40362 Private Donald (26/10/1896-1/10/1918) and 89128 Private James (21/7/1875-8/10/1918) Purdie. "sincere sympathy"

Mrs. J. Purdie, Waitara, has received the sad news that her son, Private Donald Purdie, has been killed in action in France. This is the second blow which Mrs. Purdie has received within a few days, as it was only last week that another of her sons (Private J. Purdie) died in camp in New Zealand. The sincere sympathy of everybody will be extended to this mother in her loss. Private Donald Purdie, whose age was 22 years, resided at Mahoenui prior to leaving with' the 22nd Reinforcements.  -Taranaki Herald, 14/10/1918.

Within a week Mrs. J. Purdie, of Waitara, has lost her two soldier sons. Private J. Purdie died in camp in New Zealand a few days ago and Private Donald Purdie was subsequently killed in action.  -Evening Post, 17/10/1918.

Donald Purdie was serving with the Auckland Infantry Regiment in its attack on the approaches to the French town of Cambrai and was killed in the heavy fighting there. James Purdie died in the camp hospital at Featherston of cerebro-spinal meningitis.

Waitara Cemetery.

39833 Private Arthur Ruben Lehndorf, (26/9/1895-4/10/1917). "particularly popular"

 

The Wairarapa Caledonian Society has decided that the send-off to Messrs Arthur Lehndorf and Arthur Robins, two members of the Pipe Band who have enlisted and who are leaving with the 23rd Reinforcements, shall take place on Monday, 13th inst., all details to be left in the hands of Messrs B. R. Rayner and J. B. McKenzie.  -Wairarapa Daily Times, 4/11/1916.

Arthur Lehndorf was killed in the Battle of Gravenstaefl, a hard-fought slogging match against a prepared and entrenched enemy.

Private Arthur Lehndorf, born July 19, 1895, was the youngest sou of Mr A. Lehndorf, the county overseer. He enlisted in Masterton, and went away with the second part of the 23rd reinforcements. Arthur was a particularly popular, bright fellow, and very well known here, having remained in Woodville almost up to the time of his enlistment.  -Woodville Examiner, 19/10/1917.

On Wednesday three more families were plunged in grief by the receipt of sad news from the front. Privates Thomas Power and Arthur Lehndorf have been reported killed in action, an also Private Chas. McClymont. All were educated at the Woodville school. Pte. Lehndorf is but 22 years of age, and left with the 23rd Reinforcements.  -Manawatu Times, 19/10/1917.

Waitara Cemetery.

Margaret Beck, (1851-7/5/1875). "oil of almonds"

 Clyde, May 8. 

Mrs Beck, wife of Mr C. P. Beck, of this place, poisoned herself yesterday afternoon with oil of almonds. At the inquest today, a verdict of temporary insanity was returned.  -Evening Star, 8/5/1875.

On Friday last, a painful sensation was experienced in Cromwell owing to a rumour that Mrs Beck, wife of a respected resident of Clyde, had died very suddenly. Later, the correctness of the assertion was confirmed, and with the confirmation came the statement that the deceased had met her death by poison. At an inquest held on Saturday, it was found that Mrs Beck had died from the effects of essential oil of almonds, taken while in a state of temporary insanity. The deceased lady was widely known and held in much esteem, and her sad and untimely end is deeply regretted.  -Cromwell Argus, 12/5/1875.

It is with deep regret that I have to record the death of the wife of Mr. Beck, of this place, through taking some oil of almonds. An enquiry was held before W. L. Simpson, Esq., the Coroner, when a verdict of temporary insanity was returned. Great sympathy is felt for bereaved friends. At the funeral on Sunday about 150 persons attended. The service was read by the Rev. Father Walsh. -Mount Ida Chronicle, 15/5/1875.

Clyde Cemetery.

John McNamara, (1843-6/10/1893). "liked and respected"

John McNamara, manager of Hyde and Co.'s dredge at Clyde, met with an accident on Saturday morning. Through the handle of a hand-wench revolving and striking him on the top of the head his skull was fractured. He was taken to the Dunstan Hospital, where Dr Hyde removed a portion of the skull.  -Evening Star, 2/10/1893.

Death.

