10006 Captain Robert Love, (11/4/1888-8/6/1934). "bagpipe selections"

WEDDING BELLS.

LOVE — NOONE. 

On the afternoon of Thursday, 5th May, the marriage of Miss Ethel Agnes Noone to Captain Robert Love took place at "Fair View," Poolburn. The ceremony was performed by Rev. L Standring, of Alexandra. The bride who wore a becoming and dainty dress of soft cream silk, with veil and orange blossom, and carried a shower bouquet of bronze chrysanthemums and arum lilies, was attended by her neice, Miss Phoebe Fraser. Miss Phoebe, who wore a pretty frock of Saxe blue with a picture hat, carried a bouquet of pale pink sweet peas and cosmos. The bride was given away by her brother, Mr Charles Noone, while Mr James Love, brother of the bridegroom, ably performed the duties of "best man." The wedding march was played by Mrs Chas. Noone, and the afternoon festivities were considerably brightened with bagpipe selections by Piper Charles Fraser. The house was tastefully decorated throughout with bronze and red chrysanthemums and autumn leaves, and presented a gay and festive appearance. After a sumptuous "breakfast" had been served, and the customary toasts honoured, the happy couple left, amid showers of confetti, by motor for the north, where they intend making a short sojourn. The very good wishes of the assembled guests and their many Central Otago friends go with them in their new sphere of life.  -Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 1/6/1921.

Terrible Tragedy.

Capt. Robt. Love Killed. 

A shocking fatality, which cast a gloom over the whole district, occurred at Conroys at the site of the dam now under construction, on Friday morning last when Mr Robert Love, a well known resident of Alexandra, and formerly of Matakanui, was killed by an explosion. It appears that the unfortunate victim of the tragedy was employed drilling a hole in a rock, when an explosion took place and he was literally blown into the air, death being instantaneous. 

The deceased was in his 46th year, and was a native of the district, being the second son of the late James and Mrs Love (Chatto Creek). To mourn the loss of a loving husband and father are left Mrs Love (nee Miss Noone) and three children, while brothers and sisters of the deceased are — Mesdames Naylor (Clyde) and Page, Miss Charlotte Love (Clyde) Miss Bessie Love (Alexandra), and Messrs John, James, Ernest and Roy Love (Chatto Creek).

Robt. Love served with distinction in the Great War, going away as a private with an Otago regiment and returning a Captain in the 16th Waikato Company. 

The funeral took place at Alexandra yesterday, when the cortege was ever a mile long, people being present from all parts of the district to pay their last tribute of respect.  -Dunstan Times, 11/6/1934.

OBITUARY

CAPTAIN ROBERT LOVE. 

Mr Robert Love, of Alexandra, whose death under tragic occurred on Friday last, was the second son of Mrs C. Love and the late Mr James Miller Love, one of the first of the pioneer farmers of Galloway. He was bom at the latter place in the year 188S, and during his early years was, with the other members of his family, engaged in farming on his father's well-known property, "The Willows.''

Soon after the outbreak of the Great War, Mr Love joined up as a member of the eighth Reinforcement, and throughout the period of hostilities served with distinction, attaining the rank of Captain. Shortly after returning to New Zealand, Captain Love purchased a pastoral property in Matakanui district. This he successfully worked until, some five years ago, a war disability compelled him to relinquish farming pursuits. Since that time, Captain Love has resided at Alexandra. In 1921 he married the youngest daughter of the late Mr John Noone, of "Fair View," Ida Valley.

At all times a courteous gentleman, of a sincere and retiring disposition, he was held in the highest esteem by all with whom he came in contact. His wife and three little children are left to mourn the loss of a devoted husband and a loving father. To these and all the sorrowing relatives is extended the heartfelt sympathy of a wide circle of friends.

The funeral, which took place on Sunday, was attended by a large and representative gathering. The Returned Soldiers of the district escorted their former comrade to his last resting place, and at the close of the service, conducted by Rev. W. J. Bevis, the "Last Post" was sounded most feelingly by Mr L. McKellar.  -Alexander Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 13/6/1934.

FATAL ACCIDENT.

INQUEST OX DEATH OF MR ROBERT LOVE. 

