that Turner was delusionary insane. On October 10 last, when Turner was having some fresh air, in the gaol yard, a ladder fell on his face through some means which has been unexplainable. His cheek, nose, and eye were bruised, and he had to be taken to the doctor. Whilst being taken to the doctor's room he became very violent, and it took the combined strength, of 

THREE BRAWNY WARDERS to convey the little grey-bearded Turner to the physician. When in the medico's room, Turner was almost more violent he kicked and struggled violently, and, as a windup, attempted to drag the doc's chronometer from his vest pocket, For the next week or two he continued to be violent; and he was removed to Seacliffe on October 29. (Incidentally, it might be mentioned that "Truth," in its issue of November 2, was the only paper which gave notification to the public of this removal.) 

Turner made some more than interesting admissions to Dr Edward Alexander, the sanity expert; who examined Turner on September 30 and October 3. From the admissions of the accused, it appears that Turner had had the rifle, with which he committed the deed, loaded for seven months previously, in view of an attack which he expected. He had a mania for collecting firearms and any sorts of odds and ends. In addition to the rifle, he had a horse pistol, and both of these, he said, he picked up in Invercargill. With reference to his previous detention in Seacliffe, Turner 

PROTESTED AGAINST THEIR FEEDING him whilst there, and said they should have let him die. Turner's story of the tragedy is to this effect: "Percy came at me with a revolver and I locked myself in the stable. I couldn't do anything else but shoot at Percy, though I am sorry that Percy did not succeed with me." As will be seen, Turner was first committed to Seacliffe on November 30, 1911, and discharged on January 13, 1912. At that time he was suffering from homicidal delusion. Dr. Alexander says the early discharge may be accounted for in two ways: (1) Possibly, the delusions had quite disappeared, but became renewed with the home environment; (2) on the other hand, Turner may have concealed them. 

Turner had taken alcohol to excess, which had affected his brain, though he had not imbibed so freely during the past eighteen months, but the damage was done before then. Dr. Alexander gave it as his opinion that at the time Turner shot his son he was 

NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS ACT. Crown Prosecutor Fraser intimated that Dr. Truby King was of the same opinion. 

Robert Franklyn Turner, brother of the deceased, Beattie Turner, sister, William Ross, builder, Sergeant Patrick James O'Connel, and Dr. William Stuart Roberts gave formal evidence of the crime as it was enacted on August 31, full particulars of which appeared in the issue of "Truth" of September 7.

Lawyer Bedford said he proposed to lead two lines of defence — that of justifiable self-defence and insanity. 

Justice Sim pointed out that if he argued the first he must contend that Turner was sane. Counsel could hardly turn round and with the next breath urge that he was insane. He thought that the medical evidence of the Crown was quite clear, but Mr Bedford need not accept it. Mr Bedford said he would accept it, and withdraw the plea of self defence. The jury, without leaving the box, found the prisoner "Not guilty." and acquitted him. 

Justice Sim thereupon ordered that Turner be kept in close custody at Seacliffe Mental Hospital until the pleasure of the Minister of Justice was known. 

One curious feature of the case which has not hitherto been mentioned, is the information that Turner did not stay in the house with his family, but resided in a small room in the stable from which he shot his son, and which is adjacent to the house.  -NZ Truth, 23/11/1912.

DEATHS

TURNER. — On January 30th, at Dunedin, Robert, husband of M. M. Turner, 447 Anderson’s Bay road; in his 75th year. Private interment.

— Hope and Kinaston, undertakers.  -Evening Star, 30/1/1925.

Percy and Robert Turner, father and son, lie in the same grave in Dunedin's Northern Cemetery, with other family members.  Robert's condition must have improved at Seacliff as his address at time of death in 1925 is recorded as being in Andersons Bay Rd. It is possible, however, that the stigma of mental illness meant that the body was taken to the family home from Seacliff.

Barely discernable in Dunedin's Northern Cemtery, the name Turner on the family grave.

DEATHS

TURNER. — On January 30, at Dunedin, Robert, husband of M. M. Turner, 447 Anderson’s Bay road; in his seventy-fifth year. Private interment. — Hope and Kinaston, undertakers.   -Otago Daily Times, 31/1/1925.

Eliza Ellen Mayhead 1869-19/1/1903.

ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES

Dunedin, January 19. Intimation has been received that a married woman named Elisabeth Ellen Mayhead drowned her baby in a bath, and then committed suicide by lying on the top of the boy in the bath. The affair occurred at North East Valley, but particulars are, so far, meagre. Later particulars attribute the tragedy to insomnia, the unfortunate woman suffering from delusions and insomnia.   -Taranaki Daily News,  20/1/1903.

TRAGEDY NEAR DUNEDIN.

(per press association.) Dunedin, Jan 18. Intimation has been received that a married woman named Mayhead drowned her baby in a bath and committed suicide herself by lying on top of she child in the bath. The affair occurred at Northeast Valley. 

Later. The particulars concerning the tragedy at North Valley show Mrs Mayhead was 36 years of age. She is the wife of a carpenter, who was formerly a contractor, a superior woman and well spoken of by the neighbours, and was on the best of terms with her husband. A church of England clergyman had visited the house, and shortly afterwards she told her little girl to go out and play with the baby while she did some work. Some time later the girl returned, but could not find her mother. She noticed that the bathroom door was locked. The girl went to a neighbor and asked for her mother. On mentioning about the bathroom door being locked, the neighbour went to the house. The door was forced open, and the woman and her little boy five years old were found dead in the bath. Medical aid was at once sent for, but without avail. It is understood that since her last child was born, the unfortunate woman has suffered from delusions and insomnia, and was being medically attended. It is supposed that insomnia led her to her mind becoming unhinged. The husband, who works in a sawmill, was a little late in getting home, otherwise he might have arrived in time to avert the tragedy.  -Greymouth Evening Star, 20/1/1903.

Death.

MAYHEAD. — On the 19th inst., at Selwyn, North-east Valley, Eliza Ellen, the beloved wife of Walter Mayhead; aged 35 years. Also, at the same time and place, William, son of the above, aged 5 years. Private interment.  -Evening Star, 20/1/1903.

THE TRAGEDY IN THE VALLEY.

THE INQUEST. 

Mr Coroner Graham held an inquest yesterday afternoon at Selwyn street, North-east Valley, into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Mrs Eliza Ellen Mayhead, aged thirty-five years, and her son William Mayhead, aged five years, who were found drowned in the bath at their home, Selwyn road, on Monday night. Mr William Mitchell was chosen foreman of the jury, and Inspector O'Brien watched the proceedings on behalf of the police. 

Walter Mayhead, carpenter and joiner, said that the bodies shown to the jury were those of his wife and son. His wife had not been very well mentally for the last month, and had been under the care of Dr Fulton, who had seen her frequently lately. She had shown suicidal tendencies, and he had been warned to take particular care of her, and to watch her carefully. When witness was away at work Mrs Strong looked after her. Witness last saw his wife alive at about a quarter to one on Monday afternoon. She said she was all right then. Witness left at a quarter to one, leaving Mrs Mayhead in charge of the little girl Dorothy, aged ten. Mrs Strong could not stay. Witness had been staying with his wife, but she requested him to go to work. Mrs Strong left three days before. Witness was arranging for someone else to look after her. On Saturday night witness took his wife to the opera, and during their absence the other person whom he had engaged called at the house. He thought she would call again, and waited with his wife for the next few days. She said she would not have another woman if she came, that she felt right as ever she was. 

Dr Fulton said that he attended Mayhead for about ten days subsequent to her confinement in August last. She did not show then to him any signs of mental aberration, but seemed perfectly clear and collected in every way. She telephoned on the 11th of this month, asking him to come down and see her. He accordingly arrived at the house, and Mrs Mayhead spoke to him in the sitting room. She was in an excited condition, and melancholy, talked incoherently, and was afraid people were going to come and take her baby. He saw her four or five times subsequently up till last Thursday. In the interval between the first visit and last Thursday she seemed perfectly reasonable and rational, except on the subject of fear. She said she was afraid to stop in the house by herself. The last time he saw her was in Mr Begg's wool shed, where Miss Begg was kindly looking after her. She never suggested suicide to him, but she threatened to drink a bottle of some stuff which was in the cupboard. She said quite quietly: "You had better take it away," and it was taken away. She also said that day that she was sorry she had not said good-bye to her husband; that he would not see her again. Witness warned the husband and friends that she might become suicidal, that she must be carefully watched, and that if there was no improvement in a few days she would have to be sent to to the asylum. Witness had not the slightest doubt that she was in unsound mind at the time of her death. The cause of death in both cases was drowning. 

