Reginald Grimstone, (1895-28/9/1905). "a cap was seen"

 Reginald Grimstone, the 10-year-old son of Mr Grimstone, manager of the Bank of New Zealand at Alexandra, was killed by a fall of gravel in a pit in which he was playing with two others. The latter were covered up to their armpits, and their cries brought two men to their rescue. The men were not aware for some time that the boy Grimstone was completely covered. He was alive when taken out but died shortly after.  -Lake County Press, 5/10/1905.

Sad Fatality. — A painful and fatal accident took place on Thursday afternoon. A number of boys were playing under a gravel face, in in their play were digging out a tunnel when, without a moment's warning the face fell in, covering three of the boys. One was buried up to the neck, another caught by the legs, and the third, Reginald Grimstone, was completely covered up under 3ft of earth and gravel. The screams of the other children quickly brought assistance, and two of the boys, Sawyers and Eggington, were soon released, but it took about 15 minutes to release young Grimstone, who was still breathing, but died shortly afterwards. The little lad, who was about 10 years of age, was buried to-day, his schoolmates fallowing the remains of their old playmate with reverence and kindly feeling. The whole community tenders its heartfelt sympathy to Mr and Mrs Grimstone in their sad bereavement.  -Otago Witness, 4/10/1905.

Sad Fatality.

On Thursday last, about 5 p.m., the news that a sad accident had befallen the second son of Mr L. B. Grimstone, manager of the Bank of New Zealand, Alexandra, flashed around the town like wildfire, and sympathisers rushed to the scene of the disaster to find that the accident had terminated fatally. It appears that a number of children, their ages ranging from six to ten years, were playing in a gravel pit behind the town, when suddenly the whole face slipped away, three of the little boys being caught before they could escape. The children's cries soon brought willing helpers to their aid. One was buried to the armpits, another to the knees, and it was not till a cap was seen lying on the ground and the other two boys extricated from their perilous position that the fact that Reginald Grimstone was buried beneath the gravel became known. After digging for some minutes the little fellow was found with about three feet of gravel on top of him. When taken out life was extinct. Dr Gregg was sent for, but all his efforts to restore life were of no avail, some twenty minutes having elapsed from the time the accident occurred till the body was found. An inquest was held on Friday afternoon, when a verdict of "Accidental death " was returned. The jury added a rider "that local bodies should see that in gravel pits where the face was undermined the top bank was knocked down immediately." 

The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon, and was attended by a large concourse of mourners, including the boys of the Alexandra school, who followed immediately behind the hearse, while six of the boys acted as pallbearers. The Rev. Father Hunt officiated at the grave. 

"Rege," as he was familiarly called, was 10 years of age, and a general favorite with both young and old and the inhabitants of Alexandra and surrounding districts were deeply grieved on hearing of the sad fatality. Telegrams and expressions of sympathy were received by Mr and Mrs Grimstone from all parts of the colony; and we, as representatives of the community, extend our heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved parents in their extremely sad misfortune. 

Mr and Mrs Grimstone desire to express their deep thanks for the many expressions of sympathy in their sad bereavement.  -Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 4/10/1905.

Alexandra Cemetery.

11/473 Lieutenant Lionel Edward Grimstone, (30/11/1893-8/10/1918). "cheerful and optimistic"

ROMANCE IN THE POLICE COURT.

A WILFUL DAUGHTER. 

LOVES v. BROTHER. 

Two young men named Chas. E. Merson and Lionel Francis Grimstone, were charged in the Police Court to-day, before Mr. It. M. Dyer, S.M., with using threatening behaviour on May 15, at the entrance to the Mount Eden Railway Station. Mr. Reed appeared for Merson, and Mr. Singer for Grimstone. 

Two witnesses said they saw two men scuffling near the station entrance, but could not identify the men. On witness said he saw Merson running across the road with his head bleeding. 

Merson's sister said she was in company with Grimstone when her brother came along and struck her companion. A fight ensued, and witness tried to separate them. Cross-examined by Mr. Reed, witness said she was 17, and Grimstone was a friend of hers. Her father had objected to this, and had spoken to Grimstone about taking witness out. In spite of the objections of her father and brother, witness continued her acquaintance with Grimstone. 

Mr. Reed. — Do you not know that Grimstone had a weapon specially made, in the form oi a weighted truncheon? 

Witness. — They went so far with him that he had to get something. 

Did he have this weapon on the night this affair took place? — I couldn't say. 

Was it weighted with lead? — Well, what I saw some months ago looked like an iron stick. 