The inquest on the death of Mr Robert Love, who was killed on Friday morning, at Conroys Dam, was held in the Courthouse, Alexandra, on Saturday afternoon, before Mr Ernest Jolly, District Coroner. Constable Sorrell conducted proceedings on behalf of the Police, and Mr T. E. Sunderland watched proceedings on behalf of the relatives.

Thomas L. Cooney, employed by the Public Works Department at Alexandra, said that on Friday, June 8, he was working at Conroys Dam about 11 a.m. He was set to work by Mr Johns, who was in charge of all blasting operations. He told them to drill holes in a rock face. They started drilling one hole, which was drilled to about 18 inches. Then they came along further on the same surface and commenced drilling again. There was an old hole about 6 to 9 inches deep. The drill was put in this hole. Witness was striking and deceased was holding the drill. Deceased was sitting on one side leaning towards the drill. Witness was striking and had struck about six blows. He experienced an explosion, which he believed would be in the bottom of the hole the drill was in. Witness was blown to one side and was slightly injured. After the explosion he did not see the deceased. Witness showed on a plan where deceased and he were working. He had not worked at this platform before. He was not aware that this hole contained any explosive. He did not remember anything after the explosion. Mr Johns tested the hole by working a 3ft. drill up and down in the hole to see what sort of bottom it had. Witness was nearby. He did not notice what the bottom sounded like. 

To Mr Sunderland: Deceased and he were in the habit of working together. Mr Love was his usual self that morning. They had not worked there the previous day. He was not sure where deceased worked the previous day. They were expressly asked to go to that particular place to work.

John Johns, employed by the Public Works Department, Alexandra, said he was in charge of all blasting operations at the dam in Conroys Gully. On Friday, June 8, he was at the dam. About 11 a.m. he instructed Thomas Cooney and deceased to drill holes on a rock bottom. He tested the hole by jumping a drill up and down, and poured water into the hole. On testing the hole with the drill he considered it was a rock bottom. The hole sounded tight and firm. The hole had been previously blasted on the Tuesday, and before putting men on it was his duty to test and clean out the hole. He also scraped the hole to a depth of 4 to 5 inches. The plug would come up the hole 4 inches. He did not know whether he touched the gelignite but evidently would have. Deceased was the only man who saw him testing the hole. Cooney was there and may have seen him. He charged this hole, which was then about 3ft 6in deep on the Tuesday before midday. He also charged two others nearby. He put three plugs in this hole, and 21 in each of the other two. He fired them and inspected the work that the explosion had done. The quantity of material shifted by the explosion was equal to the gelignite inserted in the three holes. If half of the gelignite had not exploded there should have been less material shifted. Two of the holes had broken to the bottom and the third to within 6 inches of the bottom. The reason for witness cleaning the hole was to get any dirt out of it that may have fallen, so that the drill would have a clean bottom. This was done as a rule. After leaving the men he went down the face to charge more holes. He heard a report and looked up to see pieces of rock in the air. He covered his own head for safety and a few minutes later saw deceased lying in the gully. Later the body was carried up on a stretcher. Some of the plugs must have been exploded and the bottom one must have lain dormant. He had never seen this happen before. It was necessary for the hole to be put down another foot to blast the rock level with the surface. Deceased had never, to his knowledge, handled any gelignite. Witness's experience of blasting operations covered about 20 years. During that time he had never come across one plug of gelignite placed with others in a hole to remain unexploded.

To the Coroner: In testing this 6 inch hole he could only get the scraper down 4 1/2 to 5 inches. It seemed solid to him. This particular hole showed signs of having exploded all right. 

To Mr Sunderland: Deceased did nothing other than his duty. There was no possible blame for the accident attachable to him.

