John Mellor, (1840-19/10/1879). "warm-hearted and liberal"

 TINKERS.

(From our own correspondent.) Oct. 20th, 1879.

It becomes my sad duty to record another death. Mr. John Mellor, who has for a number of years been trading here as general storekeeper and publican, under the style of J. and G. Mellor; said style being assumed in consequence of another John Mellor being resident here, died in the Dunedin Hospital about 6 o'clock yesterday morning, (Sunday, the 19th). He had been some considerable time ailing, his complaint being dropsy, and had been under treatment at Clyde and Cromwell; and the doctors there not being able to do any good for him, he started for Dunedin on the 12th instant, where, after twice undergoing the operation of tapping, he expired as above stated. I understand the body is to be brought up here, and interred in the Drybread Cemetery. He leaves a widow and six children, tolerably well-provided for, for besides the hotel and storekeeper business he owned shares in several gold mining ventures.  -Mount Ida Chronicle, 25/10/1879.

In another column it is announced that the re-interment of the remains of the late Mr John Mellor, of Tinker’s Gully, who it will be remembered died some short time back in Dunedin after but a short illness, will take place on Sunday next, the 18th inst., in the Matakanui Cemetery; and that the procession to meet the remains will start from his late residence in Tinkers Gully at 12 o’clock sharp; and the body will leave Millward’s White Horse Hotel, where it is anticipated it will arrive on previous evening, at about the same thus. The deceased in life was a strictly honourable and conscientious business man, and by the exercise of good sound judgment, backed by industry and perseverance, had worked himself into a very comfortable position, and had he but lived a few more short years he would have been in a position to retire and live peacefully on his well earned capital. Though a thoroughly strict man in business, he yet was warm-hearted and liberal, and many is the man who owes him a debt of gratitude for the timely relief he afforded, either to help them on the road, or to enable them to prosecute to the end some seat of work commenced. He was a sincere friend and a kind and indulgent husband and parent, and his widow and family and large circle of friends deeply mourn his loss. To pay the last tribute of respect to the memory of deceased we shall hope to see a large concourse present, and assist in carrying out one of his last wishes, viz., that should the worst come he might be buried in the neighbourhood where he had lived so many years.  -Dunstan Times, 16/1/1880.

The remains of the late Mr John Mellor, of Tinkers and Drybread, who, it will be remembered, died in Dunedin some time ago, arrived at the White Horse Hotel, on the evening of the 28th, for interment in the Drybread cemetery, according to a wish expressed by deceased while yet in life. The interment took place on the following day, and was attended by a considerable number of friends from the surrounding districts.  -Otago Witness, 7/2/1880.

The sale of mining property of the late John Mellor, held on the following day at the Victoria Hotel, by Mr. Charles Colclough, fell very flat; only one bid being made in the lot. Some of it has been disposed of privately since, to the parties who hold the other shares in the respective properties, but at figures considerably below what it was fondly hoped to fetch. Water property nowadays is not worth much, except in localities where the existence of payable ground has been proved beyond a doubt.  -Mount Ida Chronicle, 12/2/1880.

George Smith, (1837-1/4/1877). "appeared so trivial"

 EXTRAORDINARY DEATH AT DUNEDIN.

The Dunedin Evening News of the 3rd inst. says: — A gardener residing at the Water-of-Leith named George Smith died on Sunday under somewhat extraordinary circumstances. It appears that the friends of the late Dr. Hulme, who was buried about three months ago, had prepared a vault for the reception of the body, and Smith, with some other workmen, were on Tuesday last employed to lift the coffin. While digging it out they were almost overpowered by the stench emitted, and a quantity of liquid matter oozing through the seams adhered to their tools. One of the men accidentally grazed the side of Smith's leg with the point of his spade, but the bruise scarcely pierced the skin, and appeared so trivial that no attention was paid to it. The same evening Smith, who is a Forester, was at a meeting of his lodger apparently well and happy, and on Wednesday he was working as usual. On Thursday he felt ill and took to his bed. Dr. Brown was called in to see him, and discovered that the unfortunate man was suffering from symptoms of blood-poisoning. Everything that medical science could suggest was done for him without avail, and after enduring the most fearful agonies imaginable, he died on Sunday afternoon. Decomposition set in so rapidly that the side of the body on which the scratch had been inflicted became as black as ink almost before the body was cold, and/the deceased had to be coffined immediately. The deceased was a hard-working, industrious man, about 40 years of age, very much respected by the members of the Order with which he was associated, and he leaves a wife and young family to deplore his death.  -Evening Post, 11/4/1877.

It will be remembered that a few days ago we published a telegram announcing the death at Dunedin of a man named George Smith under very extraordinary circumstances. The Guardian of yesterday has the following in relation thereto: — "It is very sad to learn that the peculiarly melancholy circumstances of the death of Mr. George Smith are darkened further by the fact that his family, consisting of his widow and four little children, are left in very indigent circumstances. It is a case that calls loudly for sympathy from the charitable; but before making such appeal we feel compelled to say that a strong claim of justice, to say nothing of humanity, should be recognised by the executors and legatees of the late Dr. Hulme. We say nothing as to whether this melancholy event, which has plunged a family in bereavement and poverty, might not have been averted had the work of the undertaker originally been properly attended to. It is sufficient to note the close connection of cause and effect in this poor man's death. The late Dr. Hulme bequeathed an enormous sum of money, and considering the sad position of this poor family, we have neither hesitation nor delicacy in saying that it is the duty of the inheritors of that wealth to make a reasonable provision for life for the widow and family of poor George Smith "  -Oamaru Mail, 7/4/1877.

