Tuesday 24 January 2023

Horatio Herbert Braid, 1916-24/7/1943.


ARMED FORCES

APPEALS AGAINST SERVICE 

SITTING OF BOARD 

The Armed Forces Appeal Board — Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M. (chairman). and Messrs H. Hodgson and J. Price — continued its Dunedin silting yesterday. Mr A. N. Haggitt appeared for the Director of National Service.

Scheelite Miners 

The Inspector of Mines appealed on behalf of Andrew Elliot Paulin, George Adam Cruickshank, and Donald McLennan Kearney, all scheelite miners, on the grounds of public interest. There was also an appeal by the Director of National Service on behalf of Cruickshank, on similar grounds. — Thomas McMillan, inspector of mines, said there was a shortage of scheelite miners, and scheelite was needed for war purposes. — The appeals were adjourned sine die. — An appeal on behalf of Hugh Lloyd Lawrence Fraser was withdrawn, as Fraser had recently left the mine where he was employed. Horatio Herbert Braid, a scheelite miner, appealed on the grounds of national interest and undue hardship. The appeal on the former ground was adjourned sine die. and the appeal on the ground of undue hardship was dismissed.  -Otago Daily Times, 22/5/1941.


ENGAGEMENTS

The engagement has been announced between Horatio Herbert, son of Mr and Mrs G. Braid, of Orepuki, and Valmai Patricia, youngest daughter of Mrs R. Anderson, of Otatara, and the late J. R. Affleck, of Glentunnel.   -Otago Daily Times, 28/3/1942.


An inquest into the death of Horatio Herbert Braid, a scheelite miner, formerly of Glenorchy, who was accidentally shot in the leg at Port William (Stewart Island) on Saturday afternoon and died in the Southland hospital on Saturday afternoon, was opened in Invercargill recently. The evidence showed that Wm. Braid, brother of deceased, was in the act of unloading a .303 rifle in a boat when it discharged. The bullet went through the planking of the deck and shot deceased in the leg. He was removed to Bluff and taken to hospital where he died. The inquest was adjourned.  -Lake Wakatip Mail, 29/7/1943.



Durham St Cemetery, Invercargill.

7158 Lieutenant Stanley John Green, 1911-25/5/1941.

PRESUMED KILLED 

AN INVERCARGILL OFFICER 

Advice has been received by Mr and Mrs William Green, 98 Nith street, Invercargill, that their son, Lieutenant Stanley John Green, who was previously reported missing, is now presumed to have been killed in Crete. Lieutenant Green was born in Invercargill. On leaving the Southland Boys’ High School he was employed by the Wellington Woollen Mills and was later transferred to Invercargill as traveller. He was a keen swimmer and was for several years secretary of the Southland Swimming Centre. He was 30 years of age.  -Otago Daily Times, 24/7/1941.

Durham St Cemetery, Invercargill.



Stanley Green was killed on a desperate day for the NZ Army, at the village of Galatas on Crete.  German forces had taken the village and were threatening the New Zealand position.  A counter-attack was ordered and Sergeant Kimber of the Bren gun platoon saw the action: 
"As Lt Bain was senior officer he assumed charge of us, and I would like to pay tribute … to the determined and gallant manner in which he led that bayonet charge and pressed it home. Nothing short of a 25-pounder would have stopped him….

At the church we were held up by MG fire, so Lt Bain and about half a dozen men went one side [while] Lt Green and six of us went to the other side. We were just turning the corner into a narrow lane [when] an MG opened up at about 20 yards' range … [killing Lt Green and a machine-gunner, wounding Private Dave Whittaker and a man from 18 Battalion]  -Official History of 20 Battalion and Armoured Unit.


Stanley Green was buried in the Soudos Bay War Cemetery.


Roll of honour

Green - In loving memory of our beloved nephew, Lieutenant Stanley John, who died in Crete on May 25, 1941.

We have lost, but God has gained, 

One of the best this world contained. 

B. and L. Drake, Waimiha.  -NZ Herald, 25/5/1942.


Soudos Bay Military Cemetery, Crete.


Saturday 14 January 2023

Arthur Bull, (1875-21/8/1900) and family.

 CASUALTIES.

At the inquest on a boy named James Nescur Abercrombie, killed by the Richmond coach on the Stanmore road (Christchurch) on Monday, the jury returned a verdict of accidental death, no blame being attached to anyone. 

Arthur Bull, a married man with a young family, was fatally injured in Fisher’s sawmill at Colac Bay yesterday. No particulars have so far been received.,

Arthur Edward Bull, a bushman, was killed yesterday afternoon by a tree falling on him at Fisher Point, Colac Bay. Deceased was married.  -Evening Star, 22/8/1900.


