William Kirean Dooley, (1872-20/12/1930). "at the foot of a cliff"

DRIVER'S BODY FOUND. 

CAR OVER CLIFF IN DARKNESS. 

(By Telegraph. — Press Association.) OAMARU, Sunday. 

The body of William Kirean Dooley, aged 58, was found at the foot of a cliff on the foreshore at seven o'clock this morning. Apparently the car which the deceased was driving crashed over a 30ft drop late last night. Mr. Dooley lived two streets further on from the spot where the accident occurred, and it is thought he mistook the turning. He leaves a wife and grown-up family.  -Auckland Star, 22/12/1930.

ACCIDENTAL DEATH

INQUEST ON THE LATE MR W. K. DOOLEY. 

An inquest into the death of the late Mr William Dooley was held at the Courthouse yesterday afternoon before the Coroner, Mr W. H. Frith, J.P. Senior-Sergeant Scott appeared for the police, and Mr L. H. Sumpter for the relatives of deceased. 

Edward Connell, residing in Orwell street, and employed by the Railway Department, stated that he walked down the beach at the end of Orwell street at about 7 a.m. on Sunday. The road and gravel extended right to the edge of the precipice, where there was a sheer drop to the beach. He noticed an overturned motor car at the foot of the precipice. He saw a man's shoes protruding from the door of the car. He immediately went home and told his sister to communicate with the police. He did not turn the car on to its side, but probably this had been done by some of those that he had informed of the accident. 

William Lindsay Notman, an electrician, carrying on business in Thames Street, Oamaru, stated that he knew deceased and had done business with him. He last saw deceased at 9.45 on Saturday evening at his premises. Deceased had called on him and stayed for about 20 minutes. He left about 10.15 p.m., and appeared to be quite normal and in his usual state of health. Deceased had not stated where he was going, and witness did not know whether he had his car with him. He was not accompanied. Deceased had called upon him partly on business in connection with his wireless set. It was a custom of deceased to call in occasionally. By his appearance, he would say that deceased had not had any drink whatever. Witness had known deceased for about a year or more, and knew that he had weak eyes. He generally wore dark glasses. Deceased had not appeared depressed during his stay at witness' premises. 

Constable Waring gave evidence that at 7.15 a.m. on Sunday he had gone, in response to a telephone call, to the scene of the accident. He had found the car lying on its side with the wheels pointing south. He outlined the proceedings in connection with the finding and identification of the body and also the injuries that had been inflicted by the accident. The precipice was 14 feet high. He would say that deceased had been dead for anything up to seven hours. Foyle street ran from Thames street to the foreshore. About 150 yards from the east end of the street a railway crossing and embankment had to be crossed. About 30 feet from the precipice a barbed wire fence, consisting of two strands with a notice board attached prohibiting the dumping of rubbish, had been erected, but this had been down for a couple of days prior to the accident. The street was gravelled right to the edge of the precipice, giving it the appearance of an old road. He noticed a tyre mark on the notice board that was lying on the ground. For 15 feet there was a distinct sign of the right hand rear wheel having been braked. The remaining 15 feet to the precipice did not show any sign of a brake having been applied to any of the wheels of the car. On the beach where the car had gone over he found the mark of the bonnet six feet out from the precipice. The car must have been travelling slowly when it went over the precipice. Deceased could not have reached Foyle street from the east end of the streets in that vicinity. He knew that deceased had worn sun glasses in the daytime. He had found in deceased's possession another pair of spectacles as well as those that witness knew that deceased wore. From Thames street to the precipice at the end of Orwell street the roadway was in as good a condition as any other side street in Oamaru. Had the wire fence and notice board been in place deceased might have seen it from the railway embankment. 

Senior-Sergeant Scott corroborated the evidence of Constable Waring. He had examined Foyle and Orwell streets, and from Thames street these streets appeared very much alike. Though they were some distance apart, a person at night might easily make a mistake and take the wrong street. By reason of the facts that the fence had been down and that the road surface was good, a person could quite easily find himself on the edge of the precipice before he knew that he was really off the road. For that reason he considered that the street was dangerous both to cyclists and motorists. In the case on hand it was quite evident that deceased had not been travelling fast or otherwise the radiator of the car would not have been found so close to the bank. 

