Samuel Williams, (1819-29/6/1883). "the oldest inhabitant"

Samuel Williams, the oldest inhabitant of Timaru, died yesterday afternoon. It was understood that he was ill, but no one believed the end to be so near.  -South Canterbury Times, 30/6/1883.

FUNERAL NOTICE. 

THB Friends of the late Samuel Williams are respectfully invited to attend his Funeral, which will leave his late Residence, William street, on MONDAY, the 2nd July, at 3 p.m. 

J. B. BBECKINGHAM, Undertaker.  -South Canterbury Times, 30/6/1883.

"THE OLDEST INHABITANT."

This afternoon the remains of Samuel Williams, the oldest inhabitant of Timaru, were consigned to the grave. He was an American by birth, and came to the colony a great many years ago, and was for some time in the employ of Messrs Rhodes in North Canterbury. Coming down to this district he established a whaling station in the vicinity of Dashing Rocks, afterwards shifting his quarters to Patiti Point. Returning to his former employers he described the district as so excellent a field for settlement, that the Messrs Rhodes immediately came down and secured depasturing licenses for large tracts of country. Other stockowners followed, and the country was very soon numerously occupied. The Messrs Rhodes did not fail to assist their old servant who assisted so largely in founding their fortunes. They gave him more than one good start in the world, building for him the Timaru Hotel, and afterwards the Club, and placing him on the high road to prosperity. He married a second time, and his domestic relations not turning out happy, be became somewhat reckless in his mode of life, and of late years lived on the verge of destitution. He died on Friday last, of general break-up of the constitution. Mr Renshaw, a well-known resident, immediately collected among such of the old identities as were inclined to assist, a sum of money sufficient to defray the expense of burial, and everything was done that the long services of the settler seemed to demand. Deceased resided of late in a hut in William street.  -South Canterbury Times, 2/7/1883.

Timaru Cemetery.

Alfred Beaumont Smallwood, (1846-18/12/1869). "a valued officer"

 LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Timaru, Dec. 19, 5 p.m. Yesterday evening a number of passengers went off in the surf boat to the s.s. Maori, in the roadstead. When some distance from land the surf line fouled, and a boat was put off from the steamer. The fourteen passengers were safely transferred to the boat, which started for the steamer. Within a few yards of the steamer the boat capsized, turning bottom upwards, and throwing all into the sea. Some regained the boat, and some were saved by ropes and life-belts thrown from the steamer. The shore lifeboat put off and rescued one passenger, who was clinging to the boat. All were saved except Mr Balfour, Marine Engineer, and Mr Smallwood, who were drowned. Among the other passengers were Messrs G. B. Parker, Joel (Dunedin), Malcolm (Captain of the Maori), Menzies (picked off the boat), and Baker. Mr Smallwood was teller of the Union Bank, Timaru. 5.30 p.m. The boat was washed up against the steamer by a heavy roller and capsized. She went to the windward side of the steamer, but for what reason is not known. The bodies are not yet washed up.  -Lyttelton Times, 20/12/1869.

As our readers will perceive by a telegram in another column, a sad accident happened on Saturday last at Timaru, whereby Mr Balfour, Colonial Marine Engineer, and Mr Smallwood, lately teller in the Union Bank, Timaru, lost their lives. Timaru has long been known to be a dangerous place for landing passengers, and surf-boats have to be used for that purpose. Owing to the surfline of a boat going out to the Maori getting fouled, a boat from that vessel went to the rescue, but got up to windward instead of to leeward of the steamer, was dashed up against her, and capsized with the above sad result. The accident, in the absence of further particulars, is most unintelligible, as Captain Malcolm and others of experience were in the boat at the time. It is supposed that the unfortunate gentlemen who were drowned were stunned by being thrust against the vessel, and could, make no effort to save themselves. Mr Balfour was a gentleman of great professional ability, and well known here as elsewhere in New Zealand. Mr Smallwood, we believe was also a valued officer of the bank.  -West Coast Times, 20/12/1869.