The Colac Bat Fatality. — From later information it appears that Arthur Bull, whose death by accident was reported yesterday, was felling timber for Fisher's mill. A tree, which deceased and his two mates were felling, struck a sapling in its descent and from this a piece about three feet long and weighing from 15 to 20 lb flew back and struck him on the top of the head. The party had moved away as the tree commenced to fall and Bull, who had gone about 20 yards, was in the act of looking round when he received the fatal blow. The fracture was a terrible one, and the unfortunate young man died soon after. Deceased was a member of the Druids Lodge, and was much respected. The eldest of his family of four is only seven years old.   -Southland Times, 23/8/1900.


Subscription List

The subscriptions below have been received at this office on behalf of Mrs Bull, whose husband, Arthur Bull, was killed by an accident in bush falling at Colac Bay, on the 21st August. Deceased was quite a young man, and his widow and four helpless children are not provided for. The people at Colac have evidently held the family in esteem, as they have taken energetic steps to assist the widow and children. Our cooperation has been solicited, and the case has been placed before the public.

Mrs N. J. M. Rein ... £0 10 0 

Mrs G. Featherston ... 0 10 0 

J.S.R 0 2 6 

W. J. Moffett 0 10 0 

B. Ekensteen . ... 10 0 

Mrs Bratby 0 10 0 

Miss Bratby 0 10 0 

Sympathy and four children 0 10 0 

R. T Cumming 0 10 6 

Thos. Buxton 0 10 0 

A.B.C    0 5 0

_______________

£4 19 0 

List still open.  -Southland Times, 1/9/1900.


Subscription List 

On behalf of Mrs Bull and family, widow and children (4) of Arthur Bull, killed by bush accident at Colac Bay, on 21st August. 

Already acknowledged ... £'20 4 6 

Mrs T.B. 1 0 0 

N.Z. Pine Co.'s Waianiwa mill 7 1 6 

Woodend mi11... 5 7 0 

_______________

£34 4 0  -Southland Times, 22/9/1900.


Benefit. — The City Band are making arrangements for a sacred concert in the theatre on .Sunday evening for the benefit of Mrs Bull. A number of leading vocalists have kindly consented to assist, and the Kinematograph Syndicate have generously placed their services at the disposal of the band, so that a number of appropriate views, and the solos, will be illustrated. Particulars will be published in a few days.   -Southland Times, 25/9/1900.


A Good Pot. — We have very great pleasure indeed in acknowledging the receipt of £20 5s from Mr H. E. Anthony. The amount is the proceeds of the football match between the bootmakers and tailors, played last Wednesday week, on behalf of Mrs Bull and her children. The usual acknowledgement, with a footnote, will be found in the advertising columns. This is kicking to good purpose, and the young fellows of some other trades might do worse than exercise their stalwart limbs in the same good cause. It may not be betraying secrets to mention that some of Mrs Bull's friends, the friends also of her late husband, at Colac — and we join with them — hope to raise enough to procure a home for the family.  -Southland Times, 29/9/1900.


Welcome Contribution. — ln aid of the fund being raised to assist the unfortunate widow, Mrs Bull, a number of ladies very kindly organised a euchre party and dance, which was held in Ashley's Hall towards the end of last month, and was so successful that the handsome sum of £6 4s was cleared and has been handed into this office.   -Southland Times, 16/10/1900.


The Fund for Mrs Bull and Children

Contributors to this' fund, either to the list opened in this office or through those of the Colac Committee, will no doubt be interested to learn something of the steps taken to meet the necessities of the case. Lapse of time having showed that subscriptions were pretty nearly all in, the Colac Committee called a general meeting, and invited the attendance of delegates from Invercargill. On his own account, and at the request of several joint contributors such as the City Band, Mr Gilmour attended the meeting. On comparing notes it was found that close on £200 had been subscribed. After due discussion it was deemed advisable to procure a suitable home for Mrs Bull in Invercargill, where she would be beside her relatives and had a fair prospect of being able to earn her living. It being inconvenient for men resident so far from town as Colac, the committee agreed to ask Mr Andrew Bain and Mr James Leggatt to co-operate with Mr Gilmour in selecting a suitable home for Mrs Bull. These gentlemen after due enquiry and personal inspection selected one in Leet street that appeared in every way suitable. The price was a little above the amount in hand, even after the owners had reduced the figures in consideration of the circumstances. The selectors, however, with the concurrence of the Colac Committee, fixed upon this property, not only as being the best suited for the purpose in view, but as best value of any of the properties under offer. About £20 is wanted to make up the sum required. The committee at Colac are making a fresh effort to raise at least a portion of this sum, and we think there may be some in and about luvercargill who will gladly assist, whether they may have subscribed before or not. We have no doubt there are, and confidently appeal to the public for just a few more pounds — in any sums contributors please — to enable' the committee to carry this laudable effort to a successful termination. As heretofore, any money sent in will be acknowledged in the usual way.  -Southland Times, 28/11/1900.


STATEMENT OP MRS BULL'S FUND. 

