8/230 Sergeant William Jones, 17/8/1886-1/2/1942

"Shell shock," during World War One, was a little-understood effect of war.  It seems to have a phrase used for two separate but connected phenomena: the effect of high explosive blast which could kill and injure without visible wounds, and a longer-term nervous and/or psychological condition which is now known and referred to as "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder," or PTSD.  In the years of and after the War, "shell shock"was much debated but still little understood.

William Jones was a painter, married for two years, in the town of Milton when he joined up with the Otago Infantry Battalion at the beginning of the Great War.

He spent time with the OIB in Egypt before going to Gallipoli where he had his wrist broken by a bullet.  This possibly occurred during the attack on the Pope Hill/Walkers Ridge area on May 1st, in which the Otago Regiment lost about half of its men killed or wounded.  I imagine he might have waited some time on the beach before making his way to a hospital ship, as his wound would have made him unable to use a rifle but would not have been critical.

On May 6, 1915 he was admitted to the Hospital Ship Franconia and was discharged to duty a month later. Later, at the NZ Hospital at Cairo, he was diagnosed with sciatica and an ununited fracture of the hip and invalided home on the Tahiti.  He was discharged as medically unfit for service in June, 1916.

CORPORAL WILLIAM JONES. 

Corporal William Jones, reported wounded, was well-known and highly popular in Milton district, where he resided for a number of years. He was 28 years of age, and a native of Dunedin, where he was employed as a painter, prior to accepting employment with Mr Geo Wilson, in similar capacity. He was an enthusiastic volunteer, and served eight years in the Dunedin City Guards, in which corps he was latterly promoted to sergeant. In the Expeditionary main body he was appointed as a corporal on board the transport. Both his parents are dead. His next-of-kin is his wife (nee Miss Violet Diaper, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs G. W. Draper, Milton). Corporal Jones's Milton friends are anxiously awaiting news regarding the extent of his injuries.   -Bruce Herald, 15/5/1915.


Mr G. W. Draper informs us that his daughter, Mrs Jones, has received a cablegram from the Defence authorities in Egypt, stating her husband, Corporal William Jones, who was wounded at the Dardanelles, is progressing favorably. Particulars of his wounds are not stated.  -Bruce Herald, 27/5/1915.

The friends in this district of Corporal William Jones will note with pleasure that Mr and Mrs G. W. Draper have received a letter from him from Alexandria, stating he has recovered from the injury sustained in the early stages of the fighting at the Dardanelles, and is discharged from hospital. The injury consisted of a bullet wound through the right wrist.  -Bruce Herald, 8/7/1915.

From Mr G. W. Draper we learn that their son-in-law, sergeant William Jones, has been ordered by the medical board in Egypt to return to New Zealand, his friends expect he is onboard the hospital ship Maheno, due to arrive about 20th December. He was one of six men who were blown out of a trench by an explosion of a shell, when two were killed and the others more or less injured. Sergeant Jones received injuries to a thigh bone socket, which will probably cause a perpetual lameness.   -Bruce Herald, 25/11/1915.

With the Expeditionary Forces.

LETTER FROM SERGEANT WM. JONES. 

Writing to a member of the Bruce Herald staff from No. 2 New Zealand Hospital, Abbassia, Cairo under date October 7th, Sergeant William Jones, who enlisted with the main Expeditionary Force, and has been twice wounded in the fighting at Gallipoli, states inter alia: 

"We were supposed to leave for England on September 1st, but the weather was too rough for our lighter to get alongside the transport, which sailed without us, and consequently we still remained in the Canadian Hospital at Mudros. 

"I have had several experiences recently with the Medical Boards and hospitals. On July l0th I was examined by a Medical Board, my injuries consisting of a bruised hip received, through being too near a shell when it exploded and emptied us out of the trench. The board considered I was fit for light duty at the base for a month. I missed the Board's next meeting, as I was not paraded with those for examination. At Lemnos on September 8th I was invalided home by another Medical Board, but the sergeant-major mislaid the report, and on next examination I got base duty. After being admitted to the Canadian Hospital I was booked for England, but missed that also. In company with others who could walk I hobbled over on a stick to the wharf, and embarked on the "Orsova,'' an Orient liner. We left Lemnos for Alexandria on September lst, and zig-zagged on our course considerably, owing to receiving wireless information regarding the proximity of a submarine. All hands had to keep their life-belts handy both day and night. We arrived at Alexandria a day late, and sent by hospital train to Cairo. 

"Last week I was X-rayed, and the examination disclosed that a portion of bone has been chipped off the ball of one hip — called an ununited fracture of a bone with some "huge name." I am also suffering from other bruises, and a complication of the sciatic nerve. It is not too pleasant lying in bed gazing over the desert, where we many weary days, but it's a poor heart which never rejoices, and I am looking forward to returning to New Zealand and seeing the old faces. I hope to be able to walk without crutches by that time, but the doctors consider I will always have a limp. I was "kidding myself" that I would recover, and rejoin a later reinforcement, but it looks like "Mallish Gallip" for me. I was not there long. 

"Our men stuck to their work well, and some of the gamest were the stretcher bearers. "Kit" Shaw and Len Maurice — (two other Miltonians) — worked like Trojans, especially during the first week, when they worked day and night. You would always see "Kit" and Len together, and it was marvellous how they carried heavy men from the firing line on the stretchers, over very rough ground; often on little food or sleep. The manner in which they stuck to their work spoke a lot for their grit and determination. Only two stretcherbearers — "Kit" Shaw and Ernie Freestone (Dunedin) went right through the campaign from the landing on April 25th until September 16th, when the New Zealanders were relieved. 

"Of our original company of 227 which landed on April 25th, only seven went right through the five months' campaign, and the company mustered only 39 after being reinforced five times. The New Zealanders richly deserve the month's spell at Lemnos. 

"We have had a treat to-day — a lady brought us some currant cake; we had all forgotten what currant cake was like. We get well treated in this hospital. One lady comes to see the Otago boys specially, and brings all manner of gifts — plenty of "backsheesh," cigarettes, etc. . . . There is no doubt the New Zealanders are the best equipped and best looked after, thanks being due to our ladies in New Zealand for the various comforts. The Australians are also well set up, but the poor "Tommies," on 1s 2d per day - the poorest paid of the contingents - are the worst off. They receive practically nothing from their women-folk, and envy our kits of comforts. From general conversation and inquiries by the English "Tommies," New Zealand should not be short of immigrants after the war — we boost the Dominion up, you bet. 

"While at Lenmos I was put on lines of communication, which is light work for men not fit for the firing line. I was also engaged for a time on medical corps work, and during that period received my sergeants stripes, and was attached to the R.A.M.C." 

Sergeant Jones concludes his letter with a brief account of the natives and customs of Lenmos, and anticipates arriving back in New Zealand before Xmas.   -Bruce Herald, 29/11/1915.

