Charles Fairlie Nieper, (1895-14/6/1901). "slipped in"

A sad drowning fatality occurred at Alexandra on Saturday. A boy about six years of age, the eldest son of Mr G. Nieper, was, along with some other little mates, throwing empty bottles into the Molyneux, when he slipped in, and was never seen again. Up till this afternoon his body had not been found.   -Lake County Press, 20/6/1901.

DEATHS

NIEPER. — On the 14th June, at Alexandra (by drowning), Charles Fairlie, the beloved son of James and Charlotte Nieper; aged six years and one month. Deeply regretted.  -Otago Witness, 10/7/1901.

The body of Fairly Nieper, the six-year-old son of Mr G. Nieper, of Alexandra, who on June 14, when playing with some other little boys at throwing empty bottles into the Molyneux, slipped into the river, was recovered yesterday, three miles below Alexandra.   -Evening Star, 30/8/1901.

The police have received intelligence of the recovery of the body of Fairly Nieper, the six-year-old son of Mr G Nieper, of Alexandra, who on June 14, while playing with some other little boys at throwing empty bottles into the Molyneux, slipped into the river, and was drowned. The body was recovered on Thursday by Mr McMath, of the Bendigo dredge, three miles below Alexandra.   -Otago Daily Times, 3/9/1901.

Alexandra Cemetery.

Robert Alexander Gunion, (1880-6/2/1911). "attacked and killed"

News reached Alexandra yesterday of the death, which occurred at the Gold Coast, West Africa, on February 6th, of Mr Alex. Gunion, who was attacked and killed by natives. About three years ago deceased left Alexandra for the Gold Coast dredging field, and was employed as a dredge hand up to the time of his sad end. Deceased was a native of this district, and is the eldest son of Mrs Gunion, of Alexandra.  -Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 22/2/1911.

A Dunedin press message says that news has been received of the death of Mr. Alex Gunion, formerly of Alexandra, who was killed by the natives on the Gold Coast, West Africa. Deceased who was engaged by the Offin River Gold Estates Company, left Alexandra about three years ago, and filled the position of manager of one of the company's dredges. The deceased, who was 30 years of age, leaves a widow.  -Nelson Evening Mail, 24/2/1911.

DEATHS

GUNION. — On February 6, 1911, at the Gold Coast, West Africa, Robert Alexander, the eldest and dearly-beloved son of the late Robert and Emily Gunion, of Alexandra; aged 30 years. (By cable.)  -Otago Daily Times, 27/2/1911.

The 'Daily Times' records the death of Mr Alex. G union, formerly of Alexandra, who met his death, at the early age of 30 years, by being attacked and killed by natives at the Gold Coast, West Africa. Mr Gunion was the eldest son of the late Mr Robt. Gunion, and had been engaged by the Offen River Gold Estates Co. He left Alexandra about three years ago and after his arrival at the Gold Coast he was appointed manager of one of the Company's dredges. Deceased was well and popularly known throughout the goldfields and the news of his sad end came as a great shock to his relatives and friends. Deceased was a brother of Mr A. D. Gunion of the local bank.  -Lake Wakatip Mail, 28/2/1911.

Alexandra Cemetery.

The White Family and Mr John Frater, train crash at Hyde, 4/6/1943. "wipe away all tears"

If you know the date, and its significance, you recognise it in the little cemeteries of the small towns of Central Otago and the Maniototo district. The stones bearing the date of the railway accident near Hyde in 1943 show that a disaster is an event but also a series of tragedies, each one a little different for each family that is struck by the death of a loved one.

Rotorua's Link With Tragic Railway Accident

General sympathy will be felt with Mr. G. H. Frater, officer in charge of the Social Security Department, Rotorua, whose father, Mr. John Frater, aged 70 years, his sister, Mrs. White, and her two sons aged three years and six months, respectively were killed in the railway accident in Central Otago on Friday. Mr. Frater's mother, aged 70 years, also a passenger on the train, was severely injured, suffering a broken leg and severe shock. 

