Heather Copland (1933-19/2/1949). "a greater appreciation of the mystery of life"

Tragedy At Dunedin Beach

(PA.) Dunedin, Feb. 20. 

Three pupils of Columba Girls' College, Dunedin, were drowned at Allan's Beach, one of the small beaches on the Otago Peninsula near the end of Hooper's Inlet, shortly before noon yesterday. They were Winsome Taylor., aged 16, of Wairuna, Clinton: Heather Copland, aged 16, of Kaka Point, Balclutha; Robin Ramsay, aged 14, of Hyde, Central Otago. 

They were all boarders at the school. About 80 pupils were at the beach and seven were caught in a strong undertow. Six were brought ashore and artificial respiration was applied by one of the mistresses and an occupant of the only house in the vicinity. This was unsuccessful in two cases.  -Bay of Plenty Times, 21/2/1949.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

DROWNING TRAGEDY 

WIDESPREAD SYMPATHY 

In the crowded hall of Columba College yesterday morning tribute was paid to the memories of the three pupils of the school who were drowned last week-end. The widespread sympathy of the community was expressed in the large attendance of former pupils, parents and representatives of other schools. Messages were received from schools throughout the country, as well as from numerous private individuals.

The city was officially represented by the Mayor, Sir Donald Cameron. Others present included the chairman of the Board of Governors, Mr James Hogg, and members of the board; the chairman of the John McGlashan College Board of Governors, Mr A C. Cameron; representatives of the ExGirls’ Association, and prefects from other secondary schools in the city. 

The sense of personal loss was intense and deep, said the Rev. J. M. McKenzie, chaplain to the college, who conducted the memorial service. Heather Copland and Wynsome Taylor had been talented members of the senior school, while Robin Ramsay had given promise of becoming a brilliant musician. The girls of the college had been deeply moved by the tragedy and the parents had suffered an inestimable blow. The girls were now in the hands of God, and the tragic occurrence would serve to bind those who were left in an even closer fellowship and a greater appreciation of the mystery of life than ever before. 

A prayer for the bereaved parents and for the school was offered by the Rev. J. J. Cairney, and the service concluded with the singing of the school hymn.  -Otago Daily Times, 23/2/1949.

INQUIRY INTO SURF TRAGEDY

ALLAN’S BEACH

SCHOOLGIRLS DROWNED 

FULL STORY OF ACCIDENT 

BRAVE RESCUE EFFORTS 

Had it not been for the efforts of the sports mistress, there would have been a greater loss of life, commented Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M., sitting as coroner, when returning a verdict of accidental drowning at the conclusion of the inquest yesterday to inquire into the death of three young girls who were drowned at Allan’s Beach on February 19. 

The three girls, Heather Copland, Robin Mary Ramsay and Wynsome Mason Taylor, were surf bathing with other girls from Columba College when they got into difficulties. The sports mistress, Miss Berridge, brought two girls ashore, one of them the deceased, Robin Ramsay, but the other two were not recovered until later. The evidence showed that the tide was on the ebb and that a strong backwash developed. The inquiry was conducted for the police by Sergeant H. J. Squires. 

Evidence was given by Dr R. W. Edgar, Port Chalmers, who said he arrived at Allan’s Beach in response to a call about 1 p.m. When he arrived resuscitation measures were being taken with one young girl, to whom he injected a heart stimulant. Later, two other girls were brought ashore. Resuscitation measures were carried out until 3 p.m. without success. Valuable assistance was given by all present. 

Katharine Buchan, vice-principal of Columba College, told the coroner that 71 pupils and 5 members of the staff attended the picnic at Allan’s Beach. Only girls able to swim were allowed into deeper water. The day was calm, there was no wind, and the sun was shining. Miss Berridge, the sports mistress, was standing in the water to seaward of the girls. 

Diagonal Wave Witness noticed a high wave sweep diagonally across the beach, and some of the girls were having difficulty in getting in. Three did so, and Miss Berridge was helping the others. Of the two whom the latter brought ashore, one was unconscious. Artificial respiration was applied for three hours, but without result. The other two girls were seen floating in the water and these were brought ashore later. Measures taken to restore these two to life were also without success. The school had not been at Allan’s Beach before, Miss Buchan said, but inquiries prior to the picnic had been made as to its suitability. 

To Mr W. J. Meade, for the relatives of the deceased, Miss Buchan said she had asked Miss Loudon, the principal, about the beach. The latter told her it was a safe one. Instructions were that the girls were to keep away from either end of the beach. She was not a swimmer, but for 20 years she had taken the girls for beach picnics. No inquiries were made on the morning of the picnic as to the state of the tide, nor did she know the state of it when the girls were in bathing. It did not occur to her to make inquiries from Mr Neill’s house when they arrived. 

No one, witness said, went out as far as the sports mistress, to assist the four girls in difficulty. There was no other adult who was a sufficiently strong swimmer and capable of doing so. 

To Mr K. W. Stewart, representing the Board of Governors of the college, witness said all the girls were, boarders. There were about 50 of them in the water at Allan’s Beach. The majority were in shallow water at the edge, with the staff supervising them. The girls had been told to keep together on the beach and in the water. 