PERSONAL ITEMS.

The Port Chalmers Borough Council, out of 34 applicants; appointed Mr William Jones, soldier who returned wounded, as water officer. The balloting was restricted to returned soldiers only, of whom eight applied for the position.   -Press, 7/9/1916.

BIRTHS

JONES.—On May 22, at Nurse Cupples's, to Mr and Mrs William Jones, Meridian street, Port Chalmers —a son.   -Otago Witness, 30/5/1917.

FIRES

A two roomed cottage, owned by William Jones and occupied by James Craig, was burned down at Port Chalmers about 1 o'clock this morning. The fire brigade did good work in preventing the fire spreading to adjacent wooden buildings. The burned cottage and its contents were covered in, the New Zealand Insurance Office to the extent of £100 on the building and a similar amount on the contents. Nothing was saved. The cause of the fire is unknown. The occupant was wakened by a child crying, to find the place on fire.  -Evening Star, 14/9/1917.

The Port Chalmers Fire Brigade was called out shortly after 7 o'clock yesterday morning to the pavilion on the football ground at Mussel Bay. When it arrived there the fire had obtained such a hold on the building that there was no hope of saving it; in fact it collapsed shortly after the arrival of the brigade, and practically nothing was saved. The building, which was constructed of wood with an iron roof was erected about 20 years ago, and was insured for about £70 with the New Zealand Insurance Company.   -Otago Daily Times, 27/3/1919.

Acting on information supplied by the local police, Detectives Cameron and Hall proceeded to Port Chalmers yesterday afternoon and arrested William Jones, who was subsequently brought before Mr J. McLachlan, J.P., on a charge of arson. This charge refers to the burning down of the pavilion on the recreation ground at Port Chalmers a few evenings ago. Accused was remanded to appear before the Stipendiary Magistrate on Friday, and bail was allowed in two sums of L100 each.  -Evening Star, 1/4/1919.

Port Chalmers Court

Arson. — William Jones was charged with wilfully setting fire to the pavilion on the Port Chalmers Recreation Ground on the evening of' March 26. — Mr O. J. White appeared for the accused. — Evidence was given by three schoolboys (William Gilroy Clark, James Alex. Cullen King, and Campbell Mac Donald), who alleged that they had heard the accused say "that it would he a good thing if the pavilion were burned down. King said that immediately after the fire accused confessed to him that he had burned down the building, which was in a dilapidated state. — J. W. Fraser (Town Clerk) gave formal evidence in respect to the burning and Septimus Sidney Moir, acting superintendent of the Fire Brigade, in respect to the fire. — Accused pleaded guilty, and was committed to the Supreme Court for sentence, bail being allowed — self £l50 and two sureties of £75 each. Both was forthcoming, and the accused was released.   -Evening Star, 4/4/1919.

BURNING OF PORT CHALMERS PAVILION. 

William Jones appeared for sentence on a charge of committing arson at Port Chalmers. Mr Irwin, on behalf of prisoner, said that up to the time the offence was committed he had a very good record indeed, and counsel had a number of excellent references obtained by him prior to the outbreak of war. He was a married man, but was one of the first if not actually the first to enlist in the district. He served at Gallipoli, and received severe injuries as the result of shell explosion. He was invalided home to New Zealand, and obtained a position as water inspector at Port Chalmers. He seemed to have carried out his duties well, and in addition to have taken a great interest in teaching the children of the district cricket and football. On the ground where these games were played was the building which was burnt down, and there seemed to have been an agitation to have this building condemned and removed. There actually was a public meeting to be held on the question the night the building was burnt down. Prisoner stated that some preparation had been made for a fire in the place, and that he lit the fire. Dr Borrie would tell the Court that the man had been in a highly nervous state, and it appeared that he had been carried away by the feelings of the people in connection with the building.

Dr Borrie stated that he had examined prisoner on many occasions. He had been injured in the head and suffered from shell shock. Witness believed that all the talk about this building got on the man’s nerves. 

Evidence as to excellent character was given also by John McDonald Stevenson (Mayor of Port Chalmers), who stated that in his opinion the building was not worth £5: and the Rev. W. M. Grant. His Honor said the pavilion had been insured for £75; had this been paid? 

The Crown Prosecutor (Mr W. C. MacGregor): No. Mr MacGregor added that the police report on prisoner was very favorable. He was born in Dunedin, was 30 years of age and had a wife and one child. The only thing was that it appeared that while training the boys in cricket and football he also trained them to burn down the pavilion, and when they hesitated about it, he did it himself.

His Honor said that appeared to be the situation. He noted the police reported the value of the building as £l0. Prisoner would be remanded for definite information of the value. 

On resuming after lunch the value of the building before the fire was said to be £20. 

His Honor said that if the matter was settled then, he would consider the question of ordering accused to come up for sentence when called upon.   -Evening Star, 13/5/1919.

Criminal Sittings

Dunedin

Arson. In the case against William Jones, who came up for sentence yesterday on a charge of arson at Port Chalmers, Mr Irwin, for accused, stated that the amount of the damage assessed at £20 had now been paid, also the costs of the prosecution (£3 12s). 

His Honor then ordered accused to come up for sentence when called upon.   -Evening Star, 14/5/1919.

An alert reader might make a connection here between the burning of the house in 1917 and the deliberate burning of the Port Chalmers pavilion.  In my opinion there are three more or less interesting possibilities with regard to the two incidents;

1: they were unconnected.
2: the burning of the house was a deliberate act in order to collect insurance.
3: the burning of the house and subsequent insurance payout impressed upon the mind of William Jones the convenience of destruction by fire as a way of removing difficulties and resolving a situation.

At this distance of time, the thinking and memories of William Jones will remain opaque on the situation.

"NEW ZEALAND TOO MODEST."

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —I read with interest the letter in your columns on July 17, written by Mr W. H. Saunders. I consider his idea a splendid one. I may state that I send overseas a lot of mail, just for a hobby as well as to advertise our country. I have over 200 pen-friends in all countries, with whom I keep up a regular correspondence. I send daily papers, post card views of New Zealand and railway stamps advertising the Dominion, also at times the Tourist Department sends me some booklets. I have been writing to some of my friends (whom I have never seen) since 1911, with a short break while at the war. If everyone had 200 pen-friends everybody would know everybody else, and that would do more for world’s peace than anything I know. Anyone requiring a pen-friend overseas could send a stamped addressed envelope stating in what country they desire their correspondents.

— I am, etc. William Jones. Musselburgh, July 17.  -Otago Daily Times, 19/7/1930.