Mr. Frater received news of the disaster on Saturday morning, and through the courtesy and co-operation of the Air Force authorities, was able to leave by plane for South Island on Saturday afternoon. 

It is understood that his sister had been seriously ill, together with his youngest son, and that Mrs. Frater been attending them at Alexandra. Both had made an excellent recovery and the family Party. on their way back to join Mr. White at Timaru, where Mr. and Mrs. White reside. 

A poignant coincident is that many years ago when Mr. Frater was a boy, he and his brother, under the charge of their mother, were in a train on the same line when the engine collided with a rock that had rolled on to the track. The engine was derailed but fortunately no one was injured.  -Rotorua Morning Post, 7/6/1943.

HYDE TRAIN CRASH

LINE CLEARED OF WRECKAGE

SCHEDULE RUNNING TO-DAY 

Rapid progress was made yesterday with the work of clearing the wrecked carriages and engine from the railway line near Hyde. The tracks were relaid, and this morning the Central Otago express left at its usual time, 7.52 a.m. After the engine had been cut free from the tender it was loaded back on the line by the crane and towed to the Rock and Pillar station, the nearest siding to the scene of the accident, while late in the afternoon the last carriage was removed. 

Inquiries this morning show that all the injured victims of the disaster are progressing favourably. The condition of Mrs M. Maskell, in the Ranfurly Hospital, which was regarded as serious yesterday, is much improved. At the request of the Mayor of Alexandra (Mr A. McKellar) business premises in that town were closed this afternoon when the funerals of Mr John Frater, his daughter, Mrs Irene White, and her two young sons were held. Mrs Frater was among the injured, and is now receiving treatment in hospital. 

Francis Robert Kinney, the young man of 19, of Hyde, who was killed in the crash, was buried at Hyde on Sunday.  -Evening Star, 8/6/1943.

Alexandra Cemetery

Alexandra Cemetery.

14603 Trooper Francis John William McKeown, (1910-15/3/1968). "because he loved the job"

 A POPULAR SPORT

"Water polo found much favour with members of the Long Range Desert Group,” said Trooper F. J. McKeown, of Waitati, who was a member of the patrol and was recently invalided home, speaking to a reporter yesterday. The man who was responsible for its introduction while the group was based at Siwa, an Arab village only a few hours travel from the Libyan border, was Trooper Colin Kidd, who was formerly a well-known Otago and Southland representative water polo player and swimmer. Large artesian wells, constructed of concrete, were used at Siwa for irrigation purposes, and as these were large enough for the playing of water polo a ball was obtained from the National Patriotic Fund Board and a team organised by Trooper Kidd challenged other patrol teams and emerged with an unbeaten record. Among other well-known swimmers who were included in the successful combination were Troopers G. Williams and F. Whitaker (Napier), L. Donaldson (Christchurch), and L. Lane (Blenheim).  -Otago Daily Times, 5/5/1943.

LONG RANGE PATROL

WORK IN THE DESERT OTAGO TROOPER’S EXPERIENCES 

“When the history of the Libyan campaign is written it will be found that the activities of the Long Range Desert Group played a very prominent part in the victory.” said Trooper F. J. McKeown, of Waitati, who was a member of the Desert Patrol from December, 1941, until September, 1942, in an interview with a Daily Times reporter yesterday. Trooper McKeown, who was recently invalided home, added that the Eighth Army was able to act on the reports received from the group, in relation to the activities of the Germans, and made its moves accordingly. 

The Long Range Desert Group, which was commanded by a British Army officer, Lieutenant-colonel Prendergast, consisted largely of Guardsmen, Rhodesians, and New Zealanders. Most of the 90 New Zealanders who served while Trooper McKeown was with it, were men who had been selected from the cavalry. A high standard of physical fitness was demanded of the men, who had to be well trained. “The work itself was always very exciting and interesting,” Trooper McKeown said. "Every man had to be ‘on his toes’ and know his job — there was no place for the man who was not keen.” 