MONEYS PAID THROUGH THE SOUTHLAND TIMES OFFICE 

RECEIPTS 1900 £. S. D 

Dec 31 — Contributions through Southland Times lists and lists by other collectors sent in, all acknowledged through the paper -. .. .. .. 91 13 8 

1901 May 6 Advance by Mr Bacon to complete purchase, pending return of all Colac 1ists  .. .. 30 0 0 

Cheques from Colac Committee: Nov. 22 £50; 1901: Jan. 16 £41, April 15 £12, May 22 £13 10s . . . . . . 110 10 0 

(total)  £238 3 8 

EXPENDITURE

 Purchase of property in instalments - Paid Nov. 23 £60, Dec. 19 £60; 1901: Jan 16 £65, April 16 £15, May 6 £30 .. .. (total( 220 0 0 

Interest, on purchase money — 1901 Jan. 18, May 6, £1 5 8 

Insurance, Jan. 20 . . . . . . £0 14 6 

Postages, exchange, and sundry incidental expenses .. ..  .. 10 0 0 

Stamps and registration fees on deeds . . 2 12 6 

Refund in part payment to Mr Bacon . . £12 11 0 

)Total)  £233 3 8 

ROBT. GILMOUR, General Treasurer.   -Southland Times, 15/2/1902.

Although I can only assume that it is the same Mrs Bull, a Mrs Bull advertised regularly in the Southland Times with a range of pork products for sale from Dee St, Invercargill, boiled ham being a specialty.


Durham St Cemetery, Invercargill.


Friday 13 January 2023

Terrence Charleston Burrowes, 1907-5/1/1917.

On Friday morning some children were playing on the foreshore along the railway line, when an engine shunting came along, and before being able to get clear, Terrence Charleston Burrowes, 8th son of Senior Sergt. Burrowes, aged nine years, was knocked down and run over. The injury was so severe that the lad died on removal to the hospital. Much sympathy is extended to the sergeant and his wife, for Terrence was a general favourite with all who knew him.  -Southern Cross, 6/1/1917.


DEATHS

BURROWES, — At Invercargill, on January 5, 1917 (the result of an accident), Terence Charleston, beloved youngest son of Sergeant John A. and Patricia S. Burrowes, of Deveron street; aged 9 years. Deeply regretted. Funeral private. 

KINGSLAND & FERGUSON, Undertakers.  -Southland Times, 6/1/1917.


INQUEST.

THE RAILWAY YARD ACCIDENT. 

An inquest touching on the circumstances of the death of Terence Charleston Burrowes was held on Saturday afternoon by the Acting Coroner (Mr Jas. Ward, J.P.) and a jury of four, of whom Mr Hugh Hunter was chosen as foreman. Sergt. Kelly conducted the inquiry for the police, while Mr H, P. West watched proceedings on behalf of the Railway Department. 

Evidence was given by Jno. Burrowes (father of the deceased), James Burrowes (his brother), Wm. Leonard Brewer (a playmate), Guard Clark and Driver Smith, N.Z.R., and Dr Woodhouse of the Southland Hospital. The evidence disclosed that the deceased and two of his brothers, in company with their chum Len Brewer, had been fishing at the mouth of Puni Creek during the forenoon on Friday. As noon approached they tied their lines and went off down the beach to kindle a fire, for they were “camping” and intended cooking their own dinner. After a time one of the Burrowes boys took charge of the fire, while the other three went back to examine the lines. For a time they followed the beach, but it became necessary to take the railway property before they could get to the mouth of the creek. The lads saw no one shunting and heard no whistles. They were just about opposite their lines and the boy Brewer was down over the bank again when James and Terence Burrowes were running backwards. Terence was nearer the rails than his brother when the latter glanced over his shoulder and saw a line of stock trucks bearing down upon them. He shouted, but was too late and Terence was struck. The trucks were still moving and evidently carrying their victim with them when plucky little 11-year-old James grasped his brother's arm and pulled him clear. Then the boys summoned the shunting men who at once ran the sufferer up to the hospital. James then went off to inform his father while the lad Brewer carried the bad news to the other brother down at the fire. — Dr Woodhouse said that although the deceased was conscious when admitted to the hospital at 13.35 his injuries were such as to render his case hopeless from the first. His right leg was amputated and his other wounds dressed but he lived for only thirteen minutes after he was taken back to his ward. Death was due to shock following on the injuries. — The railwayman, who had not seen the boys all morning, stated that it was not customary — and was not considered necessary — to give warning whistles when shunting. 

In returning a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence the Coroner and jury expressed sympathy with the bereaved parents and family and commended James Burrowes for his prompt action in the emergency.  -Southland Times, 8/1/1917.


Durham St Cemetery, Invercargill.


2/835 Captain Frederick Eli Hitchon Cooke, NZFA, 15/2/1884-14/10/1916.

 KILLED IN ACTION.