The friends of the late George Smith (whose death was caused through bloodpoisoning while removing Dr Hulme's coffin) are trying to raise a small fund among his acquaintances and the benevolent for the purpose of erecting a small cottage for the benefit of his widow and the four children. We have heard that Mr Hart has kindly undertaken to recommend the case of Mrs Smith and family to his mother, the sole legatee of the late Dr Hulme.  -ODT,1/5/1877.

George Smith lies buried in Dunedin's Northern Cemetery. 

Violet Powell, (10/1885-1/12/1887). "about to cry"

 ILL-TREATMENT OF A CHILD.

[Per Press Association. DUNEDIN, Oct. 4.]

A serious charge of child-beating was heard at the Police Court to-day, Augusta Margaret Powell being charged with wounding, assaulting, and ill-treating Violet Powell. A neighbour deposed to being called in on three separate occasions; when the child was in fits. She was shown marks on her body, which were said to be the results of falling. A boy of fourteen said that while looking through the fence he saw the child being made to walk by being thrashed with a strap, and when she fell down she was thrashed to make her get up. Dr Martin said that he had first seen the child on Sept. 18, and was informed that it had had a fit the day before, but was then better. There was a small mark on its nose and upper lip, said to have been caused by a fall when in a fit. Witness considered that was quite possible, and, as the child was better, no further treatment was required. On Saturday he was called in again, and observed blue and black marks on the child's face. On asking the cause, was told it was a fall the child had had the day before; but, seeing bruises on the other side of the face, he doubted that statement. There were black marks all over the child's body, more especially on the left side, on the arm, leg, and thigh. Asked the cause of the marks, and accused said she had had to beat the child owing to its dirty habits. She said that some of the marks on the thigh were done by her, but the other marks she could not account for. Did not notice any marks on the head, but it was so marked all over that it was hard to find a place where there were no marks. Had seen the child again this morning, and found the left forearm had been fractured at no distant date. Blows would produce the marks he saw. The effect of these injuries was that the child was extremely nervous. Very probably the beatings were the cause of the fits. Cross-examined: Other causes alone might account for the fits. The arm might have been broken by a fall against some hard substance; but for this injury there was no grievous bodily harm. The child was well nourished and fed. Mr Denniston, for the defence, contended that the only "grievous bodily harm" sustained by the child was the fracture of the arm, and there was no evidence to show that this was caused by the accused, nor to show any direct violence on her part, nor to show that she had any ill-will towards the child, or any desire to do it an injury. She openly called in the neighbours and voluntarily stripped the child for their inspection. A reprimand or fine would meet the case. The Bench found that the child had been very grossly ill-treated, and fined the accused £5, and ordered her to find sureties, herself in £20 and another in the same sum, for her good conduct for six months. Inspector Weldon applied for costs, which were granted.  -Star, 5/10/1887.

INQUEST AT ST. CLAIR.

An inquest the St Clair Hotel to-day before Coroner Carew and a jury of six, of whom William Wardrop was chosen foreman, touching the death of Violet Powell. Inspector Weldon was present on behalf of the police, and Mr J. A. Hislop watched the proceedings in the interests of the mother of the deceased. The following evidence was given: — 

Dr W. Brown: I was called to see the deceased on the 21st ult., but as I was on the point of leaving for town I asked Dr Ogston to go instead. I saw the child on Wednesday last. I examined it. It was lying on its back in a state of prostration. The mother pointed out to me the effects of a scald on the buttock. It had the appearance of an ordinary scald, several inches square, about the size of the palm of one’s hand, I did not see any other marks. The child had a very pained look on its face, which led me to inquire about the condition of its bowels. I was told that it had had frequent passage. The motions were characteristic of an inflammatory condition of the bowels. I was told that the child had scarcely slept for two nights, and I prescribed something for the effect of soothing it. The child’s mouth had a number of white specks in it, such as are seen in thrush. I think the child was probably suffering from congestion of the bowels, perhaps going as far as ulceration. I said that I should come out the following day at two o’clock, but before that time they rang me up to say the child was evidently sinking, and I set off at once, arriving about 12.30. The child had died a few minutes before I arrived. I did not make any farther examination of the body. When I saw the child on the 30th I knew that Dr Ogston had seen the child. I was told that the burns had occurred on the previous Monday. The immediate cause of the child’s death was, I think, congestion of the bowels. This is not an uncommon cause of death after burns, and might have been caused by the burns; and was more likely to occur in this case, because the child had been suffering from thrush or something similar to thrush. I could not say for certain that the congestion was caused by the burns; the child may have been suffering from some bowel affection at the time of the scalding. When Dr Ogston left he told me that the child was beginning to mend; but on the Wednesday, the day I was there, diarrhoea had set in, and the child had taken a turn for the worse. If the child had been suffering from any bowel affection at the time of the scalding, the scalding would undoubtedly have increased the disease and accelerated death. I have been told that the child was subject to fits. It is a usual and proper remedy for a child going into a fit to put it into hot water, if at a proper temperature. It would be very hard to say what temperature would scald a child or a grown-up person. The temperature that would scald one child would not scald another. As a matter of experience, I know that water considerably below boiling-point will scald a child. The mother appears to be a very nervous woman. Dr Ogston visited the child from the 21st to the 26th inclusive, and on the 28th.

