24/1154 Private Michael John O'Connor, 5/11/1894-7/6/1917.

 

THE ATTACK LAUNCHED.

"Punctually to time the great series of underground mines were fired, the effect instantly being a premonitory heaving and trembling of the earth, as if Nature, in some mad freak of hideous sympathy with the prevalent human wickedness, was preparing to launch an assortment of horrors on her own account. Simultaneously with the rending of the blood-soaked Ridge, again to be the scene of desperate conflict, the dark and sullen sky, as yet untouched by the sleeping dawn, was suffused with a red glow as the fire of the massed artillery broke out along the line, its thunderous reverberations rolling over the distant spaces of the battlefield. The infantry were at once in motion, and in splendid unison were now sweeping over the foremost German defences."

So stated the Official History of the Otago Infantry Regiment.

Michael O'Connor was not the best soldier. He joined the Rifle Brigade in 1915, having been a labourer for the railways.  In April 1916 he was returned to New Zealand and discharged as "undesirable."  He re-enlisted four months later and was part of the 4th Company,2nd Battalion for the Battle of Messines.  He did not answer the roll call after the battle and a Court of Enquiry found that he had been killed in action.

In yesterday's casualty lists the name of Michael John McLeod appeared among the missing. This should have been Michael John O'Connor. He is a son of Mrs J. O Connor, of York place.  -Evening Star, 5/7/1917.

O'CONNOR. — On June 7, killed while in action in France, Private Michael John O'Connor (7th and 18th Reinforcements), fourth son of James and Jane O'Connor, 117 York place, Dunedin; aged 20 years and 7 months.  -Otago Daily Times, 23/8/1917.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.

39230 Rifleman Thomas Heffernan, 27/12/1882-21/11/1917.

Private Thomas Heffernan, of South Dunedin, died in the Dunedin Hospital yesterday afternoon. He left the Dominion with the Southland section of the 22nd Reinforcements, and saw service in France. On the eve of the battle of Messines he had a severe attack of bronchitis, and after spending some time in hospital in England and France, he returned to New Zealand about two months ago. About a fortnight ago he had to go into hospital in Dunedin, where he died under an operation for an internal complaint. Heffernan was 35 years of age.-Press, 21/11/1917.

FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE. 

DEATHS. 

HEFFERNAN — At the Dunedin Hospital, Rifleman Thomas Heffernan, eldest son of the late Thomas and Margaret Heffernan, South. Dunedin. R.I.P.   -Otago Daily Times, 21/11/1917.

The remains of Rifleman Thomas Heffernan were interred at the Southern Cemetery with military honors this afternoon. The deceased, who was 35 years of age went to the war with the 22nd Reinforcements, returned invalided by the hospital ship that last reached New Zealand, and died whilst under an anaesthetic administered for the purpose of an operation. The Rev. Father Graham conducted the burial service. Captain Myers (A.A.G.) and Major Fleming represented the Defence Office, and Captain McGuigan, deceased's brother-in-law, was also present. Returned soldiers provided the firing party and acted as pall-bearers. A very large number of returned men and the public attended the funeral.  -Evening Star, 23/11/1917.

Thomas Heffernan did not die of the effects of bronchitis contracted on active service.  He died of a condition which he carried with him to war - a hydatid cyst in his liver.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.

 

The Scow "Portland" - 1910-?

The Portland is a rare survivor of a type of ship once common in New Zealand ports - especially the smaller ones.  Built with a flat bottom and shallow draught, they could make their way up coastal streams at high tide to lie on the bottom at low tide to be loaded.

AUCKLAND SHIPBUILDING

There was also launched at the same time from Mr. G. T. Niccoll's yard a new 100ton scow, built to the order of Wilson's Portland Cement Company, which was christened Portland. It is intended to employ her in the cement-carrying trade from Mahurangi to Auckland. The company have five boats engaged in this trade, and they intend to build two more vessels during the next 12 months.  -NZ Herald, 21/11/1910.

