Thomas Salter, (1839-13/5/1890). "premature decay"

 Sudden Death.

|By Telegraph. [united press association.] Dunedin. This Day. 

Thomas Salter has died suddenly at his residence in Anderson's Bay road. In December he arrived from Sydney, with his family. He was then in indifferent health, having been in a Lunatic Asylum before coming here. He had been ordered to take no spirits, but during his wife's absence from town Salter procured some rum. On her return he was found dead.  -Evening Post, 14/5/1890.

FUNERAL NOTICE. 

THE Friends of the late Mr Thomas Salter are invited to attend his Funeral, which will leave his late residence, Victoria terrace, Anderson's Bay road, for the Southern Cemetery, TO-MORROW (Thursday), the 10th inst., at 11 a.m. 

HUGH GOURLEY, Undertaker, Clarke and Maclaggan streets.  -Evening Star, 14/65/1890.

SUDDEN DEATH.

A death under circumstances which called for an inquest occurred at 4 Victoria terrace, Anderson Bay road, on Monday afternoon. It seems that in December last Thomas Salter, a man supposed to be well connected, arrived from Sydney with his wife, and, being in ill-health, has since been attended by Dr Teevan. Salter, who manifested peculiar symptoms at times, had been in a lunatic asylum before coming to this colony. It is stated that his medical attendant ordered that no spirits should be given him; but on the day in question it appears that Mr Salter went into town, accompanied by a man named Poole, who had been living in the house, leaving the deceased at home and some rum in the place. When they returned Salter, who had been drinking, was found to be dead.

THE INQUEST was held before Coroner Carew at Blaney's Hotel this afternoon. 

Sarah Jane Salter said that the body was that of her late husband, Thomas S. Salter. He was born in Sydney, and arrived here on December 11. He had been a coachsmith at Sydney, but was compelled to stop through failing sight. He was never able to retain his food after undergoing an operation. He had been in bad health. Deceased was very headstrong. He could not walk during the last three months without assistance. He had been given up by the doctors in New South Wales; his case was considered incurable. He had been in the asylum at Balmain, New South Wales, and remained there until the doctors said he was incurable. He was then taken home, where he remained about three months. They then came to New Zealand on account of witness's bad health. Deceased was about fifty-five years of age. He suffered from a serious complaint. The day before yesterday she left him and the children at a quarter past two, and returned about a quarter past four. She gave him some brandy before she went away, and he seemed in his usual state of health. Mr Poole gave him some liquor in the morning, and he had some liquor in the afternoon. He did not get much liquor — a bottle would last him a week. He refused his food on Sunday morning; that was the first occasion on which he had not taken his meals. When he died witness thought that he was sleeping, and said: "Here, wake up, and have some of this warm stuff." She was cooking some sausages, when Poole, who was staying in the house, returned with some rum. Mr Poole made a warm drink for deceased, and took it in, when it was seen that deceased was uncovered. She asked for assistance to fix the bed up, and as they attended to him he must have been dying — he had a warm perspiration on his forehead. [Left sitting.]  -Evening Star, 14/5/1890.

SUDDEN DEATH.

A resident of Anderson's Bay road named Thomas Salter, who has only been in the colony for about six months, died somewhat unexpectedly at his dwelling on Monday afternoon. He had been in ill-health for a considerable time, and had been an inmate of a lunatic asylum at Balmain, New South Wales.

INQUEST. 

An inquest on the body was held at Blaney's Caledonian Hotel yesterday afternoon before Mr Coroner Carew and a jury of six, of whom Mr Charles Fisher was chosen foreman. 