Captain Frederick E. H. Cooke, formerly Officer Commanding the 5th Battery, was killed in action in France on October 14. Ho was the eldest son of Mrs A. M. Cooke, Inverercargill, and was 32 years of age. He was born at Stourport. England, and was educated at the Queen Elizabeth Grammar School. He enlisted with the Main Body. Prior to enlisting he was manager of the Southland Meat Company. He joined the City Rifles in 1900, and rose to the rank of sergeant. He leaves a widow, two sons, and two daughters, now residing in Main South road, Caversham. Captain Cooke arrived in Invercargill in 1906. Before leaving Dunedin he served in the Dunedin City Rifles, under Captain McAra. He was transferred to the Awarua Rifles, Invercargill, and in 1908 he was appointed lieutenant in that company. He served in that capacity until 1911, when he transferred to the C Battery, N.Z.F.A. He was an ideal officer, always up-to-date in his drill, soldier-like in dress and appearance, with a good word of command. He was liked and respected by those under as well as above him. He always took a keen interest in the welfare of his company, and assisted actively in the social as well as the military affairs of his corps. He was a rifle shot above the average, and did good work for the rifle team on many occasions. When he was transferred to C Battery his special abilities and knowledge of horses made his services specially valuable. He took charge of drivers' and specialists' sub-sections. Several week-end camps were held on his property, and though his business kept him much confined, he attended all the annual camps, and was battery leader at Matarae during the inspection by Sir Ian Hamilton. He also took some part in the public and municipal affairs of Invercargill, and served terms on both the Avenal and Invercargill Borough Councils. He was a prominent officer of Southern Cross Lodge, No. 9, and was also a member of several sports clubs.  -Otago Daily Times, 24/3/1917.

Captain Cooke died at the beginning of the New Zealand part of the Battle of the Somme.  The New Zealand Field Artillery's Official History does not record the circumstances of his death so either of two causes can be reasonable assumed: either counter-battery fire - German artillery attempting to destroy batteries across the line - or a "short" or "premature" - a shell with a faulty fuse which explodes in a gun or just after firing.  At a time of heavy bombardment, both instances were likely to occur.

Frederick Cooke lies in the Dartmoor Cemetery at Becordel-Becourt at the Somme in France.


Durham St Cemetery, Invercargill.


Thursday 12 January 2023

NZ391343 Flight Sergeant Jack Burrall Courtis, 1/10/1914-5/12/1940.

FATAL AIR CRASH

NEW ZEALANDER IN ENGLAND 

[United Press Association] INVERCARGILL, 10th December. Official advice has been received of the death in an aircraft accident in Britain of Sergeant Pilot J. B. Courtis, son of Mr A. H. Courtis, Invercargill. 

The advice is contained in a cablegram from the Records Department of the Royal Air Force. It is stated that Sergeant Pilot Courtis was flying a plane which crashed on hills during bad weather. 

Sergeant Pilot Courtis received his preliminary flying training with the Southland Aero Club, and transferred from the reserve of pilots to the Royal New Zealand Air Force shortly after the outbreak of war. He passed through the Levin and the Taieri training schools and gained his wings at Wigram.  -Nelson Evening Mail, 11/12/1940.


Flight Sergeant Courtis lies buried in Montrose Cemetery, in Angus, Scotland.


Durham St Cemetery, Invercargill.








The Myers Family - victims of the pandemic.


LATE ADVERTISEMENTS

DEATHS

MYERS. — At Invercargill, on Monday, Nov. 25, 1918, Bertha Emily, dearly beloved daughter of Alfred and Bertha Emily Myers; aged 31 years. Private interment. 

J. FRASER & CO., Undertakers. 

MYERS. — At Invercargill, on Monday, Nov. 25, 1918, Norman Meredith, beloved son of Alfred and Bertha Myers; aged 25 years. 

J. FRASER & CO., Undertakers.  -Southland Times, 26/11/1918.


There passed away on Monday Bertha, in her 29th year, and Norman, in his 23rd year, eldest daughter and only son of Mr and Mrs A. Myers, of Northend, Invercargill. Miss Myors had worked with Mr T. Rankin, watchmaker. They were both enthusiastic musicians, Miss Myers being a leading member of the Leet Street Church, and also a valued member of the First Church Concert Party. She was also connected with the Y.W.C.A., and treasurer of the Rechabite Lodge. Mr Norman F. Myers's whole life was wrapped up in music, and had he been spared no doubt he would have had a future in that line. At the age of eleven years he took his place as one of the original members of the Dominion Band. Two years later at a band contest his playing of the flugel horn was described by the judge as almost perfect. He then took up the violin, having a brilliant career with that instrument. He passed his A.T.C.L. and L.T.C.L. in succeeding years, and intended going up for his L.A.B. degree in a few days. He was teaching music at Winton and Wyndham, a member of Mr Ferguson's orchestra, and also organist for the Star of Waikiwi and Pioneer Lodges, I .O. O. F.   -Press, 30/11/1918.