POLICE COURT NEWS

HOW DID IT GET THERE? 

To discover a sovereign in the toe of one's boot would be a pleasant surprise to most people, but Thomas Martyn was amazed and grieved when Police-Sergeant Ramsay discovered one resting in his. He said he could not make out how it got there, and instead of being exhilarated by the find, he looked very much the opposite. A theory was put forward by a young man named Brown, who sleeps in the same cabin as Martyn, on the scow Portland, to the effect that the coin might be his property. His reason for coming to this conclusion was that he counted some money over in the presence of his cabin mate overnight, and in the morning a sovereign was missing. Hence he informed the police, and Martyn was charged. The magistrate committed the prisoner for trial.   -NZ Herald, 7/4/1911.

While sailing up the Mahurangi river some days ego, the scow Portland, which is engaged in the Mahurangi-Auckland lime trade, was struck by a sudden squall. The foremast was snapped off close to the deck, while the mizzen topmast was carried away, together with all running gear. The Portland was towed to Auckland.   -Auckland Star, 30/12/1912.

Frederick W. Hunt (31); a married man, employed as cook on the scow Portland, dropped dead while he was getting the dinner ready aboard the scow at Whangarei yesterday morning.   -Auckland Star, 22/11/1915.

IN MEMORIAM.

HUNT. — In fond and loving memory of my dear husband, Frederick William Hunt, who died suddenly on the scow Portland at Whangarei, November 21, 1915. 

Had we but seen him yet in life, Watched by his dying bed, 

Caught the last flicker at his breath, And touched his dying head,

We think our hearts would mot have felt Such bitterness of grief; 

But God had willed It otherwise, And "Hush, he only sleeps." 

Inserted by his loving wife, Georgiana Elizabeth Hunt. "  -Auckland Star, 21/11/1916.

SHIPPING NEWS

PORTLAND WITH EXPLOSIVES. 

Messrs. Bannatyne and Co., agents for the Nobel Explosives Company, have received advice that the scow Portland is to leave Auckland to-day with explosives for Wellington. She is due about the end of next week, and will subsequently sail for Westport and Greymouth to load timber for Auckland.  -Dominion, 19/12/1917.

TENDERS

Tender, closing at 4pm on the 12th inst and endorsed "Tender for A.S. Portland," are invited for the Complete Installation of Two Semi-Diesel Engines in the Scow Portland, owned by J. T. Aspden, Esq. 

Plans and specifications may be inspected at the Office of the undersigned. 

HORACE E. HERRING. A.M.I.C.E., Consulting Engineer, 403, Victoria Arcade, Auckland.  -NZ Herald, 8/10/1925.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The scow Portland loaded a cargo of butter-boxes at the Whangarei Town Wharf this morning for Hokianga.  -Northern Advocate, 22/9/1926.

The scow PORTLAND will leave Auckland every Monday in future and will arrive in Awanui on Wednesday. Geo. Cosson, Agent. Phone 24M, Awanui.  -Northland Age, 12/1/1927.

SHIPPING NEWS

SCOW PORTLAND SOLD. 

The small scow Portland has been sold to Mr. Osborne, of Foxton, and sailed for that port last evening. She was formerly owned by the Aspden Shipping Co., and for some time has been running between Auckland and Whakatane, to the agency of A. G. Frankham and Co.   -Auckland Star, 10/2/1928.

 TRADE TO FOXTON.

A SCOW PURCHASED. 

(From Our Own Correspondent.) FOXTON, Feb. 11. A local resident has purchased the auxiliary scow, Portland, for the Foxton-Wellington trade. The Portland was built in Auckland for a cement company and can carry a cargo of 90 tons dead weight. The vessel draws five feet, is driven by two 60 h.p. crude oil engines, is fitted with electric light and oil winch and has two hatches. The Portland is expected to arrive in Foxton on Tuesday with a cargo of sugar for Palmerston North merchants. The boat will be used exclusively on the Foxton-Wellington run.  -Manawatu Standard, 11/2/1928.

