Thomas Walter (Dick) Hicks, (1878-5/6/1909). "a large circle of friends"

We regret to record the death of a young man named Thomas Walter (better known as Dick) Hicks, which occurred at the Cromwell Hospital on Sunday morning. Deceased who was a brother of Mr H. F. Hicks, of Mount Pisa Station, arrived in the colony from the Old Country about five years ago and was for some time clerk on Morven Hills Station, where he became popular with a large circle of friends with whom he came in contact. He had been in failing health for a considerable time and was admitted to the local hospital several weeks ago. — Argus.   -Lake County Press, 10/6/1907.

Cromwell Cemetery.

9/136 Lieutenant James Duncan MC, (1897-18/2/1967). "devotion to duty"

Mr John Duncan, Mataura, received word on Saturday that his son. Lieutenant James Duncan, had been awarded the Military Cross. He is the third son of Mr and Mrs John Duncan, and was born at Mataura about 22 years ago. He was barely 18 when he went away with the Main Body and remained in Egypt with the Remount Depot for about two years. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in the Camel Corps and later to sergeant major, but in order to be with his old company went back to the rank of sergeant. Lieutenant Duncan was educated at Mataura, and after leaving school was employed by the late firm of C. D. McConnell and Co. He was a member of the Mataura Football Club and also of the Mataura Lodge, I.O.O.F.   -Mataura Ensign, 16/12/1918.

The Official History of the James' unit, "With the Machine Gunners in France and Palestine" contains the citation for his MC: "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty near Dumar on 30th September, 1918. With great skill he worked his guns forward to the edge of a pass which was packed with retreating enemy troops and transport. From the range of one hundred yards he inflicted heavy casualties, which resulted in blocking the road for further passage of the enemy, and the capture of many waggons, machine guns and a train which was on the line which ran through the pass.

BACK FROM THE WAR.

SOLDIERS’ RECEPTION.

A MATAURA FUNCTION'. 

In honor of the return from the front of Lieutenant James Duncan and Privates Henry and Allan Cameron and Sister L. Y. Scott a reception was tendered in the Mataura Horticultural Hall on Wednesday night. There was a good attendance, including several visitors from the outlying districts. Dancing was indulged in, splendid music for which was provided by Miss McGowan (piano) and Mr J. McDowell (violin), while the duties of M’s-C. were ably carried out by Messrs James Broome and R. Friend. 

Before the supper adjournment a verse of the National Anthem was sung. 

The Mayor (Mr John Bowden) formally welcomed the returned soldiers and Sister Scott back to Mataura. After referring to the occupation and evacuation of Lille, and the joy which it brought to the French people, the speaker said our feelings were just the same as those of the French at the return of our soldiers. We had sent them away to beat the Germans, and they had done so. When the history of the war was written the New Zealanders and Australians would occupy a prominent position. Sister Scott, who went from. Mataura, had served three years in. the New Zealand Hospitals at Home. The speaker Concluded by asking those present to give their heroes a hearty welcome, winch was done by acclamation.

Lieutenant James Duncan was heartily applauded upon rising to respond. On behalf of Sister Scott and his comrades the speaker thanked the people of Mataura for their cordial reception. Referring to the sister, the speaker said the nurses had done wonderful work, and no one could understand unless he had seen for himself. New Zealand should be proud of the work the sisters had done. The gifts the people of New Zealand had sent to the soldiers at the front were very much appreciated by the soldiers. (Applause) 

Supper was dispensed, after which dancing was resumed until 1 a.m., when a pleasant evening was concluded with "Auld Lang Syne”, and a verse of the National Anthem.  -Mataura Ensign, 7/3/1919.

Later that year, James Duncan was in Wanganui hospital, being treated for malaria and dysentery which he acquired during the war.  There were no officers' accommodations at the hospital and he was transferred to Rotorua - there were also concerns that, according to the Matron, he had returned to the hospital more than once "under he influence of liquor." This situation was felt to be "not conducive to good discipline, " according to Captain Douglas Wilson of the Medical Corps.

The engagement is announced of Miss Ruby Thompson, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Thompson, 155, Thorndon-quay, to Lieutenant James Duncan, M.C., third, son of Mr. and. Mrs. John Duncan, of Mataura.    -Evening Post, 11/10/1919.