Did you see blood streaming from your brother's head? — No, I did not. It was not true, witness continued, that as soon as her brother spoke to Grimstone the latter struck him with this weapon, and witness joined in hitting him. Beyond clinging to her brother to pull him off, she did not touch him. She did not see him use the weapon on her brother until the latter struck at him. 

Mr. Reed. — After the fight took place you did not go home? — I stayed with Mrs. Evans.

To Mr. .Singer, witness said that members of her family had gone to the length of threatening to kill Grimstone, who had gone about in fear of his life. Her mother had supported her in her attachment to Grimstone. Witness complained of the treatment received on account of Grimstone, by different members of her family. 

Mr. Dyer: Where are you living now? — At home. 

Are you being ill-treated now? — No, not now. 

Witness continued that there had been nothing in Grimstone's behaviour towards her to which her family could object, except going down badly lighted streets, and that was only on account of their fear of meeting members of her family. 

Mr. Dyer: Do you think you are doing right in defying your people in this matter? — Well, they have no cause to carry on as they have done. 

Mr. Dyer: I think that if this young man had any decency he would leave you alone, until you are older, anyway. What are you going to do in this matter? Are you still going to defy your people? 

Witness: Yes. When I am ready I will leave home and board with friends. 

Dr. Grant said that when he examined Merson he found a severe scalp wound and a cut over the right eye. He did not think those injuries could have been inflicted with a fist. To inflict such wounds with a bar, through a hard felt hat, would necessitate a heavy blow.

Charles C. Merson said that on the night in question he was gong to meet a friend when he saw Grimstone and his sister near the railway station. He said she had better go home. Grimstone took a step back and drew his arm back and witness struck out in self defence. He felt something strike his arm and, bending over, hit him on the head. His sister also struck him during the struggle. The first blow Grimstone felt like a sandbag, but afterwards the blows felt as if it was something harder. Witness was knocked down, and and the wounds in his head bled freely. 

Cross-examined, witness said he had never gone out for the purpose of assaulting Grimestone. On a previous occasion he had found his sister and Grimstone at the back of the ammunition works, and sent the girl home. He denied that he and other members of the family had threatened violence to Grimstone, and they had always treated his sister with consideration and kindness.

His Worship said the position was clearly that Grimstone persisted in going about with this girl in spite of the opposition of her people. He did not think that the defendant had acted properly. He should have left the girl alone until she was old enough to know her own mind. '"I think he is lacking in manliness in acting as he has done," said Mr. Dyer. "There is a proper, decent, honourable way of doing these things, and there is also a mean, contemptible, and dishonourable way. No man with any nicer feeling would act as you have done." 

The case was then adjourned until this afternoon, in order to allow Mr. Singer to consult with Grimstone as to his future intentions with regard to Miss Merson.

(Continued on page 2.)  -Auckland Star, 31/5/1907.

ROMANCE IN THE POLICE COURT.

(Continued from page 5.)

After the luncheon adjournment, Mr. Singer said tbat the arrangement he had made with Grimstone was to the effect that he would apply to his employers for a transfer to Wellington. 

His Worship said that there might not be a vacancy for some time, but he could not make any order to prohibit the two meeting. He suggested that Grimstone should give an undertaking, promising not to go out walking with the girl pending his transfer to Wellington, otherwise they might have further trouble. 

His Worship said he could not order the defendant to follow his suggestion.

Mr. Singer remarked that he could promise that Grimstone would follow his Worship's advice as far as he could. He intended to go to Wellington as soon as he possibly could get a transfer. 

Mr. Reed said Grimstone could be convicted and ordered to come up when called upon, and if he interfered with the girl again he could be brought up and dealt with. 

Grimstone formally promised that he would not continue to take the girl about as be had done. 

His Worship decided to convict Grimstone and Merson, ordering them to come up for sentence when called upon, remarking that Grimstone had in his opinion been the aggressor.  -Auckland Star, 31/5/1907.

Says the Argus: — We are pleased to hear of progress being made by Eltham lads, who are with the troops. Lionel Grimstone has been made "galloper" to the Staff. It takes a plucky, reliable and intelligent man to do this work, so young Grimstone must possess all these qualities. Jago has made further progress. He was Paymaster, and now he is Scout Sergeant.  -Taranaki Daily News, 25/2/1915.

Lionel, like so many men, caught typhoid on the Peninsula of Gallipoli and was later transferred to the Artillery. He was trained as an Officer Cadet in late 1916, taking up his Officer's duties the following year.

