LORRY CAPSIZES
THE DRIVER KILLED
WELL-KNOWN RUGBY PLAYER
A dark shadow cast itself over the Third Composite Infantry Battalion camp at Waikouaiti on Saturday evening when news was received of the death of Sergeant Edmund Eugene Murphy. He had been driving a lorry belonging to the Defence Department along the narrow road between Waitati and Port Chalmers during the night manoeuvres which were being carried out, when a skid resulted in disaster. Murphy was by himself in the truck, and the story of the accident was clearly revealed by signs in the shingle on the road. He had covered only a short distance on the upper Port Chalmers road when the lorry skidded more than 20yds in the shingle. It then capsized against a 12ft bank. Murphy was badly injured about the head, and his death must have been almost instantaneous.
An inquest was opened this morning before Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M., coroner, and after evidence of identification was taken was adjourned sine die.
BRILLIANT FOOTBALL CAREER. Edmund (“ Ted ”) Eugene Murphy was a single man, aged 26 years. He resided at 24 Mount street, Roslyn, and was a storeman in the employ of Messrs Cadbury, Fry, Hudson Ltd. Recently he had applied for a position with the Police Force, and it is understood his application had been favourably considered.
He came of a well-known Kaikorai family, members of whom had represented the Kaikorai Football Club for more than 40 years. He himself carried on the family tradition and was a prominent member of that club. He was, in fact, one of their best players, and rarely turned on an indifferent game. He commenced his football career at the Christian Brothers’ School, and after leaving there joined the Kaikorai Club. His rise was steady, and in 1933 he first represented Otago against Marlborough. He had represented his province every year since, and in 1935 was a member of the victorious team that lifted the Ranfurly Shield at Christchurch. During 1936 he several times assisted Otago in its defence of the shield. Last year he went on tour with the team.
During summer he played League cricket and was a member of the C.F.H. team. He was also a member of the C.F.H. Miniature Rifle Club. The deceased was highly popular with his workmates and his fellow-sports-men. -Evening Star, 31/1/1938.
The funeral of Sergeant Edmund Murphy, which took place yesterday, was very largely attended, included in those present being members of the defence forces, representatives of the Otago Rugby Union, and of the Kaikorai and other local football clubs and sports bodies. The casket was carried on a gun carriage to the Anderson’s Bay Cemetery, and a volley was fired at the graveside. Father Gavin conducted the service. -Otago Daily Times, 2/2/1938.
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