To Inspector O'Brien: She never at any time expressed any desire to inflict violence on the boy. She was a meek and gentle woman, very kind and affectionate, and had a pleasant and cheerful home. Mr Begg and his son did everything that was possible in their efforts to try and resuscitate life before he arrived. 

John Begg, fellmonger, said that he did not see much of Mrs Mayhead lately, but he had been told that she was demented. At about twenty minutes to seven on Monday evening he was told that the girl had been asking for her mother. The girl said that she could not find her, and that the bathroom door was locked. Hearing this, witness became suspicious, and with Mrs Begg went to the house. Witness waited outside while Mrs Begg went inside. The latter returned, saying that she could not find Mrs Mayhead, but that the water was running in the bath. Mrs Begg then looked through the bathroom window, and saw Mrs Mayhead in the bath. Witness at once burst in the door with an axe and found deceased lying in the bath, fully clothed. She was floating with her face downward. He lifted her body and head out of the water, and was then astonished to see the boy, around whom the mother's arms were clasped. They were both quite dead. Mrs Begg assisted witness to lift the bodies out of the bath and with the assistance of his son (who arrived five minutes afterwards) witness did all that he possibly could to try to restore life. The tap was running when witness went into the bathroom, but the bath had not over-flowed. 

George William Henry Harding, vicar of St. Martin's, said that he first saw Mrs Mayhead ten days ago, and had since called to see her almost daily. When he first saw her she was very excited, and appeared to be bordering on religious mania. Later on the religious mania passed away, and she seemed to think that some terrible disaster was going to happen to her. Witness considered that she was insane. He suspected that she had suicidal tendencies. She seemed infinitely fond of her husband and children. 

To Inspector O'Brien: She seemed much better when he called at six o'clock on Monday evening than she had been previously. She was in a very distracted state when he saw her on the Saturday. 

The jury, without retiring, brought in a verdict "That the deceased William Mayhead was murdered by his mother when she was in an unsound state of mind, and that the deceased Eliza Ellen Mayhead committed suicide whilst in an unsound state of mind." 

Mr Graham added the remark that in these cases it seemed harsh to make use of the word murder, but the sting was taken away from it by the fact that the woman was not accountable for her actions.  -Evening Star, 21/1/1903.

Northern Cemetery, Dunedin.

DEATHS

MAYHEAD. — On November 29, 1929 (suddenly), at Dunedin Hospital, Walter, beloved husband of the late H. E. Mayhead, in his sixty-ninth year. "At rest."   -Otago Daily Times, 30/11/1929.

Joseph Horton, alias, Joseph Fernandez, ?-?.

Every now and then I find an intriguing reference to something that most newspapers would not have covered due to its tendency to corrupt the purity of their readers.

A RUINED ROMANCE.

HAREM SKIRTS ON SHOW.

A Draw in Dunedin.

Why Horton was Hauled In.

Just another horrible revelation from Dunedin which Sassiety vainly speculates over, while it ruins its nerves and digestion with large doses of tea and buns. About a fortnight ago an empty shop in George-street became suddenly full, although not in the accepted sense of the term. A signwriter got busy on the large plateglass window, and the legend that he gradually evolved in three colors, for the benefit of a breathlessly interested public, was that the shop would shortly contain the precious burden of 

TWO LADIES FROM FRANCE (this isn't a Limerick) who would, for and in consideration of the small silver coin known to bookies, barmen, or other vulgar people, as a "tanner," display to the envious, pious gaze of Holy Dunedin, the real (pedigree guaranteed) harem scarem skirt in all its primitive beauty and bagginess, and also it announced that at the time Dunedin was gazing on the classic outlines of the scarem skirt there would be a continuous programme of music, likewise the show would be continuous and Dunedin could bring along its tea or a little drop of gin in a medicine bottle to assist the gaze on the scene of unrivalled splendor. Dunedin blew along in great style to see the show, and sixpences became suddenly scarce in the "pubs" as mother and sister were collaring father's beer money, and brother Willie was romantically "doing in" his lunch-money on the inspiring scene. The show consisted of two rather nice looking young things who were supposed to be French, but looked as if Wardland was their native heath. 

THEY POSED AND POSTURED in several brands of the scarem skirt, and a piano cheerfully tinkled the noble, classical melody, "Has anybody seen Kelly?" and other things all the time. 

The presiding genius of the galaxy of talent was a dark swarthy individual of sombre mien. He had a mop of black curly greasy hair, and deep tragedy peeped out of his dreamy black eyes. The nice young girls who left their typewriters and sewing machines to see the show, were sure that he must have been a Count or a Marquis which a rude and vulgar French Republic had cast into the world, after collaring the family castle and the silver spoons, with the crest upon them, to pay the national debt. 