The Late Boat Accident at Timaru. — The body of Mr Smallwood has been found by some Maoris frightfully mutilated, and the head entirely denuded of flesh, identification from the body itself was impossible, but the contents of the pockets left no doubt as to the identity of the deceased gentleman. Mr Balfour’s body has also been found on the beach north of Timaru, and the Resident Magistrate has forwarded, per instructions from the General Government, the remains to Dunedin, to be buried alongside the late Mr Patterson, one of Mr Balfour’s greatest friends in life.  -Marlborough Press 2/2/1870.

Timaru Cemetery.

3/1824 Private Henry John Blackmore, (22/8/1878-3/8/1918). "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow"

AT SMITHFIELD WORKS. 

MR H. J . BLACKMORE. 

Yesterday morning tile employees of the Smithfield Freezing Works assembled in strong force to bid farewell and make a presentation to Mr H. J. Blackmore, fitter in the engineering shop at the works, who leaves to-day for Trentham as a member of the Tenth Reinforcements. The place of assemblage was the fitting shop which had been artistically befagged for the occasion. 

Mr J. Aitcheson, chief engineer and works manager, presided, and in presenting Mr Blackmore, on behalf of all the employees, with a silver wristlet watch suitably inscribed, and a silver wristlet compass, expressed the regret they all felt at parting from one with whom they had been associated for so long. Their departing comrade, he said, had proved a capable as well as a very popular worker, and one who, while always doing his assigned task thoroughly, was always unostentatious. Though he never had much to say, they had long since learned that his heart was in the right place. They admired his going to the war, and especially were they pleased with his action in volunteering because they know he was going in the right spirit — not in a spirit of adventure, but because he felt it to be a matter of duty. He would take with him their very best wishes which included the hope that he would return with stripes. (Applause.) 

Mr S. Robinson, Mr Rollitt, and Mr W. W. King (the latter on behalf of the clerical staff) also spoke in terms of warm appreciation of their departing comrade, and wished him the best luck that could possibly befall him at the war. 

Mr Blackmore in reply, thanked his comrades for their very useful gifts, and especially for the very kindly statements which accompanied them. It was always a hard task to say farewell to friends, and he found it harder than anything he expected to be called upon to do at the war. He was going away, not to seek a fortune, but to endeavour to do a duty which thousands had already done, and thousands were doing, at the present moment, and doing it well. (Hear, hear.) When the war was ended in favour of Britain and her Allies, as they all hoped it soon would would, he hoped to return and take up his old position at Smithfield, where he felt honoured to have so many good friends. He would say au revoir, but not goodbye and could only thank them from depths of his heart for all the kindness and consideration they had shown him. (Applause.) 

The gathering ended with cheers and the singing of "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow."

The Christchurch Meat Company have promised to keep Mr Blackmore's place open for him on his return.  -Timaru Herald, 16/11/1915.

FUNERAL NOTICE. 

THE Friends of the late HARRY JOHN BLACKMORE. are respectfully informed that his Funeral will leave his late home, Maori Hill, THIS DAY (Tuesday), 6th inst.. at 2.30 p. m., for the Timaru Cemetery. 

J. RADCLIFFE, Undertaker. 

S.C. RETURNED SOLDIERS' ASSOCIATION. 

Returned Soldiers and Soldiers on leave, are requested to parade at the Soldiers' Institute at 1.30 p.m., THIS DAY (Tuesday), August 6, to attend the Funeral of the late Private H. J. Blackmore. Permission has been granted to wear uniform.  -Timaru Herald, 6/8/1918.

MILITARY FUNERAL.

PRIVATE H, J. BLACKMORE. 

The remains of the late Private H J Blackmore were interred in the Timaru cemetery yesterday afternoon with full military honours, Captain A. N. Oakey, M C., having detailed one of his staff to make the necessary arrangements for this. The coffin, draped with the Union Jack, was carried on the gun carriage, on either side of which marched members of the Returned Soldiers' Association, who also acted as pall-bearers at the house and at the cemetery. The cortege was a long one, the deceased soldier, having been a very popular young man. Mr J. Craigie, M.P., was among those present. The procession was headed by the Band of the Second (South Canterbury) Regiment, under Bandmaster Schnack, an added impressiveness being given by their playing of the Dead March at intervals en route. The service at the graveside was conduced by the Rev. T. A. Joughin, President of the Methodist Conference, who made reference to the unassuming but sterling character of the deceased, who, he remarked, had just as truly served his God and country as if he had attained the highest rank and been killed in the thick of the fighting. After the service a firing party, composed of returned soldiers, under Sergeant-Major Gracie, fired a volley over the grave and the ceremony ended with "The Last Post."