Close Watch on Enemy 

Much of the work was of an intelligence nature, he said, and at the time that Marshal Rommel and his men were resting, patrols were on duty with a view to ascertaining what preparations the Germans were making before the attack. Men were detailed singly to watch roads for 24 hours at a time, observing troop movements and the transport of tanks and supplies. 

The patrols pierced deeply into the Libyan desert, often as far as 1209 miles from Cairo, and at times 600 miles from the nearest civilised post. Most of the journeys were made across the open desert. No route was regarded as impossible by the men responsible for the transport, and each patrol usually consisted of a unit of 16 men, and four trucks. The units generally operated away from their main base for a period of about three weeks at a time, and were entirely self-contained. Sufficient water for the trip was carried, enough food for a month, and good supplies of ammunition.

In each patrol was a navigator who, as soon as the stars appeared, would make his readings and calculate his position on the map. A good navigator, added Trooper McKeown, could pin-point his position to within a few hundred yards. During the day the driving was done to the compass, but all the night driving was by the stars. One truck in each four was equipped with a radio transmitter, and every truck carried a machine-gun. 

A Narrow Escape 

“We had to be as big a nuisance to the enemy as we possibly could,” Trooper McKeown said, “and part of the routine was to make sharp raids on the aerodromes and forts which were dotted about the desert.” One of his patrol’s narrowest escapes occurred when two Senussi soldiers who had joined the British army were being taken forward. After driving from noon until 10 o’clock at night, the patrol was suddenly confronted with lights to the left and lights to the right. 

The Arabs quickly picked out a Senussi camp on the left and a German on the right. The trucks were almost clear when the leading vehicle, in which Trooper McKeown was the gunner, crashed into a trench. He was hurled out at the rear of the vehicle and pieces of his machine-gun were scattered about the desert. Eventually they were recovered, and the patrol moved off without further incident. At daylight cover was sought in a deep wadi, and here again the men had a lucky escape from an enemy plane which flew almost over their heads without observing them. 

The powers of endurance of the members of a patrol were frequently tested, he said. It was no uncommon experience for the men to dig a truck out of the sand with the temperature at 130 degrees. Here, the average rainfall was once in seven years! The food consisted almost entirely of tinned rations, “Bully beef and biscuits formed the staple item of diet” he stated, “and we all thrived on it.” 

A Welcome Sight

After travelling for hundreds of miles across the desert, Trooper McKeown said, it was always a welcome sight to come upon a lovely patch of green where there were palm trees and plenty of water. Here, in a small village where the Arabs made a living from the growing of dates and olives, it was possible to obtain vegetables and eggs. For a handful of sugar and tea almost any supplies could be obtained. A tin of salmon, would secure four fresh eggs. The Arabs would not, of course, trade in bacon, but occasionally subterfuge was resorted to by the patrol, and a tin of bacon which was artfully concealed by a wrapper bearing the picture of a fish, would change hands. The sight of a herd of gazelle meant a pleasing addition to the diet. One or two would be shot to provide fresh meat, which was not unlike that of a young deer. 

The life was extremely hard in midsummer, because no matter what, the temperature it was dangerous to touch one’s water bottle before 4 o’clock in the afternoon. "Every man was in the patrol, because he loved the job,” Trooper McKeown concluded. “and I am proud to have been associated with it.”  -Otago Daily Times, 5/5/1943.

Alexandra Cemetery.

8/915 Lieutenant Roy Forrest, (13/1/1887-21/5/1943). "a fine athlete"

NEWS FROM THE DARDANELLES.

LETTER FROM TROOPER E. TOHILL. 