Referring to the cross wave, Miss Buchan said it threw the girls over. The other members of the staff, with the exception of Miss Harris, who was in the water, were assisting the younger pupils out. 

When Miss Berridge was assisting the two girls out of the water witness was not sure whether-there were any other girls still in the surf, and an immediate count was made. It was then found that two girls were missing. Several girls had said they did not know if Heather and Wynsome were out.

Eleanor Gertrude Berridge, sports mistress, said she had a life-saving certificate and was an experienced swimmer. She thought the water was safe. The first indication of trouble was when she saw a girl, Ann Vule, in difficulties. She assisted her ashore. It was then that a wave knocked her down, and when she came up she had been swept out some distance with a number of the girls, several of whom called for assistance. 

Robin Ramsay, one of the deceased, could speak, but when witness got to her she went limp, and was unconscious all the way to the shore. While taking the girl in, said Miss Berridge, another girl sought her assistance, and she got her on to her back and managed to get both ashore. On the way in she had instructed other girls how best to get ashore. 

Miss Berridge said that while she was in the water watching the girls she was to seaward of all of them, and was able to stand on her feet without difficulty. 

She had great difficulty getting in with Robin Ramsay, witness added. They seemed to have a long way to go, and there appeared to be a strong backwash. She did not see Heather Copland in the water at all, but she passed Wynsome Taylor on the way out to take up her position. She did not see either of these girls in difficulty. 

To Mr Meade, Miss Berridge said the girl Yule had lost her footing and appeared upset. While she was assisting her ashore some of the other girls might have got to seaward of her. 

Rescuer Exhausted It was when she was knocked down by a wave and carried out that she saw Robin Ramsay. She knew there must have been other girls out, for she heard them calling. It took her a long time to get ashore with the two girls. 

Mr Meade: Was there a belt and line on the beach? — No.

Mr Bundle: That is all very well. 

Mr Meade. If there had been one, it does not follow that the girls could have used it. It needs experience for that sort of thing. 

In answer to Mr Stewart, the witness said it was very rough when she was bringing the two girls ashore. She did not think she would get in at all. “I was exhausted when I got in but quickly recovered,” Miss Berridge said. “I asked if anyone else was in the water, and the girls said they thought everyone was ashore.” 

Alfred George Neill, solicitor, resident at Allan’s Beach, said he was summoned to the scene, and upon arriving saw some people coming out of the water about a quarter of a mile from the usual bathing place. The beach was safe if one knew where to go, and the state of the tide. The girls were not bathing in the usual place, but it would be fair to say that people not knowing the beach would think the centre of it the safest place. The spot where the girls went in lends itself to backwash in an ebb tide, and the current scours out holes there,” he said. 

Mr Neill said the behaviour of everyone was splendid. There was no panic. The children were obedient and under wonderful control. 

Hugh Donald Gillies, president of the Otago Surf Life Saving Association. who was called by the police to give expert evidence, said all beaches were safest during an incoming tide. When the girls were bathing the tide was going out. Patrols, he said, were available for large picnic parties on application to the association. In any event, where there was a large crowd he would advise that bathing be done in smaller groups. 

Up to the present it had not been widely advertised that patrols were available for outside beaches, witness told Mr Meade, but patrols had been going out with picnic parties for the past two years. If an application had been made, a patrol would have been supplied. 

“Having regard to the nature of the beach and the personnel of the party,” he said, “one strong swimmer would have been adequate to see that swimmers did not get out to a dangerous distance.” 

In answer to Mr Bundle, witness said that all Dunedin coast beaches, from Taieri Mouth to Karitane, were dangerous on an outgoing tide. They scoured and could not be depended on from week to week. 

On behalf of the Surf Life Saving Association, Mr Gillies said he would like to commend all those who took part in the rescue, especially Miss Berridge. whose actions should be recognised. 

At this juncture, the evidence concluded, Mr Stewart said that, with the coroner's permission, he would like to call Miss Agnes Lang Loudon, the principal of the college. Certain inquiries she made had not come out in the evidence.

Miss Loudon said that Brighton beach had been considered, but its reputation was not of the best from a safety point of view. Smaill’s Beach had also been suggested for the picnic. She herself had visited Allan’s Beach and was impressed with it, and on the two following Sundays she visited it solely for the purpose of judging its suitability as a place to take the girls for the day. She had considerable surfing experience herself, but was not a competent swimmer. At Allan’s Beach she had talked with a man just out of the surf, and he had informed her that it was quite safe. Everyone she spoke to subsequently assured her the beach had a safe reputation. Had one view to the contrary been expressed, she would not have considered it as a suitable place.

On the Thursday before the picnic she talked to the girls about the dangers of surf bathing, and warned them to take the greatest care. “I told them they all had to be shorewards of Miss Berridge, and I arranged with the latter to take a whistle to use as a signal for the girls to leave the water. She also arranged for a rope to be taken with the party, and this was placed in the bus. She considered she took every precaution under normal conditions. She did not go out to Allan’s Beach herself until after lunch, and when she arrived the tragedy had occurred. She had no knowledge that a patrol could have been procured. 

In answer to Mr Meade, Miss Loudon said she made no inquiry about the tide or its effect on the beach. She saw the rope in the bus, but she could not recollect whether she told the other members of the staff about it or not. 