John D. Watt, Civil Engineer employed by the Public Works Department, Alexandra, said he was in charge of the dam under construction at Conroys Gully. He was on the works at 11.30 on June 8. He was in the bottom of the gully. He heard a sharp explosion at a higher level, he saw a shower of broken rock. He went towards the body and saw it was that of Robert Love. Witness directed operations and the body was removed to the higher level and later conveyed to Alexandra. Ganger Johns was in charge of the blasting operations. It was his duty to make certain that a hole was safe before he set men to work drilling. He had heard the evidence of Mr Johns. The method adopted by him as regards cleaning out a hole was correct, but no one would use a drill to test a hole. He would not say it was necessary to presume that any

unexploded gelignite remained in any holes which had been blasted. It seemed that Mr Johns's explanation was the only theory that could account for the accident. He regarded Mr Johns as a very capable and experienced man to be in charge of explosives.

To His Worship: If he suspected that gelignite was in a hole he would not use it. If gelignite was suspected in a hole the method was to start another hole away from it. 

To Mr Sunderland: He did not see the hole before drilling. From what he had seen of the previous blast, he would not have entertained doubt as to the explosion not having been successful. Deceased was a capable man at his work. He could not see that any blame was attachable to him. 

Constable C. B. Sorrell said that, about noon on Friday he was informed by Mr Watt that a fatal accident had taken place at Conroys, and about ten minutes later he saw deceased. Witness identified the body. Later witness visited the scene of the accident, and took measurements and statements by witnesses. He had known deceased to be a very careful man, and a total abstainer.

His Worship said the evidence showed that deceased, on June 8, along with Cooney, were employed in blasting operations at Conroys Dam. They had put down one hole and had started on another. Before doing so, Mr Johns had taken precautions to test the hole apparently in the usual method and in his opinion the hole was quite safe. Deceased and Cooney started drilling and apparently an explosion took place. His verdict was that deceased, Robert Love, was accidentally killed by an explosion of gelignite in Conroys Gully on June 8.

His Worship considered that reasonable precautions were taken by all and no blame was attachable to anybody. Constable Sorrell, on behalf of the Police Department, expressed sympathy with the widow and family of deceased.  -Alexander Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 13/6/1934.

Alexandra Cemetery.

14538 Lieutenant Leslie Hunter Denniston, MC, (17/11/1885-8/8/1965). "his good judgement"

 

Sergeant L. H. Denniston, who has been attached to the 14th Reinforcements, which will leave Wellington shortly, has received a commission as second lieutenant in the 18th Reinforcements.  -Otago Witness, 28/6/1916.

"B" Company (Lieut. T. H. Denniston) was in reserve, with orders to follow in fairly close touch with the leading companies. The battalion followed the barrage in good order, but on nearing the first railway line the centre company met with disaster. Machine-guns brought enfilade fire to bear upon the leading line, almost annihilating the right platoon. A section from the support platoon worked round to deal with the guns; and when the remaining sections were called for to reinforce the front, they too were found to have shared the fate of the forward platoon. Thus, within the first few minutes, this one company had lost more than a third of its strength. In the endeavour to close the gap, Sergeant J. Grubb, of the left platoon, extended his right section and at once proceeded to deal with two machine-gun posts on his immediate front. These he succeeded in silencing, but the advance of the company was still being held up by the enfilading post. Rifleman C. Birch, of the trench mortar battery attached to the battalion, now came up to locate this nest. This done, he brought a Stokes gun to bear upon it and reduced its fire to fitful bursts. With Rifleman W. Ferguson, another of the gun team, he advanced to the position bombarded, took prisoner the whole garrison, consisting of an officer and twenty-seven men, and captured its three guns. By this time, however, Lieut. L. H. Denniston, on observing the disorganization of "A" Company, had brought his reserve company forward, passed through the centre company, joined up with those on the flanks, and pressed on with them towards the objective.  -Official History of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade.

London Gazette 8 March 1919, p3253 Citation, 4 October 1919, p12378: For gallant leadership in command of a reserve company at Le Quesnoy on 4th November, 1918. The centre company suffered severely at the start. He moved his company forward at once, and went on until the capture of the objective, on which he established his company, and succeeded in gaining touch with the flank companies. He had previously organised and directed several successful raids.

A list of tho New Zealand officers, to whom the Military Cross has been awarded, published in a cable message in our issue of yesterday, contains the name of Lieu tenant P. H. Denniston. There is reason to suppose that the recipient of the honour is Lieutenant L. H. Denniston, a son of Mr G. L. Denniston, of this city, and that the distinction was gained at the last engagement in which he was concerned just prior to the close of the war, when he was wounded for the third time.  -Otago Daily Times, 12/3/1919.