A military wedding was celebrated recently at St. Paul's pro-Cathedral, when Lieut. James Duncan, M.C. (Main Body, N.Z.E.F.), of Mataura, Southland, was married to Miss Ruby Thompson, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. Thompson, Thorndon-quay, Wellington. The Ven. Archdeacon Johnson officiated. Lieut. W. Wilson (Main Body) was the best man, and Mr. Archer Thompson was the groomsman. The bride was given away by her father, and wore a dainty gown of accordion-pleated ivory crepe-de-chene and georgette. The train was lined with shell pink and trimmed with pearls and orange blossoms. She wore her mother's wedding veil, and carried a bouquet of white roses and maidenhair fern. The bridesmaids were Misses Elsie Duncan, Myrtle Butts, and Gladys Armstrong (train bearer), wearing respectively accordion-pleated frocks of pale pink, blue, and heliotrope crepe de chine and ninon. Their flats were of transparent black tulle with long streamers, while the bouquets were of pink ross and maidenhair, the little maid wearing a wreath of flowers round her head, and carrying a basket of flowers. The bridegroom's presents were silver jewel cases to the bridesmaids, a gold bangle to the trainbearer, and a cheque to the bride. The bride's gift to the bridegroom was a silver-mounted shaving outfit. After the wedding a reception was held at the residence of the bride's parents. Lieut. and Mrs. Duncan left for a visit to the South Island, the latter wearing a navy blue tailor costume, with buff embroidery and a hat to match trimmed with ospreys.  -Evening Post, 23/12/1919.

From here, James Duncan seems to have led a blameless life, or at least an unreported one.  He must have dealt with his malaria and reached a decent age before leaving the world and being buried beside family at Mataura Cemetery.

Mataura Cemetery.

Charles Lawson, (1835/12/6/1885). "fell off the dray"

CORONER'S INQUEST.

Mr D. MacKellar, J.P., and a jury, of which Mr Cogan was foreman, held an enquiry on Saturday, at Bendigo, into the cause of death of Charles Lawson. The following evidence was taken: 

John Langham, sworn, deposed that he was a miner living at Bendigo. Had known the deceased for two days. First met him at the store of Charles O'Donnell, where witness was waiting for meat. Went with him to O'Donnell's slaughter-yard, about 150 yards from the store. O'Donnell had killed a bullock, and left witness and deceased at the yard to hoist it. While doing so the rope went wrong, and the deceased went up to shift it, using the dray, which was close at hand, to assist himself in getting up. He fell off the dray on to the top rail of the stockyard, and in falling struck his side on the rail, and afterwards pitched on his head on the ground. Witness went for O'Donnell's assistance, but the latter took no notice at first. Then went to look at deceased again, and thought he was dead. Went for O'Donnell a second time, and he came and said Lawson was dead. They then, with another man, carried deceased to a bedroom and laid him on a bed. Witness then rode to Cromwell and reported the matter to the police. Deceased had been at O'Donnell's before witness, and he was sober. Witness had no spirituous liquor at O'Donnell's. Thought the accident took place about three o'clock on Friday afternoon. 

To the Police and Coroner witness replied: I was on good terms with deceased, having only known him the time I was waiting on meat. I had no beer at O'Donnell's during the day, nor had the deceased to my knowledge. 

Charles O'Donnell, storekeeper, Bendigo Gully, sworn, deposed that he had known the deceased for four or five years. Was the previous day driving cattle to the yard, and deceased assisted to put them in. Believed deceased was at his place for the purpose of purchasing goods. John Langham was with him. Both assisted witness, who killed a bullock and dressed it ready for hoisting. Was called away, and left deceased to hoist the bullock. While in the store, Langham came in and said Lawson had fallen down. Went immediately to the yard and on seeing Lawson found he was dead. Was so put about that he could not recollect who carried deceased into the house. Did not think that Langham called him twice before he went to see Lawson. Deceased had no spirits or beer to his knowledge on the day of the accident, and was perfectly sober. Langham had none either, and the two men appeared to be on very good terms. Had no reason to think that they quarreled in any way. Deceased had a claim, but no property of any value. He owed witness nothing. 

Dr Stacpoole deposed that he had examined the body of deceased. Found all the organs healthy. The neck was broken at the fourth vertebra. There were some slight contusions on the top of the head. Thought death was caused by the fracture of the vertebral column. 

Frederick Abelstead, miner, Bendigo, sworn, said that he had known deceased for nearly 26 years. He was about 52 years of age, and was a native of Norway. He was a widower, and witness believed left three daughters — one residing in Liverpool, and two in some part of Ireland. Was not aware that deceased had property of any value. The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."  -Cromwell Argus, 16/6/1885.

Cromwell Old Cemetery.

Henry Patrick (1859-23/3/1874) and Mary Ann (1861-23/3/1874) Goodger. "the sympathy of the whole district"

I have just heard that a daughter of Mr Goodger, of Cromwell, has died from fever, but I did not hear of what kind.  -Otago Daily Times, 28/3/1874.

Three funerals in one week is something terrible to record in a small township, but that is the bare statement of what took place in Cromwell last week. The sad bereavement sustained by Mr Goodger's family, (in the loss of the eldest son and daughter), being the first, and we may say the greatest, evoked the sympathy of the whole district, and a large assemblage gathered on Wednesday last to follow the remains to the grave, — the largest assemblage we perhaps have yet seen. The Rev. Father Mackay, of Queenstown, conducted the funeral service in a most impressive manner.  -Cromwell Argus, 31/3/1874.