The death occurred yesterday of Mr Alfred Myers, bootmaker, Invercargill, who had been suffering from influenza for the past fortnight. Mr Myers, who was born at Waikiwi, had resided here all his life, and was highly esteemed by those with whom he came into contact. He was an enthusiastic Oddfellow, being a Past Grand of the Pioneer of Southland Lodge, and had held the office of D.D.G.M. for the Southland district. He had also represented the district at sessions of the Grand Lodge, and had rendered valuable service to his Lodge as a Trustee and to the Southland Board of Control. His membership of the Lodge extended over a period of thirty years. Last week his son and daughter were carried off by the epidemic. He leaves a widow and grown-up daughter, to whom general sympathy will be extended.   -Southland Times, 5/12/1918.


I. O. O. F.

PIONEER OF SOUTHLAND LODGE, No. 27. 

THE Members of the above Lodge are respectfully requested to attend the funeral of their late Bro. P.D.D.G.M. Alfred Myers. A conveyance will leave the Lodge Room, Tay street, at 2 pm. on Thursday.  WM. TAYLOR, Sec.   -Southland Times, 5/12/1918.


Durham St Cemetery, Invercargill.


The McCurdy Family - three sons and their mother.

"LIVERPOOL'S OWN" IN ACTION

WAIKIWI SOLDIER’S STORY. 

A GRAPHIC NARRATIVE. 

Private Charles McCurdy, who was formerly on the staff of Royds Bros, and Kirk, writing to a member of the Southland Times' literary staff, has the following to say about a fight with the tribes on the Western portion of Egypt: 

Western Frontier. Egypt, Sunday, 30/1/16. 

Just having come off Church parade I am taking a few minutes to give you an account of our last bit of a go. During the past few weeks out battalion has been on the outpost work in connection with our camp here, and so last Friday week past our platoon was on at No. 5 sangar. That night it rained as it usually does at this time of the season here (at night's) and so we didn’t have a too joyful sleep, but still got an hour or two. Next day at one we were relieved and on arriving in camp, received orders to get ready to go out into the desert for two or three days. We left camp at 3.15, and after a very strenuous and gruelling march until 9.15 we arrived at our camping ground for the night. We got to work and built a wall of stones (of which there are any amount), but were not allowed to light fires owing to being in the vicinity of the enemy. It was raining by this time, but getting our blanket and overcoat we soon settled down to sleep, having a few hours rest. We left there at 6.30 next morning, leaving the road and going inwards. We were the right flank guard of the column but no side issues took place, and we marched on until 9.15 when we halted for half an hour, which was much appreciated by all as the marching had been very gruelling and uninteresting. Just after beginning to move forward again a cheer went up as the sound of big gun firing came to us from the front, which told us that this was no wild goose chase, as the last 54 mile march had been. We continued on and now could see the bursting of the enemy's shrapnel, while we could also see the flashes of our own artillery as they got to work. We were on the desert, and for miles around it looked like a billiard table with no ridges, excepting one small one in front, which we rightly guessed was where the enemy were. Our column marched to their deploying point, which was under our ranged machine gun fire and unfortunately a few of these found marks amongst our chaps, while still in the column, although personally I had only one that passed anyway near me, going between Cecil Reid and myself. When here we found out we were the reserve battalion, and so I cannot give you any details of the main fighting, which, judging by the casualties, must have been fairly severe. We lay there for a while watching the operations, the firing being pretty solid, especially by the machine guns, of which there seemed to be a plentiful supply on both sides. We were particularly interested in a party of our’s (not E.L.O.) retreating from some of the enemy on the right flank. They were retiring in short rushes followed up by about 500 of the enemy, who also had two machine guns. We (B Co.) were then ordered to attack this crowd, who were about 1700 yards away. We approached in lines extended to seven paces, myself being in the front line, advancing for some 300 yards before they turned their rifle fire on to us, which by the way did no damage. They then turned their machine guns on to us, and so we advanced for a short distance in sectional rushes until about 1200 yds from them, when we lay down and bringing up two machine guns we began to put in the lead. We were answered fairly well, especially by their machine guns, but their bullets just went clipping our heads, landing about 50 yards behind us. We kept this up for a half hour or more when they began to get out of it at the double, and as we were the reserve we just had to march back to head-quarters having only had one wounded. We waited there uninterrupted until the various units returned, and judging by reports the enemy were well driven back with fair loss. It began to rain and as we were about wet through by this time things were rather miserable, but we kept up our hearts, as we were told we could light fires and have some hot tea, (we still have a drop of water left), as long as no snipers were about. We were allotted our camping ground, and set to work to build the usual protection wall, having it nicely completed and some wood gathered when our section was ordered to go on outpost. Through an unavoidable happening we couldn’t get our blanket or overcoat and being wet through, and as it was still raining off and on, we did not look forward to this but, however, of such is the soldier’s' life composed. We were marched to our post a few hundred yards in front of the camp and just where the fight began, and there took up our post. Of all the miserable nights I have ever put in this takes the cake. When on duty for two hours absolute quietness and steadiness was essential, and then when actually off sentry we had to lie on the wet ground not being able (or allowed) to move about to keep ourselves warm. However, the night passed without an incident, and next morning we were anxious to get on the move again, as underfoot it was very sloppy and still raining and very cold. We had a biscuit and a drop of water, and away we went but our progress was slow as the going was very heavy, while our platoon had to lend a hand to carry the wounded back until the vans could get up to them. We landed hack to our previous camping place fairly early that night, and after fixing up our position we lit a lire and you will understand the first cup of hot tea was very acceptable. We got our blanket and overcoat and you can see I was fairly tired when I tell you I slept just on seven hours, although they told me it rained a good deal during the night, and was also very cold. We got going for home at about 9.30, arriving at 5 that night in good order, excepting for our feet, which suffered a good deal. We had marched (with our equipment and rations) fully 60 odd miles during that time, and as you see with not too much sleep, but, however. in a day or two we were back to our old form and feeling A 1 again. It is these gruelling marches that makes the life in this part so strenuous, although when we have a go it is the open attack, and is fairly nervy as there is not overmuch natural covering on the desert. It was just as well they did not have the right range on to us as their bullets went over us in waves backward and forward. We have been having a fairly easy time since then and enjoying ourselves as well as possible.  -Southland Times, 15/3/1916.