Denniston's third wound, as detailed in his Army record, was a gunshot wound to his left thigh. A previous wound is described as "gsw rt arm slight."

With the war behind him, Leslie Denniston settled down to local life, becoming an orchardist, Justice of the Peace and attending veterans' reunions. He also got into the newspaper business.

Apple Trees of greater vigour 

If you have good land it is waste of money not to have the best trees. 

You’ll get stronger growth and bigger profits in your orchard by planting trees on Ivory’s “Double-Vigour” stock. 

In thousands of orchards “Double-Vigour” trees have been tested. This stock absolutely resists aphis, the trees are marked by greater strength and vitality, and they produce prolific crops of the best fruit. Double the vigour of Northern Spy, and proof against mildew. 

The demand from experienced growers is rapidly exhausting the quantity available for this season. See or write our nearest branch for prices. 

IVORYS LTD. 

Christchurch, Rangiora, Nelson, Motueka. 

Otago Representative : L. H. Denniston, Fruitlands, Central Otago.  -Otago Daily Times, 7/6/1922.

Property Changes 

The Alexandra Herald, which has been conducted by Mr L. H. Denniston for some years, has been purchased by Messrs Stevens Bros., of Clyde, who will take over the building as from April 1.  -Otago Daily Times, 4/3/1939.

FUNCTION AT HERALD OFFICE

TRIBUTE TO MR L. H. DENNISTON 

A number of friends of Mr L. H. Denniston gathered at the office of the Alexandra Herald on Friday evening as a gesture of recognition for the manner in which he had conducted the Herald, during the eight years that he has been associated with the business. In outlining the purpose of the gathering, Father O'Connell, who acted as chairman, paid a fine tribute to the tact, courtesy, and kindliness of Mr Denniston; and referred to his good judgement and the splendid manner in which he had carried out his duties as Editor and Manager of the Herald. Other speakers on behalf of the various organisations to express their appreciation for the service given by Mr Denniston and wish success to the now proprietors wore as follows: Mr T. Sunderland: Business People. Mr R. McLay: Tennis Club. Mr Nightingale: Cricket. Mr Comerford: Horticultural Soc. Mr A. Stewart: Stock Agents. Mr H. Guy: Herald Staff. Mr K. McKissock: Returned Soldiers Association.  -Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Guardian, 3/4/1939.

During World War 2 Leslie returned to uniform, attending an October 1940 meeting to form a Home Guard and being elected Chairman.

HOME GUARD

On Saturday, 5th July a battalion parade was held at Roxburgh. The day was ideal for the manoeuvres. The total number on parade was 300 including 90 from Alexandra, the Clyde Company was also represented. Two bands were in attendance, the Alexandra Pipe Band and the Roxburgh Municipal Brass Band. Batallion drill was carried out under the direction of Bat. Com. Capt. L. H. Denniston M.C. and second in Command Capt. G. H. Eliot, after which the Batallion was inspected by the District Commander Col. Bruce Smith and Area Commander Major P. Mackenzie. A route march headed by the Alexandra Pipe Band, from the Sports Grounds to the town, concluded the exercises. The salute was taken by Col. Bruce Smith from the balcony of the Commercial Hotel, after which the Col. addressed the parade and expressed his appreciation of the work being carried out by the Batallion. The Mayor, Mr Laloli, extended an invitation on behalf of the ladies of D Coy Roxburgh, to afternoon tea in the Town Hall.

This wonderful gesture by the ladies responsible for such a lovely tea was greatly appreciated by all guardsmen. The Bat. Com. Capt. L. H. Denniston and Col. Bruce Smith congratulated the ladies and returned thanks on behalf of the officers and guardsmen of the Batallion. Col. B. Smith and Maj. Mackenzie were deeply impressed with the work carried out during the afternoon and instructed the Bat. Com. to convey to the officers and all other ranks their appreciation of their splendid showing on parade and made particular mention of the Alexandra Pipe Band and all those who had travelled a distance. To those guardsmen who so kindly supplied their cars for the conveyance of the guardsmen the Bat. Com. extends his sincerest thanks. The next parade in Alexandra will be held at the Recreation Ground at 2 p.m. on Monday) 14th inst. Guardsmen who are willing to donate a blood transfusion are asked to hand in their names next parade night.  -Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 9/7/1941.

