8/572 Private Ernest Harold Fountain, (31/5/1887-27/4/1915). "one of the first"

PRIVATE FOUNTAIN. 

Private Ernest Harold Fountain (killed in action on April 27 at the Dardanelles) was born in Dunedin on May 31, 1887. He was the eldest son of Mr A. O. Fountain, builder, Ann street, Roslyn. and followed the same occupation. He was educated at the Clyde School. Fourteen years ago he came with his parents back to Roslyn, and resided there until he heard the call, and was one of the first to enlist. He left with the main body. 4th (Otago) Regiment, of the Expeditionary Force. He was a member of the Kaikorai Brass Band for some time, and latterly the Maori Hill Brass Band, of which he was a member until he left for the front. He was also a playing member of the Kaikorai Football Club for several years. He took an active interest in volunteering, and was a member of the Wakari Cadets while they were in existence, and won several trophies for shooting. His younger brother, Bertie, is also at the front.  -Otago Daily Times, 19/6/1915.

On Sunday afternoon the Kaikorai Band rendered one of their enjoyable programmes of music, winch included amongst other selections ‘Raymond’ and ‘March Tuapeka,’ composed by Mr G. B. Laidlaw. During the afternoon the band played the Dead March in ‘Saul’ in memory of their late comrade Private Fountain, who was killed at the Dardanelles.  -Evening Star, 21/6/1915.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

Dr Robert Gemmell Burnett Sinclair MB CHB, (1897-27/6/1932). "the famous 1924 team"

 DR. R. G. B. SINCLAIR,

The death at Wellington, after a long illness, of Dr. Robert Gemmell Burnett Sinclair, of Hawera, which was announced in yesterday's issue, has removed a sportsman and a gentleman, who leaves behind him a fine record as a doctor, an athlete, and a man.

Dr. Sinclair, who was 35 years of age, received his early education at the Central School, New Plymouth. From 1909 to 1915 he was a pupil at the New Plymouth High School, which he represented for three years at football and for two years at cricket. Even in those years he achieved distinction by his remarkable goal kicking from the half-way line. On leaving school he commenced his medical studies at the University of Otago, but after two years joined with the New Zealand forces. He went to the front as a second-lieutenant in the Taranaki Infantry Battalion. 

Following his demobilisation he resumed his studies at Otago University. In the post-war years he played for the 'Varsity A Rugby team, which at that time was practically invincible. During this period he was capped for Rugby for Otago, for New Zealand Universities, and for New Zealand, succeeding Kingston, another Taranaki full-back. He was regarded as certain of inclusion in the famous 1924 team, but for business reasons was unable to make the trip. However, he had already created an indelible reputation by his sterling performance in the last Test match against the Springboks. 

In 1923 Dr. Sinclair took up the position of house surgeon at the Hawera hospital. After a short period he entered into partnership with Dr. W. F. Buist, later setting up in practice on his own account. For some years he was anaesthetist at the Hawera Hospital. 

Dr. Sinclair leaves a widow (nee Reid, Dunedin) and two young children, a son and a daughter. His father, who was well known in North Taranaki, and his elder brother are both dead, but his mother and sister are living near Dunedin.  -Press, 30/6/1932.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

Arthur Monteith Ellis, (1923-12/9/1964). "not found for 10 hours"

Two Dunedin men were killed and a third seriously injured when their car left the Pigroot, 17 miles from Dunback, late on Saturday night. They were not found for 10 hours after the accident. The dead men were 

Arthur Monteith Ellis, aged 41, company manager, of 130 Highgate, and 

John Quennell Romeril, aged 45, bus driver and cleaner, of 67 Passmore crescent. 

The injured man, Thomas Thomson Hinchie Orr, aged 34, building contractor, lay beside the car for 10 hours until a passing motorist found the wreckage on Sunday morning. 

Orr was brought to Dunedin Hospital by the Ranfurly ambulance. He suffered severe lacerations to his head and concussion and had not regained consciousness late last night. His condition is serious.

The three men left Patearoa at 10.30 p.m. to drive back to Dunedin and it is thought that the accident occurred at 11.15 p.m. Their car failed to take a left hand bend in the road, hit a telegraph pole, ploughed through a fence, capsized, skidded round a tree and came to rest 100 yards from the road.

Mr Ellis was married with seven young children. He was the managing director of the mattress manufacturing firm of Arthur Ellis and Company and a member of the Otago Manufacturers’ Association.

A keen sportsman, Mr Ellis was a member of the provincial golf council, president of the Belleknowes Golf Club, an executive member of the Otago Sports Car Club, a member of the Dunedin Festival Road Race Committee, the Otago Deerstalkers’ Association and Kaikorai Cricket Club.  -Press, 14/9/1964.

ARTHUR ELLIS AND CO., LTD. 

As a mark of respect to our late Managing Director, our Hornby factory and Christchurch Warehouse will close at mid-day TODAY, SEPTEMBER 15, and REOPEN TOMORROW Morning as usual. ARTHUR ELLIS and CO., LTD.  -Press, 15/9/1964.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

Dr Raynor Colin Bell DDS, (1890-26/4/1926). "an inspiring teacher"

OBITUARY.

DR RAYNOR BELL. 

The friends of Dr Raynor Colin Bell, professor of Clinical Dentistry in the University of Otago, will learn with regret of his death, which occurred yesterday morning in a private hospital. Dr Bell was a native of New Zealand and was educated at Nelson College and Otago University, in 1914 he look his degree of B.D.S. and was then appointed to the dental department of Christchurch Hospital. Volunteering for active service, he joined the Dental Corps at Trentham and accompanied New Zealand troops to Egypt. Subsequently he was recalled and appointed to the dental staff of the Featherstone training camp. Upon receiving his discharge from military service he established himself in practice in Masterton, where be was when he applied for, and received, appointment to the staff of the Dental School in 1920. He received his degree of D.D.S. in 1924, and was the first person to obtain that degree from the New Zealand University, securing it as the result of brilliant research work. The funeral will take place to-morrow, and, as a mark of respect, the Dental School will' be closed, fresh appointments being made for patents who would otherwise have received an appointment on that day.  -Otago Daily Times, 26/4/1926.

Sympathetic reference to the death of Dr Raynor Bell was made at the meeting of the University Council on Tuesday. The Chancellor (Mr T. K. Sidey, M.P.) said they had been greatly shocked on learning of the death of Dr Bell, who was one of the most brilliant students who went through the dental school. Dr Bell was the first to qualify for the degree of doctor of dental surgery in New Zealand. At the University he discharged his duties very efficiently in spite of the disadvantages under which he carried on his work. The following resolution was passed, members standing in silence: — “The Council of the University of Otago records its deep sorrow on learning of the death of Raynor Colin Bell, Professor of Clinical Dentistry in the University. Dr Bell, who was a graduate from our own dental school, was appointed to the University staff in 1920, and as a professor he proved an inspiring teacher, much-beloved by his students. Despite his arduous teaching duties, he succeeded in doing research work of great value which was recognised when the degree of D.D.S. was conferred upon him. The council deeply deplores the early death of so brilliant a teacher and student, and directs that its sincere sympathy be expressed to Mrs Bell and her family.”  -Otago Witness, 25/5/1926.

GIFT OF BOOKS. 

Mrs R. C. Bell, wife of the late Professor Raynor Bell, wrote stating that she desired to present to the University the books owned by her husband, as a memorial. The books would be required to be catalogued and lent to students under adequate supervision. — The gift was accepted with thanks.  -Otago Daily Times, 18/8/1926.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

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.