THE WORLD’S PEACE

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —What are the majority of people doing in the interest of the peace of the world? Big conferences do a lot of good, but we have the promotion of peace practically in our own hands. Most people did not want war in 1914, yet it came and almost every one suffered. There must be something wrong somewhere. A simple way out of this war talk, which leads to wars, is for all to do their best to stop it. Parents can play a large part in this matter by declining to buy toy pistols, guns, and swords for their children. In almost every home which one visits one sees children with these toy weapons. Parents should have enough control also over their children to forbid them going to war pictures and "Wild West” pictures. The war pictures in schools and halls should be taken down. Why should an innocent little child have to look at a picture of a bayonet charge all day? It is degrading. There is no glory in war, as nothing justifies killing a man. I consider I am doing my bit towards peace as I did in enlisting in 1914 for active service. 

I have a hobby of writing to pen friends overseas, people in all countries, whom I have never met. I have over 160 of these friends, and I never owe them a letter or post card very long. To some I have been writing since 1911, and to the majority for 10 years. It is a pleasant hobby, and if we all adopted it everybody would know everybody else, and if a war were mooted we would say, “Why should we fall out with that country? I have a lot of friends there.” They would say the same about us. This hobby to which I refer advertises the country through the use of post cards of New Zealand, and it is interesting to receive post cards, letters, stamps, etc. in return. I have received a good number of inquiries for pen friends overseas from different parts of New Zealand. If anyone who requires a pen friend in any country will forward a stamped addressed envelope to me, I shall be pleased to supply the necessary assistance if possible.

I am, etc., William Jones. 71 Queen’s drive, Musselburgh, June 12.  -Otago Daily Times, 14/6/1933.

DEATHS

JONES. — On February 1, 1942, at his residence, 71 Queen’s Drive, Musselburgh, 8/230 Sergeant William Jones, late of Main Body, 1st N.Z.E.F., beloved husband of Violet Jones, and father of Lieutenant Bruce Jones, N.Z. Dental Corps; aged 56 years. R.I.P. Requiem Mass at St. Patrick’s Basilica, To-morrow (Tuesday), the 3rd inst., at 8.30 a.m. — The Funeral will leave the Basilica at 11 a.m. for the Anderson’s Bay Cemetery. — R. McLean and Son, funeral directors.   -Evening Star, 2/2/1942.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin. DCC photo.

Freedom for Otago - the Declaration of Independence, 1876.

For the first decades of Otago's history the Province was mostly self-governing.  This situation began to change in the 1870s, with a push for a centralised government which was looked upon with suspicion by the "old identity" of Otago.  While deploring the social upheaval of the gold rush they had reluctantly accepted the massive influx of income from the diggings and were loath to let its control be directed to (among other things) what many saw as an undignified land grab now known as the "Land Wars" in the North Island.

It was with the background of this resentment, at the end of Otago's independence, that the following parody was published by the Otago Daily Times on November 7th, 1876, the end of the New Zealand Privincial system.

REVOLUTION IN OTAGO.

THE CUSTOMS SEIZED.

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.

MACANDREW PRESIDENT.

[By Pigeon Express ]

(FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.)

Dunedin, November 1st.

The news that Parliament was prorogued, and that Otago would on the morrow be absorbed into New Zealand, fell like a deadly blow on the hearts of the people of this City last night. All the papers issued extras, with deep mourning borders, announcing the fact that Otago had been denied justice at the hands of the Assembly, and that abolition of the rights, liberties, and very birthrights of the people would result to-day. In deep black characters each extra made the significant enquiry, "Shall we submit?" As the sound of a rushing, mighty wind, a deep emphatic "No" went up to heaven from the very hearts of the people, and firm determination and resolve impressed itself on every countenance. The Political Association sat in consultation in the Provincial Council Chamber, and the streets around were thronged with people. Not a whisper of what was intended leaked out until the last clerk in the telegraph office had departed. Then, silently and swiftly, two members of the Association were seen to issue forth — Mr R. K. Murray and Mr James McIndoe. A cab was waiting, and they drove rapidly to the North Dunedin telegraph station, where Mr Murray speedily made his way in through a broken window, and took possession in the name of the Sovereign State of Otago, opening the door to Mr McIndoe thereafter. Simultaneously, at the head station, Mr John Barnes applied his brawny shoulders to the door of Mr Lubecki's office, and speedily was in possession. The clock struck midnight. It was the knell of the Provinces. Abolition was accomplished. Macandrew was no longer Superintendent. There was no Provincial Council, Otago was but a part of New Zealand; its revenues and properties had been seized by the colony. A deep feeling of indignation seized the surging crowd, and a great cry, "We will not submit," disturbed the midnight air, and sweeping across the smooth waters of the Bay, was echoed back from Grant's Braes and Black Jack's Point. Ere the echo had died away the members of the Political Association, headed by Mr Macandrew, appeared on the balcony where the result of all elections are usually declared. At this supreme moment Mr Macandrew was as calm as ever, but Mr George Turnbull looked ill at ease, and Mr Stout seemed decidedly mischievous. The crowd scarcely breathed — not a sound save the gentle moan of the night wind was heard — as Mr Macandrew, holding in his right hand a roll of something, came forward and said, "My friends — I am no longer Superintendent of Otago; Ichabod! our glory has departed. A corrupt and tyrannous majority in the village of Wellington has declared that we shall not do what we like with our own, as well as have a share of that of other's. They presume to think the Colony is superior to the Province — that New Zealand is greater than Otago. We are a great people, inhabiting a country possessed of great capabilities — all that is wanted to make a country great, glorious, and free. Let us then be free. Let us proclaim our independence, and hoist the flag of freedom." Suiting the action to the word, Mr Macandrew shook out the flag he held in his hand, and by the fitful moonlight it was seen to be of pure white, with a Scotch thistle, a flaxbush, and a rabbit embroidered in colours, and the motto, "Cuncta mea mecum." ("All my property is with me") A deafening cheer arose, which was heard in the suburbs, from whence crowds hurried to the scene. Mr Stout then advanced and read a declaration of independence, which, although very long, was patiently listened to. Three more cheers were then given for the Sovereign State of Otago, and Mr John Sibbald formally proposed Mr James Macandrew as the President. This was carried by acclamation.

At the Telegraph Office, no messages are allowed to be sent without approval, and by preventing steamers leaving, it is thought a week or so may be gained before the rest of the Colony becomes aware of what has taken place here; but fortunately your idea of sending down carrier pigeons was not suspected, and I am thus able to send you particulars of this great, though happily, as yet, bloodless revolution. Captain Wales is appointed commander-in-chief, Mr John Barnes, second in command, and Mr Sibbald, commissary-general. Judge Williams has been removed from the Supreme Court Bench, and the appointment given to Mr D. F. Main. Mr Bathgate as Resident Magistrate and District Judge is to be replaced by Mr Thomas Birch. Mr Grant and John McLaren are to be tried for treason. All the public houses are open free to-day, and the cost to the landlords is to be a charge on the land fund. The President is busy forming his Government. Sentries have been placed over all the banks, and it is intended to amalgamate them all into a new State bank, for the managership of which there is already great competition The new steam dredge Vulcan is being heavily armed as an ironclad. Further particulars by next pigeon.