Inspector Weldon suggested that it would be satisfactory to take advantage of Dr Brown’s presence to get him to make an external examination of the body; and the witness said that he would very much like to do so, as on his former visits he had not made a close examination for fear of disturbing the child while it was in pain.

After being absent for a short time, witness continued: I find that the principal part of the scalding is on the lower part of the child’s back and buttocks, I measured the extent of it: about twelve inches up and down and nine inches across. That is in addition to the extent of surface I mentioned before. On the upper surface of the right foot there is a mark of a scald 1 1/2 in long by an inch wide, and on the left foot there is a small scald at the root of the toes. I did not undress the child. The scald is a severe one. After seeing this scald, I am of the same opinion as before: that it would increase any tendency the child had to bowel complaint, and might accelerate death. 

By Inspector Weldon: The water that the child was put into was certainly too hot for a child. The scalds of themselves would be dangerous. 

By Mr Hislop: The scalds had not so far healed at the time of death as to cease to be dangerous. I have met with cases where children have been scalded by being put into water that was too not. I can quite understand an excitable woman like Mrs Powell putting a child into water that was too hot, especially if she has been in the habit of working amongst hot water, and her hands have, to some extent, lost their sensibility to heat. I do not think that such a mistake could have been made by a careful mother but it is possible that in her state of excitement she did not see that the water was too hot. If the child had been suffering from disordered bowels, that might have induced fits. The child was well nourished and clean.

By Inspector Weldon: It is not frequent for children to be scalded by being put into water that is too hot.

By the Foreman; I think that the scalding in itself was sufficient to cause death. 

Maggie Douglas, seven years of age, who was in Mrs Powell’s employment up till last Tuesday, said that the deceased had a fit on the 9th November. On the morning of the day on which the scalding took place the child was well and running about. Mrs Powell put the child on a chamber, and after a little while took Violet up in her arms and shook her, and put her back again. It was not a long shake. Violet looked as if she was going to fall off, and the mother took her up and laid her on the bed, giving her a few drops of brandy. Mrs Powell sent witness for some water in the bath, afterwards said that the bath was too big and had it brought in a tin bath. It was a small deep basin. Witness got some warm water out of the kettle which was on the fire, and also some out of the range boiler. The water in the kettle was nearly boiling; that in the boiler was cool, for the fire was low and the water had been put in in the morning. Witness felt the water with both hands; it did not feel too hot. When the water was put down, Mrs Powell said “Is that right?’’ and witness replied "I think so," Mrs Powell then put Violet’s feet into the water. The child had her day-clothes on, but Mrs Powell took her boots and socks off before placing her on the bed. The child did not seem to be in a fit when her feet were placed in the water, and did not cry or make any noise. After taking the child’s feet out of the water Mrs Powell bathed the child with water, continuing this for about ten minutes. The child did not cry, but shook itself. It was not put into the water; witness was sure of that. Mrs Powell laid the child on the bed, and then said that the skin was coming off. Mrs Powell went away for Mrs Mellick; who came at once and put flour and oiled rags on the child. Mrs Powell also telephoned for the doctor. When Mrs Powell saw that the skin was coming off she seemed sorry and as though about to cry. 

By Inspector Weldon: The fire that heated the water in the kettle also heated that in the boiler. Mrs Powell was not in a temper when she shook the child. It was after the shaking that the fit came on. The child did not make any sign of pain when it was in the water; witness was sure of that. Witness, Mrs Powell, and deceased were the only persons in the house when the child was put into the water. Witness was at Mrs Powell’s a month altogether. When she first went there Violet had a mark on her left eye and one on her cheek. They were blue marks, not large ones.

By Mr Hislop: Witness had not spoken to Mrs Powell since Tuesday last. The child was treated kindly, and so was the boy. Witness was sure that Mrs Powell did not try the water with her hand before placing the child's feet in it. 

By the jury: When the child had a fit on the 9th the mother did not put it into water; she gave it a few drops of brandy. Witness never saw the child beaten, but it would sometimes cry as it went about. The basin was one of the sort used for washing-up in. It was nearly full. Mrs Powell gave the child one or two drops in the water before laving it with her hands. After the skin was seen to be coming off, Mrs Powell sent witness for cold water. Some of this was put into the tin. Mrs Powell said “That will be enough.” More water was then put on the child. None of the warm water was taken out of the basin before the cold water was put in. Not much cold water was used; it did not make the water in the basin much cooler. 

Dr Maunsell deposed that he examined deceased on the 21st ult. The child was lying on its back, with its knees drawn up, and suffering from slight collapse. The lower part of the abdomen, the buttocks, the lower half of the spine, the upper part of the thighs, and all the private parts were scalded. There were blisters on the skin. The soles of both feet, and the lower parts of the back of the calves also, were scalded. Witness thought the child was in a dangerous state. He did not prescribe; as he understood that Dr Ogston had done all that possibly could be done for the child. Witness did not notice that the child was suffering from anything besides the scalding. The child seemed to be well nourished. The mother was in great distress; she said that it had been done in a second, in a great hurry. The child had, she said, taken a convulsive fit, and she had popped it into the water for a second, before finding that the water was too hot. The appearances were in accordance with this statement. Witness had made an outward examination of deceased to-day. The scalds on the feet were pretty well healed up, but the others were quite apparent. The cause of death, he should say, was the extensive scald. If the child had been suffering from a bowel complaint the scalding would accelerate death; it would be bound to do one thing or the other  —either cause death, or accelerate it. After a severe scald or burn patients frequently get congestion of the bowels, and die of that.