SCOW PORTLAND ENCOUNTERS BAD WEATHER.

TOWED INTO PORT WITH MIZZEN AND MAIN-SAIL LOST. 

Exceptionally heavy weather was encountered in Palliser Bay on Sunday night by the auxiliary schooner Portland while on her return from Foxton to Wellington, and her mizzen and mainsail were carried away shortly before midnight. As the schooner was unable to make any headway with her auxiliary motors, she signalled for the assistance of a tug. The harbourmaster (Captain J. Dawson) received the message at an early hour yesterday morning from the signal station of Beacon Hill, and the Harbour Board’s tug, Toia, in command of Captain Campbell, left at 2.30 a.m. to take the vessel in tow. A search was made in Fitzroy Bay, and the Portland’s lights were picked up about 11 miles south of Turakirae Head. The disabled vessel was taken in tow at 5.30 a.m., and arrived in port at 9.45 a.m. without incident. Apart from the loss of her sails the Portland sustained no damage, and will leave Wellington to-night for Foxton.  -Manawatu Herald, 4/9/1928.

Foxton

Shipping

The scow Portland, which has been laid up alongside the Foxton wharf foi many months, is being refitted preparatory to again being put into commission. A crew has arrived from Wellington and is busily engaged in getting tho vessel shipshape. It is understood that the Portland has recently changed hands and that her future base of operations will be Nelson.   -Manawatu Times, 2/8/1929.

SCOW STRIKES REEF

HOLE IN THE HULL

(By Telegraph — Press Association.) NELSON, This Day.

While proceeding from Nelson to Puponga, the auxiliary scow Portland, owned by Messrs. Neale and Haddow, struck a reef off Bark Bay, near Tonga, a hole being driven into the hull. The ship quickly filled with water and heeled over on her side, the crew of six being compelled to abandon her, and making a safe landing. The weather, though not particularly rough at the time, was very thick and foggy. The vessel commenced to drift. Assistance is being sent from Motueka. Today the sea became rougher under a stiff northerly.

Damage done by lipsticks to frocks being tried on by mannequins and customers have caused some London dressmakers to introduce a "lipmask," a paper shape covering the mouth, with a projection behind to be gripped between the teeth.  -Evening Post, 13/8/1934.

SCOW SALVAGED

HOLED ON STARBOARD BOW.

(Per Press Association). NELSON, August 17. On Wednesday, at Bark Bay, the trawler Spray secured a masthead of the sunken auxiliary scow Portland, and heaved her on to an even keel. Later, with other assistance, the vessel was hauled a quarter of a mile to within five chains of the beach. Several attempts were made before the vessel was hauled to low-water mark, when the hole in the bow was patched with a tarpaulin and pumps were rigged. Gradually the vessel was emptied and hauled to high-water mark. 

The Portland was holed on the starboard side near the bow. It was reported to-day that a heavy log, 2 1/2ft through and about 30ft long, was seen drifting near the scene of the wreck, and it is thought possible that this was the cause of the mishap.  -Ashburton Guardian, 18/8/1934.