November 2nd. The national colours are still floating proudly in the south-west breeze. Every public building and a great many private ones are decorated with flags. Yesterday everything was quiet and orderly. Although the public-houses had been open all day, the strong temptation of free whisky had been steadily resisted. In this great crisis, with the fate of an infant nation trembling in the balance, let it be recorded that not a man forgot himself. There could be no greater proof of the intense earnestness pervading the people. Some disappointment is felt at the apathy displayed by the country districts. Political agents are to be sent to them to wake the national spirit and stir it to enthusiasm. As yet the excitement has not spread southward beyond the Abbotsford bridge. It is to be hoped a day or two more will find it extend over Saddle Hill.

Some of the large firms seem chary about paying their Customs dues, and Cargills and Co. have flatly refused to do so. All their goods are consequently to be seized. Mr Bathgate has been sentenced to a heavy fine for being illegally on the premises. He persisted that he had a right to sit in the R.M. Court, after being warned that he was a trespasser on the Bench.

To-day a grand ceremony took place. All the Volunteer officers assembled in front of the University and solemnly burned their commissions. The President, standing on the steps of the Cargill monument, presented them with new commissions, of higher rank in each case. Wales is made a full General, and if actual hostilities take place is to be made Field Marshal. The Harbour Master, Captain Thomson, has been made Admiral of the Fleet, and hoisted his flag on the Vulcan. All the small steamers are being plated and armed. Kincaid and McQueen have commenced the manufacture of rifled cannon, and A. and T. Burt claim to have invented a most destructive torpedo. They are now completing a large order. The Rev. R. L. Stanford is appointed Chaplain to the forces, and last night delivered a most stirring and warlike address to the men. His text was, "Smite, and spare not."

This morning, some men in the employ of the Harbour Board attempted to take possession of the Wharves and Quays Preserve, under the late Act of Assembly. The members of the Corporation and Lieutenant General Barnes were promptly on the spot, and forcibly resisted, refusing to recognise the right of the Assembly of New Zealand to legislate for Otago. The Harbour Board does not like this phase of the revolution, and Mr Tewsley has telegraphed to Melbourne to know whether Sargood and Co.'s duties are to be paid to the new Government. Mr John L. Gillies's allegiance is said to be wavering, and that nothing but the managership of the new State Bank, added to his Harbour Board Secretaryship, will confirm it.

There was great excitement to day when the Hinemoa was announced to be approaching the Heads with the Hon. Commissioner of Customs on board. The Geelong was chartered, and Admiral Thomson took command. His Honour the President and a number of members of the Political Association, with a strong guard of Volunteers, were received on board, and the Geelong went down to meet the Hinemoa. As the latter crossed the bar, the Geelong ran alongside, the volunteers jumped on board, secured Captain Johnston, and took possession of the steamer in the name of Otago. Immense crowds cheered as the national colours were run up, and the Hinemoa was brought alongside the Graving Dock. The seizure is justified on the ground that the vessel was purchased chiefly with Otago money. McLean was below when the vessel was seized. As he came up, he was seized also, and immediately taken below again. He asked for a private interview with the President, and it was granted. Shortly afterwards, the President emerged, white with rage, and said he had been offered the appointment of Government Agent with £1000 a year, and the promise of a grant of 5000 acres of land if he would betray his country, and give up Stout and De Lautour to be made examples of. He indignantly refused.

George McLean is to be tried for his treason, as being an Otago man, and as having attempted to bribe the officers of the State. He has been handed over to the custody of Mr J. C. Brown, who is to be Provost Marshall of the forces. A carriage and pair was provided for Brown on landing, and Lloyd's fish-barrow was impounded for the conveyance of George McLean to the gaol. In the barrow, he was wheeled backwards, with his hands tied behind his back. Chief Justice Stout is to preside at his trial, and Mr Attorney-General Hislop is to prosecute.

Captain Johnston was offered promotion to a flag in the new navy, but refused. He is treated as a prisoner of war.

President James Macandrew.  Hocken Library photo.

Arthur Cyril Bond, 1923(?)-26/3/1938

CRASHES INTO POLES

TWO SIMILAR FATALITIES INQUESTS OPENED AND ADJOURNED 

Two persons are dead through accidents of an identical nature — motor cars crashing into telegraph, poles. One accident occurred at Caversham on Saturday evening, and it involved the death of a passenger, Arthur Cyril Bond (15). The other accident, which happened early on Friday morning in Elgin road, Mornington, resulted in the death in the Hospital yesterday morning of Ernest Leslie Davidson Little (36), who was also a passenger. The car Bond was in was driven by a youth named Laurie Newton; and as it was proceeding along the Main South road it is surmised that it became uncontrollable after striking a small obstruction and careened into a pole at the corner of Surrey street. The deceased received severe head injuries and was rushed to the Hospital, where he died at 8.15 — half an hour following his admission. He lived at Greencliffs, fronting the St. Clair Esplanade, and was employed by the Reale Ice Cream Company. This firm owned the car in which he was travelling. The driver was not injured, but the car was extensively damaged. The driver of the car in which Little was a passenger was Robert McLean. Little was suffering from concussion when admitted to the Hospital, and he failed to rally. The deceased resided at 78 Leith street, and was employed at the Hillside Workshops. Both inquests were opened at the Hospital this morning, Mr J. R Bartholomew,- S.M., being the coroner, and Sergeant Johnken representing the police. The father of Bond gave evidence of identification, and similar evidence was given by a brother of Little. Each inquest was adjourned sine die.  -Evening Star, 28/3/1938.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin. DCC photo.

DEATH OF A YOUTH

CAR COLLIDES WITH POLE 

MAIN SOUTH ROAD FATALITY 

"The evidence suggests that there might have been some lack of care or skill on the part of the driver of the car, but in view of possible litigation it is not proper for me to comment," said the coroner (Mr J R Bartholomew. S.M.) at the inquest yesterday into the death of Arthur Cyril Bond, aged 15 years, who died on March 26 as the result of a motor accident. The inquest was conducted by Sergeant Starke, Mr J. G. Warrington appeared for the parents of the deceased, and Mr J. S. Sinclair for the driver of trip car, George Laurie Newton. Edward Norman Quinn, a director of the Reale Ice Cream Company, King street, said that the deceased and Newton were employed by him. At 6.40 p.m. on March 26 he instructed them to deliver two gallons of ice cream to His Majesty's Theatre. They left in his car, a 1929 model, for that purpose. Newton was the driver and he held a licence, as did the deceased. The deceased was a permanent employee and Newton was only a casual, but witness thought Newton the more experienced driver. The car carried a warrant of fitness.