The town of Cromwell is not so advantageously situate as might be, both for the comfort and health of its inhabitants. As like most of the earlier settled places, the people delighted to locate themselves as near the gold workings as possible, consequently, as the gold was for the most part being obtained on the banks of the Kawarau and Clutha Rivers, which here form a junction, the first residents got as close to the water's edge as was possible and consistent with safety. The main thoroughfare — Melmore Terrace — is thus necessarily low lying, and which has, perhaps, been the cause of the late plague of typhoid fever which visited the place, and carried off so many of the inhabitants. This visitation is happily now at an end, and is is to be hoped that the improved sanitary arrangements of the town have stamped it out for ever.  -Otago Witness, 22/8/1874.

Cromwell Old Cemetery.

John George Milns, (1854-20/4/1874). "fine, strong, manly"

DEATH.

On the 20th instant, at Cromwell, John George, eldest son of Mr J. C. S. Milns, of Alford, Lincolnshire, England; age, 20 years.  -Cromwell Argus, 21/4/1874.

WE regret having to record one or two fresh cases of fever since our last; but it may safely be said, we think, that the epidemic is on the decline. It will be noticed that the present week was ushered in with another fatal case, that of John G. Milns. The deceased was a fine, strong, manly young fellow, just twenty years of age. He was a nephew of Mr Hallenstein, Wakatip, in whose store here in Cromwell he was employed. He was well known, and not better known than liked and respected, throughout the whole district, and his death will be universally regretted. — Cromwell Argus.  -Lake County Press, 24/4/1874.

Cromwell Old Cemetery.

William O'Connell, (1824-30/8/1900). "seemed to lose his senses"

Dunedin, This day. William O'Connell, a miner near Cromwell, in town for medical advice, and staying at Haydon's Hotel, Princes street South, fell out of the window on to the pavement below, a distance of thirty feet, during the night. His body was found in a pool of blood at five o'clock this morning. Life was extinct. Deceased was aged 66. He was married and had a family. An inquest will be held this afternoon.   -Daily Telegraph, 30/8/1900

INQUEST.

The following concludes our report of the inquest on the body of William O’Connell, before Coroner Graham:-

Dr Roberts gave evidence as to seeing the body of deceased in the bar of the Central Hotel early yesterday morning. He described the condition of the body and the nature of the wounds which he found on it. The man was quite dead when he arrived. In the yard he saw a wood and iron sink, which was broken, and there was a pool of blood beside it. Deceased’s bed had been occupied. The window was shut, and there was a table in front of it, but in an unoccupied room (two rooms away) he found the window open. This window led on to a small slate roof, and was directly over the sink. The inference he drew was that the man was wandering about in a dazed condition, and that, without knowing what he was doing, he went out of the window and walked right over. He saw no sign that the man had been under the influence of liquor. He considered that the cause of death was hemorrhage and the shock of the fall.   

By the jury: There were no signs of violence other than those that would have been caused by the fall. 

Mary O’Connell, daughter-in-law of the deceased, said that the latter came to Dunedin on Tuesday to see Dr Lindo Ferguson. Deceased had been subject to attacks of giddiness, and seemed to lose his senses. On Wednesday night he seemed in his usual health, though he complained of his head at tea time. Witness visited him in his bedroom at half-past twelve, and found him sleeping quietly, with no signs of disturbance. He had never shown any suicidal tendencies. Deceased was seventy-six years old. 

George Haydon, manager of the Central Hotel said that he had known deceased for the last five years. He came down on Tuesday by the South express. He last saw him alive about 11 p.m. on Wednesday. He seemed perfectly healthy, and conversed for about five or ten minutes. Witness corroborated the evidence of the first witness (Laurenson) and of Dr Roberts as to the body in the yard, and the subsequent inspection of deceased’s bed. Deceased was perfectly sober when he went to bed. He was a very temperate man and witness had ever seen him touch sprits.

The jury returned a verdict that deceased met his death through falling through a window while he was in a dazed condition caused by an affection of the head.  -Evening Star, 31/8/1900.

Cromwell Old Cemetery.

John Munro, (1847-19/1/1875). "well known and highly respected"

DEATH.

On Sunday, I7th inst., at the Dunstan Hospital. John Munro, of the Nevis ; aged 28. [The funeral will leave Mr J. Marsh’s Bridge Hotel for the Cromwell Cemetery at 1 o’clock p.m. on Wednesday. Friends will please accept this intimation.]  -Cromwell Argus, 19/1/1875.

Mr John Munro, a miner well known and highly respected in the Nevis district, died at the Dunstan Hospital on Sunday night, of chest disease. The body will be interred in the Cromwell cemetery to-morrow.    -Cromwell Argus, 19/1/1875.

Cromwell Old Cemetery.