The following evidence was given: —

Sarah Jane Salter deposed that the body shown to the jury was that of her late husband. Thomas Salter. He was born in Sydney, and arrived here on the 11th of December Inst from that port. He was a coachsmith in Sydney, but gave up business about five years ago on account of failing sight. He underwent an operation in Sydney, since which he had never been able to retain his food. Since his arrival here deceased had been out for a drive, but was always anxious to get to bed again. The last three months he could not walk without, help. He had been in Balmain Public Asylum, Sydney, and had been sent home as incurable He was there about three months. Deceased came to New Zealand on account of witness' health. Deceased was about 55 years of age, and was seen first by Dr Martin, who was telephoned for on the last occasion, but owing to a misunderstanding he did not come, and the girl was thought to say through the telephone deceased was dead. He had been attended by Dr Teevan. On Monday morning deceased was the same as usual, and talked quite sensibly. Witness left the home at a quarter to 2 o'clock, and returned at a quarter-past 4 o'clock, leaving the servant in the house during her absence. The three children, the eldest of whom was nine years old, were also in the house with deceased. Witness gave deceased a drink of warm brandy before leaving, and he then appeared the same as usual. A Mr Poole gave deceased a little drop of brandy in the morning, but he had very little altogether. A bottle of brandy would last a week. He refused food on Monday morning, which was not unusual with him. He was not troubled with any pain. Witness thought deceased was asleep when she went to him on her return home. She said "Here's a warm drink for you," and on looking saw he was dead. On witness returning home she began attending to some cooking, and about three-quarters of an hour after this Mr Pool came in with a bottle of rum. A warm drink was made of this by Mr Poole, who took it into the room where deceased lay Mr Poole said, "Just come and look; he is all uncovered." Witness said, "Grace (meaning the servant), you had better come and help me make his bed. Witness caught hold of her husband, who she thought must have been then just dying, as he was quite warm and there was a warm perspiration on his forehead. Witness said to Mr Poole, "He's dead," and he replied, "Not he." When witness got hold of deceased's arm to give him the drink she knew what was the matter. Deceased had left no will. He had no property, but had been living on witness' means, which were derived partly from her father, now deceased, who had been in the 11th Regiment. There was no insurance on deceased's (witness' husband) life.

To the Police: Witness returned home before Mr Poole, who was engaged to be married to her sister. Mr Poole returned about a quarter-past 5 o'clock. Witness did not go into deceased's bedroom till Mr Poole came, as the girl had said she believed he was sleeping, as he was so quiet.

To the Coroner: Deceased was noisy at times. If there was anything in the room he would catch hold of it and break it. This, witness thought, was due to insanity. 

To a Juryman: The door of the bedroom was not kept looked, so deceased could have got up and gone out if he liked. He was given up by all the leading doctors in New South Wales.

Charles Poole, sworn, said he was not in employment at present, but was formerly a groom and coachman in Sydney. Witness came from that city with Mr and Mrs Salter to Dunedin, and had known deceased about three years. He had been living with Mr and Mrs Salter on and off about two years or two years and a-half. Witness had been out of employment nearly 12 months. Deceased's condition during that time was very changeable. One day he was fresh and well, and at another time the other way. He was not a hard drinker, as far as witness knew, though he was always very fond of a little drop of rum. Witness saw him on Monday morning, when he looked very bad; but witness had often seen him looking worse. Witness assisted to give him something to eat and drink. Witness offered him something to eat alone first, but he would not take it, and he got the girl to assist him to raise deceased, who was at times unable to raise himself in bed. Deceased took only one mouthful, and then refused to take any more. Witness did not notice what the food was, and could not say what it was. Deceased drank three or four mouthfuls of brandy. Witness again saw deceased about 1.30 or 2 o'clock when he was lying very quiet. Witness could not say if he was asleep or not. He did not speak to deceased. He appeared to witness to be comfortable at that time, and witness did not see him again alive. Witness went to town about 2 o'clock and returned about 5. Mrs Salter was then at home. Witness took a bottle of rum home with him for deceased, and as soon as he got in the house he made deceased a drop of hot rum. Witness asked them how the old man was, as he had been very noisy before this and very troublesome. The girl said he had been very quiet and had not spoken while witness was away. Witness went to the bedroom door, on opening which he saw the bedclothes were all pushed down. Witness called out, "What the h___ is the good of covering him up; he won't keep the clothes on him," naturally thinking that he was asleep. With that, Mrs Salter and the girl came and looked in the room. Witness had seen him in that position many times and thought he was asleep. Witness shook deceased by the arm and told him to to sit up and have a drop of hot rum. Mrs Salter felt deceased's leg and said, "He's dead." Witness said, "No he's not," and shook him again. He could then see that he was dead. He told them to send at once for the doctor who attended him last. It was about 5 o'clock that witness discovered that deceased was dead. Witness knew nothing about deceased's means, and would like to know why the doctor refused to give a certificate. 