To Mr Warrington, witness said that the deceased began work at 8 o'clock and finished when the business for the day was dealt with. Sometimes it was late and sometimes early. Evidence that he inspected the scene of the accident a few minutes after the accident was given by Traffic Inspector Thomas Henry Victor Dickel. He described the damage to the car and measurements he had taken. From his observations of the damage to the car and the marks on the pole, the car must have been travelling fairly fast. The road in the vicinity of the accident was of an easy grade and had a bitumen surface. He saw no obstruction on the road. 

Constable Absalum Drake detailed measurements which were endorsed and elaborated by Constable Charles Ross. The only obstacle on the road, said Constable Drake, was a stone the size of a man's fist. Constable Ross said Newton admitted to him that he did not apply his brakes.

A description of the mechanised order of the car was given by Constable Edward Henry Clark. He also described the damage to it.

George Laurie Newton, the driver of the car, said that they were travelling south on the Main South road at about 25 miles an hour approaching the intersection of Playfair street when the deceased asked why he did not have his dash light burning. He told him to put it on, but Bond did not feel for the switch in the right place. Witness therefore put his left hand out to show him and at that moment the car hit a bump and the steering wheel was wrenched out of his other hand. He brought his left hand up, but at that instant the car hit a pole. After the impact he was dazed from a blow on the back of the head. He saw the deceased with a door which was broken off lying across his throat. Witness called the ambulance and when it came, he went to a doctor to have his injury attended to. He had had no intoxicating liquor. Vision was good at the time of the accident. He could not say what the object was that caused the bump.

To Mr Warrington, witness said that the dash light was just to the left of the steering column. While he was reaching for it, he held the rim of the steering wheel with his right hand. He applied his brakes as soon as he felt a bump. He tried to wrench the car back into the road but just at that instant the car collided with the post. Until then the car had not hit the kerbing. 

To Mr Sinclair, he said that he had visited the scene of the accident with a constable but had not identified any of the marks as made by the car he was driving. From his recollection, it was impossible for the marks further back on the kerb to have been made by his car. He considered the stone produced in court big enough to alter the direction of a car provided a front wheel hit it at a certain angle. The framework of the car was of wood, not of steel.

The finding was that death was due to asphyxia, the result of extensive surgical emphysema following a collision between a motor car in which he was a passenger and a telegraph pole.  -Otago Daily Times, 14/3/1938.

IN MEMORIAM.

BOND.—A tribute of everlasting love to the treasured memory of our dear son and brother, Arthur Cyril, accidentally killed March 26, 1938. 

Quietly, quickly came the call; 

His sudden death a shock to all. 

A sudden change in a moment fell, 

Without a chance to say farewell. 

Gone from us his smiling face,

His happy, cheerful ways. 

The heart that won so many friends 

In those happy, bygone days. 

His life a beautiful memory, 

His death a silent sorrow. 

— Inserted by his loving mother and father and sister, Joyce (Sydney).  -Evening Star, 26/3/1942.

Clifford Stuart Duncan, 1941(?)-23/11/1950.

BOY ELECTROCUTED

DUNEDIN. Nov. 24. — A boy was electrocuted when he climbed a power pole and received a shock from a transformer near his home in Waverley, a Dunedin suburb, last night. He was Clifford Stuart Duncan, aged nine years. The boy was admitted to the casualty department of the public hospital at 7.45 p.m.. but he was then found to be dead. —P.A.  -Gisborne Herald, 24/11/1950.

INQUEST ON WAVERLEY FATALITY

An inquest into the death of a nine-year-old boy, Clifford Stuart Duncan, son of Mr and Mrs R. H. Duncan, Belford street, Waverley, was opened before the coroner, Mr J. D. Willis, S.M., yesterday morning. Evidence of identification was given by a neighbour, Mr William Leslie. Mr Leslie stated that he was in a shed overlooking the property on which a power pole with an electrical transformer was situated. His attention was attracted by a loud whirring noise, and he looked towards the pole. He saw the boy, who had climbed the pole, hanging on the transformer. Mr Leslie rushed out and picked up the boy, who had by then fallen to the ground. He tried artificial respiration without success. The inquest was adjourned sine die.  -Otago Daily Times, 25/11/1950.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin. DCC photo.

Billie Poulter and Billy Talboys - both aged 10

DISTRESSING FATALITY

TWO BOYS SUFFOCATED.

DUNEDIN, This Day

A distressing fatality occurred yesterday afternoon, two boys, aged ten years, named William Ross Talboys and William Russell Poulter, being suffocated under a fall of sand in a vacant section at Musselburgh. The boys had excavated a tunnel through a high sand-bank, and while the victims crawled through a third boy remained outside. The bank collapsed suddenly, completely burying the boys.

Assistance was secured, about twenty men digging frantically, but the boys were dead when recovered. — (HA.)  -Wairarapa Daily Times, 30/11/1931.

BOYS’ TRAGIC DEATH

SUFFOCATED BY SAND 

ARDUOUS RESCUE EFFORTS 

An inquest concerning the death of the two 10-year-old boys, William Russell Poulter and William Ross Talboys, who were buried under a fall of sand at Tainui on Sunday afternoon, was opened at the residences of the parents yesterday morning, Mr H. W. Bundle, SM, sitting as coroner. 

Evidence of identification in respect to the boy Poulter was given by his mother, Annie Grace Poulter, who stated that the deceased had left home about 3.25 p.m. on Sunday to play on a vacant section near the house. So far as she knew he had not dug in the sand on this section previously. 

William Charles Talboys identified the body of the second boy as that of his son, whom he last saw alive about half past 3 on Sunday afternoon. He understood that the lad was going to play in a vacant section adjacent to his home, and he had heard him telling his mother that there was a good tunnel in the sand. His mother had advised him. not to play in it as it might fall in. 

The inquest was resumed at the Courthouse in the afternoon, Sergeant McCarthy representing the police. 

Dr Allan stated that in response to a telephone message received shortly after 4 p.m. on Sunday he proceeded to Quarry street, where he saw several men digging in some fallen sand on a vacant section. He assisted for a time in digging away the sand, and about 20 minutes after his arrival the body of the boy Poulter was found. Witness at once commenced artificial respiration, at which he was relieved in turn by others present. This was continued for about an hour and a-quarter, but without avail. When the body was first recovered all signs of life were absent, and witness could not hear any heartbeat with his stethoscope, nor could he detect any sign of sand about the mouth or nostrils, which appeared to indicate that the boy was unable to breathe immediately on being buried. There were no marks of injury on the body, and witness was of opinion that death was due to asphyxia resulting from obstruction by sand of the air passages, and the pressure of heavy, wet sand on the chest and back. The body of the second boy was recovered a few minutes after the first one, and, although artificial respiration was carried out for some time, it proved unavailing. From the appearance of the body the cause of death was the same as in the case of the first boy. The rescuers worked as hard as it was possible for them to do, and very little time was lost in extricating the bodies.