Among a number of beautiful floral tributes which were sent was one from the employees of the New Zealand Refrigerating Company's Smithfield works, where deceased was employed as an engine-fitter prior to enlisting in 1915. A number of his late, fellow employees attended the funeral and the flag at the works was flown at half-mast.  -Timaru Herald, 7/8/1918.

LEVELS COUNTY COUNCIL

MONTHLY MEETING (excerpt)

The chairman made sympathetic reference to the death of the late Private H. J. Blackmore, who, he remarked, was a young man of much promise, and a brother to Mr Blackmore, who for a great many years had been associated with the Council as a Press representative at their meetings. He was sure that every member of the Council would sympathise with Mr Blackmore in the loss of his brother, and he would ask them to express that sympathy. A motion of sympathy was passed by silent vote, all councillors standing.  -Timaru Herald, 5/9/1918.

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

MEETING OF COUNCIL. 

A meeting of the Council of the South Canterbury Acclimatisation Society was held at Temuka yesterday. Present: — Messrs H. Goodwin, president (in the chair), J. E. Pigott, C. E. Stickings, A. E. Lewis, G. A. M. Macdonald, H.. T. Clinch, and E. Blackmore.

On the motion of Mr Lewis and the chairman a motion of sympathy was passed with the relatives of the late Private H. J. Blackmore, who, it was remarked, had been a life member of the Society, an enthusiastic angler, and a good sportsman.   -Timaru Herald, 6/9/1918.

Timaru Cemetery.

6/2192 Private Thomas Stanley (8/10/1889-7/8/1915) and 528 Private George Hewish (28/2/1892-8/8/1915) Logan. ""

Mr J. Logan has received word that his son, G. H. Logan, is now convalescent; but he has no information as to his son's whereabouts.  -Timaru Herald, 17/6/1915.

The parents of Private G. H. Logan, of Timaru, who was in Australia when war broke out and joined the Australian Force, have received a post-card from him dated Alexandria, May 12, in which he says: —“Just a few lines to let you know I am quite well. I get three feeds a day and a good bed to sleep in, to say nothing of a cup of cocoa at 8.30 at night. I hope to be discharged soon and sent back to the Front. I have a lot to make up. My head is better now, and I am quite fit to go back, but they don’t seem to think so. We can’t go outside the grounds. I am beginning to think I am a prisoner. There are a lot of us slightly wounded, fit to go back. It was bad luck for a man to stop one the first day. But better luck next time.’’ Mr John Logan has two other sons on the way to the Front with the Fourth Reinforcements.  -Timaru Herald, 2/7/1915.

Private Thomas Stanley Logan, 24 years of age, was the third son of Mr John Logan, coal dealer, resident in Wilson Street. He was a native of Timaru. He had been employed at Radcliffe's furniture factory, but at the time of enlisting he was residing in the North Island, and joined the Fourth Reinforcements. Mr Logan has two other sons serving at the Front, one of them with the Australians.  -Timaru Herald, 28/8/1915.

Thomas Logan.

Mr John Logan, Wilson Street, was informed yesterday that his son, private G. H. Logan, second Australian Battalion, was wounded a second time between 7th and 14th August.  -Timaru Herald, 8/9/1915.

A Court of Enquiry eventually found that George Logan was last seen at Lone Pine, having been struck in the stomach by a bullet.

Statement from 534 Sergeant C. MADDIGAN, B Coy, 2nd Bn, 23 February 1916: 'Logan was killed in the charge at Lone Pine on 6.8.15. He was struck in the stomach by a bullet. Witness was present and actually saw him. He was pretty bad and could not speak. He lay down on the ground and witness did not see him after that.'

Timaru Cemetery.

