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| Northern Cemetery, Dunedin. |
DEATHS
LESLIE. — On 22nd October. 1909 (accidentally, by drowning), James Walter Stewart, youngest and dearly-beloved son of George and Ellen Leslie; aged 5 years. Deeply regretted, Private interment. No flowers. -Evening Star, 23/10/1909.
LITTLE JAMES LESLIE
A SAD DEATH.
An inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of James Walter Stuart Leslie, who met an untimely death by drowning on Friday night, was held before Mr L. O. Graham (coroner) at the Morgue this morning. Sergeant McKeefry represented the police.
George Leslie, the lad’s father, identified the body as that of his son, James Walter Stuart Leslie, who was just five years past. On Friday the boy had gone to school as usual, had come home for dinner, and had been seen again by his mother at 2.30 o'clock. He had then gone out to play, but had not returned, and could not be found. A thorough search was made from six o'clock until midnight, the police and hospital authorities being communicated with. He (the father) waited till daylight, and resumed his search, finally finding the body of his son lying under the cross wharf at the Jetty street steps. The body was cold and partially covered with water. This would be about 5.15 o’clock. The police were communicated with, and the body removed immediately to the Morgue. It had not been a habit of the boy’s to go to the wharf alone. The boy had been robust, and enjoyed the best of health
William Elliot, the little playmate of the deceased, who had been in his company on the day in question, told his story amid sobs. He knew Jimmy Leslie well, and had gone to school with him on Friday. At 2.30 o’clock they came home together, and deceased had asked witness to come to the wharf. They went together “to have a look at the boats.” The little chap did not give a clear description of the occurrence, being greatly disturbed by the presence of the police, and remembering his interviews with them since Friday. He stated that Jimmy Leslie had sighted a piece of seaweed, and said he wished to get it. Witness first said that Leslie had fallen over the railway on the wharf, and later that he had gone down the steps to the old punt, and had slipped in while endeavoring to get the seaweed. He ran home straight away.
On being questioned, the lad said he had not screamed, and would have told somebody of what had happened, but no one was about. Next morning, in the presence of the police, he told his mother what he knew. No one else was present but he and the deceased. It was after four o’clock when he got home.
The Coroner said: “I can only come to the conclusion that the poor little chap was accidentally drowned. I sympathise with his parents.” -Evening Star, 25/10/1909.
IN MEMORIAM
LESLIE. — In memory or James Walter Stewart (little Jim), dearly beloved youngest son of George and Ellen Leslie, who was drowned at Dunedin wharf October 22, 1903; aged 5 years.
He has gone like a flower cut down in its bloom,
From the sunshine of life to the shade of the tomb:
But death cannot sever the chain of our love,
Nor steal the fond hope we shall meet him above.
— Inserted by his loving parents, sisters, and brothers. -Evening Star, 22/10/1910.
IN MEMORIAM
LESLIE. — In memory or James Walter Stewart (little Jim), dearly beloved youngest son of George and Ellen Leslie, who was drowned at Dunedin wharf October 22, 1903; aged 5 years.
He has gone like a flower cut down in its bloom,
From the sunshine of life to the shade of the tomb:
But death cannot sever the chain of our love,
Nor steal the fond hope we shall meet him above.
— Inserted by his loving parents, sisters, and brothers. -Evening Star, 22/10/1911.
LESLIE. - In loving memory of James Walter Stewart, dearly loved youngest son of George and Ellen Leslie, who was drowned at Dunedin wharf on October 22 1909. "So loved, so mourned." -Inserted by his sorrowing parents, brothers, and sisters. -Otago Daily Times, 22/10/1912.
The "in memoriam" notices for "Little Jim" continued until 1916.
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