Miss Loudon added that she had every faith and confidence in Miss Berridge and Miss Buchan. 

An Ebbing Tide Mr Bundle said that so far as the public was concerned, the beach was generally considered a safe one, and Mr Neill, during the 16 years he had been living there, had said there had been no fatality. Unfortunately the tide was ebbing. 

“The difficulty with a large number of people bathing is that it is impossible to keep an eye on everyone,” he added. Miss Berridge was watching. Apparently there was a nasty backwash, and when trouble arose Miss Berridge did everything possible. “If there is anything more difficult than another when saving a person in the water it is for someone else to ask for help,” he said, when reviewing the work of the sports mistress. 

“I can only find on the evidence before me that each of the deceased was accidentally drowned at Allan’s Beach on February 19,” he said, giving his finding. 

I suggested to the police that they should call expert evidence as to the steps that could be taken in future to safeguard against accidents of this nature,” continued Mr Bundle. “That evidence was given by Mr Gillies. There can be no doubt that all the beaches adjacent to Dunedin are dangerous at certain periods. They are open to the sweep of the wind and ocean. 

“Miss Loudon took all precautions, after making all reasonable inquiries. The action of Miss Berridge is to be highly commended. She did everything practicable. Had it not been for her there would undoubtedly have been a greater loss of life. 

“I can only offer to the relatives of the unfortunate girls the sympathy that must be felt by all members of the community,” he concluded.  -Otago Daily Times, 22/3/1949.

Balclutha New Cemetery.

413501 Flight Lieutenant William John Stevenson, (1922-18/5/1954). "thick fog"

LIGHT PLANE CRASHES

OTAGO AERO CLUB AUSTER

THICK FOG HAMPERS SEARCH

(New Zealand Press Association) DUNEDIN, May 18.

An Otago Aero Club Auster aircraft is missing. It crashed at a point 17 miles by air from Dunedin.

Thick fog has hampered the search, which win be continued at daylight. The pilot is Mr William John Stevenson, aged 32, of Balclutha, and the passenger is Mr William Russell Wright, aged 32, also of Balclutha. Both men are married and have young families.  -Press, 19/5/1954.

CRASHED PLANE FOUND

BOTH OCCUPANTS KILLED 

(New Zealand Press Association) DUNEDIN, May 19. 

The bodies of William John Stevenson, aged 32, and William Russel Wright, aged 32, of Balclutha, were found by a police and mountain rescue party last night beside the burnt-out wreckage of a new Auster aircraft about a mile north-west of Double Hill, 17 miles from Dunedin. 

The plane crashed in heavy fog at 5.20 p.m. yesterday when returning from a flight to Oamaru. 

Mr Stevenson, who was the pilot, was a son of Mr J. H. Stevenson, Mayor of Balclutha. He was a squadron leader in the Royal New Zealand Air Force during World War II. He was immediate past president of the Balclutha Aero Club.

Mr Wright was the sole passenger in the aircraft, which belonged to the Otago Aero Club. 

Search parties organised by the Search and Rescue Organisation left Dunedin last night at very short notice and other parties were standing by this morning ready to carry on. 

In charge of the operations were Messrs W. S. Gilkison and R. Craigie. Mr Gilkison said today that this was the sort of work for which the rescue organisation had been formed, and it proved its value.

The bodies of the two men were brought to Dunedin late this afternoon.

Both were married, with young families.  -Press, 20/5/1954.

FUNERAL NOTICES

STEVENSON — The Funeral of the late William John Stevenson will leave the Balclutha Presbyterian Church Tomorrow (Friday), May 21, at the conclusion of a service commencing at 3 p.m., for the Balclutha Lawn Cemetery. W. Lovie, Balclutha.  -Press, 20/5/1954.

FATAL PLANE CRASH

WIDOW’S CLAIM FOR DAMAGES

PILOT ALLEGED TO HAVE BEEN INTOXICATED

(New Zealand Press Association) DUNEDIN, March 27.

Evidence that a dead pilot’s blood contained enough alcohol to make six or seven men out of 10 incapable of safely driving a car was given by Dr. Eric F. D'Ath, professor of pathology at the Otago Medical School, when he appeared as a witness in a Supreme Court action in which the widow of a passenger, also killed when the plane crashed. Ethel Olive Wright, is claiming £8000 general and £36 11s special damages from John H. Stevenson, Ltd., garage proprietors, of Balclutha. 

The pilot, William John Stevenson, was a sub-manager of the firm. The plane crashed near Waitati on May 18, 1954, on a flight from Hilderthorpe to Taieri. Both Stevenson and William Russel Wright, a Kaitangata salesman, the only occupants of the plane, were killed. 

Hugh Henry Skilling, a flying instructor, said in evidence that a prudent pilot would have flown down the coast and not have taken the inland course. He considered Stevenson was flying in a position he should have never been in.

Evidence that both men were sober was given by Robert Alfred Stevenson, a garage proprietor, of Oamaru, who had a business discussion with both men before the flight.

Mr A. N. Haggitt. counsel for the defence, said that the allegations that Wright’s death had been caused by the intoxication of Stevenson were totally unjustified. He submitted that the venture, which could only be explained by a mad enthusiasm for flying. was so far removed from employment that it was outside the responsibility of the company.