Douglas Robert Park, aged 12 years, said that on Sunday afternoon he went with the boy Talboys to the section in question, where they joined Poulter. Some boys had been making a tunnel in the sandpit on the section, and when they got there Poulter was digging in it with a shovel. Witness, Poulter, and Talboys decided to make the tunnel larger, but, having done so they found there was not sufficient light in it, whereupon they dug a “peep hole” through the side. Witness was looking from the outside through this peep hole, and just as he caught sight of Talboys’s face the tunnel began to cave in, slowly at first, and then with increasing speed. Witness at once ran for assistance, and got a Mr McTaggart, who went to the spot. Thomas McTaggart stated that about 4 o’clock on the afternoon of the fatality the boy Park came to his house and told him that two boys had been buried on a section nearby. Witness at once got a shovel, and with his wife went to the section, but on seeing the amount of sand that had fallen in he sent her back for Dr Allan, the police, and any assistance she could find. Within 10 minutes there were 20 men with shovels on the spot, Dr Allan arriving almost at the same time. After about 40 minutes’ digging, the bodies were recovered, and witness estimated that about eight tons of heavy wet sand had to be removed.

Constable Hansen corroborated Dr Allan’s statement with regard to the finding of the bodies. In returning his verdict the coroner said that from Dr Allan’s evidence it was clear that the boys were suffocated at once, and it should be some little consolation to the relatives to know that they had not suffered a lingering death. He could only find that death was due to asphyxiation caused by an accidental fall of sand.  -Otago Daily Times, 1/12/1931.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.  DCC photo.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.  DCC photo.

822452 Temp.Corporal Margery Greenfield, 1914(?)-7/10/1945.

On 7 October 1945 LJ668 a Short Stirling GT.4 of 299 Squadron RAF crashed at Rennes, France. The aircraft was flying from Cairo, Egypt back to the United Kingdom when it ran short of fuel. It tried to land in bad visibility at Rennes but crashed into a row of trees, five crew and 21 soldiers and members of the Auxiliary Territorial Service were killed. -Wikipedia.

VICTIMS OF AIR CRASH

The three members of the New Zealand W.A.A.C. officially believed killed in a plane crash in France, came from Wellington, Hawera and Dunedin. They were all club welfare workers and were Sergeant Marie Innes, Private Margaret Mortlock and Private Margery Greenfield. 

Sergeant Innes, the daughter of Lieut.-Colonel V. J. Innes and Mrs Innes, Karori, Wellington, was 25 years of age. She left New Zealand in December, 1942, and was in the Middle East almost three years, first at the New Zealand Forces' Club in Cairo and then at Rome. 

Private M. Mortlock was the daughter of Mr and Mrs Robert Mortlock, Princes Street, Hawera. She was 24 years of age and, before embarking for overseas service in September last year, had been pay sergeant at the W.A.A.C. camp at Mirimar, Wellington. She entered the Army at the end of 1942. 

The Dunedin girl, Private M. Greenfield, daughter of Mr and Mrs A. P. Greenfield, Maori Hill, saw service in the Pacific, and returned to New Zealand in October, 1943, after serving there several months. At the end of March, 1944, she left for the Middle East. Miss Greenfield was 31 years of age.  -Manawatu Standard, 13/10/1945.

WOMEN'S WORLD

A simple but moving "in memoriam" service for the three members of the New Zealand Army Auxiliary Corps, Sergeant Marie E. I. Innes, Private Margery Greenfield and Private Margaret J. Mortlock, who were, last week reported killed on active service over France, was held yesterday at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Wellington.   -Manawatu Standard, 18/10/1945.

The remains of the three members of the N.Z.W.A.A.C., Sergeant Marie Innes, Private Margery Greenfield and Private Margaret Mortlock, who were killed in an air crash overseas, were flown to England to be interred in a military cemetery there. A memorial service was held for them in the New Zealand Forces’ Club, Cairo, on October 11, according to advice received by N.Z.W.A.A.C. headquarters.   -Manawatu Standard 20/10/1945.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.  DCC photo.

Robert Burns of the SS Ohau 1862(?)-14/5/1899.

Nobody knows with certainty what happened to the "Ohau."  The ship was last seen heading into a violent Cook Strait storm - from other ships sheltering from that storm.  Robert Burns, descendant of the Bard, was Chief Engineer.

THE MISSING STEAMER OHAU.

IS THE VESSEL LOST?

THE BRUNNER’S FRUITLESS SEARCH.

MORE PARTICULARS OF THE CREW.

There is no doubt in the minds of most people that the Union Company’s collier Ohau foundered in the furious southerly gale which blew with hurricane force in Cook Strait last Saturday week and some who have friends or relatives on board are regarding them as lost.

The Brunner continued her search for the missing vessel or any wreckage therefrom at daylight on Saturday morning, returning shortly after 4 p.m. yesterday without having discovered a sign of anything that would throw light upon the fate of the Ohau. Captain Milman reports having reached Cape Campbell early on Saturday morning. He made a careful search close into the land along the coast from Cloudy Bay to Long Island, under the lee of which it will be remembered the steamers Brunner, Mawhera and Haupiri sheltered in that wild Saturday. As no trace of wreckage was seen, and in accordance with instructions from Mr W. A. Kennedy, the local manager for the company, the Brunner stood across the Strait to Kapiti, searched all round that island, and, hugging the land, scrutinised the beach in the vicinity, circled Mana Island, and went into Ohau Bay, then on to Cape Torawhiti. In Ohiro Bay, on this side of the Cape, a boat lying on the beach caused some mild excitement, but on investigation it proved to be a fisherman’s boat. The Brunner then returned to port. 

The possibility of any wreckage from the Ohau being found at all is considered small, as steamers of the class to which she belongs carry little or no detachable fittings about their decks that are likely to float, beyond her boats, hatches, lifebelts, which are all well secured; and with the prospect of facing a big head sea, extra precautions would be taken to make everything movable or likely to become movable especially secure. True, the Press Association learns that the steamer had thirteen thousand feet of timber as deck cargo, but the message lacked the information that the timber was black birch in a green condition, which would sink like a stone. So that the idea of finding flotsam in the way of timber is exploded. The Marine Department denies the statement that the Ohau was carrying more timber on deck than is permitted under the Act, and the figures wired from headquarters corroborate that statement. 

Captain Neville, of the Wakatipu, kept a sharp lookout for wreckage on the trip from Lyttelton on Saturday morning, but saw nothing out of the way, beyond huge masses of floating seaweed, that had been torn up by the fury of the waves in the recent storm. 

