Captain John Bernech, (1/1/1847-4/4/1921). "one of the old school"

 SUDDEN DEATH

HEART FAILURE THE CAUSE. 

AN OLD SEA CAPTAIN. 

An inquest was held this morning by the coroner (Mr H. Y. Widdowson, SM) concerning the death of John Dominic Bernech, retired sea captain, aged seventy four, who fell dead in the street yesterday afternoon. 

Mary Bernech, daughter of deceased, said her father and she lived together in Sheen street, Roslyn. He suffered from neuritis two years ago, and pleurisy about four years ago, and again consulted a doctor about eighteen month ago. Up to two years ago he had frequent fainting turns. He had been working hard in his garden lately, and yesterday at 4.45, while out in the road gathering manure, fell down and expired.

Henry Alexander Hamer gave evidence that he went to deceased’s assistance when told he had fallen down. Dr Martin was sent for, but life was extinct. Dr Martin said from the history of the case and from his examination of the body he was of opinion that the cause of death was sudden heart failure, following senile degeneration of the blood vessels. Stooping would probably bring on the heart failure. The Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

A LONG CAREER. The late Captain Bernech was born at Trieste (Austria) on January 1, 1847. He arrived in Now Zealand at an early age, and was for nine years in the service of the Otago Harbor Board, previous to joining the Union Steam Ship Company in March, 1876, as master of the Beautiful Star. He was in command at various periods of the old Maori, Southern Cross, Mahinapua, Ohau, Penguin, Flora, Rotorua, Corinna, Te Anau, Hauroto, A valuation, Mapourika, Moura, Waihora, Talune, Tarawera, Monowai, Waikare, and Warrimoo. He retired from the Union Company’s service on December 31, 1909, and had lived in retirement ever since.  -Evening Star, 5/4/1921.

DEATH OF CAPT. BERNECH.

(Per Press Association.) DUNEDIN, this day.

Captain Bcrnech, a retired sea captain, who was in the Union Company’s service, died suddenly in the street, last night, aged 74. Captain John Bernech will he remembered with affection by a great many people in New Zealand who travelled with him during his many years' service on the East Coast. Captain Bernech retired from the Union Company’s service a few years ago, after a long and honorable period as master of the company’s vessels. He was one of the old school. Bluff and rugged, but a thorough seaman with a most intimate knowledge of the New Zealand coast, and whatever the weather conditions might be travellers always felt themselves safe in the knowledge that John Bernech was in command. His ship for many years was the Te Anau, but he was also master of the Flora, Tarawera, and many other vessels of the Red Funnel fleet.  -Poverty Bay Herald, 5/4/1921.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.