George Barton, (1898-8/11/1926). "spending a holiday"

CAPSIZING CAR KILLS MAN AND INJURES ANOTHER

MOTOR FATALITY TAKES PLACE AT WOODEND. 

The capsizing of an Austin car at Woodend at about ten o'clock this morning caused the death of one of the occupants, George Barton, and injuries to the other. 

William Edward Marr, motor-lorry driver, and George Barton, a teamster employed at Mr L. IT. Campbell’s Happy valley station, left the station for Christchurch early this morning in Mrs Campbell's car with the intention of spending a holiday in the city. They called at the Kowai County Council office, where Marr, who was driving the car, obtained a motor-driver’s license. They continued their journey via Rangiora and Woodend, taking the road on the west. This road had been graded recently and the gradings were left heaped along the centre of the roadway. From the wheel marks it seemed that the gradings caused the car to swerve and after running about half a chain it turned completely over, landing on its wheels again. Both Barton and Marr were thrown out on to the road. Barton was killed instantaneously, his skull being badly crushed. 

Marr suffered injury to his head but was able to move about, although he was in a semi-conscious condition. On being taken to Rangiora he was ordered to the Christchurch Hospital by Dr King. He could give no account of the accident. 

Barton’s body was taken by the police to the Rangiora morgue to await an inquest. He was about twentyeight years of age and single. It is not known whether he had any relatives. A card found in his clothing gave his address as 125, Racecourse Road, Upper Riccarton. He had been working on the Happy Valley station for some time. Marr is twenty-five years of age and has relatives in Christchurch. His mother resides at 154, Bletsoe Avenue. The car was badly damaged about the body, but was able to go on its own power after minor repairs had been effected.  -Star, 8/11/1926.

MOTOR-CAR WAS DRIVEN TOO FAST.

OVERTURNED ON ROAD;

CORONER’S VERDICT SAYS VICTIM DIED OF ACCIDENT.

On November 8 a light car overturned on the Woodend Road and one of the occupants, George Barton, was killed Inquiring into Barton's death this morning. Mr H. A. Young, Coroner, found “that deceased died at Woodend on November 8 from injuries accidentally received through a motor-car in which he was riding overturning The evidence shows that under the circumstances the car was being driven too fast.” 

Sergeant McNamara conducted proceedings for the police. 

Ethel May Gibling, a married woman residing at Woodend, stated that on November 8 she heard a car coming down the Woodend Road from Rangiora at what seemed a high speed, and then a crash. Two men, the occupants of the car, were lying on the road when she rushed out of her home to see what had happened, but as she approached one of them jumped up. Witness lifted Barton's head, but he appeared to be dead. She took the other man into her house and gave him assistance. The man told witness that a wheel had collapsed and the car had capsized. 

Francis Edward Leech, a farmer of Rangiora, said he was working in a paddock at Woodend and saw a light car coming from the direction of Rangiora at about 30 miles an hour. The road was in fair condition. 

To the police sergeant: The speed seemed to be dangerous considering the size of the car. 

Constable David Sterrett, of Rangiora, said that after the wheel had collapsed the car had turned over, probably twice, and then righted itself. The driver of the car suffered severely from shock. Barton had a fracture at the base of the skull, and death would probably be instantaneous. 

To the police sergeant: The surface of the road consisted of hard, dry lumps of clay, extending for about a quarter of a mile from the scene of the accident. From the wheel marks it appeared that the car had skidded. A car driven at a reasonable speed would hardly skid on this portion of the road. There was plenty of room to run on either side of the clay surface. A reasonable speed for a car of the size of the one in question would not exceed twenty miles an hour, where there was any chance of a loose surface. 

Williiam Edward Marr, of New Brighton, the driver of the car, said that he and Barton had been pig shooting on Mr Campbell’s property in Happy Valley, where he and Barton were employed. They were driving into Christchurch in a light car, intending to leave it with a firm in the city. He had no recollection of the accident. This was the first time he had driven the light car but he had previous experience of driving. He was informed that he had secured a driver’s license on the morning of the accident.   -Star, 13/12/1926.