On October 8th the New Zealand Division in conjunction with the 37th Division on the right and the 3rd Division on the left, attacked at 4.30 a.m., with the aim of establishing itself on a line represented by the sunken road south-west of Esnes, le Grand Pont, Esnes Mill, and the Esnes-la Targette Road. If opportunity offered, success was to be exploited by securing Esnes and a line approximately one thousand yards east of the Esnes-la Targette Road. The night preceding the attack was wet, and rain was still falling when the guns opened the barrage. The advance of the infantry was so rapid that within a few hours of the opening of the attack the guns were going forward again, and by the early afternoon the great proportion of the field artillery supporting the Division was in action east of the canal, having crossed on bridges erected or repaired by the Engineers. In consequence of reports having been received that a fresh German division was marching south-west on Cattenieres, it was considered probable that the enemy might launch a counter-attack from the north-east during the afternoon, and it was, therefore, decided not to move all the guns east of the canal. 

PAGE 276

The 317th Brigade remained west of the canal with S.O.S. lines east of la Targette. The 1st Brigade positions were some distance north-east of Crevecour, and those of the 3rd Brigade in the neighbourhood of Pelu Wood. The day had been a very successful one for the Division, and casualties were small in both artillery brigades, though the 1st Brigade unfortunately lost two officers killed.  -NZ Artillery in the Field, 1914-1918.

The very sad news has reached Eltham (writes our correspondent) of the death, killed in action of Lieut. L. Grimstone, only son of Mr and Mrs L. B. Grimstone of this town. Lieut. Grimstone was a Main Body man, being one of the first ten men in Eltham to volunteer, and has consequently seen over four years of active service. He was out of the ranks for some time suffering from enteric, and on recovery sat for a commission. Lieut. Grimstone has seen most of the heavy fighting on the Western front, and his letters have been cheerful and optimistic. His parents will have the deepest sympathy of all Eltham and district, especially of the returned men, who have a warm corner for Mr Grimstone, who, as treasurer of the Patriotic Society, has worked vigorously on their behalf. Mrs Grimstone has also taken a deep interest in patriotic work.  -Hawera and Normanby Star, 28/10/1918.

Alexandra Cemetery.

45259 Rifleman Stanley Robert Strong, (25/7/1896-20/5/1918). "his loving parents"

At 3.30 a.m. on May 2nd, after a hurricane bombardment by artillery and trench mortars, about sixty of the enemy attacked this position in four parties. The situation was capitally handled by that Lance-Corporal McMurray who, a month before, had so distinguished himself in single-handed patrol work in the same locality, but who was now a sergeant with a D.C.M., and in charge of the platoon forming the garrison. Possibly he felt more than ordinary interest in the position, seeing that he had been mainly instrumental in its establishment; at any rate he dealt with the attack without calling for artillery support, and succeeded in driving off the raiders after inflicting heavy casualties. The only German, an officer, who entered our trench, was promptly killed. Our listening-post here was driven in, but was immediately re-established. In the repulse of the raiders particularly gallant work was done by Lance-Corporal M. Willets, who was in command of one of the sections. Though severely wounded during the bombardment, he continued the active direction and control of his men, carrying out to the letter the instruction to hold on at all costs. Three days later the enemy made a similar attempt on a neighbouring post, but this also was a complete failure.  -Official History of the NZ Rifle Brigade.

Stanley Strong's Army record shows that he died from "gsw (gunshot wounds) multiple." The German Army may have completely failed in their attack on the "neighbouring post" but not without cost to the Rifles and particularly to Stanley Strong.

Rifleman Stanley Robert Strong (reported died from wounds on May 20) was the eldest son of Mr Robert Strong, 42 Bay View road, Dunedin, and was 21 years of age. He was educated at the Alexandra, Musselburgh, and Otago Boys' High School. He entered the firm of Messrs W. Secular and Co., and was employed by them until he went to Trentham. He entered Trentham in January, 1917, and left New Zealand with the 24th Reinforcements on April 20. He reached France early in October, and saw active service there. His parents received word three months ago that he was transferred to the Signallers, and he remained in that branch of the service till his death.  -Evening Star, 12/6/1918.

FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE.

IN MEMORIAM. 

STRONG. — In loving memory of Rifleman Stanley Robert Strong, who died of wounds in France, May 20, 1918. 

To memory ever dear. 

-Inserted by his loving parents, brothers, and sisters.  -Otago Witness, 25/5/1920.

Alexandra Cemetery.

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.