To Mr Sumpter: It was quite possible for deceased after crossing the railway embankment, to have travelled by a side road into Weaver street and then into Foyle street. It was quite possible for deceased to have crossed this side road in the dark and to have continued on the good road. 

The Coroner commented upon the lack of evidence to show how deceased was occupied from the time he left home until the time of the accident. Only about 20 minutes of that time was accounted for, and commented upon the diffidence of members of the public to come, forward and give information in such cases. The public seemed to have a false notion that trouble might arise. He concurred with the view that deceased had continued along the street by mistake and had missed the side street that led into Weaver street. It was quite feasible that deceased had missed the street, and also that he might have mistaken Orwell street for Foyle street, which were very similar in appearance. However, most of the evidence was mere assumption. 

A verdict was returned that deceased met his death accidentally, by a car that he was driving going over a bank.  -North Otago Times, 24/12/1930.

Oamaru Cemetery.

19570 Private Michael Francis Hanley, (1900-31/12/1942). "food shortage"

Michael Hanley was reported as a prisoner of war on August 3rd, 1942. It is possible he was one of the prisoners taken during the attack on the Mrier Depression in Egypt on the night of July 21-22. He was one of 68 men taken prisoner that night. He found himself in the Italian Camp 57 at Udine.

Fortunately the winter turned out to be mild. Although the allowance of blankets was sufficient, there were few heating stoves in the barracks and only enough fuel to keep them going for about two hours each evening. Conditions in the cells were especially severe in winter, as they were not heated in any way, and prisoners slept on bare boards with one blanket only. Supplies of Red Cross food parcels failed owing to the breakdown in the transport arrangements through southern France, and the International Red Cross Committee warned all camps to issue at the rate of half a parcel a week as from 1 December. Some men who had not sufficiently recovered from previous privations broke down in health as a result of this additional food shortage; there were a good many cases of beriberi and a disproportionate number of deaths both in the camp and in the local hospital.  -Private J. D. Caves - The Long Journey Home.

ROLL OF HONOUR

HANLEY — At Camp 57 Udine, Italy, Private Michael Francis (Frank) Hanley, elder son of Mrs and the late Mr Murty Hanley, Ouse Street. Oamaru, and loved brother of Mrs Gardner, Raymond Street, aged 42 years. R I P.  -Timaru Herald, 1/2/1943.

Mrs M. Hanley, of 15 Ouse street, Oamaru, has received word that her son, Private Michael Francis Hanley, has died in a prisoner-of-war camp at Udine, Italy. Private Hanley, who was born at Morven, was educated at the Windsor School, and followed farming pursuits at Corriedale until his enlistment in the forces.  -Otago Daily Times, 2/2/1943.

WOULD any M.E. Soldier who knew the late 19370 Pte. Michael Francis Hanley (Frank), Camp 57, Udine, Italy, please communicate with Esther Hanley. Staff, Public Hospita1, Nelson.  -NZ Herald, 3/12/1945.

Oamaru Cemetery.

39943 Sergeant Noel Mizpah Stanger, (24/12/1916-1941). "death in action"

PERSONAL 

Sergeant-Observer Noel Stanger, of the Royal Air Force, whose death in action was recently reported, was an ex-pupil of the Glenavy School and the Waimate High School, where he matriculated. For the last five years he was employed in the Kurow district, where he was a prominent member of the Otekaike Football Club and the Kurow Miniature Rifle Club. His parents reside at Enfield.  -Timaru Herald, 21/2/1941.

Noel Stanger enlisted in the RNZAF in September, 1939, and received pilot training until January, 1940, when he was remustered for observer training.  In June of that year he embarked for Britain and was posted to 235 Squadron RAF. He flew in Bristol Blemheim twin-engined bombers, on coastal and anti-shipping patrols. He died during a non-operational flight over Britain.