PUPONGA COMPANY’S PORTLAND

VESSEL DRAWN CLEAR OF HIGH WATER MARK 

LARGE FLOATING LOG POSSIBLE CAUSE OF ACCIDENT 

Mr P. B. Calder, who has returned to Motueka, when interviewed, said the Portland sank in the mouth of Barks Bay. He took the crew of the Portland to his whare in Torrent Bay. The trawler Spray arrived from Nelson on Tuesday evening, and on Wednesday the Spray got hold of the masthead of the scow, and heaved her onto an even keel. On Wednesday the Pearl Kaspar, the Spray, Calder's launch, and another trawler, the Liberta, with the aid of a heavy sea, hauled her up the beach. They then left her till flood tide. On Wednesday night they put a line ashore to the trees, and from 11 o’clock till 12.30 in the morning they tried to shift the scow, but were unable to move her. During the night a strong gale sprang up, and Mr Calder took the crew to Torrent Bay, and the Pearl Kaspar also went there for shelter. Mr C. Calder in the Spray stayed in Bark Bay to watch the scow. Yesterday at high water the Spray got hold of a shore line, and with the aid of the boat’s tackle got a haulage on the Portland, and she was pulled up to the low water mark. It blew a howling gale on Thursday afternoon. Yesterday morning all hands working in the water were able to cover the hole in the bow of the Portland with a tarpaulin. The pumps were rigged, and all hands got to work. The strain was kept on the shore line, and gradually the scow eased to high water mark. The beach at this point is sandy and steep. 

Mr Calder returned to Motueka at 1 o’clock yesterday for food and materials to patch the boat. The engineers were able to take down the engines as they are now out of the water. The scow will be patched as soon as possible, and when the tide permits will be taken to a safer bay. 

The Portland is holed on the starboard side near the bow. It is understood after tile Portland was holed she steamed for 20 minutes before settling down. Mr Calder to-day reported a heavy log 2 1/2 feet through and about 30 feet long drifting near the scene of the wreck. It is possible the log was the cause of the sinking of the Portland. 

The weather was very bad on Thursday night, and Mr Calder’s launch had four distinct earthquake bumps. 

It is fully expected the. Portland will be brought to Nelson during the day or to-morrow morning.  -Neklson Evening Mail, 18/8/1934.

The auxiliary scow The Portland, which met with a mishap off Bark Bay and was brought back to Nelson, will leave at 6 o’clock this evening for Picton, sailing under her own power, but convoyed by Mr Sussex’s Spray as far as Jackson’s Head. At Picton The Portland will go on the slip for repairs.  -Nelson Evening Mail, 29/8/1934.

The Portland was back at work after about a month.

GENERAL ITEMS

Youth Suffers Burns. 

A youth named Douglas Mayers suffered burns on the face, chest and right arm when he struck a match to light kerosene which he had thrown onto embers in the stove on the scow Portland. He was admitted to hospital for treatment but was discharged yesterday. The young man might have suffered much more serious injuries and the accident emphasises the care which should he taken by people using kerosene for fires.  -Nelson Evening Mail, 28/12/1937.

SUDDEN DEATH

MAN EXPIRES AT PORT 

The death occurred suddenly at the wharf this morning of Mr Arthur Norman Burton, aged about 45 years, of 50 Waimea street, who was employed unloading coal from the scow Portland. At about 8.15 o'clock Mr Burton mentioned to one of the other workmen that he was not feeling well, and he went away from his work to the wharf conveniences. About five minutes later Mr Burton was found lying on the floor of the conveniences, with a cut on his head, evidently the result of striking something when he collapsed. A doctor and the ambulance arrived about 20 minutes later and it was found that the man was dead.

Mr Burton was a married man with three children.  -Nelson Evening Mail, 14/4/1939.

GENERAL NEWS

The Scow Portland 

The scow Portland, owned by the Westhaven Shipping Company, of Nelson, will make its first visit to Wanganui this week. It will load 90 tons of cement at Tarakohe today and is due at Castlecliff tomorrow. After discharge the Portland will load pumice and general cargo for Nelson.   -Wanganui Chronicle, 29/6/1949.

Coaster Runs Ashore 

The 94-ton wooden coastal vessel Portland, bound from Wellington to Tarakohe, ran ashore in dense fog off Jackson’s Head, at the entrance to Queen Charlotte Sound on Wednesday night. She was empty when she struck rocks offshore. The Portland, a former scow, could not get off under her own power and sent calls for assistance. All nearby ships were diverted, and the coaster Te Aroha, bound from Wellington to Nelson, towed the Portland clear. The Portland sailed to Nelson under her own power, with the Te Aroha standing by. She has no apparent damage.  -Press, 11/12/1953.