Mr J. P. Ward, for Mrs Wright, submitted that both men had been engaged on the company’s business from start to finish. Expert medical evidence, he said, had shown that Stevenson’s judgment had been impaired, and it was a reasonable inference that beer had been consumed in the air. Mr Justice Henry will address the jury tomorrow morning.  -Press, 28/3/1956.

DEATH IN AIR CRASH

JURY FINDS FOR WIDOW 

(New Zealand Press Association) DUNEDIN, March 28. 

Damages of £4836 11s were awarded to Mrs Ethel Olive Wright in the Supreme Court today by a jury that heard her claim for £8036 11s against the Balclutha company of John H. Stevenson, Ltd. The claim was a sequel to a crash in the hills inland of Waitati on May 18, 1954, of an Auster aircraft and the death of the two occupants, the pilot, William John Stevenson, director and sub-manager of the Balclutha company, and a passenger, William Russell Wright, husband of the plaintiff. 

The jury found that in making the trip from Taieri to Oamaru and return by aeroplane Stevenson was not acting within the scope of his employment, but that Wright made the journey on the instruction of Stevenson to take part in business on behalf of the company. The jury considered that Wright’s death was caused by negligence by Stevenson in several instances. 

Both parties moved for judgment, and argument on their motions will be heard later.  -Press, 29/3/1956.

Balclutha New Cemetery.

William Moir, (1833-9/11/1894). "careful, cautious man"

A very sad accident occurred at Clydevale ferry on Friday last by which Mr William Moir, storekeeper, lost his life. Mr Moir had charge of the ferry and at half past two o'clock that afternoon he took two mon across from the Clydevale side to the Greenfield side in the punt. Mr Moir then proceeded to recross to Clydevale and when the punt was about 50 yards on its journey the pair happened to look round and saw Mr Moir in the river. They cooeyed to call the attention of those on the Clydevale side where the boat was but before assistance could be given Mr Moir had sank and was not afterwards seen, nor has the body been yet found although steps were at once taken by dragging and I otherwise to recover it. Mr Moir was a native of Stirlingshire, Scotland, and arrived in the colony about 50 years ago. For some years he was employed about the homestead at Clydevale and subsequently commenced business as storekeeper there at first in a small way but in his hands the business gradually increased to a pretty large and remunerative one. As has been said, Mr Moir had also charge of the ferry and in working it he was always very careful. Although no one actually saw the accident there can be no doubt he in some way missed his footing and slipped into the river. Mr Moir was a good hearted man, always ready to oblige people in every way possible, was a general favourite with all classes of the community and his sudden death is very much and widely regretted. He was unmarried and as far as we are aware has no relatives in this colony. He has a brother a timber merchant in Queensland and another brother a doctor in practice in Edinburgh.  -Clutha Leader, 16/11/1894.

The body of William Moir, late puntman of Clydevale Ferry, was found floating in the Clutha River late yesterday afternoon, ten miles from Balclutha, to which place the body was afterwards removed, to await the coroner's inquest.  -Evening Star, 27/11/1894.

THE CLYPEVALE FERRY ACCIDENT.

An inquest into the death of William Moir was held on Tuesday last at the courthouse, Balclutha, by Mr Fleming and a jury of six, of whom Mr Hutchins was chosen foreman. 

The jury having been sworn and the other preliminaries observed, the following evidence was led: —  

James Copland, ploughman, at Hillend station, said that on the afternoon of Friday 9th inst. he and John Skinner arrived at Clydevale ferry in the afternoon. They found Moir in his store, and he put them- across in the punt. They walked away, and Moir proceeded to return with the punt to the Clydevale side. They happened to look back in about five minutes, when they saw Moir in the river about a chain and a half below the punt, the latter being then about two chains from the Greenfield side. Moir did not speak or call out, but floated down for about 10 chain with the current when he sank, and was not again seen. He apparently tried to swim but could not do so; he only seemed to struggle against the current, and with his hands above water. Copland and Skinner cooeyed for assistance, but as there were no people there it was about 10 minutes before assistance arrived. Two men then came with a boat, and were directed to the spot where Moir had sunk, but could see nothing of him. Moir was a strong man, apparently in good health, and everything right about him — was cheerful and in good spirits. The punt went across quite smoothly, and Moir worked it easily. Witness believed that deceased had overbalanced himself and fallen into the river. 

John Skinner, rabbiter, at Greenfield, corroborated the evidence of the previous witness. Moir had frequently crossed witness with the punt. Deceased was in the habit of sitting on the rail of the punt when crossing, and did so on the 9th, and in this position might readily have overbalanced himself and fallen over. 

James E. Mitchell, manager Clydevale station, said the deceased had had charge of the punt for 25 years. He was thoroughly capable of working the punt, had the character of being a very careful, cautious man, had crossed the punt at all hours of night and day, and never previously had an accident. Deceased, who was unmarried, was a native of Stirlingshire, Scotland, and was about 61 years of age.

Captain Butler, of the steamer Matau, identified the body on view as that of the late William Moir, storekeeper and puntman, Clydevale ferry. Constable Christie was informed the previous afternoon by Mr Moore, farmer, Manuka Island Station, that he had seen a body in the river. Witness proceeded to the spot and found the body in the river behind a rock, which prevented it from floating away with the current. He took possession of the body and had it removed to Balclutha. There were no marks on the body which he recognised as that of the deceased, William Moir, of Clydevale ferry. This concluded the evidence, and the jury returned a verdict of accidental drowning.  -Clutha Leader, 30/11/1894.