7/18 Sergeant Stanley Joseph Bowker, (31/1/1896-21/8/1915). "an exceptionally fine type"

Sergeant S. J. Bowker.

Mrs C. Bowker, of "The Pines," College road, Timaru, has received advice that her son, Sergeant Stanley Bowker, had been killed at the Dardanelles. The late Sergeant Bowker was an exceptionally fine type of young man. He was born in Timaru and was 22 years of age. He was educated at the Timaru Main and High Schools, after which he went to Lincoln College, having decided to follow agricultural and pastoral pursuits. On leaving the College, he accepted an engagement with Mr John Withell, working first on the latter's Otipua and Ealing properties, and when the war broke out he was in charge of Mr Withell's Wairoa Estate, Hawke's Bay. Prior to going to the North Island he had been a member of the South Canterbury Mounted Rifles, in which body he held the rank of corporal, When the war broke out he lost no time in informing his employer that he considered his place was at the front, though he had no personal desire to go apart from the desire to do his duty. He accordingly came down to Timaru and joined his old regiment, leaving Timaru as a corporal, but subsequently gaining promotion to the rank of sergeant. He was killed in action at Gallipoli on August 21st. In his last letter to his mother he wrote: "If this war is to be over quickly, we must have more men. The more men we get, and the quicker we get them, the sooner will it be over,"  -North Otago Times, 16/9/1915.

An artillery bombardment had been promised, but at the last moment it was decided that the Anzac guns should assist the Suvla Bay attack. Punctually on time, 3.30 p.m., the men jumped from the trenches and raced down the hill. Casualties were numerous till comparative shelter was reached in the bottom of the dere. Then came the climb up the other side, a moment to gather breath, and the rush for the enemy trench 200 yards to the front. It was simply a ease of get there, and during the last part of this rush most of the casualties occurred. Major Hutton was wounded, and Major Hurst of the 1st Squadron took command. The Turks in the trench were killed, and a machine gun was captured and immediately turned upon the Turks by the two Harper brothers of the Machine Gun Section. Though the Australians managed to cross the ravine, they could not reach the enemy trenches; and on our left, despite the fact that the New Army troops had seized the Kabak well with a splendid charge and captured the long trench on the eastern side of the hill in their first rush, they failed to hold the ground they had won. The Canterbury Regiment with the Otagos were now holding about 120 yards of enemy trench with both flanks in the air, and with no means of communication across the exposed valley. Both regiments had lost over 60 per cent. of their number in the space of a quarter of an hour. With the depleted numbers it was impossible to go any further, and orders were received from General Russell that the trenches gained were to be consolidated and held. At dusk the enemy fire slackened, and the Regiment was able to get into touch with the Indian Brigade who were holding the captured wells on the flat.  -Official History of the Canterbury Mounted Rifles.

The assault on Hill 60 in August, 1915, was the last assault in the August Offensive at Gallipoli.  Its failure saw the end of offensive operations and the arrival of heavy trench mortars from Germany, which could not be countered by the flatter trajectory of naval shelling, was the beginning of the end on the Peninsula.

13/2001 Major Adam George Mahan, (20/7/1879-4/10/1917). "promoted in the field"

Captain Mahan, who is leaving for the Front with the Auckland Mounted Rifles (Sixth Reinforcements) is an old Timaru boy, and a brother of Mr Mahon, stock agent, Timaru. Captain Mahan was very well known in this district, being for many years in the employ of Messrs Ballantyne and Co., which firm he left for a position with the Canterbury Farmers' Association at Oamaru. He subsequently removed to Auckland from which centre he joined the Forces.  -Timaru Herald, 17/6/1915.

MARRIAGES.

MAHAN — AIKENHEAD. — August 10, at Wellington, by the Rev J. Kennedy Elliott, Captain Adam George Mahan (6th Reinforcements), to Isabel, youngest daughter of the late Andrew Aikenhead, of Oamaru.  -Lyttelton Times, 30/9/1915.

Advice was received at Oamaru yesterday that Captain Mahan was admitted to the stationary hospital at Boulonge on March 4th. The case has not yet been diagnosed. This is the third time for Captain Mahan to be wounded.  -North Otago Times, 14/3/1917.