By Inspector Weldon: A child may be scalded by water at a lower temperature than that which would scald an adult. Adults accustomed to handling hot water might keep their hands in water that would scald a child. 

Inspector Weldon: And produce deadly effects?

Witness: Yes; when scalded over an extensive surface.

By Mr Hislop: During the last twenty years I have known of two cases of infants being scalded by being bathed in water that was too hot. 

By the Coroner: Mrs Powell said that the child had a convulsion. That was why she had called for the hot water. She did not represent that the child was suffering from any other cause. 

Augusta Margaret Powell, refreshment-room keeper, residing at St. Clair: I identify the body as that of my daughter Violet. She was two years and two months old. I have another child, a boy, five years and six months old. I reared the boy from fifteen months old, and Violet since she was two years. While Violet was with me she did not suffer from anything but fits. She has had three fits since the affair in Court — one on the 9th of November, one before that, and the third last Monday week, the 21st ult. The child had not been well, and seemed unable to walk about. This had been so for about a week. I kept her sitting by the fireside in the kitchen. About ten minutes before twelve on the Monday I put her on the chamber, and afterwards lifted her up and sat her down again. I did this myself in case Maggie might hurt her. I did not shake the child before setting it down. I turned round to finish what I was doing at the kitchen table, when Maggie said: "Oh, Mrs Powell, look.” I picked up the child at once, and noticed that she turned quite black round the mouth, and her lips went perfectly cold. I took her into the bedroom and called to Maggie to get me some hot water, telling her to put the cold water into the tin dish first, then to add some hot water, and when she brought it to me I asked her if it was right. She said: “Yes, Mrs Powell; I've put my hand through it twice.” I sat the baby down in the dish. It had its clothes on, but I lifted them up, and held her with one arm under its legs and one under its head, holding her in the water for a few seconds. I then changed the position, and stood her in the water, lifting the water as far as her knees. I did this with my hand. I did not keep her many seconds standing in the water, and then raised her up and put her in the bed. When in the bed the child said “Hot, hot, mamma,” I turned up its clothes, and saw a piece of skin about the size of a five-shilling piece off of each hip, I then ran across and telephoned for Dr Brown or Dr Ogston, and also asked Mrs Mellick to come. I told Mrs Mellick what had happened. Dr Ogston examined the child and said the scalding was very slight — merely the skin. I did not notice that the child was badly scalded. I did not move her about too much, for the doctor said she was to be kept quiet. I did not feel the temperature of the water myself; the girl said it was all right. 

The Coroner: Do you think it was safe to leave this to a girl eleven years of age? 

Witness: Maggie is fourteen years old; her mother told me so, I was so nervous that I hardly knew what I did, and thought I should have let her drop. I dipped the child in twice; the water did not burn my hands. 

By Inspector Weldon: The child had fits frequently. 

By the Coroner: I have only used warm water this once; but Mrs Anscombe used it on a previous occasion. 

By Mr Hislop: In using the warm water on this occasion I thought I was simply following a remedy that I had seen Mrs Anscombe employ with success. Dr Martin some time ago recommended me to use hot water in the event of a fit coming on. When the warm water was applied on the previous occasion, Mrs Anscombe used it; I did not try the temperature. 

By the jury; I have never received anything from the father for the support of these children. I have been able to support them myself. 

By the Coroner: When bathing the child the water did not seem to be hot; I did not feel it so.

Mrs Mellick, who was called in to see the baby, said that the scalding appeared to be a bad one. The mother was a good deal put about, and seemed inclined to blame the girl. 

By Mr Weldon: The child appeared to be conscious, and asked for a drink.

Maggie Douglas was here recalled to identify the basin that had been used. It was nearly filled with hot water, within two inches of the top. 

Mary Douglas, stepmother to Maggie Douglas, said that the girl was between eleven and twelve years of age. She had not told Mrs Powell that the girl was fourteen. On Wednesday last Mrs Powell told witness that Maggie had scalded the child, but that it was accidental, and witness would not say anything about it. On a previous occasion Mrs Powell told witness that Violet was not her own baby, but that she had money with it. She added that it had cost her nearly as much as she got with it. She said that she had got L100, that she knew the parents, and that the child was of good breed. Those were her exact words. Witness took her daughter away because she did not want to have anything to do with the case. 

Mrs Anscombe stated that she had been called in on three occasions to attend the child for fits. She had put the child into water up to its knees. On one occasion she told the mother that the water was too hot, but Mrs Powell replied that it was not, and put the child’s feet into it. 

By Mr Hislop: Mrs Powell always seemed anxious to adopt the best and quickest remedy. 

By the Jury: Mrs Powell told me on one occasion that she had adopted the child, and on another occasion said that she had taken it for five years. 

Mrs Mills, who saw the child after the scalding, said that Mrs Powell was most attentive to it, and anxious that everything should be done towards its recovery. 

The jury, after retirement, announced that their verdict was that the death of the child was caused by scalds received through the gross carelessness of the mother. 

The Coroner pointed out that this was equivalent to a verdict of manslaughter. 

The jury said that they did not intend to go so far; and, after further consideration, returned the following verdict: — “That the death of the child was caused by scalds received through the carelessness of the mother in not seeing that the water was at the proper temperature.” 