But a change came over the scene. One day the door of the treasure house was closed. No more did the sweet scarem skirt excite the envy of Annie, and the wearer of it touch the loving heart of brother Willie. The piano tinkled no more, and the sixpences failed to jingle at the front door — because it was closed. Dunedin began to imagine that the Republic had relented and had given back the silver spoons and the turreted castle, and that the Count had come into his own again. Alas for those fond imaginings! It was not the Republic but 

A LARGE UNROMANTIC DETECTIVE who blue-pencilled the show by collecting the tragic looking Count. Gone was the romance attached to the fair ladies of the harem and the curly mop of the French noble. An unimaginative watchhouse keeper put his name down on the charge sheet last week as William Fernandez, alias Joseph William Horton. 

Plain Bill was charged before Mr Widdowson, S.M., with having on March 8, at Westport, unlawfully made a false statement representing that he was Joseph William Horton, and did sign the marriage register to that effect.

Bill was sent along to the coaly city to see about the matter on L100 bail.

Foreign nobility is severely discountenanced in Dunedin just now.  -NZ Truth, 3/6/1911.

So far, so interesting.  But what was the harem skirt?  A quick look revealed that it was a new fashion at the time, an otherwise standard skirt, split and hemmed above the bottom to look a little like trousers.  Outrageous!

And who was Fernandez, alias Horton? (Or maybe Horton alias Fernandez?)

RUINED ROMANCE.

JOE FERNANDEZ OR JOE HORTON!

Is He Mrs Major's Long Lost Brother?

Some Peculiar Evidence — An ex-M.P.'s Wife — Cannot Swear if Accused is Her Brother — He was a Wanderer — A Sort of Will-o' -the- Wisp — Horton's Magic Cleanser — A Lady who Addressed Him as Joe — The Police Make Allegations — A Remand Granted.

"The Ruined Romance" from Dunedin, which, appeared in "Truth's" last issue was advanced on Thursday of last week at Westport, where before Mr E. Rawson, S.M., the dark-haired distinguished personage, Joseph Fernandez, alias Joseph William Horton, was charged with having, on March 8, at Westport, unlawfully made false statements touching particulars required to be known and registered under the provisions of the Marriage Act, to wit, falsely representing that he was Joseph William Horton, and signing the marriage book in that respect. Mr W. Gr. McDonald appeared, for the accused. Sergeant Dew, who prosecuted, said that the accused went through a form of marriage at St. John's Church on March 8, and signed a declaration in the marriage register as Joseph Horton. The prosecution would prove that accused's proper name was Fernandez, that 

HE WAS BORN IN NAPIER, but that he had gone by the name of Horton. The first witness called was Julia Sarah Major, wife of Chas. E. Major, of Napier, formerly M.P. for Hawera. Her maiden name it appears was Julia Fernandez, and she was not sure whether she was fourth, fifth or sixth of a family of eight. Thirty-two years ago she left Gisborne, when she was sixteen years of age. At that time she had a brother Joseph, who was younger than she, but she could not recaltl when or where he was born. It was now some years since she saw that younger brother, but she was not prepared to swear to the man in the dock. When she last saw Joseph (her brother) was seven years ago, then it was only for a minute or so, in the evening when the light was bad. Further, Mrs Major could not say that the man in the dock was like her brother. She said further, that she was married when sixteen years of age, and she had revisited Gisborne in recent years, but all her family were gone. She never corresponded with her brother Joseph, whom she believed 

WAS A WANDERER AND A TRAVELLER. She corresponded with her mother. She had no photograph of Joseph, and could not remember if he were referred to in her correspondence with her family. She thought she saw Joseph about twenty years ago. He seemed to be quite young, on the threshold of manhood. That was when passing through Hawera. She did not know his occupation. It was in Wellington she saw him about seven years ago or more. On one occasion someone said her brother was and she saw him. She saw him in the street, but did not go up to recognise him. She could not recollect what conversation passed. She doubted him and said so. At that time she was very ill; she was under the doctor. She was not interested. There was nothing disreputable in his appearance that made her not wish to make his acquaintance. She thought he had gold teeth in front and gold in his teeth. Fernandez was a Spanish name. She was of Spanish extraction as far as she knew, but her parents were English. She had a conversation at Hawera with the man claiming to be her brother. It was just while the train was passing. She did not recognise the man she met about seven years ago as the same one who had accosted her about twenty years ago. When the second man claimed acquaintance she did not think the incident of twenty years crossed her mind. She understood she had a brother Joseph. He was a sort of will-o'-the-wisp. She understood the brother was known as Horton, but he had no legal claim to that name. That was the reason why she did not take any interest in him. She heard it through some company he was interested in. A patent was known as 

