Henry Alwyn Chapman, 24/7/1881-30/10/1916. "buried at sea"

The sad news came to hand early this week that Mr. H. A. Chapman (elder and only, surviving son of Mr. Justice Chapman) had died suddenly at sea from the effect of heat. It was as recently as October 30 that he left with his sister England by the s.s. Corinthic. Henry Alwyn Chapman, lately associate to his father, Mr Justice Chapman, and when the latter was absent on leave associate to the Chief Justice, was more widely known than many a man occupying a higher position. "Harry," as he was generally called, made friends wherever he went and never failed to keep them. His cheerful, gentle, disposition endeared him to all with whom he came into contact - whether as a prefect at Waitaki High School or a Judge's Associate. His courteous treatment of members of the legal profession and of press representatives and others having occasion to communicate with the Judge and his prompt attention to all business matters, won him the respect of all.

In what may be termed his professional work, he proved an excellent secretary. He .frequently typed the whole of the evidence of a prolonged sitting from the lips of the witnesses, and his notes were received and relied on by counsel with the .greatest satisfaction. At the May sittings in Auckland he typed evidence for about 55 consecutive days, the mass of evidence taken in the Rua case covering over 40 days. This strain probably affected Mr. Chapman's health. Being on physical grounds incapacitated from enlisting for the war, he was very desirous of taking up work indirectly connected with it, and proceeded to England with this object. To this end he was prepared to sacrifice everything so long as he could do his share. This feeling grew upon him more and more after the death of his younger brother, Lieutenant G. M. Chapman, R.A.M.C., who was killed in action at Ypres in May, 1915. After he sailed in the Corinthic, which left Wellington on October 30, Mr. Justice Chapman received official intimation that war work awaited his son in England. All who knew Harry Chapman recognised his physical disability and now acknowledge his unflinching spirit. He tried to offer himself for his country as his brother had done — and he succeeded. J Mr. Chapman was a keen traveller. He climbed the Copland Pass from the West Coast (7200 feet) when there was no track, and on another occasion he brought back from the Auckland Islands some excellent photographs of bird life, which have been published.  -Free Lance, 10/11/1916.

Northern Cemetery, Dunedin.