We have been permitted to read some letters from Trooper E. Tohill to his brothers at Alexandra. This young man is one of a captain's bodyguard and was able to get letters posted. The other lads have not that opportunity hence their silence during the present campaign. We extract the following from a letter to "Jack" Tohill: — "We have all been in action some time now except the mounted men, and they soon will be. We had a great battle on "Black Sunday" as we call it, for we lost a lot of our cobbers that day. I will never forget it, it was a sight that I think will never again be seen in any warfare. I was a bit nervous the first day or two not knowing what minute I might fall, for the shrapnel was killing our fellows by the dozen. I was speaking to Roy Forrest yesterday. He was hit with a bullet through the left side and another grazed his forehead, but he is alright and walking about.  -Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 7/7/1915.

Roy Forrest was a sergeant in the Alexandra Rifles, and one of the best rifle shots in the Central. He was in every shooting team which competed for the Goldfields Challenge Shield since and including 1907. He was a very consistent 'shot,' and one of the coolest men to be found on the range. His advice on matters concerning shooting was at all times sound, and he had the habit (too rare I will admit) of not speaking unless he had something worth while to say. I was pleased to see that he has been promoted to corporal, but I do not think he will stop at that if he has any chance. A large number have gone to the front who belonged to the Rifles in my time, but they do not call for any special mention, although I am certain none of them will ever bring dishonor on Central Otago. I trust those remembrances will be of interest to you. [They certainly are; and we thank our correspondent, who prefers to remain incognito, for his kindness in supplying us with the information. — Ed. A H]  -Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 25/8/1915.

Corporal Roy Forrest, one of the first men to leave Alexandra for the battlefield, has been wounded twice on Gallipoli. The second wound is in the back, the result of shrapnel. Roy has been removed to London. Another Alexandra boy — Private Andrew Larson of the Fifth Reinforcements — is reported slightly sick at Malta.  -Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 15/9/1915.

Information has been received that Sergeant Roy Forrest, who has been in the firing line for a long time, has been promoted to the rank of sergeant-major. He joined the Expeditionary Forces at the beginning of the war, and served in the Gallipoli campaign, where he was wounded. After recovering from his wounds Sergeant-major Forrest was sent back to Gallipoli, where he . remained until the evacuation. He left Egypt with the New Zealanders for France where he has been ever since.   -Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 28/2/1917.

Alexandra ought to be proud of Sergeant Roy Forrest who has worthily won his honours as a shot. Roy was a top-notcher, and he had every point of the military game at his finger ends. He did not stop to think but went off almost before anyone knew it, to do his duty without any persuasion. It is men like that, who have ennobled the name of Maoriland.  -NZ Herald, 29/7/1917.

NEWS FROM THE BOYS (excerpt)

Farrier Sergeant Tucker writes a short letter of thanks, but manages to impart a lot of news therein. Writing from "somewhere in France" he expresses his appreciation of the parcel the contents of which, every article, being very acceptable. He mentions having seen Leslie Thomson and Bruce Thomson several times lately, and reports both looking well. Roy Forrest he met the day before Roy left for England to sit tor his commission; he also was in good health.  -Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 20/10/1918.

PERSONAL.

Lieutenant Roy Forrest. Mr and Mrs Baekholm, of Alexandra, arrived home last Friday evening. There was a large crowd of local residents present on the platform on the arrival of the train. The local brass band, of which Roy was a member, was also present and played patriotic airs previous to and on the arrival of the train. The Mayor (Mr W. Black) and Cr Ashworth spoke a few words of welcome, and on call three hearty cheers were given for Lieutenant Forrest. The band accommodated on Mr A. Butler's motor lorry, played Roy to his home. Corporal T. J. Anderson and Private L. J. Anderson are on a visit to their sister, Mrs George Smith of Alexandra. Both are local boys, sons of Mr and Mrs L. Anderson who resided for very many years in Alexandra leaving the district shortly before the war. Corporal Anderson left with the 6th Reinforcements and his brother with the 5th, so both have seen lengthy periods of active service at Gallipoli and France. The young men are well known to the older residents who are very pleased to have this opportunity of renewing acquaintances.  -Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 16/7/1919.