McNamara. — At the Dunstan Hospital. Clyde, on Friday, the 6th inst., John McNamara, of Clyde, as the result of an accident while working on the Clyde dredge; aged, 50 years. Deeply regretted.  -DT, 13/10/1893.

The funeral of the late Mr John McNamara, who died from the effects of the late accident on board the Clyde dredge, took place on Monday afternoon last, when his body was conveyed from the Dunstan hospital to the Clyde cemetery. As showing the respect in which he was held, we may state that there was a large attendance at his funeral, settlers coming in to attend from all parts of the district. The very impressive service of the Roman Catholic Church was conducted at the grave by the Rev. Father McGrath, and the coffin was decked with a large quantity of beautiful white floral crosses and wreaths. The deceased was a very old resident in the Dunstan district, where he had resided for about 30 years, and had, in that time, been engaged in various pursuits; for the last few years he had been engaged in mining. Of John McNamara it may be honestly said that, although of a somewhat quiet and reserved nature, he was liked and respected by all who knew him.  -DT, 13/10/1893.

About a fortnight ago a sad and fatal accident occurred on board the Clyde dredge, when John McNamara, a miner and shareholder in the dredge, sustained a fracture of the skull, from which he died in the hospital on Friday evening last, consciousness never once having returned to him since the moment of the accident until his release from suffering. It would seem that the unfortunate man had occasion to attend to the -winch, and in performing the necessary work the machinery must have got beyond his control, when the handle of the winch, flying round, struck the poor fellow On the head, resulting in the injuries just described. The funeral, which took place on Saturday, was numerously attended by the people of this and other districts, where McNamara had made many friends for himself through his genial and inoffensive demeanour towards young and old who knew him.   -Tuapeka Times, 14/10/1893.

Clyde Cemetery.

John Parker, (1888-23/10/1906). "a strong robust lad"

 FUNERAL NOTICE.

Friends are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral late John Parker, which will his Parents' Residence, Road, on Thursday, for St. Aidan's Church, at 3 p.m.  -Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 24/10/1906.

Obituary.

It is with feelings of regret that we are obliged to chronicle the death of one of Alexandra's most promising youths, in the person of Master John Parker, fourth son of Mr William Parker, senr., Manuherikia Road, which occurred at his parents' residence yesterday afternoon after a short but painful illness. Scarcely four weeks have elapsed since deceased first became ill, and it was after returning from a cycle ride that he complained of a pain in his stomach. A few days afterwards Dr Gregg was called in and prescribed for the patient, but without success. He grew worse, and Dr Hyde was summoned about ten days ago. After consultation both doctors deemed it necessary to operate on the patient, it having been discovered that he was suffering from a tumor in the stomach. The operation was successfully performed, but no hopes were entertained of his recovery. Gradually becoming worse, the young fellow bore his sufferings bravely, and it was not until the ninth day after the operation was performed that the end came. The news was received with the deepest pangs of regret, for deceased had always been a strong robust lad, and his unassuming manner won for him the admiration of both young and old alike. At the time of his demise deceased was 18 years and 9 months old, and never once had given his parents cause to suspect that there was anything wrong with him. His death came as a severe blow to his parents and other relatives, and to them we extend our deepest condolence in their sad bereavement. The funeral takes place to-morrow afternoon, and the body will be taken to St. Aidan's Church and thence to the Alexandra cemetery. Deceased will be accorded a military funeral, he having been a member of the Alexandra Rifles.  -Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 24/10/1906.

Alexandra Cemetery.

9/1747 Trooper Peter Weaver DCM, (14/6/1895-13/9/1919). "three cheers for Pete"

Trooper Peter Weaver writing on .August tells how he came by receiving a slight wound on the neck which laid him off duty for about a week. "I was on patrol duty on horseback and was following up the Huns who were retreating, when I ran into a mob of them planted in a crop of oats with a machine gun and I can tell you that I hopped it pretty quick. They started to spit fire and my horse never did a faster mile in her life. They managed to give me a crack before I got out of sight."  -Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 23/10/1918.