St Peters Churchyard, Christchurch.

34160 Squadron Leader John Hugh Kitson, (1912-21/6/1940). "let's get him out"

PILOT KILLED

TWO OTHERS INJURED

(By Telegraph — Press Association.) DUNEDIN, This Day. 

An Airspeed Oxford bomber, visiting Dunedin from Christchurch, crashed at Taieri aerodrome at 7.25 this morning and burst into flames. Squadron-Leader John Hugh Kitson, who was in charge of the machine, died shortly afterwards from injuries. Aircraftman Ronald Edward Kilpatrick, single, of Oamaru, was seriously hurt and Pilot-Officer Peter Robert McNab, married, of Auckland, was slightly injured. Squadron-Leader Kitson was promoted only yesterday from the rank of Flight-Lieutenant. He joined the R.A.F. in 1934 and arrived in New Zealand on loan to the R.N.Z.A.F. in March of this year. He was employed on flying instructional duties at Wigram. He was married, his wife and two children being in England. 

An inquest on Squadron-Leader Kitson was opened today. A Court of Inquiry will be held tomorrow.  -Evening Post, 21/6/1940.

CRASH IN OPEN PADDOCK

The bomber had just taken off for a flight at 7.28 when the disaster occurred. It crashed in an open paddock about 400yds from the southern, end of the landing ground, bursting into flames. The three men were removed from the burning machine and conveyed to the station hospital. Here, an hour and a-half after admission, Squadron-leader Kitson died from his injuries. The two other men received treatment at the station hospital, and were then conveyed to the Dunedin Hospital. Kilpatrick’s condition is reported as serious. 

Squadron-leader Kitson, who is survived by his wife and two children, who are still in England, was only yesterday promoted from the rank of' Flight-lieutenant. He joined the Royal Air Force in 1934, and arrived in New Zealand on loan to the N.Z.R.A.F. in March of this year. Kilpatrick is a single man, his next-of-kin being his father. McNab is married, his wife being in Auckland.

The crashed bomber was one of a squadron of three visiting Taieri from Wigram aerodrome. The machines were engaged on a practice flight, and were to have returned to Christchurch to-day. An inquest was opened this afternoon, and a court of inquiry will be held to-morrow. This is the third crash at Taieri within a week, and is easily the most serious. Pilot Officer Sutton, who was involved in the crash on Wednesday, is still in a serious condition in the Dunedin Hospital.  -Evening Star, 21/6/1940.

FUNERAL NOTICE — the funeral of the late Squadron Leader John Hugh Kitson, R.A.F., will leave Lamb and Hayward’s Chapel, 292 Cashel street, on Monday, at 2.5 p.m., for the Riccarton Churchyard. Service in church commences at 2.30 p.m. 

Lamb and Hayward, Ltd.  -Press, 22/6/1940.

"Let's Get Him Out"

-Press Association)

(By Telegraph.) DUNEDIN, Jan. 26. 

Details of the incident in which Leading Aircraftman D. T. Herrick, son of Mr and Mrs E. J. Herrick, of "Lindisfarne," Pakowhai road, Hastings, and Corporal E. A. Stratton, both of the R.N.Z.A.F., received the George Medal for extricating an injured officer from the blazing wreckage of his aircraft at Taieri, show that a squadron of Airspeed Oxford bombers visited Taieri in June, and on the morning of June 21 one had just taken off when it crashed in a paddock and burst into flames. 

The pilot was Squadron Leader John Hugh Kitson, of Gloucestershire. Accompanying him were First-class Aircraftman Ronald Edward Kilpatrick, of Oamaru, and Pilot Officer Peter Robert McNab, of Auckland. 

Immediately a fire tender and ambulance were despatched to the scene, more than half a mile away, and others also ran towards the blazing plane. There was a quantity of high explosive on the plane. 