In answer to a question from the jury, the Coroner said that he would take time to consider what should be done.  -Evening Star, 3/12/1887.

Violet Powell lies in Dunedin's Southern Cemetery, in an unmarked pauper's grave.

Mary Ann Margaret Sing, (1892-15/12/1892). "no marks of injury"

 INQUEST.

An inquest was held yesterday at midday at the Royal Hotel, Walker street, before Mr Coroner Carew and a jury of six, of whom Mr T. D. Mockford was chosen foreman, concerning the death of a child named Mary Ann Margaret Sing, who was found dead in bed on the mother's return after a short absence.

Jane Sing deposed that she was the wife of Richard Ching Sing, who was a cabinetmaker. They resided off Walker street. The deceased was 10 weeks old, and had always been very healthy. On Thursday morning the child appeared to be all right, and witness went out about half-past 12 o'clock. Before going out witness fed the child, and put her to sleep. The child was left alone, and the front door was left slightly open. Witness returned a little after 1 o'clock, and went straight to the bedroom. She found the child lying just in the same position as she had left her. Noticing that the face was a little white, witness picked the child up, and found that there was something wrong. She laid the child down and went to find her husband. Not finding him, she went for a friend named Mrs Wilson, who returned with her. Mrs Wilson took up the child, and said it was quite dead. Witness' husband then came in, and went away again for a doctor, but none came. The maizena on which the child was fed before witness left the house was from the same parcel as had been used on previous occasions. The child had a very slight touch of convulsions about six weeks since.

Dr Ogston stated that he had examined the body. There was nothing about the pupils of the eyes unusual, that might indicate opium poisoning, or any head trouble. There were no marks of injury about the body — there was no appearance of the clothes being too tight, and the child had been well nourished and well kept in every way. As indicating the form of death, the nails and finger tips were blue, and the lips were also slightly blue. The right side of the chest was dull on tapping it, and did not seem quite so big as the left. The bones were not so well knit or developed as they should have been, and witness came to the conclusion that probably the child had one lung which had never expanded properly (the right lung), and that its bony system generally was not so strong as it should be. Death was probably due to natural causes.

Mary Wilson, living in Stafford street, Sergeant Keating, and the father of the child having given evidence, a verdict was returned that the child died from natural causes, due to want of development.  -Otago Daily Times, 17/12/1892.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin. DCC photo.

Mary Cecilia Keating, (1875-6/5/1955). "fooling with a gun"

A GUN ACCIDENT.

About one o'clock yesterday afternoon a serious misadventure occurred at South Dunedin. In Sydney street there are two cottages, separated only a few paces, one of which is tenanted by Mr Edward Keating, stoker at the gasworks, and his family, and the other by Mr Hagen. The neighbors are and always have been most friendly terms. Shortly after dinner yesterday Robert Hagen, a young man, by occupation a bootmaker, went to the back of the house to clean a double-barrelled gun that had been in use the day previous, and while doing so he conversed across the fence with Miss Mary Cecilia Keating, one of Mr Keating's daughters, eighteen years of age, and hitherto employed as a tailoress at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. The girl was standing in the scullery washing up the dinner-ware. Hagen and Miss Keating were chaffing and laughing, and Mr Keating was standing by, when suddenly the gun went off and the shot from the left barrel entered the open doorway of the scullery. Some of the shot went through the dishes and pierced the boards of the scullery, and some unfortunately struck the girl, penetrating her eyes and neck. She cried out "Father, father, what is it? am I shot?" and Mr Keating ran up the steps and caught her in his arms. A messenger was at once despatched to the Caledonian Hotel, from whence Mr John Blaney telephoned for Dr Coughtrey. The doctor drove out immediately, and ordered Miss Keating's removal to the hospital. Arrived there, it was found that the right eye was so badly torn and shattered as to make an operation for its removal indispensable. Dr Stenhouse, the ophthalmic surgeon at the hospital, performed the operation, The unfortunate girl was conscious when driven to the hospital. Mr Hagan makes the following statement regarding the affair:— "I was out rabbit shooting on Saturday near Cargill's. Another young fellow named William Dunn, who lives at Mornington, was with me. It is his gun that we used. Young Tom Keating, about fourteen years old, was with us. We all used the gun. I fired the two barrels, and then handed the gun to Dunn. He loaded the right-hand barrel with the last charge of shot we had and gave the gun to Keating, who fired the right-hand barrel. That was the last time the gun was fired before we came home. Dunn told me to take the gun home and clean it. Yesterday, after dinner, I took the gun out to do so, believing it was empty. I put on two caps to clear the nipples first. I did not raise the gun to my shoulder. The girl was just opposite me, and her father standing near by, I was talking to the girl, and I put out the gun in front of me and pulled the light trigger. The cap exploded, I then pulled the left trigger, and the barrel discharged. The left barrel must have missed fire when I thought I fired it on Saturday. That is the only way I can account for what happened." The above statement seems to fairly describe the occurrence, and we may add that Mr Keating's family express the opinion that the affair was purely accidental. Hagen, who is very much cut up, says that he is fairly well accustomed to the use of firearms, and it appears from all that can be made out that he was not larking with the gun in the way of pretending to shoot at the girl. The gun was, of course, pointed her way at the time it went off, but it was apparently an accident that it was so. Inquiring from Dr Coughtrey this morning we learn that the case will be a critical one for two or three days, and that if Miss Keating does recover there is very little hope of her ever regaining the sight of her left eye, which was also torn by the shot. Mr Keating himself, who was at the hospital when our reporter called at his residence to-day, had a narrow escape. He was standing on the lower level of the yard when the shot was fired, and the pellets went over his head.  -ES, 19/12/1892.