At around this time, L. H. Denniston is reported as being appointed to the local Licensing Committee and as local Coroner.

Farewell to Home Guard 

There was an excellent attendance in the Alexandra Town Hall on Thursday evening last, when 'A' Company, Home Guard, Alexandra, "declared peace" and closed down. The social which was a bright and enjoyable one, and which was for the All Purposes Appeal, netted £l5 odd. During the evening the Mayor, Mr A. McKellar, made a short speech, during which he thanked the Guardsmen for the zeal they had displayed in their splendid efforts at a time of great crisis. He assured the Guardsmen that the town was grateful and all were glad to realise that their services were no longer necessary. Major L. H. Denniston, on behalf of the Home Guard, returned thanks to the Mayor for his generous remarks and said that it had really been a privilege for the Guardsmen to assist.  -Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 26/7/1944.

Mr L. H. Denniston, auctioneer, Alexandra, last Friday submitted the lease of the Islands at the Head of Lake Wakatipu. The upset price was £24 per annum. The lease was sold at £28 per annum to a Dunedin firm as agents for a client.  -Lake Wakatip Mail, 9/11/1944.

Obituary

MR L. DENNISTON 

Mr L. H, Denniston, formerly a well-known Alexandra businessman, died in Christchurch recently. 

He was born in Dunedin in 1889 and attended the Otago Boys’ High School. Later he studied law. and was an associate of his uncle, Sir John Denniston, a judge of the Supreme Court.

Mr Denniston served with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in the First World War, and was awarded the Military Cross. 

On his return to New Zealand he was an orchardist at Fruitlands, then managed the Earnscleugh station, and was editor of the "Alexandra Herald." 

Mr Denniston later began the Central Otago Commission Agency, which he ran till his retirement in 1961. 

He was appointed a district coroner in 1914 and served for 20 years, was a member of the Central Otago Licensing Trust for about 13 years, and for a time was chairman of the Alexandra branch of the National Party. He is survived by a son and a daughter.  -Press, 14/8/1965.

Alexandra Cemetery.

413367 Flying Officer Corran Perry Ashworth, (25/9/1921-3/8/1944). "continued diligence"

The heartfelt sympathy of the whole community is extended to Mrs E. Ashworth, she having received word that her son Corran, is reported missing and believed killed in action. Educated at the local school, Corran was a clever and popular boy. He was a prominent member of the Boy Scouts, and took part in all sporting activities, such as football and swimming. On leaving school he joined the staff of the local Post Office and as a result of continued diligence he passed his Matriculation and received promotion to the Head Office of the Department in Wellington. While stationed there he enlisted in the R.A.F. He is a brother of Squadron Leader Arthur Ashworth D.S.O., D.F.C., who has made his name famous, and we are sure that Corran would also play his part in a worthy manner.  Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 9/8/1944.

Corran Ashworth enlisted in January, 1941, and trained in New Zealand and Britain. As part of 253 Squadron flying Hawker Hurricane fighters he took part in the attack on Dieppe, performing ground attack missions.

In November, 1942, 253 Squadron was transferred to Algeria to conduct patrols, sea sweeps and convoy escorts. On February 15 Corran Ashworth reported shooting down a Ju-88 German bomber.

He was transferred to 14 Squadron flying early Mustang fighters then to 32 Squadron flying Hurricanes and Spitfires, reporting the shooting down of a Me-109G fighter. He returned to Britain and spent some time on a refresher course before his next assignment.

On D Day he served with 65 Squadron and on June 11 moved with the Squadron to a newly-captured airstrip on liberated French soil. They flew as part of the 2nd Tactical Air Force, performing ground support missions for Allied troops, flying the Mustang III.  He shot down a Me-109 on June 12.

On August 3rd he was on a dive-bombing mission with the Squadron. As his dive began his plane was seen to explode and its remains dropped into a river below.  He was listed as "missing, believed killed," then later "presumed dead."