Balclutha Cemetery.

Lily Henderson, (1921-23/12/1937). "Loveday Merrydew"

DEATH OF A LITTLE FOLK 

Dear Dot, —  On December 23 there passed away one of our members at the Balclutha Public Hospital. Unfortunately I have tried in vain to remember or find out her nom de plume from other friends, and feel it quite unfitting to ask her mother. I have an idea her nom de plume was Loveday Merrydew. However, I am much too uncertain about the matter to state definitely what it might be. Her real name was Lily Henderson, Toshvale, Balclutha. Lily was the only child, aged 16. In 1934 she was dux of the local primary school, and since has been studying at the South Otago High School. I think she was the most brilliant scholar I have ever known. She has never been equalled at schoolwork yet, and teachers (I happen to work at a high school teacher's place) have said she was the most clever pupil that has ever passed through high school. A few weeks ago she was operated upon for appendicitis, but complications set in, and she had suffered painfully, yet bravely. Her passing was very sad indeed for all who knew her, as she had a very sweet nature and was of a sunny disposition. Her funeral was largely attended by friends and schoolmates — schoolmates especially thoughtful. Many sent wreaths and messages, and six acted as pallbearers. Sincere sympathy in shared with her parents. 

DAPHNE DE ORE (Balclutha). 

[Yes, It was Loveday Merrydew, Daphne de Ore. I am very sorry indeed to learn of her sad death. She was a Little Folk whose letters were always outstanding in the page. Thank you for your information about her, and please accept my sympathy. — DOT.]   -Otago Daily Times, 31/1/1938.

Balclutha Cemetery.

29717 Private Montague Charles Heathcote Angelo, (19/4/1887-24/10/1929). "had never really recovered"

Private Montague Charles H. Angelo, plumber, Dunedin, returned to New Zealand by a hospital ship which arrived in 'Wellington on Wednesday. Private Angelo was engaged at his trade at Balclutha before proceeding to the front.  -Clutha Leader, 8/3/1918.

Pte. Montague Angelo, a recently returned soldier and brother of Messrs Michael, Harry and Bernard Angelo, of his town, arrived in Queenstown per steamer on Saturday evening last. Private Angelo, who has been under medical treatment since his return to the Dominium some four months ago is now looking very fit.  -Lake Wakatip Mail, 18/6/1918.

DEATHS.

ANGELO. — On October 24, 1929, at his residence, Clyde street, Balclutha, Montague Charles Hescott, dearly beloved husband of Rose Angelo. Deeply mourned. — The Funeral will leave his late residence To-day, 25th Inst., at 2 p.m., for the Balclutha Cemetery. — D. Mlddlemass and Co., undertakers.  -Otago Daily Times, 25/10/1929.

OBITUARY.

General regret was expressed throughout Balclutha and neighbourhood on Thursday, 24th November (says the Clutha Leader) when it became known that Mr Montague G. H. Angelo had passed away after a somewhat lengthy and painful illness. "Monte," as he was well and familiarly known, was 43 years of age, and was born at Arrow Junction, being the fifth son of the late Mr and Mrs Stewart R. Angelo, of Frankton Wharf. He was educated at the Queenstown school and on leaving was apprenticed to Mr K. W. Geisow, a plumber in Queenstown. His later wanderings took him to Dunedin and Milton, and in l912 or 1913 he came to Balclutha, and worked here for Mr George Coxan till he left with the 18th Reinforcements for the Great War. While there he was badly gassed, and he had never really recovered from the effects of this. Of recent years he had undergone operations in an effort to obtain relief, and although at times there was an improvement it was only temporary and for the last few months he suffered considerably, so that his passing about 10.30 on Thursday morning, 24th ult., came as a happy release.

On his return from the war Mr Angelo commenced business here on his own account. This was about 10 years ago and he carried on successfully till just about a week or so ago when he disposed of the business to Mr Archie McLaren, who had been in his employ for some years. He was of a genial disposition and was very popular and highly respected by all with whom he came in contact. He was a keen Rugby enthusiast and in his earlier days in Milton and Balclutha he played for the local clubs, being recognised as a half-back of some merit. He was always a member of the Clutha Club, and was a prime mover and active worker when "Old Butters" day was organised, for the last two years he had represented Waitahuna Club on the South Otago Rugby Union, and was a good member. He was a member of the Balclutha Bowling Club and took part in several tournaments in different parts of the Dominion; a member of the Local Masonic and I.O.O.F. lodges and for a term a member of the Balclutha School Committee, and took a keen interest in other directions in the social and sporting activities of the town including the S. O. Trotting Club. He leaves a widow and one wee daughter, and to them will be extended the sincere sympathy of a large circle of friends. He leaves also two sisters (Mrs W. Thomson, Dunedin, and Mrs R. Goudie, Oamaru) and four brothers. Messrs Harry (Frankton), Michael (Queenstown), Bernard (Fairfax), and Roland (Dunedin).