L-CPL McCurdy. 

Lance-Corporal Charles McCurdy was officially reported “missing and believed to be killed in action.” He has not yet been officially reported killed in action, but advice received from his chum leaves little room for doubt as to his fate. This chum saw Lance-Corporal McCurdy fall and states that he was killed. The deceased soldier was a son of Mr Alexander and Mrs Jane McCurdy, of Prestonville, Invercargill. He was 28 years of age and was born at Waikiwi, and educated at the Waikiwi and Waihopai schools. Prior to leaving with the Main Body of the Earl of Liverpool's Own, he was employed as storeman by Messrs Royds Bros, and Kirk, with whom lie had been for nine years. He was a keen sport, and had been for several years a prominent member of the Waikiwi Football and Cricket Clubs. He was of an exceptionally cheery disposition, and was a great favourite with all with whom he came in contact. He received his stripe in France. He was for several months in Egypt and took part in the operations against the Senussi. He left Egypt for France with the Main Body.  -Southland Times, 30/11/1916.



Charles McCurdy's Army records contain the following note, from the Court of Enquiry held after the battle in which he died: "At Fler on 15th Sept. at about 10 o'clock I saw Rflmn McCurdy hit and fall. I went over to him and examined him. I found him to be dead. He was hit through the back. Cpl Reed of my company also examined him and collected the pay book etc from his body."

The coinciding portion of the NZ Rifle Brigade's Official History contains the following: "The 1st Battalion, detailed for the task of securing the final objective, consisting roughly of Grove Alley, moved forward immediately behind the 2nd and 3rd. The advance was made on a two-company frontage. "A" Company (Capt. L. M. Inglis) on the right and "B" (Capt. B. R. Lankshear) on the left, leading, with "C" (Capt. P. A. Elder) and "D" (Capt. H. C. Meikle) following in support. Part of "D" Company had been detailed as battalion reserve. Approaching the Blue Line the battalion began to suffer heavy casualties from machine-gun fire coming from the left. Lance-Corporal F. N. Fletcher, with a bombing-party of six men from one of the rear companies, swung out beyond the left flank, located the enemy machine-gun, and attacking it from flank and rear succeeded in bombing out the crew and destroying the gun, thus removing a serious obstacle to the advance."

Charles was in "B" Company and it is reasonable to assume that he met his death from the German machine gun.


IN MEMORIAM.

McCURDY. — In sad but loving memory of L./Cpl. Charles McCurdy, fourth son of Alexander and Jane McCurdy, of Waikiwi, who was killed in action somewhere in France, on September 15, 1916. 

Just when life was brightest, Just when his hopes were best, 

His country called, and he answered; Now in God’s hands he rests. 

We pictured his safe returning, And longed to clasp his hand. 

But death has postponed the meeting, ’Twill be in a better land. 

Inserted by his loving parents, sisters, and brothers.  -Southland Times, 16/11/1918.


ABOUT PEOPLE

Misfortune has fallen with heavy hand on the home of Mr and Mrs Alexander McCurdy, Prestonville, Waikiwi. On Sunday last a son, John, passed away after an illness of six weeks, and on Wednesday Samuel, another son, also died. “Jack” was held in high esteem by the residents of the district, and any deserving cause received his wholehearted sympathy and practical help, while his brother also possessed many good qualities. He was for a long time engaged on the clerical staff of the Southland Education Board, and a few months ago proceeded to Auckland to participate in the work of the Y.M.C.A. there. About six weeks ago, however, his health became so bad that he had to return to his home, and medical aid was unavailing. It is a singular and sad coincidence that John died on the second anniversary of the death of a brother, Lance-Corporal McCurdy, who was killed in action on September 15, 1916.  -Southland Times, 21/9/1918.


DEATHS.