SCOW AND YACHT IN COLLISION

Damage Comparatively Light

(New Zealand Press Association) NELSON, September 5. The Westhaven Shipping Company’s auxiliary scow Portland (Captain R. R. Hay) and the 90ft yacht Fitheachban, owned by Captain A. D. Tregidga, collided in the entrance to Port Nelson about 7.30 o'clock last evening. 

Fitheachban was returning to Nelson from Pelorus Sound to refit for a world cruise. The other vessel was leaving port. 

Neither vessel was badly damaged but the Portland returned to port.  -Press, 7/9/1960.

The Portland, a 75ft scow, has arrived at Dunedin for repairs to hull damage caused when she grounded near Wellington late last year, reports the Press Association. Formerly based at Nelson to carry cargo across Cook Strait, the Portland will spend about a month in Carey's Bay, where she tied up yesterday. A spokesman for her new owners said yesterday her future was not yet decided, but she might find work at Bluff, dumping oyster shells and carrying gravel.  -Press, 28/2/1973.

It was at some time in the mid to late 1970s that I remember seing the Portland tied up at Careys Bay fishing wharf.  I knew little about such things then but knew it looked different from the other vessels there - it was probably the mast and rigging.

According to the local paper, the Portland was bought in 1979 and used as holiday accommodation at Pounawea in the Catlins.  In 2011 the Portland sank and was pumped out by the Owaka fire brigade.  Two years later it was bought by a man who intended to sail to Auckland - a quick look at the planking of the hull changed his mind.  According to locals, the Portland was then sold for $5.  The Portland was sold again in  2015 to someone who hopes to restore the scow.  As the sole survivor of its type, it deserves a lot better than to slowly rot on the mudbank.

Thomas White, 1853-23/9/1878.

 FATAL ACCIDENT.

A fatal accident occurred at the New Zealand Timber and Woodware Factory, Princes street, at 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon. Mr Thomas White, one of the joiners, was going up a ladder into the carpenter's shop, when a piece of timber was thrown from a saw and struck him on the back of the head, killing him almost instantly. The wood had become fastened, and when an effort was made to free it, it was thrown off by the saw with much violence. No one could be blamed in the matter, as it was purely accidental. The deceased was a young man, 23 years of age. and the only support of a widowed mother. He was a native of Dumfriesshire, Scotland, and arrived in Otago about ll months ago in the James Nicol Fleming. Very deep sympathy is felt for Mrs White, and some of her relatives, who live near Dunedin, were sent for at once. The deceased was unmarried.  -Otago Daily Times, 24/9/1878.

INQUEST.

The City Coroner and a jury of twelve held an inquest today at the Hospital touching the death of Thomas White, who, it will be remembered, was fatally injured at Messrs Guthrie and Larnach's factory on Monday afternoon. The following is a synopsis of the evidence:

Henry Haughton, wood-bender at the factory, had known White for about a year. He was a carpenter, 23 years of age, and unmarried. On Monday afternoon about a quarter past four o clock, witness was working on the platform o which the machinery is raised, when he saw deceased come up the path and ascend the steps of the landing. He had got onto the platform, when a piece of scantling was driven from the circular saw which was working some distance away and struck him on the back of the head, knocking him senseless on the spot. Witness ran to pick him up, and then saw that blood was issuing from a wound at the back of the head. Deceased was removed at once to the hospital Witness was working at a saw similar to that from which the wood flew, but had no knowledge how the accident happened. The saw was in good working order.

Isaac Selby, joiner, who assisted to take deceased to the hospital, said that death must have been been almost instantaneous. Pieces of wood are very rarely projected from the saw, but whenever they are thrown off they fly in a direction parallel to the revolution of the saw; and it would help to prevent accidents of this kind if there was no traffic behind the bench. 