In our list of the officers on board the Ohau we omitted to mention Mr A. G. Matheson, better known throughout the fleet as “Taff” Matheson, who belonged to Dunedin, and was one of the most popular and obliging pursers in the company’s service. Until recently he carried out the duties of purser on the Herald, but on the Ohau being placed in the former vessel’s running he was transferred. Mr Robert Burns, the chief engineer, is a son of Mr Burns, one of the founders of the Mosgiel Woollen Factory at Dunedin, and is said to be a lineal descendant of the Scottish Bard, Robert Burns. His brother is purser of the Talune. Mr John Young, the second engineer, is very well known in Wellington, having served his apprenticeship at Messrs Cable and Co.'s foundry. At one time he took an active interest in football in this city, and was one of the founders of the Poneke Football Club. He was married some time ago to Miss Nellie Hand, daughter of the late Captain Hand, who during the latter years of his life was lighthouse-keeper at one of the coastal lighthouses. The chief steward, Mr J. Fielder, occupied a similar position on the Union Company’s Taiaroa when that steamer was wrecked off Kekerangu, near the mouth of the Clarence River. We understand that he has a son in the company’s service. Mr Warrender, the second officer, has an aunt residing in Dunedin, but so far as can be ascertained had no other relatives resident in the colony.

Captain Grant, of the Takapuna, with whom Captain Brewer sailed as chief officer for a considerable time, bears testimony to that officer’s skill as a seaman. Captain Grant is of opinion that as soon as the gale subsided the action of the tides off Cape Campbell and the stormy north-westerly winds experienced last week would carry anything in the way of wreckage out to sea in the direction of the Chatham Islands.

THE VESSEL’S CARGO. 

PRESS ASSOCIATION. GREYMOUTH, Saturday. The Ohau, in addition to 800 tons of coal under hatch, had thirteen thousand feet of timber on deck. There were no passengers on board.  -NZ Times, 22/5/1899.

THE MISSING STEAMER OHAU.

ALL HOPE ABANDONED.

CIRCULAR BY UNION STEAM SHIP COMPANY. 

FLAGS TO BE HALF-MASTED ON SUNDAY. 

The following is a copy of the circular issued by Mr James Mills, managing director of the Union Steam Ship Company, to all branch managers respecting the disappearance of the steamer Ohau: — I regret very much to advise you that there is every reason to fear that the s.s. Ohau foundered in the severe gale experienced in Cook Strait on Saturday, 13th inst. The Ohau was coal laden from Greymouth to Dunedin, and was passed by the Rosamond close by The Brothers' lighthouse shortly before 1 o'clock on Saturday afternoon. She was seen by the lighthouse-keeper at Cape Campbell at 3 o'clock, and was then about 10 miles north. She was kept in sight until dark, struggling against a furious south-west gale and heavy sea. Her masthead light was sighted at 5.20 p.m., but after that nothing was seen of her, although a look-out was kept for her off and on until 10 o'clock. The gale was an unusually heavy one, and several of our steamers were forced to seek shelter, delaying their arrival at their destinations from two to four days. Until within a few days ago it was confidently hoped the Ohau would turn up also, but when after the weather moderated there was no sign of her, it was feared something serious had happened.

The Brunner was despatched from Wellington to search the coast line, but after a thorough examination no signs of the ship or of wreckage were discovered. We are forced, therefore, to conclude that she foundered, with all hands, during the night of the 13th inst. We find it difficult to account for the loss of the Ohau, as she was a strongly-built vessel and well found in every particular. She was built by Messrs Denny Bros, to a special specification, and recently underwent a thorough overhaul, being fitted with new decks, etc. 

No doubt there will be many anxious inquiries made to you regarding those on board. I therefore enclose list of her officers and crew. She carried no passengers.

The loss of the Ohau is very distressing to us, and as many of her officers' and crew belonged to Dunedin, we are brought very closely in touch with the widespread sorrow entailed by her loss. The relatives and friends of those missing have the heartfelt sympathy of the directors and staff in their present bereavement. — Yours, etc., (Signed) James Mills, Managing Director. 

Crew list of s.s. Ohau, as per articles: — Richard Brewer, master, married. Murdoch MacPherson, chief officer, married. Robert Hogg Warrender, second officer, single. J. F. Heddell, lamps and A.B., single. A. Taylor, A.B., single. J. Martin, A.B., single. W. Carey, A.B., single. J. Angus, A.B., single. A. Weibe, A.B., single. W. J. Nicholls, deck boy, single. Robert Burns, chief engineer, married, John Young, second engineer, married. D. Grant Stevenson, third engineer, single. J. W. Charnock, donkeyman, married. J. Underwood, fireman, single. W. Denny, fireman, single. J. Ferguson, fireman, single. R. Wilson, fireman, single. Joseph Fielder, chief steward, widower. A. Pender. second steward, single. A. Schofield, cook, single. A. G. Mathieson, purser, single.

The officers were insured for the following amounts: — Richard Brewer, master, £750: Murdoch MacPherson, chief officer, £500; Rcbert Hogg Warrender, second officer, £200; Robert Burns, chief engineer, £500; John Young, second engineer, £400; D. Grant Stevenson, third engineer, £500; A. G. Mathieson, purser, £200. The fact of all the officers being insured shows the wisdom of the company's regulation which requires all their officers to insure their lives for sums varying according to their rank, and the company contributes a portion of the premium. The scale is as follows: — Captains £500, chief engineers £400, chief officers £300, second engineers £200, second officers £200, pursers £200, all junior officers £100. The company has also a liberal provision for which, if any officer desires it, he may insure for 50 per cent, more than the amount his rank calls for. It will be seen that several of the Ohau's officers took advantage of this. 

The managing director has instructed that all the company's vessels shall carry their flags half-mast high on Sunday next as a token of respect to the memory of the officers and crew of the Ohau. This will be done at all ports.

WELLINGTON, May 23.

The Post says that just before the Ohau left Greymouth — in fact, the first and second whistles of the Ohau had been sounded — Captain Brewer, Captain Worrall (of the Wainui), and Captain Connor (harbourmaster at Greymouth) were conversing on the upper deck of the Wainui, and Captain Brewer emphatically expressed his determination to steer a southerly course to Dunedin, "for," said he, "I will escape the southerly blow in the other quarter." Captains Worrall and Connor bade good-bye to Captain Brewer, under the impression that the latter would go south about to Dunedin, and at the same time remarked that he (Captain Brewer) would have fine weather for his passage, for the weather there was very calm. Evidently Captain Brewer altered his mind before leaving Greymouth wharf, and took a northerly course. The southerly course from Greymouth to Dunedin shortens the distance between the two ports by some 50 miles, but a drawback to this is the possibility of meeting much rougher weather than would be likely if the northerly course were taken. Moreover, the southerly route is a somewhat lonely one, and unless under exceptional circumstances navigators much prefer the other course. On this occasion Captain Brewer was so positive in his determination to take a southerly course that the reason for the sudden change in his plans is a mystery. The officers of the Rosamond report that they saw the Ohau about 1 p.m. on Saturday, an hour or so before she was sighted from Cape Campbell.