HORTON'S MAGIC CLEANER. That was about seven years ago or longer. She recollected that he said he had taken the name of Horton because of the companies he was interested in. She learnt this in Wellington about seven years ago. She had never heard of him as Joseph Humphries. Witness was never sufficiently interested to ascertain whether the man was her brother or not. She believed twenty years ago the man was her brother. Witness had a sister, Mrs Humphries, and a brother John, who was on a survey party in the Mt. Radiant district. Knew these two intimately, but was not sure about the number of other brothers and sisters. Her mother was dead three years. Witness remembered that the man told her on one of the occasions of meeting him that he had taken the name of Horton owing to the companies he was interested in. 

Harriet Ellen Mackay, wife of R. P. Mackay, of Westport, said she recognised accused. They went to school together at Napier public school. She left school about 1890. His name was Joe Fernandez. She could remember him for four or five years at least. She remembered his mother, Mrs Fernandez. She saw him in Coromandel fifteen years ago. He was still known as Joe Fernandez. He was there on a holiday the same as herself. He was staying with some of his relatives. She met him in Westport, about two months ago in her husband's shop. She got in conversation with him about school days. 

SHE ADDRESSED HIM AS "JOE." He made no reference to going under any other name at that time. She did not think the name Fernandez cropped up because they knew each other. He looked a little older than when she met him fifteen years ago, but otherwise had not altered. 

Cross-examined by Mr McDonald: Witness said she had not seen accused in the interval between seeing him at Coromandel and at Westport. It might have been more than fifteen years ago, something between fifteen and twenty. 

John R. Dart, Anglican minister at Westport, said on March 8 last accused came to him to conduct a marriage ceremony by license. A declaration was put in. This declaration was outside the Marriage Act altogether, a church custom. The declaration was made before witness and signed by the accused as J. W. Horton. He subsequently married accused to Joan von Dunker. After the marriage ceremony accused signed the marriage register. Accused made no reference to having any other name. The signatures appeared of Joan von Dunker and J. W. Horton. On the application of the police a remand for eight days was granted, the Police Sergeant intimating that he desired to call a brother of accused, and also the Registrar. Mrs Major (who lives at Hawera) had intimated that she was leaving immediately on a twelve months' trip to Australia. His Worship said he would look into the question of binding her over to appear as a witness if the accused were committed for trial. 

Bail was fixed at accused in £100 and two sureties of £50 each. 

In arguing the question of bail, Mr McDonald said the charge was a simple one, and, could be met with a fine. 

Sergeant Dew asked for substantial bail. He said there was a good deal in the case. Accused had brought a young girl here, married her, taken her to Greymouth, paid her passage back, and left her with five shillings.  -NZ Truth, 10/6/1911.

All the more interesting.  What was his patent cleaner?  A quick look through some advertisements brought up this from 1907 -

A company has been formed in Wellington under the title of "Horton's American Manufacturing Company," to place upon the market "Horton's Magic Cleanser." It is claimed for this preparation that, in addition to its being a perfect cleanser for paint, furniture, floors, linoleum, etc., it is the best preparation of its kind at present on the market for washing clothes. Various public tests have been made in Wellington of its efficacy to the complete satisfaction of all who have witnessed them. Many public bodies in Wellington are now using the Magic Cleanser, and testimonials voluntarily given testify to its worth. As a disinfectant it has also been particularly successful. It is a local manufacture, and it will doubtless soon obtain universal acceptance. 

Horton's company spent plenty of money advertising his "magic cleanser" but the company was wound up in March, 1909.

Joseph Horton, alias Fernandez was acquitted in Westport of making a false declaration.

THE CRITIC

No true bill was filed by a recent Westport jury in the case of one Joseph Fernandez, otherwise Joe Horton, charged with making a false declaration, under the Registration of Marriages Act. Justice Denniston in his charge to the jury, said there was no evidence of fraud or criminal intent. Fernandez was a very good name, but it had the disadvantage of being a foreign one, and for business purposes a man might prefer to adopt an English one. Quite so, but it all depends on the business. If it was in the "steakandtheoyst" line, Fernandez would be "bosker." His Honor probably overlooked that fact.  -NZ Truth, 8/7/1911.