Charles JamesWilson, tailer-out at the saw, said he was pulling the piece of wood away from the saw when the accident occurred. The scantling — which was 16ft long and 2 1/4in square — had just been sawn through, and as it came away from the saw one end of it struck the ground, causing it to spring up on to the teeth of the saw, which caught it and sent through the air. The projectile passed witness's mate on the other side of the saw, and took a sheer and struck deceased, who stood up for a moment and then full on his face. Scantling from 16ft. to 30ft. long is constantly put through at the bench, and every precaution is taken to keep the pieces from springing back on to the saw. Witness had tailed-out on and off for nine years, and had never known of a similar accident. The only thing that he could suggest to prevent such occurrences would be to prohibit traffic in a line with the saw. Those immediately attending the bench are always on the look-out, and therefore not so liable as others to be injured. The accident was purely unavoidable. 

John Ross, engineer in charge of the sawing deartment at the factory, Said that Wilson and Ruxman (the men working the saw) were very careful men, and no blame could be attached to them. It was his practice to dismiss any of his hands who were not careful, and nothing could have been done to prevent the accident. From the velocity with which the saw was revolving the scantling must have struck deceased with a force equal to three tons. There was always a certain amount of risk incurred in standing behind a circular saw in motion; but, strange to say, the staircase on which White was standing when he received the blow was 4ft out of the line of the saw, so that it he had been exactly behind it he would have escaped. The distance between the staircase and saw was 46ft.

Mr Matheson stated that deceased was a native of Dumfriesshire, and had been in the Colony about a year. He leaves behind him his mother.

A verdict of “Accidental death” was recorded.  -Evening Star, 25/9/1878.

The funeral of Thomas White took place yesterday afternoon at the Anderson's Bay Cemetery The company's works were closed at 3 p.m., and the entire body of masters and employes, numbering between 300 and 400, followed the remains to the grave.  -Evening Star, 26/9/1878.

At a meeting of the employes of Guthrie and Larnach's New Zealand Timber and Woodware Factories Co., held yesterday, it was resolved to hold a concert at an early date for the benefit of the mother of the late Thomas White, who died last week from injuries received while at work at the factory. A committee was appointed to carry out the affair, and we hear that a number of ladies and gentlemen, including Miss Hesford, Mrs Clutsam, and Messrs Iveson, Denovan, Lennon, Oaten, Ward, and Fenner have promised their assistance.  -Otago DailyTimes, 28/9/1878.

A GRAND AMATEUR CONCERT, 

In aid of the Late Thomas White's Widowed Mother Relief Fund, 

Will take place in the TEMPERANCE HALL 

On FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1st. 

All the Leading Amateurs of Dunedin have kindly volunteered their valuable assistance. For further particulars see programmes, Prices 3s 2s 1s.  -Otago Daily Times, 19/10/1878.

A concert was given at the Temperance Hall last evening in aid of the fund now being raised, for the widowed mother of the late Thomas White, who was accidentally killed at Messrs Guthrie and Larnach's Woodware Factory a few weeks ago. The hall was crammed to excess, and the concert passed off with marked success. The programme was a long one. The gem was undoubtedly the violin solo contributed by Miss Essie Lack, a young lady about ten years of age. With a precision and accuracy truly wonderful for one so young, she played a fantasia on "Home, Sweet Home," full of expression and genuine pathos, and in response to a most vociferous recall, she favoured the audience with the solo "Beautiful Isle of the Sea." Mr Ibbotson sang "The Four Jolly Smiths" with excellent effect, but he had great difficulty to contend with in the careless pianoforte accompaniment. Miss Hesford sang "Come let us be Happy Together," and "True to the Last," for both of which she received imperative encores, but she was by no means so successful as she might have been. The character songs of Mr Edhouse, who has a very imposing appearance when dressed in female attire, proved exceedingly amusing, especially his burlesque of "Sweet Spirit, Hear my Prayer." The only other songs worthy of mention are "Joyous Life," by Mrs Clutsam; "Madoline," by Mr Iveson, and one by Ms Denovan. The Railway Band played one or two selections in an admirable manner. After the concert a dance was indulged in, and all who took part in it seemed to enjoy themselves to their heart's content. Mr R. T. Waters, of the Prince of Wales Hotel, catered in his usual liberal and satisfactory style.   -Otago Daily Times, 2/11/1878.