His remains have not been found.

I am indebted to the RNZAF Biographies for the above information.

Alexandra Cemetery.

12/486 Private Sydney Charles Wells, (26/5/1893-17/3/1938). "high praise of the nurses"

OBITUARY

SYDNEY CHARLES WELLS. 

The news of the sudden passing of Mr Sydney Charles Wells on Thursday, 17th March, came as a great shock to his many friends, as although he had not always enjoyed the best of health, nothing of a serious nature was suspected. A native of Auckland Province, Mr Wells spent most of his life in the North Island. At the outbreak of the Great War he immediately joined the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, serving with the Auckland Infantry Battalion in Egypt and Gallipoli until wounded, when he returned to New Zealand. As an officer of the Health Department he had been stationed at Auckland, Whangarei, Napier, Wellington and elsewhere. Following a short stay in Dunedin, he was transferred to Central Otago two years ago with headquarters at Alexandra, and during his residence in this district became well and favourably known both for his work as Health Inspector and as a private citizen. Whilst in Alexandra, Mr Wells was a member of the committee of the Alexandra District Returned Soldiers' Club, President of the Alexandra Miniature Rifle Club, President of the Alexandra Defence Rifle Club, in the formation of which he had taken a very active part, and a member of the Alexandra Bowling Club. At gatherings connected with these institutions his cheery presence will be greatly missed. The funeral which took place at the Alexandra Cemetery on Saturday afternoon, was largely attended, members of the Health Department and of the various clubs with which he was connected, acting as pall-bearers. The "Last Post" was sounded by Bugler L. McKellar. The services at the house and at the graveside were conducted by the Rev. J. M. Templer. Deceased is survived by a wife and two daughters, Mary and Joan, to whom the sympathy of the community will be extended in their irreparable loss.  -Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 23/3/1938.

Sydney Wells was wounded by a bullet in his left hand at Gallipoli in May, 1915.  After treatment he returned to the front and was then hospitalised with diarrhoea. He was repatriated to be discharged on medical grounds at the end of that year.

Private S. Wells, of Tararu, a member of the 6th Hauraki Company Main Body, New Zealand Expeditionary Force, has returned to Thames, and is meeting with an enthusiastic welcome. Private Wells, who was wounded in Gallipoli and later attacked with sickness, was invalided home in the Willochra and was sent direct to Auckland hospital, where he has been since undergoing treatment. He is making satisfactory progress towards recovery. Private Wells speaks in high praise of the nurses at Malta and Egypt, and appreciatively refers to the splendid work accomplished by the sisters on the Willochra and at the New Zealand hospitals.  _Thames Star, 11/12/1915.

Alexandra Cemetery.

233518 Private William Simcoe, (1897-12/10/1936). "badly gassed"

MR WILLIAM SIMCOE 

The death occurred at the Dunstan Hospital on Monday last of Mr William Simcoe, who had been a resident of Alexandra for the past 15 years. The deceased was born in London 39 years ago and enlisted in the army at the age of 16 years. He was badly gassed in the Great War. He came to New Zealand in an endeavour to regain his health. Mr Simcoe took an active interest in the sporting life of the town, particularly on the bowling green, where he had been one of the club’s best players for a number of years, and acted as "skip" in the various competitions. He was also the club’s greenkeeper, and acted as referee for the Hockey Club and as marker for the Miniature Rifle Club. Mr Simcoe was an active member of the Alexandra Volunteer Fire Brigade, having received his early training in fire-fighting as a member of the London Fire Brigade. The funeral took place at Alexandra on Wednesday. The members of the Fire Brigade and Returned Soldiers’ Association attended, and the coffin was borne to the Alexandra Cemetery on the fire engine. The service at the church and graveside were carried out by the Rev. W. J. Bevis. The “Last Post” was sounded at the graveside by Bandmaster W. Bringans.  -Otago Daily Times, 17/10/1936.

Alexandra Cemetery.

Soo Moo Woon, (1858-18/5/1921). "the car overturned"

Soo Moo Woon is described as "a chinaman." It is likely that he came to Otago to mine gold, one of the many Chinese men who came to support their families and villages.  Many of them never saw home or family again.