And there fades back into obscurity Mr Joe Horton.  It was still fairly easy to change one's name and make a new start in those days...

Harry Smith, 1882-9/5/1913.

In the early part of the 20th century, the Main Trunk Line between Christchurch and Invercargill, which had been made fast, cheap - and slow to run - in the 1870s, was straightened and double-tracked for speed and efficiency.  Many of the original tunnels needed widening and others abandoned and replaced.  Two of the tunnels in the Dunedin area were replaced and one of them was the first Chain Hills tunnel, between Abbotsford and Wingatui, which had seen a fatal accident during its construction in the mid 1870s.

ACCIDENTS & FATALITIES.

FATAL EXPLOSION IN TUNNEL. 

Dunedin, May 9. While working at the north end of the Chain Hills tunnel, putting in gelignite plugs, one of the employees named Harry Smith received such injuries as proved almost instantly fatal. It appears that Smith was putting in the plugs, and another employee, named Charles Gardiner, was pushing them home, when from some unaccountable reason a premature explosion took place, Smith receiving the full force of the charge in his face. Gardiner was knocked about a bit in the arms and breast, while two others, named Barker and J. Hutchison, received minor injuries. The express from the south was stopped and all the men were brought into Dunedin. Gardiner is now lying in the hospital, but it is not thought that his injuries are very serious. Barker and Hutchison, after being attended to, were able to go home. Smith was a single man, and resided with his mother at Rockyside, Caversham. He was about 32 or 33 years old.  -Stratford Evening Post, 10/5/1913.

Chain Hills Tunnel, 1912.  Hocken Library Photo.

FUNERAL NOTICE 

U.A.O.D. The OFFICERS and MEMBERS of the PRIDE OF MORNINGTON LODGE, No. 14, U.A.O.D., and Sister Lodges are respectfully requested to ATTEND the Funeral of their late Brother HARRY SMITH, which will leave the Dunedin Hospital (Cumberland street entrance) THIS DAY (MONDAY). 12th inst, at 2.30 p.m., for the Southern Cemetery. 

F. LAWSON, A.D.  -Otago Daily Times, 12/5/1913.

Passenger train entering the Chain Hills Tunnel near Wingatui Junction, in October 1925.. Godber, Albert Percy, 1875-1949 :Collection of albums, prints and negatives. Ref: APG-1058-1/2-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23124798

CHAIN HILLS FATALITY

A PREMATURE EXPLOSION. 

NO ONE TO BLAME. 

The District Coroner (Mr C. C. Graham) held an inquest yesterday afternoon concerning the death of Harry Smith, a miner, who was killed through the premature explosion of gelignite in the Chain Hills tunnel on Friday evening. Smith was a single man of 31 years, who lived with his mother and sister at Caversham. Mr J. F.M. Fraser appeared for the department, Senior Sergeant King for the police, Mr C. J. Payne for the deceased's relatives, and Mr Thomson (Inspector of Mines) for the Mines Department. 

James J. Owen, a miner employed in the tunnel, said that Smith was assisting to charge a hole —placing a plug of gelignite in position. Witness was removing a prop, and Gardner (acting ganger) was using the tamping bar to push the charge into place, when the explosion occurred. Gardner used no force in guiding the plugs into place, and the primer was not attached. After the explosion Smith fell huddled up and partly on his face. Witness picked him up quite unconscious, his injuries being to the head and jaw. The south express was stopped, and deceased was brought to the Hospital. 

To Mr Payne: The permanent ganger, Douglas, was away through illness; and Joyce, the permanent machine man, was off work also. In the absence of these two Gardner did the work they would have undertaken. Witness added that if the absentees had been there, and two machines were being worked, Joyce would work one and Gardner the other, Douglas merely supervising. When Douglas and Joyce were both away, all had to work. 

Mr Payne: Are you aware that it is necessary for a man to have a certificate before he is allowed to charge a bore with gelignite? 

Witness: Yes. 

To Mr Fraser: He was within 6ft of Gardner when he loaded the hole, and was satisfied that every care was used. 

Inspector of Mines (Mr Thomson): Was the plug on the bottom? 

Witness: No; it was not on the bottom, and Gardner was gently pushing it down when the explosion occurred. (It transpired that the hole was almost a horizontal and not a vertical one.) Witness added that the cartridge was not frozen (a source of danger); if it had been it would have been thawed in a pan used for the purpose. 