39923 Sergeant Roderick William Finlayson, 2/3/1917-12/5/1941.

Roderick Finlayson was the pilot of a 40 Squadron Vickers Wellington which took off on the night of the 11th of May to bomb the German city of Hamburg.  His plane was shot down into the North Sea by a German night fighter at 1.40am.   Three bodies floated ashore to the German coast and were buried in Kiel Cemetery.  Roderick was 23 and had survived 27 operations.

AIR FORCE CASUALTIES

Sergeant Roderick William Finlayson, R.N.Z.A.F., previously reported missing, death now officially presumed by the Air Ministry to have occurred in May.  -Otago Daily Times, 3/9/1941.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

John Albert Ainge 1889-16/3/1932

John Ainge grew up in a hotelier family and went to Otago University, studying to become a doctor. He married Alice May Farra at the beginning of 1914.  It seems that John, instead of the medical profession, chose the family trade, applying for a wholesale liquor license in 1917.  Despite being rated a "C class" candidate, he was called up for the draft in August of 1918 but seems not to have seen service.

John was a dog fancier and a member of the Caledonian Society.

PERSONAL

The employees of the Grand Hotel on Saturday evening presented Mrs Ainge, Mr J. A. Ainge and Mrs Cowie, who has been associated with Mrs Ainge in business for a number of years, with substantial marks of their esteem and regard. Mrs Ainge was presented with a handsome liqueur cabinet, Mr Ainge with a silver rose bowl, and Mrs Cowie with a travelling rug and a piece of silver plate. This last named, and the gifts handed to Mrs and Mr Ainge, have suitable inscriptions. The presentations were made by Mr W. H. Hudson who referred in highly eulogistic terms to the excellent qualities of the recipients and to the kindly treatment employees had received at their hands, these sentiments being echoed by other members of the staff. Mr Ainge suitably acknowledged the gifts, which mark the early retirement from the business of Mrs and Mr Ainge. After the presentations had been made, a social hour or two was spent, the time passing very pleasantly. Entertaining items were contributed by Messrs Warner, Sutherland, Morgan, Wilson, and Mahoney, the singing of the National Anthem and "Auld Lang Syne" bringing what was a very happy gathering to a close.  -Otago Daily Times, 31/7/1917.

John is next mentioned in the newspapers as a race horse owner and a Director of the Dunedin and Kaikorai Tram Comapny.  He donated cups and prizes to the local fanciers' associations and also sums of money to good causes - the wholesale business was evidently flourishing.

His mother, "Mrs J A Ainge, widow," took up the freehold of the European Hotel in George street in 1919.

RUGBY FOOTBALL. 

The match for the Ainge Charity Shield between University (the premier team) and Alhambra (runners-up), which will be played at Carisbrook to-morrow, is expected to provide a high-class exhibition of Rugby football. The Alhambra team has been training hard, and is confident of extending the Light Blues. This will be the last club match of the season. As a curtain-raiser to this match, the Third Grade match, High School v. Green Island, will be played, subject to the ground being in good condition. This game should be closely contested. 

Seventy-five per cent. of the proceeds will be devoted to charity and 25 per cent to assist necessitous cases in connection with injured players. The admission to the ground will be 1s, and to the stand 1s extra; children half-price. Ground tickets are obtainable at the Sports Depot and S. Jacobs. Official guides will be on sale at 3d each, and the proceeds from the programmes will also he handed to the same objects.   -Otago Daily Times, 17/8/1923.