The rescue work was done swiftly. Aircraftman Kilpatrick and Corporal McNab were extricated at once. Someone was heard to say that the occupants of the machine were all out, but others contradicted this, indicating that three men had been on board when the bomber took off. 

Aircraftman Herrick, who was one of those who had run from the aerodrome, said: "Come on, let's get him out." 

While firemen sprayed foam on the door of the machine, he and Corporal Stratton, a member of the crew of the fire tender, dashed in, located Squadron Leader Kitson, and brought him out. Squadron Leader Kitson was very severely injured and died an hour and a half later. Aircraftman Kilpatrick and Corporal McNab were less seriously injured. 

A few moments after the rescue, the petrol tank of the wrecked machine burst, but the flames were quenched before the high explosive which the plane was carrying was sufficiently heated to detonate. 

Squadron Leader Kitson had been a member of the R.A.F. since 1934. At the time of his death he was on loan to the R.N.Z.A.F. 

Aircraftman Herrick was at the time a pupil pilot. He is now in service overseas. Corporal Stratton was attached to the fire-tender crew at Taieri. He has since been transferred to Wigram.  -Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, 27/1/1940.

AIRMAN'S DEATH

RECENT TAIERI CRASH 

Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M.. acting as coroner, yesterday announced his finding in the matter of the inquest on the body of Squadron-leader John Hugh Kitson, whose death followed the crashing of an Airspeed-Oxford bomber which he was piloting in the vicinity of the Royal New Zealand Air Force Training Station at Taieri last Friday. 

The coroner’s verdict was that death was due to heart failure following extensive burns and injuries caused by the crashing of an aeroplane which the deceased was piloting.  -Evening Star, 28/6/1940.

A CHRISTIAN LIFE

Tribute To Memory Of Air Force Officer

SQUADRON LEADER KITSON

A moving tribute to the late Squadron Leader J. H. Kitson, who was killed when a bomber aircraft recently crashed at Taieri Aerodrome, Dunedin, was paid by the Rev. Frank Cook, vicar of St. Peter's Church, Upper Riccarton, where he was buried.

"John Hugh Kitson had been in New Zealand barely three months, yet he made a deep impression on the lives of many people in different parts of the country.” said Mr. Cook in an address at the burial service. “How came he, a young man only 28 years old, to wield such an influence? First, he saw people not. as they are, but as, under God, what they might become. God was so changing him that he knew the same kind of thing could happen in everybody. Secondly, he saw people against a background of world redemption. That is to say, he knew God had a plan for the whole world and he always saw the so-called small happenings in a larger setting. He told me of a world dossier he had brought with him from England. I was astonished when I saw it. It gave an accurate account of the work of Moral Rearmament in all parts of the world. Yet he was in no sense ‘cause-minded.’ Nor was he an idealist. I should call him a spiritual realist. In seeing people as they might be, he never mistook what they really were at the moment. He loved his fellow man: yet amid the miseries of our time he saw that the problems of the world are the problems of people, and a man was either part of the world's disease or part of its cure. Inwardly released himself, he had an infectious humour, and was a most entertaining companion. 

In the Air Force.

“His first commitment was to the Royal New Zealand Air Force station at Wigram. The last note I have concerning him is of a conversation, after we had listened to God together. In his work he was at first tempted to think that the task assigned him was just a routine training job that he did not much care for. He quickly faced this, and then saw its great possibilities, because it brought him into touch with all pilots trained at the station. He had found the answer to fear in his own life, specially fear of mishaps in the air, and he knew how God could increase a man’s mental capacity, and steady his nerves. He told me of one man he was teaching, whose skill as a pilot had increased remarkably when he found a deeper faith in God. Hugh knew that God could do not only this, but a great deal more, and that He could show the way out of every problem. 

“His work did not end with teaching people to fly, nor with helping his fellow man: it involved his duty to the Empire as well. He saw the contribution he could make to the whole war effort by turning out pilots who were both hate-free and fear-free. Further even than this, it was a contribution to peace, for these qualities would endure when fighting was over, and were essential to durable peace. 