The funeral took place to the Balclutha cemetery, the Rev. Roy Alley, M.A., officiating at the house and graveside, while the Masonic rites were also carried out by members of Lodge Clutha. There was a large attendance, including strong representations of lodges and bodies to which deceased belonged. A very large array of floral tributes were placed on the grave, bearing silent testimony to the esteem in which the late Mr Angelo was held.  -Lake Wakatip Mail, 5/11/1929.

Montague Angelo's Army record shows no treatment for the effects of gas but does show hospitalisation for "VDH" which might have been a venereal disease.

Balclutha Cemetery.

Thomas Twaddle (1916-4/8/1934). "thrown heavily"

 FATALITY AT CLARENDON

MOTOR CYCLIST KILLED 

COLLISION WITH CAR 

Thrown heavily from his motor cycle as the result of a collision with a motor car about 7 o’clock on Saturday night at Clarendon, within a short distance of the scene of a double motoring fatality a few years ago, Thomas Twaddle, aged eighteen years, suffered extensive head injuries and a compound fracture of the right leg, death being instantaneous. 

Twaddle was riding his motor cycle from Oamaru (where he had been working as a general labourer) to his home at Lovell’s Flat, and when near Clarendon a collision occurred between the motor cycle and a motor car driven by Mr William J. Strang, of Messrs Henderson’s Stock and station agency, Invercargill. An Invercargill-Dunedin transport service lorry was preceding the motor car towards Dunedin, and Mr Strang was apparently endeavouring to pass the lorry at a favourable part of the straight road when his right-hand mudguard came into collision with the motor cycle. Twaddle was thrown heavily, death being instantaneous. 

The deceased was the second son of Mrs and the late Mr John Twaddle, of Lovell’s Flat.

The body was taken to Milton Hospital, and an inquest was opened this morning, Mr H. J. Dixon, S.M., sitting as coroner. Evidence of identification was given by William Twaddle, an uncle of the deceased, and the inquest was then adjourned sine die.  -Evening Star, 6/8/1934.

MRS TWADDLE and Family desire to Thank all relatives and friends for kind messages of sympathy and floral tributes in their recent sad bereavement; also Dr Mirams and hospital staff, Milton.  -Otago Daily Times, 20/8/1934.

CLARENDON FATALITY

ADJOURNED INQUEST 

CHARGE OF NEGLIGENT DRIVING. 

(From Our Own Correspondent.) MILTON, September 14. 

The adjourned inquest was held at the Milton Courthouse this morning into the circumstances surrounding the death of a young man named Thomas Twaddle, aged 18 years, who was killed near Clarendon on Saturday, August 4, us the result of a collision between his motor cycle and a motor car driven by William James Strang, of Invercargill. 

In conjunction with the inquest, a charge was laid against Strang of negligently driving the car, thereby causing the death of Twaddle. 

Mr H. J. Dixon, S.M., presided as magistrate and coroner. The inquiry was conducted by Detective Sergeant Doyle (Dunedin). Mr A. C. Hanlon, K.C., appeared on behalf of the accused, and Mr D. J. Sumpter watched the proceeding on behalf of the relatives. 

Dr N. T. Mirams, Medical practitioner, Milton, gave evidence that he was called to the scene of the accident about 6.45 p.m. on the date mentioned, and proceeded there in company with Constable Kerse. The deceased’s body was lying m the water channel. On examination he discovered head injuries, with laceration of the brain. Death must have been instantaneous. The body was removed to the Morgue at Milton Hospital, where, on further examination, witness discovered other extensive injuries, including compound facture of the right leg. There was not the slightest evidence of liquor about the deceased. Wituess questioned Strang, the driver of the car, as to how the accident occurred, but he did not answer. The head injuries were consistent with the deceased having been struck by some portion of the motor car. Death was due to a fracture or tlie skull and the other extensive injuries. 

Francis Stoddart Little, surveyor in the employ of the Survey Department, produced a plan which he had prepared of the scene of the accident, and gave evidence regarding the position of the motor vehicles on the road. 

After the foregoing evidence had been heard at the sitting of the Magistrates Court in the charge against Strong, the Coroner’s Court was opened, when evidence in the inquest was resumed. 

Alexander William Milne (Dunedin), motor driver for Robinson’s Motor transport Service, gave evidence that he was proceeding from Invercargill to Dunedin in a six-wheel Leyland motor lorry, and was accompanied by a passenger, George Stanley Jones, who was journeying from Gore to Dunedin. When passing the hall at Clarendon witness was driving on his correct side, and maintained that course, about three to four feet from the grass on the left-hand side. He noticed in the mirror on his lorry the lights of a motor vehicle following behind, and pulled further over to his left side. He was travelling at about 15 miles an hour. Witness also noticed the light of a motor cycle approaching from a northerly direction. He estimated that the speed of the motor cycle was about 20 miles per hour. The motor car travelling behind witness's lorry had almost caught up, and he heard a crash immediately after the motor cycle had passed his lorry. The crash sounded as if it had occurred at the tail end of the lorry. He immediately stopped and went back, when he discovered the motor cycle lying about 20 yards to the rear of the lorry, and facing towards Milton. The motor cycle was lying on the near side of the road, with the deceased’s body directly opposite in the water channel. Strang had also stopped his car and returned to the scene of the accident. Strang asked witness what speed he thought he (Strang) was travelling at. Witness could not remember replying to Strang, but the latter continued by remarking, I think I was doing 30 to 35 miles an hour. Before Witness stopped his lorry Strang's motor car cut across in front of his (witness's) lorry to the left-hand side of the road, narrowly missing striking the front mudguard. Witness estimated that Strang was travelling at about 40 miles an hour when he passed the lorry and cut in front. Strang’s car proceeded about 60 yards after the crash before it was stopped, about 10 yards beyond the junction leading to Berwick road. The night was dark, but good for driving. The road was dry and the visibility good. He did not hear Strang sound the horn of his motor car. The road was straight tor a considerable distance, and the surface covered with metal screenings. When passing the lorry, the deceased was riding the motor cycle well over towards his correct side of the road. 

