8/2983 Private Archibald Angus McGillivray, (4/2/1895-20/2/1924). "cutting off in his prime"

The after effects of the war have resulted in cutting off in his prime another young man in the person of Mr Archibald Angus McGillivray, youngest son of Mr and Mrs A. McGillivray, Main Road, Mataura. The end came early on Wednesday morning after a lingering illness patiently borne. Deceased was the youngest son of Mr and Mrs McGillivray, and was born at Rimu 28 years ago. He was educated at Mabel Bush, and followed farming pursuits after leaving school. The deceased enlisted with the 7th Reinforcements of the N.Z.E.F., but sailed with the 9th Reinforcements in 1916. He saw service at the Somme, Messines, Passchendaele, and was with his division right up until the final stunt and the signing of the Armistice. On returning home he took up a position with Messrs Aitken and Batcheler, but failing health made it necessary for him to relinquish that position. He later went to the Cashmere Hills Sanatorium, but some time ago he returned home. Prior to going to the war he was in robust health. The deceased was married to Miss Margaret Allison, daughter of Mr and Mrs W. Allison, Mataura. He leaves a widow and two young children and his parents. The deceased was accorded a military funeral yesterday.  -Southland Times, 22/2/1924.

The funeral of the late Mr Archibald Angus McGillivray took place at the Mataura cemetery on Thursday, when the deceased’s remains were laid to rest with full military honours. The large number of returned comrades and friends which attended were a tribute of the respect and esteem in which the deceased was held in the community. The firing party, under Sergt.Major C. C. Henry, preceded the cortege, followed by the Mataura Town Band, and then the Gore Gun Carriage conveying the coffin. The pall-bearers were returned comrades, viz., Messrs T. and F. Clearwater, M. Chalmers and G. Jardine. Rev. Wedderspoon, of Invercargill, officiated at the graveside and, after the service, the firing party rang out a volley and Bugler J. Heslin sounded “The Last Post.” Amongst the numerous floral tributes were wreaths from the Gore and Mataura Returned Soldiers’ Association.  -Southland Times, 23/2/1924.

Mataura Cemetery.