“Immediately on his arrival in Christchurch, he identified himself with the work of the Church, and asked to be placed on the Communicants’ roll at St. Peter’s,” continued Mr. Cook. “On Sundays he attended regularly the early celebration of Holy Communion, and latterly, at the evening service, read the lessons. He also threw himself wholeheartedly into meetings for men, so that they might be able to see their part in the task of building a new civilization in place of that which is crumbling before our eyes. For he knew God has a plan for every man, and the most important thing in the world was for man to find it. 

Faced The Challenge.

What is the secret which lay behind all this devoted service? First, he had really faced the challenge of the Cross of Christ in his own life. He brought himself, his sins and every possession and talent to the foot of the Cross. This made him both humble and transparent in his contact with others. Determined to be absolutely open, when he first came to see me with a view to our working together, he told me within ten minutes the worst there was to know about him. I should add that these things were no longer sins, but had become part of the victories of a living Christ in the world of today. 

"Then he was careful to maintain his contact with God. However early his official duties began, he got up soon enough to spend at least an hour praying to God and listening to Him. The thoughts that came to him in this time of quiet he usually shared with me, and often with others. This listening to God both in the morning and at other times, gave his life an inner discipline, issuing in a satisfying programme for each day. Thus he was rapidly increasing in spiritual strength, so that his life and the work he accomplished in New Zealand in three months became not only an inspiration, but a challenge.''  -Dominion, 9/7/1940.

Squadron Leader Kitson was not taking off, on the day of his death, on a training flight.  His section of three "bombers" was sent south for a more serious purpose. The planes, Airspeed Oxfords, were design for the progression of a trainee pilot from single to twin-engined flight. Mounting a bomb beneath them was also intended for training. But, in June 1940, word went around military circles that a German raiding ship was in the area and had possibly laid mines at the mouth of Otago Harbour.

John Kitson's Oxford took off carrying a 250lb bomb and turned to the right to clear some trees.  The plane stalled and crashed. The subsequent investigation revealed that the plane took off with frost on the wings which affected their lift and that the wire "gate" which prevented the pilot from (normally) applying emergency power had not been broken.

Specifications for the Oxford as a bombing trainer reveal that the standard bomb load was 16 bombs weighing 11.5 pounds.  That adds up to a load of 184lb. Perhaps a heavier bomb load for what was a light twin aeroplane was a factor in the crash.

St Peters Churchyard, Christchurch.

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

PRIVATE FOUNTAIN. 

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

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

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

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

 DR. R. G. B. SINCLAIR,

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

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

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

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

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

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ARTHUR ELLIS AND CO., LTD. 

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

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

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

OBITUARY.

DR RAYNOR BELL. 

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

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

GIFT OF BOOKS. 

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

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

William Kirean Dooley, (1872-20/12/1930). "at the foot of a cliff"

DRIVER'S BODY FOUND. 

CAR OVER CLIFF IN DARKNESS. 

(By Telegraph. — Press Association.) OAMARU, Sunday. 

The body of William Kirean Dooley, aged 58, was found at the foot of a cliff on the foreshore at seven o'clock this morning. Apparently the car which the deceased was driving crashed over a 30ft drop late last night. Mr. Dooley lived two streets further on from the spot where the accident occurred, and it is thought he mistook the turning. He leaves a wife and grown-up family.  -Auckland Star, 22/12/1930.

ACCIDENTAL DEATH

INQUEST ON THE LATE MR W. K. DOOLEY. 

An inquest into the death of the late Mr William Dooley was held at the Courthouse yesterday afternoon before the Coroner, Mr W. H. Frith, J.P. Senior-Sergeant Scott appeared for the police, and Mr L. H. Sumpter for the relatives of deceased. 