Mr Carew: You are here as a witness. You must behave yourself.

Witness continued that on the Monday deceased just said "Charley," and on being asked if he was all right he said "Yes," after being asked two or three times. Deceased had relatives in Sydney. 

To the Police: Deceased very often had no spirits during the week, though he was fond of a little rum. Witness could not say how much spirits a week deceased had. The medical men, as far as witness knew, allowed deceased to have rum. Dr Martin himself gave him rum. The rum was taken home at deceased's request. Witness contradicted this afterwards, and said he took it for his benefit.

Grace Cairns stated that she had been in Mr Salter's employ for a month last Saturday, and knew them before that from being neighbours. During her time of service deceased had not been out of the house, because he would not get out of his bed. It would be between 8 and 9 o'clock when witness first saw deceased on Monday morning. He then seemed the same as on previous mornings. Witness heard him speak that morning, but not so freely as usual. He made no complaint and had a little breakfast, but witness could not say if she helped to give him it on that morning. She gave him his dinner. Mrs Salter left the house about a quarter to 2 o'clock, before which witness gave deceased his dinner. He took very little and left the rest. He fed himself, but never chewed it — swallowed it whole. Mr Poole gave deceased some brandy at the same time. Deceased took the cup in which it was and drank the contents. He was able to sit up for his dinner, but Mr Poole helped him to sit up for the brandy. Mr Poole also gave deceased brandy about 11 o'clock in the day. Mr Poole left the house about half-past 1 o'clock, before Mrs Salter. Deceased did not get brandy every day because the doctor said he was not to have it. Deceased craved a good deal for drink, but was always worse after taking it. Deceased's bedroom was left open when Mrs Salter left so that witness might go into the room if necessary, but she did not go in during Mrs Salter's absence. Mrs Salter came in at about a quarter to 4 o'clock, and Mr Poole about 5. Witness told Mrs Salter that deceased had been very quiet, and she (Mrs Salter) did not go into the bedroom, but started making sausages. Mr Poole came home, made the rum hot and took it into the bedroom. Witness thought they all went into the room, and Mrs Salter went up to him and said "Sit up," and putting her hand on him found he was dead. Mr Poole said in reply to her that he was not dead. Witness put her hand on deceased's forehead and thought he was dead. Mrs Salter went away for a doctor, but made a mistake in the name. Witness heard no noise whatever in the bedroom during Mrs Salter's absence in town. Witness thought deceased was kindly treated. Mrs Salter did all for him that she could do.

To the Police: Witness could not say how often deceased got spirits in the day. 

To a Juryman: Mr Poole was very kind to deceased, who was very fond of him. 

Dr Teevan deposed that he first saw deceased, a patient of Dr Martin's, on May 5. Witness found deceased in bed in a very emaciated condition, with bed sores on both hips, and unable to control his actions. The result of this was that the smell in the room was very offensive. He also appeared to be suffering from a form of insanity called dementia. Witness could get no reply from deceased, who kept calling out for rum. He was not capable of carrying out a conversation. Witness told his wife not to give him rum, and she said she had to do so in order to keep him quiet and prevent him disturbing the neighbours. Witness told her it was a case in which he could do nothing, and that it was no use spending her money. Witness called again on Wednesday, the 9th inst , to show Mrs Salter how to use a certain thing, and while doing this she said, "If I have to do that it's no use your showing me, because it's repulsive." Witness could sympathise with her in saying this, for it was even repulsive to him. She asked how long deceased would live, and witness replied he might not live six months and he might live some years. She said she hoped he would not live so long. — witness concluded on account of the repulsive nature of the case, which was very bad. Witness should say that deceased was a man who had been given to chronic alcoholism, though he was perfectly sober on both occasions he visited him. On Monday, the 12tb, about 9 o'clock, witness again saw deceased. He was lying on his right side, with the arms crossed over the chest and the legs bent, the left being on the right. The face was quite calm, as though he had died quietly. The body was cold, and life had been extinct probably about five or six hours. There were no signs of violence, and the bed sores, the treatment of which witness had explained to Mrs Salter, were very much improved. This showed that Mrs Salter had attended to deceased well during the past week. Witness was surprised to find deceased dead on the Monday. In cases of poisoning rigor mortis did not, witness believed, set in. If there had been foul play, he did believe there would have been rigor mortis. He saw no reason to suspect foul play. He told Mrs Salter that he would have to tell the police of the matter, and she said she was not afraid. She acted with perfect candour throughout. Witness believed the cause of death to be premature decay of the vital powers, due to chronic alcoholism, and also insanity. Witness told Mrs Salter it would be far better to send deceased to a lunatic asylum, and she said she would consider it. She said his age was 41, and witness expressed surprise at his not being older. Witness believed Mrs Salter looked after deceased to the best of her ability. Witness had never refused to give a death certificate.