Oamaru Cemetery.

15474 Private Alexander Caldwell Feathers, (1912-29/11/1941). "duty nobly done"

FOR THE EMPIRE’S CAUSE 

PRIVATE A. C. FEATHERS 

Private Alexander Caldwell Feathers, whose death from wounds is reported, was the son of Mr and Mrs A. Feathers, of France street, Oamaru. He was born in Dunedin and attended the Waitaki Boys’ High School. Prior to enlisting, he was employed in the office of the Waitaki Farmers’ Freezing Company, Ltd., Oamaru. He was a leading lawn tennis player, being a North Otago representative and a winner of the men’s singles championship and Familton Cup. He was a member of the Oamaru Club. Private Feathers was also a member of the Old Boys’ Football Club and of the Badminton and Squash Clubs. He is survived by his parents and a sister, Mrs E. Montelth, of Oamaru.  -Otago Daily Times, 18/12/1941.

Strangely enough, just when everyone thought the game was about up, the enemy disengaged. A small enemy party which made a half-hearted attack from the south-east was beaten off. Three British tanks arrived late on the scene and, before anyone could get to them, opened fire on the 24th and 26th Battalions' RAP. Padre Watson went out, at no little risk, and explained to the tank commander what was happening. Unfortunately, several of the wounded in the RAP (Regiment Aid Post) had been killed. As darkness fell the enemy withdrew, leaving a relieved 6 Brigade in peace. B Echelon had suffered nine casualties during the heavy shelling. The rifle companies had escaped fairly lightly, four men being killed, including one officer.  -Official History of 26 Infantry Battalion.

FEATHERS. — In sad but loving memory of Alexander Caldwell Feathers, died of wounds in Libya on November 29, 1941. "His duty nobly done.” — Ever remembered by his loved ones.  -Otago Daily Times, 28/11/1942.

Oamaru Cemetery.

214 Private Edward Sydney Richards, (1884-7/11/1915). "the good services"

Mr J. D. Richards, Otipua Road, received official telegrams from Wellington yesterday informing him that a cable had been received from Melbourne, stating that his son, E. S. Richards, of the South Australian Battalion, was killed in action at Gallipoli on November 7th. The soldier who thus lost his life, was Mr Richards' eldest son, and was 31 years of age. He was educated at Warwick House, and the Christchurch High School, and after leaving school, was for some time engaged in farming. About six years ago he went to Australia, and enlisted there. In his last letter home, he wrote that he was well but found two and a half months in the trenches, making no progress, rather wearying work.  -Timaru Herald, 11/12/1915.

PERSONAL ITEMS.

On Saturday, Mr T. D. Richards, of Otipua Road, Timaru, received word from the Commonwealth Records Office, Melbourne, as follows: — "The Army Corps Commander is glad to have the opportunity of placing on record the good services rendered by Private E. S. Richards (killed in action), 25th Battalion, for successfully reconnoitering in front of the apex trenches on October 1, 1915."  -Timaru Herald, 3/4/1916.

Timaru Cemetery.

3/103A Private Harold John Lewis, (25/9/1894-20/11/1914). "at sea"

News has been received in Timaru that Harold Lewis, who left for the front as a member of the Ambulance Corps, had died at sea from pneumonia. He was twenty years of age and was the only son of the late Mr John Lewis, nurseryman, of Maori Hill. He was a bright lad and was learning the engineering trade. He took a very keen interest in ambulance work, in which he was exceptionally well up, and as soon as the war broke out he determined to go to the front to serve his country. He had some difficulty at first in getting away, but with patriotic enthusiasm he persisted in his application and finally was selected. He was a very popular young man, and his death at sea will be deplored by all who knew him, while general sympathy will be extended to his mother and sister. The Hon James Allen. Minister of Defence, telegraphed to Mrs Lewis on Saturday expressing his deep sympathy with her on the loss of her son.  -Lyttelton Times, 2/12/1914.

Timaru Cemetery.

Percy Victor Segar, (1895-25/1/1932). "an accomplished player"

BANDSMAN COLLAPSES. 