WELCOME-HOME SOCIAL.

The local Town Hall was well filled on Tuesday evening, 22nd July, on the occasion of a welcome-home to several local returned soldiers. The Mayor (Mr W. Black) presided and was accompanied to the platform by the parents and relatives of the soldiers being honoured. The guests included Lieutenant Roy Forrest, Corporal T. J. Anderson, Corporal A. Hawley, Trooper P. Weaver, Sapper J. Love, Driver R Gartley, Privates L. J. Anderson, J. Dougherty, W. Thomson. A varied programme of vocal and elocutionary items was rendered in which the following took part:— Mesdames Sutherland, McLean, Werner, Misses Hatley, Hannay and Moorhead, Messrs J. Mitchell, C. E. Richards and J. Jamie. The audience enjoyed the concert, several encores being insisted upon. The chairman intimated apologies for absence from Rev. Mr Standring and Mr S. T. Spain. In welcoming the returned soldiers back, the Mayor mentioned that Lieutenant Forrest was among the first to volunteer for active service on the outbreak of war. He was one of five brothers who had served their country. The mother of these boys (Mrs Backholm) was on the stage that night and on the call of the Mayor three rousing cheers were given for her. Corporal T. J. Anderson and Private L. J. Anderson were brothers. Trooper P. Weaver was one of four brothers who had enlisted. They were glad to have all the guests back safely and wished them good health and happiness in their future days. 

Lieutenant Forrest replied on behalf of his comrades and himself. He thanked all present for the very hearty reception. He paid a tribute to the good work of the Women's Patriotic Association and assured his audience that had it not been for the work of women folk in sewing guilds, as Red Cross workers, as munition workers and every other department of war work, the soldiers could not have won through. The woman had played their part as well as the men. Some of his comrades had shown their appreciation by marrying the "blighty" girls (laughter). He thanked the band for meeting him at the station. He thought it would have ceased to exist owing to so many members being away. It was a pleasant surprise to find otherwise. Great credit was due to the remaining members who had kept it going. Lieutenant Forrest gave a brief outline of the various places where he had been in the course of the campaign since leaving New Zealand in 1914. He had been through the Gallipoli campaign, where he received his wound. Had taken part in the offensive at the Somme, at Messines and the big German offensive of March 1918, when things looked black. It had been his fortunate lot to take part in the victorious march into Germany. They were all glad to get back home, and appreciated the warm welcome extended to them by their townspeople. 

Supper was provided by the ladies of the Patriotic Association and enjoyed by the large company. Thereafter the hall was cleared for dancing, the music for which was kindly supplied by various willing helpers. The band gave selections outside the hall while the audience gathered. Mr W. Bowler rendered as usual the very useful service of doorkeeper.  -Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 30/7/1919.

PERSONAL.

Mr D. S. Smart has disposed of his well-known Kairoa Orchard, at Earnscleugh to Mr Roy Forrest.  -Dunstan Times, 4/10/1920.

OBITUARY

Mr JAMES ROY FORREST 

The death occurred at Dunedin on May 21st after a long illness, of Mr James Roy Forrest, a well and favourably known orchardist of Earnscleugh. The second son of the late Mr and Mrs William Forrest, he was born at Alexandra 56 years ago. He enlisted early in the last war and served for a long period and with much distinction. He held the rank of Lieut., and up till recently, when ill health compelled him to resign, he was O. C. the Clyde section of the Home Guard. He was a member of the Foresters Lodge, Court Pride of Alexandra, and for a number of years was a keen member of the Alexandra Brass Band. A fine athlete, he was one of the best forwards the Alexandra and Clyde football clubs had at that time. He was an excellent rifle shot and was a keen member of the early rifle clubs. He leaves a wife (nee Miss May Farrell, of Clyde) and family of four, two sons and two daughters. The funeral, a military one, was held at Alexandra on Sunday afternoon.  -Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 26/5/1943.

Alexandra Cemetery.

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.