Mr Carew said that was all the evidence. The main thing that struck him was that deceased seemed to have suffered from chronic alcoholism. He seemed to have been supplied with drink by someone in the house, and the reason given for that was that it was to prevent him making a noise and disturbing the neighbours. He thought Mrs Salter had made a mistake in not sending deceased to a lunatic asylum. Dr Teevan had said that Mrs Salter attended deceased as well as she could, and that he did not suspect foul play, The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony, that deceased's death was caused by premature decay, due to chronic alcoholism, and also insanity.  -Otago Witness, 15/5/1890.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin. DCC photo.

John Robert Becker, (1908-9/6/1928). "without a light"

CENTRAL OTAGO.

OPHIR NOTES.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) OPHIR, June 18. 

MOTOR ACCIDENT INQUEST. 

The adjourned inquiry in connection with the fatal motor collision at Poolburn Post Office on the evening of June 9 was held in the Ophir Courthouse last Friday, before Mr H. J. Dixon, S.M. Constable J. Wroblensky, stationed at Ophir, conducted the case tor the police, and Mr M. A. Bodkin, Alexandra, appeared for Mr Thomas Carruth, the owner of the motor truck, a converted Ford car. Mr Carruth made a very full and apparently frank statement, admitting that his truck was without a light, front or rear, and had no registered number. Lengthy evidence was given by Messrs L. Crawford (postmaster), Harold J. Young (carpenter), and James K. McIntosh (farmer), all of Poolburn. 

Constable Wroblensky, who reached the spot within an hour of the accident, gave full evidence concerning the position of the truck and various measurements made by himself. He stated that the deceased had no marks except a bruise on his left cheek, which had evidently come in contact with the end of the ladder. 

The coroner summed up the evidence, which showed that the deceased, John Robert Becker, was riding a motor cycle without a light; that a motor truck owned by Thomas Carruth was standing at the side of the road, also without a light, and carrying a ladder which projected from the rear somewhat into the roadway. There was ample room for the deceased to pass, but he struck the projecting ladder and was killed. He gave his verdict accordingly. 

The interment of the body of young Becker took place on June 12 in the Moa Creek Cemetery, where there are several graves of the Becker family. The funeral procession consisted of 60 motor cars from all parts of Ida Valley. The Rev. J. B. Kirk, Oturehua, conducted the services at the house and grave.  -Otago Daily Times, 21/6/1928.

Moa Creek Cemetery.

Francis Joseph Thompson, (1884-10/12/1898). "on to the rails"

FATAL ACCIDENT ON THE MORNINGTON TRAM LINE.

A very sad accident, which was attended with fatal results, took place on the Mornington tram line about 1.30 p.m. on Saturday. A youth named Francis Joseph Thomson, aged 14, who lived with his aunt at Mornington, was on the front of a car attached to a dummy, and just about the intersection of Maitland street he lost his footing and fell on to the rails. The wheels of the trailing car passed over him, breaking both his thighs and his arm. He was taken into Miss Stronach's private hospital, and Dr Macdonald, locum tenens of Dr Brown, was called in, but the poor lad died half an hour after the accident took place. Thomson worked at McLeod's soap factory. 