Ainge's Ambition

THE real pleasure in racing, so those in the game say, is in breeding a good horse and having sufficient courage to refuse tempting offers to part with it. If this; is so, John A. Ainge, better known as "Bert," has enjoyed that pleasure to the fullest degree. It is not so long since Bert took on the game and in this short period he has had to have the legs of the sideboard reinforced to withstand the growing weight of trophies which his gee-gees are bringing home. The Dunedin Cup and the N.Z. Oaks trophies are numbered among his most cherished possessions — and who knows but that before November is far gone a valuable Riccarton trophy might take its place with the rest?

Bert's name with Dunedin folk is a household word. When you meet him m his office, you immediately feel comfortable, knowing that you are in the presence of a genuine sportsman. And at Riccarton in November, if the right number goes up, the win will be acclaimed throughout the South Island as the most popular on record. He is surely a good scout, this John Albert Ainge.   -NZ Truth, 6/9/1928.

MAN FOUND DEAD ON ROCKS. 

DUNEDIN, This Day. John Albert Ainge, aged 43, a wellknown wine and spirit merchant, who had been missing from his home at St. Clair since 10 a.m. yesterday morning, was found dead this morning on the rocks at St. Clair, with his throat cut. He had been in ill-health for some time, suffering a nervous breakdown. He leaves a widow and five children.  -Ashburton Guardian, 17/3/1932.

OBITUARY

MR JOHN ALBERT AINGE

Last evening some anxiety was being felt for the welfare of Mr John Albert Ainge, who had been missing from his home in Onslow street, St. Clair. Mr Ainge left home at 10 o’clock yesterday, morning, and had not returned at a late hour last night. Intimation of that fact was communicated to the police, with the result that a search was carried out. This morning the dead body of Mr Ainge was found lying near the Valpy street steps at St. Clair. There were wounds about the throat.

Mr J. A. Ainge, who was a well known and extremely well-liked personality in this city, was a son of Mr Joseph Ainge, at one time proprietor of the hotel at Seacliff and later of the Grand Hotel, Dunedin. The deceased had been in ill-health for several months, and had been very much depressed by reverses in business. During recent years he was engaged in the wine and spirit business, as a general merchant, and as a representative for various agencies, and was also interested in his late brother’s farm at Waimate.

Mr Ainge was a popular figure in sporting circles. He took a keen interest in affairs of the turf, having been a member of the committee of the Dunedin Jockey Club and, the owner of Pink Note, a winner of the Dunedin Cup, as well as of several other horses which he bred for himself.

He has been described as the kindest hearted man it was possible to meet in Dunedin — one who was always helping somebody. As one of his oldest friends has it — “If there was ever a model of unselfishness in this world it was Bert Ainge.” He’ leaves a widow, three daughters, and three sons to mourn his loss. His age was forty-three years.  -Evening Star, 17/3/1932.

Although the burial of Mr J. A. Ainge at Anderson’s Bay this morning was privately conducted, many personal and business friends attended, also representatives of various trade organisations and sporting bodies, about forty cars joining the procession from the residence en route to the cemetery. The service at the house and at the graveside was conducted by, the Rev. R. G. McDowall.  -Evening Star, 19/3/1932.

3/102A Arthur Edward Bonnin, 19/2/1882-26/8/1915.

PRIVATE A. E. BONNIN. 

Private Arthur E. Bonnin ( Field Ambulance), who died from wounds on August 9th, was the second son of Mr. J. I. Bonnin, of Brighton, Otago. Since leaving the Milton High School he has spent practically all his time in the office of the Westport Coal Company. He took a keen interest in athletics and ambulance work, and was a member of the Dunedin Bearer Corps. He was secretary of the corps and of the Dunedin Harriers for some years, till he was moved to Westport. When the war broke out he was connected with the Timaru branch of the Westport Coal Co. He enlisted at once, going away with the Main Expeditionary Force. Private Bonnin's only brother (Trooper I. W. A. Bonnin) is now at the front, having left with the Fifth Reinforcements.  -Auckland Star, 15/9/1915.

Arthur Bonnin did not die from wounds.  He contracted enteric fever (aka typhoid) while returning from Gallipoli and died in hospital at Alexandria, Egypt.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.