MISS Keating was accidentally shot in the face on Saturday, at Donedin, by an individual named Kobert Hagan, and her injuries are very severe, and her face very much disfigured.  -Ellesmerer Guardian, 21/12/1892.

Pitiful. — The doctors fear that Miss Keating, who was shot in the face in South Dunedin on Sunday week by a young man who was "fooling" with a gun, will be blind for life.  -Southland Times, 28/12/1892.

Messrs D. S. Jolly, J. B. Fergusson, and Dr Stenhouse waited on his Worship the Mayor on Thursday morning to consult him as to the best means of raising funds in aid of Miss Keating, who was accidentally shot lately, and will in all probability lose her sight in consequence. It was decided that the above gentlemen form a committee, with power to add to their number, and that subscription lists be sent to the various factories in the city and suburbs. The open air performance of "The Messiah" in aid of the fund will be held in the Caledonian grounds on 14th January, under the patronage of the Most Rev. Bishop Moran.  -Otago Witness, 5/1/1893.

 KEATING BENEFIT. 

Under the  patronage of His Excellence the Earl of Glasgow, KCMG

CALEDONIAN GROUNDS. 

THIS AFTERNOON, 

In the presence of His Excellency the Governor, the Countess of Glasgow, and Suite, 

Handel's Grand Oratorio, 

 THE MESSIAH 

Will be performed by a CHORUS of 300 and ORCHESTRA of 50. 

Conductor

Signor R. Squarise, R.C.M.T, 

Organist Mr W. J. Taylor, F.C.O. 

Leader of Orchestra 

 Mr E, Parker. 

Gates open at 2 o'clock. 

MESSIAH at 3. 

Choristers are requested to be in their places by 2.45. 

Musical Selections by the KAIKORAI BAND, from 2.45. 

Fund Treasurer: His Worship the Mayor of Dunedin, 

JAS. B. FERGUSSON, Hon. Secretary. 

____________________________________________

THE KEATING BENEFIT. 

MEMBERS of the CALEDONIAN SOCIETY are respectfully requested NOT TO MAKE USE of their TICKETS of MEMBERSHIP. 

JOHN GLEGG, Secretary.   -Otago Daily Times, 28/1/1893.

Dunedin, Saturday. The experiment of giving an open-air performance of "The Messiah" was tried to-day on the Caledonian Ground, and proved successful. The weather was dull, but fine, and not a breath of wind was stirring. The chorus and orchestra, numbering about 300, were in the grand stand, and most of the audience, numbering over 3000, and including the Governor and Lady Glasgow and suite, were on the ground below. Only the choruses were given. At the conclusion Signor Squarise, who conducted, was presented to his Excellency and congratulated. The performance was in aid of Miss Keating, who has lost both her eyes by being accidentally shot just before Christmas. After the "Messiah" performance the Governor inspected the local Volunteers, who mustered well.  -Hawkes Bay Herald, 30/1/1894.

 Mr J. B. Fergusson has received encouraging reports from the principal of the Jubilee Institute for the Blind, at Auckland, concerning the progress which has been made by Miss Keating, who, it will be remembered, was rendered blind by an unfortunate gun accident at South Dunedin. Miss Keating has mastered the Braille and Moor types, the theory of music, and the type-writer; also learned to wash, mangle, and iron; will shortly be taught to cook; and is at present studying the violia, organ, and piano. Miss Keating adds that she is very well and happy, and thinks she is getting on very nicely.  -ODT, 23/8/1894.

Miss Keating, who was injured by a gun accident at South Dunedin, will have been in the Jubilee Institute for the Blind two years at the end of July, and it is proposed that she shall remain there till her studies are finished. There is still £200, with £10 to be added for interest, to credit of the trust, of which Mr J. B. Fergusson is the hoc. secretary, and as showing that this fund has been economically administered we may state that the actual expenses to date come to only 15s.  -ODT, 27/2/1895.

The Keating Trust Committee are bringing their labors to a conclusion, and intend to shortly present a final report to the subscribers. We understand that, as the outcome of the public effort on behalf of Miss Keating when she lost her eyesight by a gun accident, the cost of her training at the Auckland Blind School has been defrayed, she has a pianoforte, a typewriter, and a cottage, and is now credited with £7l in the bank.  -Evening Star, 10/7/1897.

Mary Cecilia Keating died at the age of 80 in 1955, at the home of the Little Sisters of the Poor.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin. DCC photo.

Sir George Fenwick, Kt, (7/2/1847-23/9/1929). "unremitting labour"

 SIR GEORGE FENWICK, KT.

Advice has been received in Wellington of the death of Sir George Fenwick, Kt., for years managing director and editor of the "Otago Daily Times," who passed away at Dunedin this morning after a brief illness.

The passing of Sir George Fenwick removes from New Zealand journalism one of its ablest exponents, a pioneer who triumphed over many apparently insurmountable difficulties, and achieved great things; a forceful writer and a wise administrator whose heart was filled with human kindness and a man for whom all his associates had the highest esteem. But his life's work was not restricted to journalism alone. A true lover of his adopted country, he served in public life in many spheres; no good cause ever had to complain of his lack of active and wholehearted support; he was specially notable for his many years of unremitting labour, quietly and unostentatiously, as a member of the Prisons Board, in which capacity he helped many a fallen man to rehabilitate himself. 