THE INQUEST. 

An inquest was held at 4 p.m. on Monday at Havelock street, Mornington, before Mr E. H. Carew, S.M. and coroner, and a jury of six, on the body of Francis Joseph Thomson, aged 15, who was killed on the Mornington tramway line on Saturday. Mr Payne appeared for deceased's relatives, and Mr Sim for the company. Sergeant O'Neill represented the police, white Mr John Golder was appointed foreman of the jury. 

Robert Corke, butcher, residing in Havelock street, stated that deceased was his grandchild and lived with him. He was born in Melbourne, and was 14 years in New Zealand. He was 15 years of age. He worked at McLeod's soapworks. When witness was told of the accident he went to Miss Stronach's hospital, and brought the body home. 

Dr William Marshall Macdonald stated that lately he had been assisting Dr Brown. He called at Miss Stronach's hospital on Saturday afternoon about 20 minutes to 1. Witness first saw deceased in High street, but examined him in the private hospital. He was suffering from a compound fracture of the left thigh, a fracture of the right thigh, and fracture of the right arm. The right knee was crushed and bruised, and there was a small cut on the face. He was quite conscious. With the assistance of a nurse, witness dressed the wounds and fixed the legs up. Stimulants were administered to him. He was suffering slightly from shock from the injuries. Subsequently (at a quarter to 2 the same day) he died. Death was due to shock following severe injuries to thighs and arm. 

To the foreman: Deceased made remarks about the pain of his legs and arms, but nothing else. 

To the coroner: When he saw deceased, witness thought he could not recover from his injuries.

Alice May Macdonald, nurse at Miss Stronach's private hospital, deposed that the ' deceased died half an hour after the doctor left. The patient made no remarks as to the origin of the accident. 

Kate Duggan, in the employ of Mrs Rattray, High street, said that on Saturday she was standing at one of the front windows of the house where she was employed. About 10 minutes to she saw a tram — a dummy and ear attached — going up High street. It stopped, and she saw it start again. Deceased was standing on the side of the dummy. As the tram started he made a grab at something. He then fell back and twisted round sideways, falling to the ground. He rolled over, and his legs caught in the wheels. He seemed to get twisted up and was caught apparently between the two wheels, and was dragged some distance along. The guard seemingly did not notice the accident. It took place at the intersection of Maitland street. 

To Sergeant O'Neill: Witness felt quite certain that deceased stood on the dummy and not on the trailing car. 

To Mr Payne: People were sitting on the side of the dummy. There were more on the dummy than in the car. When the car stopped deceased seemed to have one foot on the ground, and that was the position he seemed to be in when the car started again.

To Mr Sim: She did not see the car jerk. It was moving smoothly along in the usual way. 

To a juryman: There were some passengers on the dummy; but she did not think there were many. 

Walter Aitcheson, moulder, residing in Mornington, said he was a passenger in a Mornington tram, which left Dunedin at halfpast 12 on Saturday. Witness stood on the front platform of the carriage. Deceased was standing on the stop on the right side of the front platform of the carriage, behind the dummy. He was leaning with his back against the carriage, and facing the dummy, After, they got over the brow of the hill, and just near Rattray's house, witness noticed that deceased had changed his position. He was facing the left side of the street, and was holding on to two handrails — one handrail on the body of the carriage and the other on the front of the platform. Witness noticed that he let go the rail with his left hand, and, still retaining a hold with his right, he swung round in a half-circle towards the dummy. When in that position, he let go his hold with his right hand, and went clean under the carriage. When he swung round between the two carriages, witness made a grab at him; but he dropped before he could get a hold of him. The tram travelled about six yards after he fell. A passenger on the back seat of the dummy called out, and the tram was promptly stopped. Thomson was lying between the two wheels of the carriage on the right hand side. There were three (including deceased) on the front platform. 

To the foreman: There was no necessity for deceased to stand on the step. There was plenty of room on the platform or inside.

To Mr Sim: Deceased was on the car all the time. He was not on the dummy. Witness noticed a little jerk on the level; but it was not sufficient to cause deceased to lose his hold. The car was travelling at the usual rate.