We hear that doubt has been cast on the correctness of the report that Trooper Peter Weaver of Earnscleugh had been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. We wish to state that we have seen the official letter sent from the Office of the Minister of Defence under date 26th October, intimating that Trooper Peter Weaver 9/1747 had been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry on the field, and conveying to the parents the congratulations of the Minister, signed by J. Allen. There is absolutely no question but what Peter has been awarded this coveted distinction, and we are proud of him for bringing honour to himself, his parents and the district.  -Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 4/12/1918.

Our soldier boys are being rapidly returned from the Front, and scarcely a week passes that we don’t have the pleasure of welcoming home one or more of them. The latest to receive a welcome and the congratulations of his friends was Pt’e. Peter Weaver, of Clyde. In his address at the station Mr Smart referred to the fact that this young soldier had by gallant conduct earned distinction having been awarded the M.S.M., and his request for three cheers for "Pete" were very heartily responded to.  -Dunstan Times, 9/6/1919.

OUR SPLENDID SOLDIERS

In view of the magnificent services of our soldiers, which won for them the admiration of the world — friend and foe alike — it was no surprise to see the Clyde Town Hall well filled with people on Wednesday evening last — the occasion being the social and presentation of gold medals to returned men and also to the relatives of those poor, dear lads who had made the supreme sacrifice. The arrangements for the function were of the happiest, and with the hearty co-operation of an assemblage clearly anxious to impress their guests with the fact that they deeply appreciated their great services, the committee had no difficulty in making the social a splendid success. The first part of the evening was devoted to a concert and the presentation of medals, after which a tasty and acceptable supper was served by the ladies, and later dancing was indulged in. Proceedings opened with the singing of the National Anthem, after which vocal items (all of which were thoroughly enjoyed and warmly applauded) were contributed by the following—Mrs E. Iversen, and Messrs R, Smart, J. Crozier, T, Smith, C. Weaver, Shrimpton, and W. Lopdell, the last named also giving a humorous recitation. Mrs Menzies kindly played the accompaniments.

The speakers were Messrs J. Smart (chairman of the Patriotic Committee) the Vicar (Rev. S. Stephens), S.T. Spain (chairman of the Vincent County Council) and H. E. Stevens, each of whom thanked the soldiers for their magnificent services, the Vicar remarking that the medals to be presented that night would no doubt become treasured heirlooms and valued by future generations as evidence that their forefathers had fought for the freedom of their country and the liberation of humanity. The task of presenting the medals was entrusted to, and gracefully performed by Mrs Bringans (president of the Women’s Patriotic Association). As the recipients stepped forward to have the medals pinned on their breasts each and all were given enthusiastic and sincere receptions. The soldiers presented were — 

Pv’tes J. E. Bodkin, R. Crawford, Tr’pr. Geo. Dickie, Pv’te F. Ericson, Pv’te H. Gilbert, Pv’te. A. Henderson, Qt. M. Sgt. Con, Keliher, Gnr. M. Keliher, Pv’te. H. Keliher, Pv’te L. G. Naylor, Pv’te E. Naylor, Pv’te H. Roulstone, Pv’te Reg. Prout, Pv’te J. S. Smart, Qt. M. Sgt. E. M. Sharpe, Sgt. J. Weaver M.M. and D.C.M., Trpr. P. Weaver D.C.M., Gnr. L. Weaver, Pv’te. Fred Waddell, Lance-corp. W. Williams, Gnr. I. Williams, Pv’te. L. Williams, Pv’ te F. Williams and Pv’te S. Williams.

Pv’te. Bodkin, on behalf of the men, returned thanks for the splendid reception and presentation, and in doing so remarked that the soldiers were grateful for all that had been done for them during the war. A sad and touching ceremony followed. The chairman very feelingly referred to those dear, brave lads who would never return — those who had made the supreme sacrifice — and the assemblage stood in silence out of respect to their memory. Medals (“In Honoured Memory of”) were presented to relatives of the following departed soldiers Pv’te. E. Davis, Pv’te W. Smith, Pv’te. G. Arthur, Pv’te F. Wilson and Lance Corp. Geo. Uren. The National Anthem was again sung, and the hall was cleared for dancing.