Herbert Warner Gosling, machinist, said he was about a chain ahead of the scene of the accident. Having occasion to see Gardner to find if he was ready (as there were three wet holes in the heading), he went down, and Gardner said: "You go and get ready, and I will sing out to you." Witness had not been back a minute when he heard the explosion. When he ran back the deceased was propped on the staging. The ganger sent him to telephone for medical assistance and to bring the stretcher. 

To Mr Thomson: After the accident he picked up the primer intact (showing that the charge had not been ignited in the orclinary manner). 

Charles Robert Gardner, acting ganger, said that deceased was putting the plugs in the bore, and he was pressing them home with the ordinary copper tamping rod. The first cartridge put in was a little tight, but the second went down easily as he followed it with the rod, using no force. Just as he felt the cartridge was home the explosion took place. The rod was in his left hand, and what he could not understand was how this rod was not driven through him. He was lifted and thrown two or three yards by the explosion. Witness held a certificate for using all explosives. He had had experience for eight years on the Midland Railway tunnels, on the Otira and the Hill tunnel. What he did that day he had done hundreds of times, and every precaution was used. He could not conjecture the cause of the accident.

To Mr Payne: As far as he knew, the cartridges were not examined before use. 

To Mr Thomson: He handled the gelignite before use, and knew from touch that it was in good condition — not frozen. He had instructions to look out for freezing of the gelignite plugs. 

Dr Stewart, house surgeon at the Hospital, stated that deceased was admitted at 7.20 p.m. on the 9th inst., quite dead. There were several deep lacerations on the head down to the skull, but no external evidence of fracture. The right collar-bone was broken. The cause of death was severe concussion of the brain. 

The Coroner recorded a verdict — "That the cause of death was concussion of the brain, brought about by the premature explosion of a gelignite blast, and that no blame was attachable to anyone."  -Evening Star, 13/5/1913.

"A good son and loving brother." Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.  DCC photo.

8/262 QMS Septimus Alfred Paine, 19/9/1893-12/6/1920.

PERSONAL

Mr Van Paine received advice on Saturday week from his son Septimus that he was about to leave France for England to sit for a commission. Young Paine, who holds the rank of Quarter-master sergeant, left N. Z. with, the Main Body, was wounded at Gallipoli, and later at the battle of the Somme. Strange to relate, at the moment of his receiving these latter wounds he was standing alongside Frank Anderson, son of Mr and Mrs R. P. Anderson, of Queenstown, who got such a benefit of Fritz fire that he has been in hospital practically ever since.  -Lake Wakatip Mail, 30/10/1917.

PERSONAL

Mr Van Paine, Eichardts' Hotel, has been advised that his son, Quarter Master Sergt. Septimus Paine, was admitted to the Military Hospital at Codford, England, on 5th February, suffering from inflammation of the knee. Q.M.S. Paine was training at Codford for a commission.  -Lake Wakatip Mail, 5/3/1918.

PERSONAL

Q.M.S. Septimus A. Paine, son of Mr Van Paine, Queenstown, is expected to arrive in the Dominion by one of the next transports bringing invalided soldiers. Mr and Mrs Paine leave Queenstown tomorrow morning in order to meet him. Q.M.S. Paine may be described as one of the war veterans, as he left N.Z. with the Main Body.   -Lake Wakatip Mail, 11/6/1918.

WELCOME HOME.

ARRIVAL OF QUARTER-MASTER SERGEANT PAINE. 

Another of those gleams of sunshine afforded in the home-coming of a soldier from the arena of war was the happy experience of the people of Queenstown last evening, when it was their privilege to welcome home Quarter-Master Sergeant Septimus Paine, son of Mr Van Paine, the popular host of Eichardt's Hotel. In spite of the coldness of the night, quite a crowd of townspeople assembled on the wharf, and the members of the Queenstown Brass Band were in attendance in order to give expression to the heartiness of the welcome which everyone felt. For though Q.M.S. Paine is really a stranger to Queenstown (Mr and Mrs Paine having taken up their residence here subsequent to his departure for the Front) his parents are held in so high esteem in the community that the spontenaity of the welcome was but a graceful tribute to the worthy record of their worthy son. By the time the Band had played the "Marseillaise" and "Home Sweet Home" the steamer had just berthed, and the Mayor went on board and, in the name of the residents of Queenstown, accorded him a hearty welcome and a pleasant stay in the district. The young soldier and his parents were then motored to Eichhardt's Hotel. 