William Henry Scott, mechanical engineer, residing at Havelock street, Mornington, said that he was sitting on the back seat of the dummy, and faced deceased, who was standing on the platform or step — he could not say which, as the apron of the car prevented him from seeing — of the car opposite. His attention was attracted by seeing the boy swinging round between the car and the dummy. Witness, who was talking to Mr Tame, remarked just before the accident on the carelessness of boys, referring him to the position deceased occupied, remarking that an accident might I easily occur. Almost immediately after the accident did occur. There was no jerk that he noticed. There was nothing of that kind to account for the deceased falling. When witness called out, the driver instantly drew up. The tram stooped within a very short space. 

The inquest was then (6.45 p.m.) adjourned till 11 o'clock to-day (Tuesday). 

At the adjourned inquest, held on Tuesday, Alexander Morrison, J. A. Lewis, Charles Williamson, and Charles Frederick Tame gave evidence. The latter said that the boy had a parcel, and he saw it disappear on to the road. He seemed to make a grab at it and fell. Witness thought he had fallen clear of the tram. 

The jury, after consulting for a few minutes, brought in a verdict that deceased was accidentally killed by falling from and being run over by a tram, and that there was no blame attachable to either the conductor or the driver.  -Otago Witness, 15/12/1898.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin. DCC photo.

7/1871 Gunner George Morton, (16/1/1885-8/2/1919). "nervous breakdown"

DEATH.

MORTON — On February 8th, at Dunedin, George, eldest son of the late George Morton, Morven; aged 34 years. Late 7th Reinforcements.  -Timaru Herald, 10/2/1919.

FUNERAL NOTICE. 

THE Friends of MRS GEORGE MORTON are respectfully informed that the Funeral of her late son George, will leave the residence of Mr Collett, High Street, Waimate, TO-MORROW, TUESDAY, 11th inst., at 2 p.m., for the Waimate Cemetery. 

GEORGE COLLETT, Undertaker, Waimate.  -Timaru Herald, 10/2/1919.

SOLDIERS’ DEATHS

Base Records, Wellington, have received advice that 81543 Private Tai Teipo, a Raratongan, who was in camp at Narrow Neck, died at the Auckland Hospital on the afternoon of February 10th, 1919, from pulmonary tuberculosis. Deceased’s next-of-kin is his father, Teipo Tamaora, Atui Cook Islands. 

Advice has also been received of the death of 7/1871 Gunner George Morton, an undischarged soldier, who died at Seacliffe, on February 8th, 1919. The deceased was 34 years of age, and single. His next-of-kin is his mother, Mrs G, Morton, Morven, Canterbury.  -NZ Times, 14/2/1919.

George Morton's Army record chronicles an unfortunate progression of medical events.  During the war he was hospitalised with influenza, syphilis, measles, pneumonia, jaundice, bronchitis and finally in July, 1918, for "nervous breakdown" and "mania," also described as "manic-depressive insanity," with a note that he had had a "similar attack 7-8 years ago."

In January, 1919, he was aboard a ship for his return to New Zealand. A Medical Board during the voyage attributed his condition to syphilis.

On February 4th he was taken to Seacliff Hospital under escort and died there shortly after.

Waimate Cemetery. Photo from "findagrave."

Noble Clement Harris, (1900-13/3/1907). "sting by a spider"

DEATHS

HARRIS. — On the 13th March, at Seacliff, Noble Clement, dearly beloved son of John and Martha Harris; aged 7 1/2 years. — Funeral will leave Seacliff To-morrow (Friday), 16th inst., at 1, o'clock, passing through Waikouaiti about 3 o'clock, to the Waikouaiti Cemetery.  -Otago Daily Times, 14/3/1907.

A touching incident happened last Friday in connection with the death of a little boy named Noble Clement Harris, who died at Seacliff from blood poisoning resulting, from a sting by a spider (says the "Otago Daily Times". All that skill could do for him was done by Dr Truby King, but he died within two days in great suffering. He was buried on Friday, and the Waikouaiti School got a half-holiday. Six of the boys walked all the way — a distance of eight miles — to attend the funeral, and they would have had to walk back but for the fact that some kind friends paid their fare and treated them to tea at the Waikouaiti Hotel.  -Lyttelton Times, 21/3/1907.