The failure of the breaks was responsible for an unfortunate car accident near Alexandra on Wednesday last. Shortly after leaving on the journey to Roxburgh the mail motor car, driven by Mr D. Me Donald, and containing four passengers, turned turtle over a bank. A Chinaman who was underneath the car, was killed outright, while Mr McDonald and the passengers were all fortunate enough to escape serious injury.  -Dunstan Times 23/5/1921.

Soo Moo Woon was likely returning home from the town of Alexandra to his home on the orchard owned by Lye Bow.  It would have been a short ride but he did not complete it.

CORONER'S INQUEST.

DEATH BY ACCIDENT

The inquest attending the death of Sue Sue Woon, Chinaman, a victim in the recent accident to the Roxburgh motor mail coach, which capsized about half a mile out of Alexandra on Wednesday, 18th May. was held in the Alexandra court on Wednesday, 8th June, before Mr E. C. Levvey, S M. Coroner. 

The police was represented by Constable Murphy, and Mr W. A Bodkin appeared on behalf of Mr D. McDonald, driver. 

Evidence of identification was first submitted. S. Cameron, fruitgrower, Alexandra. He had seen the body of deceased and identified it as that of Sue Woon, Chinaman, who he had last seen the night previous. Deceased had been employed by Lye Bow, orchardist at Butchers Gully. He knew deceased for the past six months. 

Donald McDonald, mail contractor, Roxburgh and Alexandra. He used a Ford car for running the mail three days a week. On Wednesday, 18th he left Alexandra at 1.15 p.m., with four passengers— Mr Houghey, Nurse Hendry, Myrtle Weaver and the deceased Sue Woon. About half a mile from Alexandra when half way up a hill, the car stopped and started to run back immediately. I tried the breaks and found something wrong. He then ran the car into the side of the road where the car overturned right over. When the deceased was pulled out from under the car he was breathing but did not speak. Police and doctor were sent for, meantime rubbing of the body was resorted to, to try and restore consciousness. Police arrived in about 20 minutes and the doctor 10 minutes later. On examination the doctor declared the man to be dead. The body was then taken to Alexandra. 

To Constable Murphy: The car was running all right in his trip from Roxburgh that morning. He had no difficulty in climbing the hill on the other side of the bridge. He applied the breaks immediately but these would not hold. He had four brakes on the car. On car being taken to the garage and examined, it was found that the clutch spring was broken. He would have a load of about 1/2 cwt, over and above the passengers. 

To Mr Bodkin: The hand brake on a Ford brings the gear back to neutral. The only break of use under was the foot brake which was, because of the broken clutch spring, useless. 

To Coroner: He had ran this car about years. First time he had had trouble with the car. The car was overhauled about 4 months ago. He could not account for the engine stopping on the hill and the examination of car showed no cause. 

Nurse Hendry gave evidence detailing the accident along the lines already described. She could not see what part of the car was resting on the deceased. Doctor arrived about 20 minutes after the accident. 

To Constable Murphy: She saw the driver applying the brakes. The day was fine and the road dry. 

To Coroner: She did not hear any knocking or grating noise to indicate that the car was out of order. 

Dr A. E. Gladstone: He was called to an accident on Wednesday, May 18th. On arrival he found a Chinaman lying on his back. The man was dead. He (witness) felt the pulse and examined a small streak of blood near the right ear but found that the blood was not coming from the ear. A superficial examination was made later. Found undue mobility of the spine in region of the neck showing a fracture dislocation of the vertebrae, which would cause speedy death. This was the cause of the death. There were no other marks on the body. Messenger had no detail as to the nature of the accident. Not being suitably attired he (witness) went back into the house, put on his collar, tie and shoes and left within 5 minutes. He did not return to the dining room. Had to walk part of the way until met by the fruit lorry returning fat him. Nothing could have been done for the man who was in a moribund condition. 