To the coroner: The motor cycle was lying about four feet from the edge of the channel, and about a similar distance from the body.

George Stanley Jones, metal worker, North-East Valley, Dunedin, who was a passenger on the previous witness's lorry, gave corroborative evidence. He estimated that Strang’s car was travelling about 30 to 35 miles an hour when he passed the motor lorry, and swerved across the road immediately in front of the lorry. Witness heard Strang say "I did not see the man.” The night was dark but the visibility was good, and the weather was fine. 

Evidence was also given by Constable A. Kerse, Milton, who accompanied Dr Mirams to the scene of the fatality. After their arrival Strang came to witness and remarked “I am the driver of the car and have killed a man.” Witness also gave evidence regarding the position of the lorry, cycle, and motor car on his arrival. He examined Strang’s car — a five-seater Buick sedan — which was bespattered with blood on one side and on portion of the glass in the windscreen. He did not take any measurements that night, but returned next morning, when he discovered the handle grip of the deceased’s motor cycle lying on the road in some broken glass. 

Formal evidence was also given by Detective Sergeant Doyle, who produced photographs of the locality. 

This concluded the evidence in the inquest, which was formally adjourned sine die

The Magistrate’s Court was reopened, when the various witnesses attested to their evidence at the inquest. 

Strang was formally charged and pleaded not guilty. The defence was reserved, and he was committed for trial at the October sitting of the Supreme Court. Bail was allowed in one surety of £100 and self £100.  -Otago Daily Times, 15/9/1934.

CLARENDON FATALITY

MOTOR DRIVER CHARGED 

TRIAL IN SUPREME COURT 

The fatal collision at Clarendon on the night of August 4 had its sequel in the Supreme Court to-day, when the trial was held of a young man, William James Strang, on a charge of negligently driving a motor car, thereby causing the death of Thomas Twaddle. 

Accused, who pleaded not guilty, was represented by Mr A. C. Hanlon, K.C., with him Mr K. G. Roy, and Mr J. H. Main (Oamaru) acted as Crown Prosecutor. Mr Justice Kennedy presided. 

Opening the case, Mr Main said the crime charged was akin to manslaughter in the Crimes Act. There was no suggestion that drink entered into the case at all; very often drink was a considerable factor. The only evidence of the consumption of liquor was contained in the statement by the accused to the police, but the consumption was so slight that the suggestion was made to the jury that no heed whatever should be given to it. The position then was that the accused, in his sober senses, so negligently drove a car that he caused the death of another human being. It was not necessary that the Crown should prove gross or culpable negligence, but only that the accused, by the want of exercise of due care, caused the death of the unfortunate young man. With the increase of mechanical means of transport, it was regrettable that road accidents had also increased, and the jury, in common with all juries empanelled to try similar cases, was in duty bound to assist the court to prevent such occurrences.

The circumstances of the case were admittedly very distressing, the accused being twenty-four years of age and the deceased eighteen years. On the night of the fatality Twaddle was proceeding on his motor cycle from Oamaru to visit his mother at Lovell’s Flat. The accident occurred on the Main South road at Clarendon, six miles north of Milton. The accused, who lived at Invercargill, was travelling to Dunedin in a sedan car, in which his mother and Mrs Gavin were passengers, and had left Invercargill at 2.45 and Milton at 6.5. Two witnesses — Alexander William Milne and a man named Jones — would give what might be called first-hand evidence of the accident. Milne was the driver of a six-wheeled lorry, and Jones was a passenger in the cab. When at Clarendon Milne noticed in his mirror the lights of a car approaching from the rear, about half a mile away. At the same time he noticed a light coming from the north. He would say that, he was travelling at about fifteen miles an hour, and that the motor cyclist passed him at a speed of twenty to twenty-five miles an hour. Immediately the cycle passed the cab there was a crash, a collision having occurred between Strang’s car and Twaddle’s cycle. 