Waikouaiti Cemetery. DCC photo.

Richard Stevens, (1799-8/7/1889). "last survivors of waterloo"

Word was received in town yesterday of the death on Monday at the Seacliff Asylum of Mr Richard Stevens, one of the veritable oldest inhabitants of this part of the island. The late Mr Stevens, or “Old Uncle Dick,” by which sobriquet he was best known, settled in Riverton in the early whaling days, and will be well remembered by all in the district except the very new chums. About a year since his reason became slightly impaired and he was removed to the institution where he on Monday breathed his last. The late Mr Stevens, who was about 90 years of age, was one of the last survivors of Waterloo. At that time he was a boy of 15, and he often used to recount his recollections of the great triumph. He also served with the Iron Duke in other engagements. The deceased gentleman leaves besides Mrs Densham, who is a daughter, many relatives about Riverton.   -Western Star, 10/7/1889.

Riverton Cemetery. Photo from "findagrave."

William Lindsay, (?-2/7/1887). "a helpless maniac"

A WOULD-BE SUICIDE AT LARGE.

William Lindsay, of Strath Taieri, farmer, attempted to commit suicide on Friday morning last by shooting himself on the right side of his neck. Dr Christie, of Outram, attended him, and found that the wound inflicted was not dangerous, but that he was suffering from loss of blood. As he was still afflicted with suicidal intentions, the doctor ordered his removal to the Dunedin Hospital. Accordingly he was placed in a trap on Saturday morning, and a start was made towards Outram. Dr Christie was of opinion that Lindsay was too weak to get out of the trap if he felt so inclined, and, with Constable Gray, rode a considerable distance behind. When the Lee Stream School (which is about ten miles from Outram) was reached, Lindsay surprised the driver of the trap, Thomas Watkins, by exclaiming “I’m off!” and with remarkable celerity he jumped out and ran along a ridge and disappeared in a gully. When Dr Christie and the constable came up and learnt what had occurred they commenced a very careful search for Lindsay, but without avail. Search parties have been organised since, and are scouring the country round for the fugitive.  -Evening Star, 4/7/1887.

LOVELLS FLAT (excerpt)

Missing — Much concern is felt here about the fate of William Lindsay, who, after making an attempt to commit suicide at the Strath-Taieri, escaped from custody, and had not since been heard of. Lindsay lived in this district for many years. He was of a genial temperament, and well liked. He was a well informed man, and an enthusiastic student of Shakespeare. He was also very hard working and industrious, and had scraped together fully £2000. It is strongly suspected that his aberration was only very temporary, and his unfortunate escape is much deplored. — Occasional Correspondents.  -Otago Witness, 12/8/1887.

Peculiar Death.

(By Telegraph.) DUNEDIN, Sept. 24. Early in July William Lindsay, a farmer of Strath Taieri, attempted suicide by discharging a pistol at his head. While being conveyed to the Dunedin hospital he escaped into the bush and was never discovered till Saturday, when his body was found in a creek a thousand yards from where he effected his escape.  -South Canterbury Times, 24/9/1887.

INQUEST.

An inquest was held before Mr Coroner Carew at the Terminus Hotel, Outram, yesterday, on the body of William Lindsay. 

Andrew Lindsay stated that he had no doubt that the body shown to the jury was that of his brother, William Lindsay. He was a farmer at Strath Taieri. Witness last saw him alive in May, 1888 — six or eight weeks before he heard of his being missing. He was born in Linlithgowshire, in Scotland, and had been in New Zealand about twenty-six years. He was a single man. John Lindsay stated that about two months after the deceased was last seen alive by the last witness he went up from Dunedin to fetch the deceased to town, and he passed an express between the Lee and Deep streams driven by a man named Thomas Watkins. He saw a man in the trap lying down and covered with blankets. He asked the driver to stop, thinking it was an accident case, but the driver would not stop. He went a mile further along the road, and when he got to Clark's Hotel he found it was his brother who was in the trap. He had tea at the hotel, and after going about a mile and a-half along the road Dr Christie and Constable Gray overtook him, but he did not speak to them. He next saw Mr Nichol coming from an opposite direction, and he told him that his brother had escaped. He continued along the road, and met the constable and Dr Christie and a few more people who were in search of his brother. He joined them in the search, and the place indicated to him as where the body was found was well searched about. He asked Watkins, the driver, how the deceased had got away, and Watkins told him that he had a bottle of brandy and water in the trap, and the deceased asked for a drink. He gave him the bottle, and he drank all the contents, and afterwards got up and got out of the trap, saying to Watkins "Now I'm off." He then walked away from the road, and Watkins turned the trap round and went to look for assistance. 