McCURDY — At her residence, James St., Prestonville, on Sunday, October 5, 1924, Jane, beloved wife of Alexander McCurdy; in her 65th year. “A Patient Sufferer Gone to Rest.” The funeral will leave the house at 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday, the 7th inst., for St. John’s Cemetery, Waikiwi. Friends please accept this (the only) intimation. — Macdonald & Weston, Undertakers (successors to Kingsland & Ferguson).   -Southland Times, 6/10/1924.



Durham St Cemetery, Invercargill.



Tuesday 10 January 2023

Edward Palmer Gore, 1874-24/1/1918.

OBITUARY

MR PALMER GORE. 

The Reaper yesterday removed from our ranks one who was just beginning to be well known and well esteemed, viz., Mr E. Palmer Gore, manager of the Albion Picture Theatre. Like the "Mine Host" of other days, he stood at the entrance and his cheery smile welcomed the hundreds who nightly frequent this place of amusement, while his uniform courtesy and consideration were greatly appreciated. The late gentleman was engaged in the theatrical business with Messrs Haywards ever since he was a lad, with the exception of fourteen years, during which period he held two important positions in the Glasgow Corporation. The first municipal position he held was in the Tramway Department. Here he had control of that body’s numerous servants, a task that was heavy as far as actual work was concerned, and laden with responsibility. For nine years Mr Gore was employed in this way, receiving a transfer to the Halls’ Department. In this new sphere, the deceased was second in command and was duly helped in his duties by his life’s partner, Mrs Gore. It was while in this capacity that Mr Gore had the honour to wait on the King and Queen on more than one occasion during their visits to the city. During the five years he occupied this position the late gentleman and his wife were in constant touch with the nobility of England. Indeed it was Mr Gore who conducted Sir Joseph Ward round Glasgow when the Freedom of the City was presented to the Colonial Premiers some years ago. The deceased was known throughout the theatrical world of the United Kingdom, and including the time spent in New Zealand was engaged in the theatrical line, under the Hayward banner for a period of over twenty years. When the Hayward firm decided to come to this colony Mr Gore gave up his position with the corporation and followed the company he liked so well. Strange to say only five months ago he received a letter from the Glasgow Council asking him to come back to the position he had filled so excellently. His Majesty's Theatre, Christchurch, was in Mr Gore's hands for four and a half years after his arrival in the colony, and eleven months ago he came to Invercargill as manager of the Albion Theatre. During that short space of time he has become exceedingly popular, and the knowledge of his sudden death will come as sad tidings to his many friends. Mr Gore was on duty to the last, supervising the theatre on Wednesday evening. In the early hours of Thursday morning he died as the result of a heart seizure. A wife and son are left to mourn the loss of an excellent husband and father. The funeral will probably take place on Saturday. It is a very high compliment to Mr Gore to be able to say that though he has in his time had thousands of men under him, he never received one complaint. This speaks for itself, and does it not speak volumes? At the Popular Pictures last evening, at a suitable interval, Mr Credgington, the manager, paid a fine tribute to Mr Palmer Gore, whom he described as a champion good fellow. The action was a very worthy one, and was much appreciated by the late gentleman’s widow and friends.  -Southland Times, 25/12/1918.


Durham St Cemetery, Invercargill.


2nd Lieutenant John Stephenson Hazlett, 20/12/1899-18/3/1944.




KILLED IN ACTION

LIEUTENANT J. S. HAZLETT

Lieutenant John Stephenson Hazlett, who has been killed in action in Italy, was the eldest son of Mr W. T. Hazlett, of Invercargill. He was educated at the Waihopai School, Invercargill, and at the Waitaki Boys’ High School. He was a member of the Waitaki Rugby fifteen, and was an exceptionally good boxer, being the winner of the school middle-weight championship. On leaving school he became a member of the Pirates’ Football Club in Invercargill, and for several seasons played for Southland as a five-eighths. He captained the Southland representative team, and in 1924 he took part in the All Black Rugby trials. 

Lieutenant Hazlett was keenly interested in horses, and raced in partnership with his brother under the title of "J. S. and W. E. Hazlett.” They met with much success, particularly with hurdlers and steeplechasers. Lieutenant Hazlett was a good amateur rider, and won several steeplechases in hunting company. He hunted with the Birchwood Hounds and was master for a number of years. He owned the Burwood, Mavora and Centre Hill Stations in Southland in partnership with his brother, Mr W. E. Hazlett. He enlisted for service with the forces early in 1940.  -Otago Daily Times, 28/3/1944.


Lieutenant John Stephenson Hazlett, reported killed in action, was the senior member of the well-known racing partnership (J. S. and W. E. Hazlett), which has achieved such remarkable success in jumping races during the last five years. He was the eldest son of Mr W. T. Hazlett and grandson of Mr James Hazlett, who raced successfully in conjunction with Mr Stephenson. Lieutenant Hazlett was well over the age at which officers were accepted for active service overseas, but after persistent efforts he persuaded the authorities that his physical condition justified a relaxation of the regulation. In civilian life the deceased sportsman was engaged in pastoral pursuits. Until his weight proved a bar, he was a keen rider in races for amateurs.  -Timaru Herald, 30/3/1944.