The lorry was pulled up promptly, but the car proceeded for an estimated distance of sixty yards, said Mr Main, Milne estimated that the speed of the car was forty miles an hour. That estimate was corroborated by a statement which accused himself made to the police at Milton. About twenty yards behind the lorry Milne and Jones found the cycle lying about six feet out from the edge of the metalled portion of the road, and the deceased in the water-table. The light of the cycle was still burning. Accused returned to the scene, and it was significant that he questioned the two men as to their estimates of his speed, and volunteered the information that be was travelling at between thirty and thirty-five miles an hour. The road at this particular spot was level, and was straight for a long distance. The evidence would be that the visibility was good. The lorry left a width of 10ft to other users of the road, and that was sufficient if care were exercised by others. ]f the lorry was creating a cloud of dust, the accused showed negligence in proceeding. In attempting to pass the lorry accused committed a breach of the regulations prohibiting the passing of a vehicle by another when a third vehicle was approaching. After Dr Mirams had examined Twaddle and found that he was dead, the constable examined the scene. The Crown's case was that if accused had used the care expected of him the would not have occurred. 

Evidence on the conclusion of the Crown Prosecutor's address was given by

Francis Little (a surveyor for the Lands Department), Dr Noel Mirams (Milton), Alexander William Milne, George Stanley Jones, Constable Kerse (Milton), and Detective-sergeant Doyle. 

No evidence was called for the defence. 

“This is probably one of the shortest cases of the motor manslaughter type to come before the court, because it is contained in a very small compass of time and distance and very few facts are involved,” said Mr Hanlon in his address to the jury. There had been practically no dispute about the facts. The jury would have noticed that it was unnecessary for him to cross-examine most of the witnesses, for they had told the truth as far as they could see in the circumstances. In the first place, they had to find whether there was negligent driving on the part of the accused; secondly, they had to inquire whether such negligent driving caused the death of Twaddle. What were the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate affair? The motor lorry and the cycle were passing on a practically flat and level piece of road when the collision occurred. The first thing to be impressed upon the jury was that there was no suggestion of drinking or that accused was careless under the influence of drink. The case had been most fairly placed before them by the Crown Prosecutor, who had said drink was not involved. Was it a case of speeding? was the next question. Was the accused travelling at an excessive rate of speed, either for “show-off” purposes, joy riding, or anxiety to get to some particular place in an inordinately short period of time? The only evidence about speeding in this case was that when the accident happened the motor car shot past the lorry at an angle, evidently trying to avoid both the lorry and the youth. But that happened after the collision. Probabilities should also be taken into consideration by the jury. If a young man had a young woman beside him and was out on a party there might be a careless form of driving through his paying too much attention to the woman instead of to his wheel. Strang was accompanied in the front seat by his best friend in the world, his mother. What were the probabilities of his taking unnecessary risks, driving carelessly, and speeding under such a circumstance? Apart from any feeling which a man might have, the mother would probably think that she would exercise some control if there was anything in the way of recklessness or carelessness on her son’s part. The probabilities were that the young man was not negligent and had not done anything that a prudent man would not have done in similar circumstances. The accused in his statement to the police had made no attempt to minimise anything he had done. It was a plain, honest statement. He did not see any light approaching when he attempted to pass the lorry. His mother said. “Look-out!” or “My God, you’ve hit him,” and there was a crash. The statement showed that the mother also saw nothing almost until the moment of impact. It could not be expected that accused should have stayed behind a lorry travelling at only 15 miles, said Mr Hanlon. The accused followed the lorry for some chains, and when on a straight and flat road he made up his mind to do what any reasonable man would do — he pulled up and probably speeded up. Unfortunately the moment he was emerging from the dust arising from the rear of the lorry the cycle loomed up and the collision occurred. With the slightest more space the accident would not have happened. It did not follow that because a young man had lost his life another should be gaoled or punished. After His Honour had summed up the jury retired at 12.50. 

VERDICT OF ACQUITTAL. 

After a retirement of one and a-half hours, the jury returned with a verdict of not guilty, and Strang was discharged.  -Evening Star, 24/10/1934.

Balclutha Cemetery.

Janet Marie McGuffog, (1887-10/2/1910). "bright and kind"

DEATH.

McGUGFOG. - On February 10th, 1910, at her parent's residence, Kaka Point, Janet Marie, eldest daughter of Robert and Mary McGuffog; aged 23 years and 10 months. Deeply regretted.  -Clutha Leader, 11/2/1910.

F U N E R A L  N O T I C E. 

The Friends of ROBERT and MARY McGUFFOG are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral of their late daughter, Janet Marie, which will leave their residence, Kaka Point, on Sunday, 13th inst., at 12 o'clock, for the Balclutha Cemetery, passing through Balclutha about 2.30 p.m. 

A. B. HENDERSON, Undertaker.  -Clutha Leader, 11/2/1910.

Very general regret is fell at Port Molyneux and in the Balclutha and Hillend districts, where the family is so well known, at the death of, Janet Marie, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs Robert McGuffog, of Kaka Point. She was living in Wellington, and came home before Christmas to be married. Just after the New Year she took ill, the trouble being appendicitis, but she got better for the time being. However, she took ill again this month, and her medical attendants decided that an operation would have to be performed. This was done by Dr Fitzgerald and Dr Stenhouse, but it was not destined to prove successful in saving her life, and she died on Thursday last. She was born in Balclutha, and her age was only 23 years and 10 months. She was of a bright and kind disposition, and was a favourite with all who knew her. Her remains were interred in Balclutha cemetery on Sunday afternoon, a large concourse paying their respect to her memory and their sympathy with parents and members of the family in their sad bereavement. The Rev. Mr Currie officiated.  -Clutha Leader, 15/2/1910.

Balclutha Cemetery.