The late Sir George, who was in his 82nd year, was born in Sunderland, England, and in 1852 accompanied his parents to Melbourne, where they resided for three or four years. The family then removed to Dunedin, and as a lad of 12 years of age he was apprenticed to the proprietor of the "Otago Witness," then a very small sheet, published weekly, and the only newspaper in the province. He remained in the office for about seven years, learning his trade as a printer, and during this period he also served on the "Otago Daily Times," which commenced publication on 15th November, 1861, in conjunction with the "Otago Witness." In 1866, when 19 years of age, he went to Sydney, and while there received an appointment on the ''Cleveland Bay Express," Townsville, North Queensland. He had only been there for a few months, however, when, owing to the death of his mother, he returned to Dunedin. He re-entered the employment of the "Otago Daily Times" Company, and twelve months later joined Mr. James Matthews, an old office colleague, in the proprietorship of the "Tuapeka Press." 

In October, 1869, the partners sold out of this venture to the proprietors of their contemporary at Lawrence, and then moved to Cromwell, where they decided to start another paper. The first issue of this journal, in an endeavour to forestall opposition that was threatened, was printed in Lawrence after the last sheets of the filial issue of the "Tuapeka Press" had been run off the machine, and at 6 o'clock on a Saturday night Mr. Fenwick started on one of the horses of the firm on a ride of 90 miles to Cromwell with 500 copies of the first issue of the "Cromwell Argus" strapped at the front of his saddle. After a few hours' rest at Miller's Flat, he resumed his journey early on the Sunday morning, and reached Cromwell at 9 o'clock that night. On the following morning, before breakfast, he had distributed the papers throughout the township and over parts of the district. Opposition came, however, but against such enterprise was successfully overcome. Then, Mr. Fenwick came to the conclusion that the "field" was too small, and he returned to Dunedin, where, in partnership with the late Mr. John Mackay (subsequently Government Printer), he commenced business as a general printer in Princess street. While thus engaged he was appointed manager of the "Otago Guardian,'' a morning newspaper. He had not held the position many months when he came to the conclusion that there was but little hope of the company ever making headway against their powerful and old-established rival, the "Otago Daily Times," and he recommended the directors to sell out, if possible, and, if not, to cease the publication of their papers, the "Guardian" and "Southern Mercury.'' The company, taking his advice, succeeded in disposing of its property to the late Mr. G. M. Reed (father of Mr. Justice Reed), who had formerly been in partnership with Mr. Henry Brett in the proprietorship of the "Auckland Star." Mr. Reed, who was a trenchant writer, and believed that he could bring the "Guardian" into a successful position through his writings, induced Mr. Fenwick to join him. 

The capital of the firm, however, was far top limited to compete with a business owned by a powerful company, and the prospects of the property were looking gloomy when Mr. Fenwick startled his partner one day by suggesting that they should make an effort to buy the "Times," and he soon convinced Mr. Reed that he was thoroughly in earnest in his proposal. It being absolutely necessary to secure the good offices of some prominent citizen as negotiator, who would keep the identity of his principals undisclosed, Mr. Fenwick secured those of the late Hon. W. H. Reynolds, and, obtaining promises of the necessary capital from his own friends, negotiations proceeded which resulted in Messrs. Reed and Fenwick entering into possession of the "Otago Daily Times" and "Otago "Witness,'' with Mr. Reed as editor, and Mr. Fenwick as manager. The "Guardian," shortly afterwards, was merged in the "Times," and then the unexpected happened. Mr. Fenwick made an effort to pick a mechanical staff in fair proportions from the respective staffs of the "Times'' and '' Guardian," but the "Times" hands would not accept work under the new proprietors, unless they were all engaged. This condition the firm promptly declined to accede to, and the result was that the "Times" hands started an opposition paper — the "Morning Herald" —the price of which was one penny, as against threepence charged for the "Times." There were many sympathisers with the men, and the former directors of the "Times" Company and their friends gave the new venture all the help they possibly could. The "Herald," at its cheap price, made great headway, and the circulation of the "Times" within a short time suffered materially. Hampered with very serious financial responsibilities, for it had cost something like £30,000 to secure the "Times" property, Mr. Fenwick urged his partner to consent to the floating of a company to take over the property, and, this course being agreed upon, the result was the founding of the present "Otago Daily Times" and "Witness" Newspapers Co., Ltd., the articles of association providing that Mr. Fenwick should become managing director of the company and Mr. Reed editor of the "Times." The price of the "Times" was reduced to one penny, and finally ousted the opposition. 

In 1877 Mr. Fenwick was appointed editor, as well as managing director, and he soon succeeded in elevating it into a leading position among New Zealand daily newspapers. Under his control the "Otago Daily Times," always maintaining the highest standard of British journalism, steadily increased its prestige and circulation, and spoke as a powerful voice in both national and local affairs.

Many years ago Mr. Fenwick was appointed a Justice of the Peace, and in 1919, in recognition of his many public services, both as a journalist and a citizen, he had the well-deserved honour of knighthood conferred upon him. He ceased from active journalism some years ago, but still continued to exercise a controlling influence in the affairs of the journal. 

