News reached town yesterday that a man named Andrew Curtain had been killed at Jack's sawmill, Otira line, through a tree falling on him. Curtain was a former Kumara resident, and had as his working mate Mr Arthur Flaherty, son of Mr and Mrs Flaherty, of this town. -Grey River Argus, 10/7/1906.
FUNERAL OF THE LATE ANDREW CURTAIN.
(Our Own Correspondent.) The funeral of the late Andrew Curtain took place at Kumara yesterday, and, notwithstanding the deluge of rain that prevailed throughout the day, was very largely attended. The special train from Moana took down a large number of deceased's workmates and friends of the family, and in addition to these there was a large attendance from along the line as far down as Hokitika. The residents of Kumara, of which place deceased was a native, turned out in large numbers, and everyone seemed bent on paying a last tribute of respect to one who was highly esteemed by all. The funeral cortege left Rugg's Hotel at 2.30 for the little chapel, where and also at the cemetery a very impressive ceremony was conducted by the Rev. Father Creed. Mr and Mrs Curtain and family have the entire sympathy of every person with whom they and their son came in contact with in their untimely misfortune. -Greymouth Evening Star, 13/7/1906.
Dr T. F. Macdonald informed a representative of the Argus yesterday that he had visited the spot where the late Mr Andrew Curtain was killed, and considered that in justice to the deceased and his mates the following facts should be stated — The young man was not killed by the tree which was being felled. That tree, in falling, broke another tree, larger than it, and this (No 2) tree not only fell but also jumped about 20 feet. Curtain was standing well out of the way of the first tree but the second fell at an angle of 60 degrees, jumped the distance mentioned, and struck Curtain. This contingency, Dr Macdonald holds, was one that no human intelligence could have foreseen. -Grey River Argus, 13/6/1906.
THE WOODMAN'S DEATH.
Andrew Curtain, July 10th 1906.
Back broken, limp and pale he lies, Killed by a falling limb;
And kindly fingers close His eyes Where mates have carried him.
This morning full of bounding strength, Now in the hut, stretched out at length,
He rests his bunk beside.
No time had he to bid good-bye Or parting words to say;
He uttered one low moaning cry And passed in peace away.
But such a death the woodmen face: Like heroes calm and brave
And loving mates with honor, place The woodman in his grave.
T.F.M. -Grey River Argus, 14/7/1906.
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