The leading companies of 1/Auckland, the 15th and 16th, had a bitter fight for Winzig. The garrison of this strong point were very brave men, and fought with desperate courage. It had been impossible to hide from them the preparations for attack. All night their machine-guns had been active, and as the Aucklanders closed in upon them they rattled in burst after burst of destructive fire. Men went down fast. "Come on, you fellows, follow me!" cried Lieutenant White, as he rushed straight on to the enemy guns. He fell, riddled with bullets. Major Mahan and Captain Parry were killed. But now the flanks, meeting with little opposition, had got round to the side and rear of the German post. Corporal Speakman brought his Lewis gun into play. Lieutenant Lang and his platoon were within bombing range. Captain Coates sent forward men of the 3rd Company to reinforce. The Germans commenced to lose heavily, and their numbers were thinned. From all sides the Aucklanders closed in. Hinchco, Brewer, and many another did gallantly. They rushed in, and Winzig fell.  -Official History of the Auckland Infantry Regiment.

At last night's meeting of the Oamaru Borough Council, on the motion of his Worship the Mayor, seconded by Councillor J. Mitchell, a motion of sympathy with Councillor Mahan, in the loss of his brother, Major A. G. Mahan, news of whose death in action in France had been received yesterday, was passed in the customary manner. Councillor Mahan was also asked to convey the sympathy of the council to the widow of the late Major Mahan,  -North Otago Times, 13/10/1917.

PERSONAL NOTES.

Major Adam George Mahan, of the Auckland Mounted Rifles, whose death in action on October 4 is announced, was a native of Temuka, and was thirty-seven years of age. For a number of years he was in the employment of Messrs Ballantyne and Co., and later joined the firm of Messrs Millen and Choice, Auckland. As a private Major Mahan took part in the South African War and was promoted to sergeant, during the campaign. He left New Zealand with the Eighth Reinforcements with the rank of captain, and was promoted in the field. Major Mahan’s father was an old identity of Canterbury, and was for many years employed in the teaching profession in South Canterbury. Major Malian leaves a widow, who resides at Oamaru.   -Lyttelton Times, 15/10/1917.

Timaru Cemetery.

Charles Frederick Melton, (1869-13/7/1906). "any sort of innocent fun"

SUDDEN DEATH

A telephone message from Cricklewood to Timaru yesterday morning conveyed the tidings of the sudden death of Mr Charles Frederick Melton. The deceased, a man of 37 years, and apparently in perfect health, was out shooting with his nephew Dr Gunn and Mr McBeath. They were walking some distance apart in pursuit of hares, and his companions noticed that Mr Melton had sat down. For a time they supposed he had done so to light his pipe, but hearing him groan they went to him and found him unconscious. Dr Cooke was sent for from Fairlie, and meantime efforts were made to restore consciousness, but in vain, and Mr Melton was dead before Dr Cooke arrived. Deceased was the youngest son of the late Mr John Melton, an early settler in Timaru, and a brother of Mr John Melton, a well known officer of the Timaru Post Office, but now in the Dunedin office, and Mrs Wm. Gunn is a sister of the deceased. He was master of a dredge in the Cardrona district, and the dredges there having to cease work on account of the frosty weather, he had come up to Timaru for a few days of his enforced holiday, while his wife went to her friends at Winton, and was there confined of her third child a few days ago. The cause of death is supposed to be heart disease, but the case is unusual, as the deceased had never been ill in his life, and appeared to be a strong and healthy man. Deceased was familiarly known in Timaru years ago as "Tat" Melton, and his friends of those days will remember him as a young man of particularly cheerful disposition and fond of any sort of innocent fun. An inquest will be held at Cricklewood this morning.  -Timaru Herald, 14/7/1906.

An inquest on the body of the late Mr Charles Frederick Melton was held on Saturday morning at Cricklewood before Mr R. L. Banks, J.P., and the following jury: - S. Kidd, D. O'Connor, D. Hosie, J. Bain, A. Kennedy, and D. McKay. The verdict was in accordance with Dr Cook's certificate that death was due to heart disease.   -Timaru Herald, 16/7/1906.

Timaru Cemetery.