On being granted leave to make a statement, the witness stated that a silly lie was being circulated to the effect that he had gone back and finished his luncheon before leaving for the scene of the accident. There was no foundation for such a rumour. He was not in the habit of taking notice of such canards but in this instance, the witness alleged that a person, a Justice of the Peace, had accepted the story and acted on it, as if true, without referring the matter to witness or messenger Joe Hesson. This person had approached his brother Justice, and consulted the Coroner's Act with a view of raising the matter at the inquest. When a Justice of the Peace takes steps of this kind it was about time for me to notice. 

The Coroner stated that the Doctor having left the house within 5 minutes of receiving the message, had acted as promptly as any reasonable person could desire. 

Constable Murphy gave evidence as to being called to the accident about 2 p.m. on Wednesday, 18th May. On arrival he rendered first aid to the deceased, the doctor arriving about 10 minutes later. No marks on body except slight abrasion on right side of cheek. He instructed Henry Hesson and Alexander Butler, motor mechanics, to examine the brakes and other parts of the car.

To Mr Bodkin: Knew the driver well for five years. A thoroughly steady, reliable and careful driver, strictly temperate.

Henry Hesson, proprietor motor garage, Alexandra. He examined the car belonging to Mr McDonald at garage. Found clutch spring support was broken, consequently putting all gears and brakes useless. Flange breaking off was the original cause of the engine stopping. Car was a Ford 1918 pattern. Found brakes in good order. In his opinion the Ford car was quite a safe car, even where passengers were carried. 

To Mr Bodkin: The driver did the only thing possible under the circumstances, namely to find the bank as soon as possible. 

Alex. H. Butler, motor carrier, Alexandra. He had assisted in righting the car and taking same to the garage. He was present at the examination of car the following day. Found clutch spring broken, probably by general wear. This would leave the gears and brakes useless. The brakes were all right and in his opinion the brakes on a Ford car were as good as those on any other car. The hand brake on any car was of little use in an emergency. The Ford car was quite a safe car for passengers. The Bennett brake was not good on a wet road.

To Mr Bodkin: He knew Mr McDonald well, as a safe and careful driver. The car capsized owing to one wheel going into a table-drain while the other was on the high ground. The verdict of the coroner was as follows: 

VERDICT. 

Sue Woon came to his death, died at Alexandra on 18th May, 1921, from fracture dislocation of the cervical vertibrae, which said fracture dislocation was caused by the said deceased being caught and crushed under a motor car driven by Donald McDonald, when the said car accidentally capsized at Alexandra on the 18th May, 1921.  -Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 15/6/1921.

Alexandra Cemetery.

David Leisk, (1851-21/6/1899). "suffering for years"

DEATH OF A PORT RESIDENT

[Special to the Star ] ALEXANDRA, June 21. 

Mr David Leisk, a late resident of Port Chalmers, died at Alexandra to-day. For twenty-two years he was in charge of the Union Company’s coal hulks at Port Chalmers, and came to Alexandra some six months ago for the benefit of his health. He succumbed to a severe attack of asthma and bronchitis, from which he had been suffering for years.  -Evening Star, 21/6/1899.

The flags at the U.S.S. Company's premises and of the workmen's reading rooms at Port Chalmers were half-masted yesterday, as a mark of respect for the late Mr David Leisk, a very old employee of the company, who died at Alexandra, where he had gone for the benefit of his health.  -Evening Star, 23/6/1899.

 DREDGING AND MINING

The Ngapara fellows are busy overhauling and seeing to the breakages which I believe are very numerous, such as the intake of the centrifugal pump and the blow off pipe from the boiler. This no doubt will cause a great delay. The Garrick also has had mishaps her steam pipe leading from the boiler burst owing to water being left in it. The Success got a start early on Saturday morning, and I believe everything went off without a hitch. This speaks volumes as regards her management. Mr Poppelwell having had a large experience in the dredging industry knew exactly what the frost would effect and therefore got it dismantled consequently she starts first and without a breakage. Mr David Leisk is engineer, late of the Union Coy’s boats and keeps her running well. I would advise other managers in future to follow Mr Poppelwells steps as breakages on the Nevis at this time of year, might delay a dredge the best part of the season as the carters do not get on the road till near Xmas.  -Cromwell Argus, 9/9/1899.

It seems strange that the Argus should be reporting on the activities of a dead man. I cannot account for it.

Alexandra Cemetery.