He was one of the founders of the first Press Association of New Zealand, and later of the United Press Association (the present organisation), being chairman of both bodies for many years. He made several trips to England and participating in various Press conferences there, and from its inception he was chairman of the New Zealand branch of the Empire Press Union. He was, as previously stated, a great lover of his adopted country, of its flora and fauna, and was a vice-president of the New Zealand Native Birds Protection Society. He was the founder of the Otago Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and for many years served as a member of the Prisoners' Aid Society and of the Prisons Board. 

The late Sir George Fenwick is survived by his wife and two sons and four daughters — Dr. D. Eardley Fenwick (of Wellington, who returns from Sydney to-morrow), Dr. Fenwick (of Auckland), Mrs. James (wife of the Rev. Canon James, of St. Paul's Pro-Cathedral, Wellington), Mrs. White (Timaru), Mrs. E. Haslett (Dunedin), and Miss Fenwick (Dunedin). There are several grand-children. Deep sympathy will be felt with Lady Fenwick and family in their sad bereavement. 

The funeral will take place in Dunedin to-morrow.  -Evening Post, 23/9/1929.

LARGE CROWD ATTENDS FUNERAL OF THE LATE SIR GEORGE FENWICK.

(Special to the “Star.”) DUNEDIN, September 24. A large concourse of leading citizens and of employees of the Otago Daily Times and Witness Company followed the remains of Sir George Fenwick to their last resting place in the Southern cemetery this morning, and but for the fact that the funeral was a private one there would have been something in the nature of a record gathering.

The service at St Paul’s Cathedral was conducted by Canon Nevill, who was assisted by the Rev W. Hardy Johnson. Mr E. Heywood was at the organ, and during the service played the “Dead March” in “Saul.”

The service at the graveside in the Southern cemetery was conducted by Canon Nevill.  -Manawatu Standard, 25/9/1929.

 

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.

Thomas Bath Hopcroft, (1/7/1863-2/1/1877). "could not swim"

We learn by telegram from Riverton that a lad named Hopcroft, son of Mr Hopcroft, of Gummie's Bush, was drowned on Tuesday, while bathing in a mill dam.  -Otago Daily Times, 4/1/1877.

DEATH BY DROWNING.

It is our melancholy duty to record a fatal accident which occurred to a promising young lad named Thomas Bath Hopcroft, son of Mr William Hopcroft, settler, Gummie's Bush, whilst bathing in a mill-dam. We supply the following particulars of the sad occurrence, which were elicited at the inquest held on Wednesday last, at Gummie's Bush, before Dr Monckton, District Coroner, and a jury of thirteen, of which Mr A. McNaughton was elected foreman. 

William Walker deposed: I am a settler residing at Gummie's Bush. I have seen the body and I identify it as Thomas Bath Hopcroft, aged 14 next birthday. I last saw him alive on the evening of the 2nd of January instant. I then saw him in company with George Knight and George Crisp. 

George Knight deposed: I am a labouring man, and am temporarily residing with Mr Hopcroft, of Gummie's Bush. About half-past six on the evening of the 2nd I was in company with Crisp and the deceased, and after some conversation we all three went to the mill dam. The other two then left me, and proceeded to bathe a little further up the dam. I saw Crisp in the water first. He swam across and came back again. When I got up to them, the deceased was standing on the bank with his trousers on. I saw him strip and slide his feet in the water holding on by the tussocks. I told him to come out lest he caught cold. He said all right. I then left him, and went down in the gully out of sight of him to throw a stone at a bird. In about five minutes I went up the bank again, and called to the boy. I did not see him, but Crisp was swimming to the bank, and called out to know where Tom was. I did not see him again till I helped to take the body out of the water, about 6 o'clock the following morning. When we missed the boy, I told Crisp to search for him, as I could not swim, and I went to the mill for assistance. When I last saw him alive, Crisp was swimming about fifty yards away from where he was. I don't think I was more than five minutes away. Thomas, the deceased, could not swim. I last saw him in three feet of water, but a few feet further out there is a very deep hole. 

George Crisp deposed: I am a labouring man, and reside at Mr Hopcroft's, Gummie's Bush. I remember the 2nd instant. Knight, Thomas Hopcroft, and myself went to the mill-dam. It was about twenty minutes to eight when we were there. I stript and went in first and had a swim, and left the other two on the bank. I afterwards saw the deceased in three feet of water, holding on to the bank, talking to Knight. I then swam out again, and on returning I lost sight of him and Knight both. When I got out I saw Knight come up the bank in sight, and we both asked one another at the same instant where the boy was. Knight said he was not on shore, and so we supposed he must be under water. Knight then ran for assistance, while I searched in the dam. I did not see him again alive, nor did I see his body found. The boy could not swim. The bank runs down into deep water a short distance from where he stood. I heard no cry and saw no bubbles. I am not a good swimmer. I made every effort in my power to find the body by trying to dive. 

Thomas Griffiths deposed: I am a police constable stationed at Riverton. On the 2nd inst., about 9 p.m., I was informed of the loss of the boy Thomas Bath Hopcroft. I obtained a drag, went to the mill-dam, and used it for some time. I then found a boat was necessary, and sent to Riverton for one. I continued the search till 6 the following morning, when the body was found in my presence by the father and mother. It was naked, and bore no marks of violence, except a scratch from the drag-hook. 

The Coroner having addressed the jury, they, after a short consultation, returned the following verdict; — "That the said Thomas Bath Hopcroft was accidentally drowned whilst bathing in the mill-dam near Gummie's Bush, on the 2nd January, 1877."  -Western Star, 6/1/1877.

Riverton Cemetery. Photo from "findagrave."