TIMARU, January 25. 

Mr Percy Victor Segar, aged 36, who resided at 29 Wai-iti Road, collapsed and died whilst practising with the Timaru Municipal Band about ten o'clock this evening. Mr Segar, who was a married man with three children, was a well-known electrician. It is thought that death was dine to heart failure and an inquest will not be necessary.  -Ashburton Guardian, 26/1/1932.

BANDSMAN'S DEATH

INQUEST AT TIMARU.

(Special to the "Guardian.") TIMARU, January 27. 

An inquest into the death of Percy Victor Segar, who collapsed while practising in the Timaru Band Room, was held the District Coroner (Mr C. R. Orr Walker) this afternoon. 

William Henry Osborne, conductor of the Timaru Municipal Band, said that Segar was in excellent health and spirits. The band practised until 9.40 p.m. and rested for ten minutes. Upon resuming, the band had only played a few bars when Segar dropped his instrument and collapsed in his chair where he was sitting. Members of the band thought he had fainted and lifted him outside on the footpath and sent for. the doctor. On his arrival the doctor pronounced life extinct. 

Herbert G. Segar identified the body as that of his brother, Percy Victor Segar, aged 37 years. Witness had last seen his brother on Sunday and he was then in good health and spirits. Two years ago deceased had a severe illness, pleurisy and pneumonia. Witness was not aware that his brother had been examined for heart trouble, although witness had heard his brother complaining of his heart. His brother had never had a severe accident to witness's knowledge, nor an operation, but he had cut his finger badly on the day of his death. 

Dr. R. D. King stated that he had made a post-mortem examination of the body of Segar, and found him to have been suffering from extensive periconditis. There was also evidence of an old pleurisy of the right lung and marked enlargement of a persistent thymus gland. The other organs appeared normal. The cause of death was status lymphaticus due to the persistency of the thymus gland. It was stated that the disease is comparative rarely discovered during life, and has the effect of causing death on sudden exertion or excitement. In adults it is practically impossible to discover it in life without an operation. 

A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical testimony.  -Ashburton Guardian, 28/1/1932.

FUNERAL OF LATE MR SEGAR.

BANDSMEN HONOUR COLLEAGUE 

An impressive cortege followed the remains of the late Mr Percy V. Segar to the Timaru Cemetery yesterday afternoon. Mr Segar collapsed and died suddenly on Monday night, while attending a practice of the Municipal Band, of which he had been a member for over 20 years. 

The service at the residence of the late Mr Segar at 27 Wai-iti Road, was officiated at by the Venerable Archdeacon Monaghan, who also conducted the burial service at the graveside at Timaru cemetery. The coffin was borne by six brothers of deceased, Messrs Arthur, Hector, Thomas, Herbert, Albert and George Segar. 

A fitting tribute to their late colleague was offered by the bandsmen, a full muster of whom headed the funeral procession. Besides both Senior and Junior Bands, there were present twenty ex-members, some of whom carried instruments. Evidence of the regard in which the late Mr Segar was held was shown by the length of the cortege, no fewer than 40 cars following the hearse to the cemetery. 

At the graveside, the bands, under the baton of Lieut. W. H. Osborne, played “Lead, Kindly Light,” and while returning to the bandroom gave the march “Torchlight,” which was the test piece at the last quickstep contest. Corporal Segar attended as a member of the Timaru Band. 

Mr Segar had been a member of the Band Committee almost since the time he joined, and also was a member of the Board of Control. An accomplished player of the flugel horn, Mr Segar played at every contest attended by the Timaru Band since 1913. He also was a prominent member of the Orchestral Society. 

His wife and one son remain to mourn the loss of a highly esteemed member of the community.  -Timaru Herald, 29/1/1932.

THANKS.

Mrs I. Segar and family wish to convey their appreciation to all kind friends for floral tributes, letters, telegrams and personal expressions of sympathy in their recent sad bereavement.  -Timaru Herald, 1/2/1932.

Timaru Cemetery.