Durham St Cemetery, Invercargill.


Hazlett Memorial Bay At Waitaki High School

NORTH OTAGO NEWS

The official opening of a bay erected to the memory of John Stephenson Hazlett, who was killed in action in Italy on March 19, 1944, adds yet another feature to the widely used and well-stocked library of the Waitaki Boys’ High School. The bay contains a table and six chairs presented by the Hazlett family, and in addition an endowment fund to provide books for the bay has been created. A memorial plaque was unveiled by Mrs Cunningham, a sister of this outstanding old boy, in the presence of another sister, Mrs Tapley, Mesdames S. I. Fitch and Reid (friends of the school), the Rev. A. Marshall (chairman of the Board of Governors), and the rector, Mr J. T. Burrows.

Speaking of the fine character and achievements of John Hazlett, Mr Burrows said he was a member of the cadet corps when at school, a member of the first rowing four which represented Waitaki at the interschools rowing championships, a member of the first fifteen, of the School Library and Waitakian, and was an outstanding athlete. He was also a prefect, and won the Holmes Nisbet Prize in 1918.

The library is probably the most pleasant room in the school. It was started 25 years ago by merging three rooms into one. and was capable of seating 80 boys. The extension of the shelving however, restricted the seating space and at the beginning of 1946 an adjoining room was prepared and painted by masters and boys and the newspaper racks and a magazine table are now housed there.

During recent years the library has been modernised. The walls have been painted cream and decorated with good pictures. Low, open shelving, much of it standing clear of the walls, has been substituted gradually for the old-fashioned glass bookcases. The tables have been cut to standard library dimensions, and a work bay screened off. The addition of the John Hazlett memorial bay is a further step towards making the room an attractive one in which to work and annually to the stock the total number does not increase rapidly, as some types of books receive plenty of use and others become outdated and are not returned to the shelves without good reason. There are now 6000 volumes on the shelves, 2000 of these being of the more popular kinds of fiction. These are kept along one wall. The remainder of the books are arranged according to the Dewey system, the classification being carried out about 12 years ago. The lending system is similar to that in public libraries, and loans average a book for each pupil at the school per fortnight. A feature of the library is the number of periodicals received — at one time there were 70, but now there are 43. These include 17 from England and six from America, the rest being New Zealand and Australian publications. There is nowadays far more class work in the library than there used to be. A knowledge of its resources and classification is a required part of the English syllabus, and its popularity during leisure time has not been diminished by school use.

The Department of Education not contributes liberally towards the purchase of books and equipment, but funds derived from school sources, such as the profit from the bookshop are still of importance for further development of the library. An old-established library, too, is in a happy position. The late Mr Frank Milner’s interest is evident to-day in sets of encyclopaedias, standard authors and reference materials, and the bound copies of periodicals such as Foreign Affairs and The Times Literary Supplement. It is hoped with the endowment of the Hazlett Memorial to build up a good section of reference books on all kinds of sport, a section which has not so far been a special feature of the library.  -Otago Daily Times, 25/6/1948.


John Hazlett served in the 20th (Armoured) Regiment of the New Zealand Army in North Africa Italy, joining shortly after the Regiment became an armoured one.  He was killed in an action which was part of the Battle of Monte Cassino.  The Official History of the 20th Armoured tells the story:

During these attempts to get around the corner a most distressing incident occurred. Jack Hazlett was very close to Albaneta House covering Renall and keeping an eye on Albaneta when his camouflage net which he was carrying on the back of his tank caught fire. Jack jumped out of his turret to pull it away and was shot dead from Albaneta. His wireless operator and gunner Sorich and Dasler also got out — I have never understood why they did — and dived into a huge bombhole alongside and both perished either from shelling or snipers from Albaneta — I think shelling as we were having a nasty strafing at the time. Shorty Gallagher and Bill Welch were the drivers and eventually brought the tank out, much holed by bazookas. They put up a magnificent show and Gallagher received the MM…. It was a tragic affair. Dasler and Sorich if they had remained would have come out…. The death of Stuffy Hazlett was a severe blow to the Squadron. His never failing good humour and commonsense, as well as his renowned unorthodox methods, had endeared him to us all — he was sadly missed.

At the risk of a little repetition, the story of the advance by Renall's troop, now two tanks strong, is well worth hearing at first hand. It is told by Corporal Jones, commander of the surviving tank, who did not escape from the action unscathed. He writes:

Buck came on the air to say our other tank was bogged and that we were to recce for an advance route to the Monastery. It was a wonderful experience being so close after weeks of cowering under its domination, and to think we could actually fire at it directly.

It was at this time I realized that our ammunition was running low. Our Browning tins were nearly empty and our 75mm racks were getting bare. Every shot had to count now.

We turned left and went forward a hundred yards or so and somebody on the air said to ‘put out that fire on that tank’. While I was looking round to see if it was ours I saw the camouflage net on Jack's burning and Jack [Hazlett] climbing out to extinguish it. Seconds later he fell off the tank.