The secretary of the general post office states that the Ohau had a small mail on board from the West Coast for Dunedin, consisting of 119 letters and 51 other articles.

May 26.

The officers of the Westralia report that at 1.30 this morning, when on the voyage from Lyttelton to Wellington, she passed quite close to a black painted boat bottom upwards. The description they give of the boat tallies with those on the Ohau, and bears out the conviction that the steamer went to the bottom with all hands.

The agent of the Union Company at Greymouth mentions in his advice regarding the Ohau that she left Greymouth in splendid trim, 2in light, and that the deck cargo was a very small and compact one. Captain Brewer's last remark was that it would help to keep them dry.

May 28. A quantity of wreckage has been washed ashore near Flat Point, on the East Coast. It is believed to be from the Ohau. A further search is being made, with a view to identifying it with the missing steamer.

GREYMOUTH, May 28. The flags in town were flying half-mast high to-day out of respect for the crew of the Ohau.

With respect to the telegram that the Brunner, while about nine miles from Wellington Heads, "saw some white pine timber, but on wiring to Greymouth it, was found this did not answer to the description of the Ohau's deck cargo," Mr R. Chisholm informs us that his firm (Scoullar and Chisholm) are in receipt of an invoice from Greymouth which shows that, in addition to a large quantity of red pine shipped to them by the Ohau from Greymouth, there were 1500 ft. of half-inch white pine. The invoice was dated May 12, which was subsequent to the departure of the missing steamer. The flags on all the shipping in the harbour, the Harbour Board and shipping offices, and a number of private residences throughout the city were flown at half-mast on Sunday as a mark of sorrow and respect for the officers and crew of the s.s. Ohau, supposed to have foundered in the recent storm. The number of flags flying throughout the city on Sunday showed how widespread is the sympathy for the bereaved, and respect for the lost ones. A similar mark of respect was paid at Port Chalmers.

The service on Sunday morning at the Port Chalmers Presbyterian Church was conducted by the Rev. B. G. Tennent, who made special reference to the foundering of the s.s. Ohau. At the close of the service the organist played the "Dead March" in "Saul," and the congregation remained standing.

In the Tabernacle, Great King street, on Sunday, feeling reference was made by Sir Watt to the missing steamer. He said: "This day the flags in the U.S.S. Co. are flying half-mast, the usual token or sign of mourning. And no doubt the fears expressed through the papers by the general manager are now shared in by all. The possibility of the steamer Ohau putting in an appearance now is very remote, and we can only extend to the bereaved whose loved ones are, in all likelihood, swallowed up by the merciless deep our warm sympathy. May they look to the One Who can alone sustain in such a trying ordeal. May He Who has promised to be the widow's stay and the orphan's shield pour into the troubled spirit the healing balm of His Own consolation and comfort."

Prayer was offered on behalf of the sorrowing ones.

At the Moray place Congregational Church on Sunday, in place of the second hymn, the Rev. W Saunders commented on the sad disaster to the s.s. Ohau, and asked the congregation to stand while the organist (Mr D. Cooke) played the "Dead March" in "Saul" as a mark of respect for the crew who have met such an untimely death. At the morning service in the North-East Valley Baptist Church on Sunday, the "Dead March" in "Saul" was played, and at the evening service Beethoven's "Funeral March,'' in memory of the officers and crew of the Ohau.  -Otago Witness, 1/6/1899.

SS "Ohau," Hocken Library photo.

WRECK OF THE OHAU 

DISCOVERY OF WRECKAGE.

THE LAST HOPE GONE.

The head office in Dunedin, of the Union Steam Ship Company have received the following telegram from Wellington: — "Hatches, oars, and life buoys belonging to the Ohau washed ashore between Castle Point and Cape Turnagain."

This information leaves no doubt as to the fate of the Ohau. She evidently foundered with all hands, probably off the Kaikouras, and the wreckage was carried by the currents to the place where found.

Castlepoint is a post town in the County of Wairarapa North, in the Riding of Castlepoint, 108 miles N.N.E. of Wellington, and 41 miles from the Masterton railway station. Cape Turnagain is about the southernmost point of Hawke's Bay. The distance between the two points is about 40 miles.

As our readers will remember, the Ohau was coal laden from Greymouth to Dunedin, and was passed by the Rosamond close by The Brothers' lighthouse shortly before 1 o'clock on Saturday, 13th May. She was seen by the lighthouse-keeper at Cape Campbell at 3 o'clock, and was then about 10 miles north. She was kept in sight until dark, struggling against a furious south-west gale and heavy sea. Her masthead light was sighted at 5.20 p.m., but after that nothing was seen of her although a look-out was kept for her off and on until 10 o'clock.  -Otago Witness, 8/6/1899.

BURNS CLUB

The monthly meeting of the Burns Club was hold in the Choral Hall last evening. The building proved almost too small for comfort, and the audience filled every part. Dr Gordon Macdonald, president, occupied the chair, and in his opening, remarks made feeling reference to the death of Robert Burns, late chief engineer of the Ohau, son of Mr A. J. Burns, of this city, and great grandson of the poet Burns. He also made mention of the death of Miss Mary Cooper, the daughter of one of their members, who for many years was on the committee of the club. The programme was then proceeded with and the stirring Scottish song "The march of the Cameronmen" was given as a part song by the choir, Mrs Monkman gave a delightful rendering of "Caller herrin'," and was deservedly encored. A similar compliment was paid Mr C. J. Morton, who chose as his number "Mary of Argyle." A quartet by Misses Morrison and Weitzel and Messrs Sutherland and Anderson  was well received. Miss J. Allen gave an entertaining recitation entitled "Amateur photography," and  Misses Neame and A. Biddle were both honoured with recalls for their vocal contributions. Two other part songs — "John Anderson, my Jo" and "Doon the burn, Davie, lad" — were included in the programme, and the latter was especially good. During the evening, Mr G. M. Thomson, P.L.S., gave an interesting address on Burns's relation to the world of' Nature. The lecturer was frequently applauded, and had no difficulty in holding the attention of his audience throughout the course of his remarks. Votes of thanks were passed, on the motion of Mr R. Brown, to the various performers, to the lecturer, and to the chairman. Mr W. R. Don acted as conductor, and Miss B. Wright as accompanist during the evening.  -Otago Daily Times, 22/6/1899.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin, DCC photo.