During an interval in the dancing, excellent music for which was supplied by Mr H. Partridge (violin) and Mrs Steele (piano), Mr F. Jeffery, on behalf of the people, made a presentation to Messrs J. Smart and H. E. Stevens (chairman and secretary respectively of the patriotic committee), the former receiving a handsome travelling rug and the latter a case of pipes and tobacco pouch. In making the presentations Mr Jeffery referred to the good work done by both since the inception of the war, making special reference to the Chairman's splendid work in arranging receptions for returned men and also to his (Mr Smarts) stirring addresses of welcome which were greatly appreciated. The recipients suitably replied, and were given a flattering reception — the audience cheering and singing “For they are jolly good Fellows.” Mr Jeffery also received a round of applause and cheers. 

The social concluded at about 2 a.m., the general opinion being that it had been one of the most enjoyable and successful ever held in Clyde.  -Dunstan Times, 15/9/1919.

DEATHS

WEAVER. — At Alexandra, on Saturday September 13. Peter, son of Mr and Mrs P. Weaver, Earnscleugh, recently Trooper P. Weaver, D.C.M., Eighth Reinforcements Otago Mounted Rifles; aged 24. Deeply regretted.   -Otago Daily Times, 15/9/1919.

OBITUARY

Trooper Peter Weaver, D.C.M., who died last Saturday at the home of his parents, Mr and Mrs P. Weaver, of Earnscleugh, near Alexandra, was accorded a military funeral on Sunday. Trooper Weaver recently returned from France, in apparently good health. He had been but a short time back into civilian life when he developed a form of "sleeping sickness," and passed quietly away after a very brief illness. Trooper Weaver sailed with the Eighth Reinforcements of the Otago Mounted Rides, and took part in every big engagement in which the New Zealanders were concerned from their arrival in France until the conclusion of the war. His D.C.M. was earned at the Marne in 1918. On his arrival home he appeared to be in good health. He was 24 years of age, and was the second youngest of five brothers who volunteered for active service.  -Evening Star, 16/9/1919.

Alexandra Cemetery.

9/890 Gunner Leslie Weaver, (9/8/1893-17/8/1921). "Poor Leslie!"

PERSONAL.

The news of the demise of Mr Leslie Weaver, although not altogether unexpected, caused quite a shock and deep sorrow to his many friends hereabouts. Poor Leslie! He was a favorite with everybody. Born at Earnscleugh some 27 years ago, he lived practically the whole of his life amongst us, and his happy, kindly disposition endeared him to all. He was a good athlete, and was a prominent member of the Clyde football team for several years. He also represented Vincent, and out of respect to his memory the members of the Vincent team in the match on Saturday wore a band on their jerseys. When the war broke out and the call went forth for men, "Les" and his two brothers were soon doing their bit. It was while fighting for King and Country that he, like many another poor lad, endured such hardships as to undermine his constitution. He was an inmate of the Dunstan Hospital for some considerable time, but recently was removed to his parents home in Dunedin. To the sorrowing parents, who only a few months ago suffered the loss of another distinguished soldier son, the sympathy of the whole community is extended in their sad bereavement. The funeral, a military one, took place at Alexandra yesterday, when there was a big attendance, people being present from all parts of Central Otago.   -Dustan Times, 22/8/1921.

PERSONAL.

The body of Gunner Leslie Weaver, the third son of Mr and Mrs Patrick Weaver, of Otakou, and formerly of Earnscleugh, was brought to Alexandra on Saturday and was buried in the local cemetery on Sunday, alongside his brother, the late Trooper Peter Weaver, D.C.M., M.S.M. The deceased was accorded full military honours, the Alexandra Brass Band, the local Territorials and a firing party of Returned Soldiers accompanying the cortege to the cemetery, where the usual short religious service was followed by the firing of three volleys and the sounding of the Last Post. A large attendance of the public gathered at the cemetery to pay their last respects to another of our local boys gone to his long rest. A short Memorial Service was held in St. Enoch's Presbyterian Church at 2 p m., the Rev. J. Standring officiating. To the bereaved parents and the sorrowing brothers and sisters is expended the sincere sympathy of their many local friends.   -Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 24/8/1921.

In common with so many soldiers who died shortly after returning from the war, Leslie Weaves died of tuberculosis.

Alexandra Cemetery.