Edward Connell, residing in Orwell street, and employed by the Railway Department, stated that he walked down the beach at the end of Orwell street at about 7 a.m. on Sunday. The road and gravel extended right to the edge of the precipice, where there was a sheer drop to the beach. He noticed an overturned motor car at the foot of the precipice. He saw a man's shoes protruding from the door of the car. He immediately went home and told his sister to communicate with the police. He did not turn the car on to its side, but probably this had been done by some of those that he had informed of the accident. 

William Lindsay Notman, an electrician, carrying on business in Thames Street, Oamaru, stated that he knew deceased and had done business with him. He last saw deceased at 9.45 on Saturday evening at his premises. Deceased had called on him and stayed for about 20 minutes. He left about 10.15 p.m., and appeared to be quite normal and in his usual state of health. Deceased had not stated where he was going, and witness did not know whether he had his car with him. He was not accompanied. Deceased had called upon him partly on business in connection with his wireless set. It was a custom of deceased to call in occasionally. By his appearance, he would say that deceased had not had any drink whatever. Witness had known deceased for about a year or more, and knew that he had weak eyes. He generally wore dark glasses. Deceased had not appeared depressed during his stay at witness' premises. 

Constable Waring gave evidence that at 7.15 a.m. on Sunday he had gone, in response to a telephone call, to the scene of the accident. He had found the car lying on its side with the wheels pointing south. He outlined the proceedings in connection with the finding and identification of the body and also the injuries that had been inflicted by the accident. The precipice was 14 feet high. He would say that deceased had been dead for anything up to seven hours. Foyle street ran from Thames street to the foreshore. About 150 yards from the east end of the street a railway crossing and embankment had to be crossed. About 30 feet from the precipice a barbed wire fence, consisting of two strands with a notice board attached prohibiting the dumping of rubbish, had been erected, but this had been down for a couple of days prior to the accident. The street was gravelled right to the edge of the precipice, giving it the appearance of an old road. He noticed a tyre mark on the notice board that was lying on the ground. For 15 feet there was a distinct sign of the right hand rear wheel having been braked. The remaining 15 feet to the precipice did not show any sign of a brake having been applied to any of the wheels of the car. On the beach where the car had gone over he found the mark of the bonnet six feet out from the precipice. The car must have been travelling slowly when it went over the precipice. Deceased could not have reached Foyle street from the east end of the streets in that vicinity. He knew that deceased had worn sun glasses in the daytime. He had found in deceased's possession another pair of spectacles as well as those that witness knew that deceased wore. From Thames street to the precipice at the end of Orwell street the roadway was in as good a condition as any other side street in Oamaru. Had the wire fence and notice board been in place deceased might have seen it from the railway embankment. 

Senior-Sergeant Scott corroborated the evidence of Constable Waring. He had examined Foyle and Orwell streets, and from Thames street these streets appeared very much alike. Though they were some distance apart, a person at night might easily make a mistake and take the wrong street. By reason of the facts that the fence had been down and that the road surface was good, a person could quite easily find himself on the edge of the precipice before he knew that he was really off the road. For that reason he considered that the street was dangerous both to cyclists and motorists. In the case on hand it was quite evident that deceased had not been travelling fast or otherwise the radiator of the car would not have been found so close to the bank. 

To Mr Sumpter: It was quite possible for deceased after crossing the railway embankment, to have travelled by a side road into Weaver street and then into Foyle street. It was quite possible for deceased to have crossed this side road in the dark and to have continued on the good road. 

The Coroner commented upon the lack of evidence to show how deceased was occupied from the time he left home until the time of the accident. Only about 20 minutes of that time was accounted for, and commented upon the diffidence of members of the public to come, forward and give information in such cases. The public seemed to have a false notion that trouble might arise. He concurred with the view that deceased had continued along the street by mistake and had missed the side street that led into Weaver street. It was quite feasible that deceased had missed the street, and also that he might have mistaken Orwell street for Foyle street, which were very similar in appearance. However, most of the evidence was mere assumption. 

A verdict was returned that deceased met his death accidentally, by a car that he was driving going over a bank.  -North Otago Times, 24/12/1930.

Oamaru Cemetery.