George Nichol, who took part in the search for the deceased, stated that the place where the deceased's body was found was such that the deceased might easily have escaped observation. There was a hole between two rocks, and on one side of the hole there were two large bushes of long snow grass almost covering up the hole. There was not more than nine or ten inches of water in the hole when witness saw it. The body was lying face downwards, and the water did not quite cover the head. He thought it was a possible place for a person to be drowned, but even in the weak state that deceased was in when witness saw him in the express, he could not have been drowned unless he was determined to commit suicide.

Constable Gray stated that on the night of July 1, 1888, a report was sent to him that William Lindsay, of the Strath Taieri, had attempted to commit suicide, He went to his residence, and found Dr Christie in attendance on Lindsay. The doctor said Lindsay was in a very weak condition from loss of blood, as he had been over twelve hours without anyone to stop the bleeding. The doctor also told witness to procure a trap to take Lindsay to the Dunedin Hospital. He procured a trap, and the driver, Thomas Watkins, had to assist witness and others to put Lindsay into the trap, as he was so weak. They started for Outram at 10 a.m. Watkins was driving, and there was no one else in the trap but Watkins and Lindsay, Dr Christie and witness rode behind on horseback. When they reached Deep Stream the doctor asked Lindsay how he felt, and he said "Middling." The doctor gave him a drink from a bottle, which witness thought contained brandy and water. After proceeding along the road about two miles further they came to a farm house belonging to Mr Peats. The doctor suggested to witness that they should go in and have some refreshment. He asked the doctor if he thought the man would be all right, and he said he thought so, as Watkins could give him a drink if he wanted one. He also said it was no use detaining the trap, as it would take them all their time to catch the last train from Mosgiel. They then went into the farm, the trap continuing on. They were at the farm, he supposed, pretty nearly an hour. They then made a start, and when within a mile of the Lee Stream schoolhouse Nichol shouted out that Lindsay had escaped. On arriving at the place where Watkins and Lindsay got out of the trap, Dr Christie remarked that he could not be more than 100 yards away, as he had no strength to go further. He also expressed surprise at his being able to get out of the trap. When witness got to Strath Taieri and first saw Dr Christie, he said: "You may term him," meaning Lindsay, "a helpless maniac." Witness joined in the search, but could see no signs of Lindsay. He supposed he was in his custody. From what the doctor told him he thought Lindsay was helpless from weakness. He was very pale, and appeared to witness to be very weak. What the doctor said to him influenced him in letting Lindsay go on in the trap. If the doctor had not been with him he would not have left Lindsay.

Constable Mackenzie and Duncan McDonald also gave evidence.

The Coroner said he must remark as to the conduct of Constable Gray. If the jury wished, he would take evidence from Inspector Weldon as to a constable's duty when in charge of a prisoner, but it seemed to him unnecessary, as common sense would say it was his duty to keep with the prisoner. If that was his duty under ordinary circumstances, it would be even more so when the prisoner was a lunatic and weak from loss of blood.

The foreman subsequently intimated that the jury had come to the conclusion that the deceased had killed himself, but whether by drowning or by what means the evidence did not show. After further consideration, however, the jury brought in the following verdict: — "We find that William Lindsay, when last seen alive, was of unsound mind, and that he was found dead on Saturday last, but the evidence is not sufficient to show how he came to his death."  -Evening Star, 26/9/1887.

West Taieri Cemetery. DCC photo.