Q.M.S. Paine left New Zealand with the Main Body, and he has seen considerable service. He was about to sit for his commission when his health caused him to be invalided home.  -Lake Wakatip Mail, 2/7/1918.

PERSONAL

Mr Septimus Paine, son of Mr Van Paine of Eichardt's Hotel, returned to Queenstown on Wednesday evening after a six weeks' tour of the Dominion. The young ex-Quarter-master Sergeant is looking remarkably improved in health.   -Lake Wakatip Mail, 24/9/1918.

At the beginning of the war, Septimus Paine was working as a law clerk in Gore and had military experience as a member of the 14th (South Otago) Territorial unit.

Septimus Paine's Army Record is one of a deal of suffering.  As well as the wound which led to his death he is recorded as being admitted to a Hospital Ship off the Dardanelles with a septic hand in May, 1915.  He was there for almost a month.  After the Gallipoli Campaign, he was wounded in the eye in 1916, in France.  This occurred on the day before the beginning of the Otagos' attack in the Battle of the Somme.  The date, and the nature of the injury, would indicate he was wounded by a German sniper. (Although another page in his record mentions a shell wound.)  He spent time in hospital in England and was afterwards attached to a number of bases, presumably at his rank of Quartermaster Sergeant.

In March, 1918, he was classified as unfit by a medical board and soon after sent home by the Wimaroa.  His cause of death is recorded as "tubercular arthritis, right knee, and chronic nephritis."  Well might the newspapers report of his "many months of suffering."  Part of this included a procedure referred to as arthrodesis - the straightening of a limb joint and removal of cartilege so that the joint can fuse together as it heals.  This was done in late 1919.

A private wire was received in Queenstown yesterday morning conveying the sad news of the death in, the Batchelor Ward, Dunedin Hospital, of Mr Septimus Paine, son of Mr Van Paine, late of Eichardt's Hotel, Queenstown., and now of 24 Heriot Row, Dunedin. Young Paine left New Zealand with the Main Body in 1914 and saw considerable service in more than one theatre of war, attaining the rank of sergeant. Two years ago he was invalided home, trouble having set up in his knee as the result of an accident when returning to Blighty from France. After resting for a time he was absorbed into civilian occupation, first at Gore with the National Mortgage and Agency Co., and later at Dunedin, where he was in the Defence office. His health, however, compelled him to relinquish work again, and towards the latter end of last year he became an inmate of the Soldiers' Ward at the Dunedin Hospital. Shortly after his admission it was found necessary to amputate his leg at the knee. For a short time he seemed to make progress but eventually he began to go down hill, and after many months of suffering endured with the patience and courage of a true soldier, he passed peacefully away at 4 a.m. yesterday. Those of his comrades who were associated with "Sep" Paine in both civil and military life had nothing but good to say of him. He was an upright and honourable young man at all times, and bore himself a credit to his parents and to his country. Deep regret will be felt at his untimely demise, and much sympathy will be felt for Mr and Mrs Van Paine and members of the family in their bereavement.  -Lake Wakatip Mail, 22/6/1920.

Photo courtesy of the Online Cenotaph.

MILITARY FUNERAL.

THE Friends of Mr Van Paine (and family) are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral of his late son Septimus Alfred, which will leave the Dunedin Hospital (Cumberland street entrance), TOMORROW (Tuesday), 22nd inst., at 2.30 p.m., for the Southern Cemetery. 

HOPE AND KINASTON, Undertakers.  -Evening Star, 21/6/1920.

A military funeral was accorded yesterday to the remains of Quartermaster-sergeant Septimus Alfred Paine, who died in the Hospital on Monday morning. The man went away to the front with the Main Body in December, 1914, was promoted, returned to New Zealand in 1918, and was discharged in August of the same year. He returned to civil life, but became stricken with illness, went into Hospital, and died there as stated. His remains left the Hospital yesterday afternoon for interment at the Southern Cemetery, Lieutenant Healy being in charge of the military arrangements. Bugler Napier sounded the "Last Post" as a mark of respect to the memory of one of those who voluntarily obeyed the first call. A large number of wounded soldiers attended the funeral. The service at the grave was conducted by the Rev. Bryan King, who was assisted by the Rev. R. G. Coates.  -Otago Daily Times, 23/6/1920.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.  DCC photo.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.  DCC photo.