38967 Lance Corporal James Lee, (9/7/1890-3/7/1919). "dangerously ill"

 

James Lee was working as a teamster at Tinwald, south Canterbury, when he joined the Canterbury Infantry Regiment in October, 1916. He was originally from Blackpool in Ireland.

He was wounded on December 20, 1917 - a wound described in his army record as: "gsw hip & penetrating bladder." It occurred in he Polygon Wood area at a time when nothing in particular is recorded in the Canterburys' Official History.  For James Lee, of course, it was a devastating occurrence.  His record shows him on the "dangerously ill" list from January until April 1918, when he is reported as "seriously ill." He was strong enough to be repatriated at the end of that year.

His injuries included a partial dislocation of his hip and he was admitted to the Christchurch Orthopedic Hospital on arrival in New Zealand.  It is likely that he did not leave it until his death.

Ashburton Cemetery.

2580 Corporal Clarence Frederick Bull, (9/9/1878-8/8/1915). "all sense of time was lost"

DEATHS.

BULL —August 8, 1915. killed in action at the Dardanelles, Clarence Frederick Bull, beloved husband of Alice Bull and eldest son of Frederick Bull, of Waddington; in his thirty-seventh year.   -Lyttelton Times, 3/9/1915.

THE ROLL OF HONOUR

CORP. CLARENCE FREDK. BULL. 

Corporal Bull, who has been killed in action, was the oldest son of Mr. Fred. Bull, Waddington, Canterbury, the well-known sheepbreeder. Corporal Bull was born in Canterbury, and educated at Warwick House School, and at the Otago Boys' High School. He was one of the original settlers of Highfield, Canterbury, selling out and eventually settling at Alfriston, Manurewa. A few months before the war he sold out, and was latterly employed in the land department of A. S. Paterson and Co. He saw service with the Fifth Contingent in South Africa. His wife is residing with her people at Motu, Gisborne.  -Auckland Star, 6/9/1915.

Clarence Bull, living in Auckland, enlisted in the Auckland Mounted Rifles at the beginning of the war.  He had served previously in the South African War, and was promoted to Corporal not long before his death.  On August 8, 1915, the AMR was in support of the New Zealand troops who took Chunuk Bair, the strategic hill on the Gallipoli Peninsula.  The fighting was very hard, with desperate opposition and heat and thirst.  The Official History of the AMR describes the scene: "About noon the A.M.R. were summoned to the line, and in small parties they dashed down a steep slope and up a more gradual slope to the line. They were sent to the left, and started to dig in, but there was little time to dig. Again and again came the Turks, and again and again they were hurled back. Never was there a respite throughout this terrible Sunday. Bombs came over the crest from unseen hands without cessation. Many were caught "on the full" before they burst, and pitched back among the enemy. This was not done by one man or two, but by every man who got the opportunity. Mason, of the 3rd squadron, was particularly prominent in this respect. Ken Stevens, of the 11th squadron, on one occasion fumbled one of these live bombs, which fell over his shoulder. Quick as lightning he turned round and dropped his hat over it. He himself was wounded by the bomb when it exploded, but the hat undoubtedly smothered the burst and saved others in the near vicinity.

The day grew hotter, thirst tortured this band of Spartans, fatigue dazed them, but doggedly, blindly, automatically almost, they fought on. All sense of time was lost — it seemed that they had been fighting for an eternity. Then came night, but though it brought a cooler atmosphere, it did not bring water, nor did it bring a respite. But the defenders, now few in numbers, hung to the inferno they had gained. Some time after dark there was a call for the A.M.R. to go out and lie ahead of the shallow ditch that had been scraped in the flinty clay. It was then that the men realised for the first time that the Regiment had practically ceased to exist. This advanced post was a living hell, and soon the remnant was called back to the line.

Waddington Cemetery.

George Edward Mann, (1880-23/8/1917). "he nobly fell"

MILITARY SERVICE.

SECOND CANTERBURY BOARD

SITTING AT CHRISTCHURCH

The Second Canterbury Military Service Board held a sitting at Christchurch yesterday; present —Messrs J. S. Evans, S.M. (chairman), E. C. Studholme and J. D. Million. Captain Rillington represented the military authorities.

DISMISSED

Fred Searle (Russell’s Flat) appealed on behalf of an employee, George Edward Mann, aged thirty-seven, single. Mann did not appeal on his own behalf.

Appellant stated that Mann was one of six brothers, none of whom were serving. He could not replace him, and his calling up would mean less grain, and would entail the giving up of milking. In reply to the chairman Searle said that he had three brothers and seven sisters. One brother, in the Second Division, was managing an estate; another, a stockman, had been called up and rejected; and the third had just married and taken up land.

The appeal was dismissed.  -Lyttelton Times, 22/6/1917.

I know nothing further about George Mann, except the date and general place of his death.  He does not feature on one of my go-to sites, the Online Cenotaph.  If I could find what unit he was placed in I could report what occurred on the day he died, having referred to its Official History.

I hope he is remembered by his family in Canterbury.

Kowai Pass cemetery.

Rachel Annie Highley, (1908-22/5/1930). "tragic suddenness"

Daughter Killed, Mother Seriously Injured 

WHEN CAR CRASHES INTO GIG 

CHRISTCHURCH, Last Night. A fatal accident occurred at Methven this evening when a motor car driven by Lawrence McKendry crashed into the rear of a gig, the occupants of which were Mrs. Highley and Miss Rachel Highley. Miss Highley sustained fatal injuries and Mrs. Highley was seriously hurt. McKendry suffered minor injuries. Both vehicles were badly smashed.  -Horowhenua Chronicle, 23/5/1930.

LATE MISS HIGHLEY.

LARGELY-ATTENDED FUNERAL

The funeral of Miss Rachel Highley, daughter of Mr and Mrs M. J. Highley, of Cairnbrae. took place at the Methven Cemetery on Sunday afternoon. The tragic suddenness and manner of her death caused general grief, and this was manifest in the unusually large number of residents of Methven and the surrounding districts who attended the funeral. Miss Highley had always been a keen helper in all the activities of St. John’s Presbyterian Church, and the services at the residence and the graveside were conducted by the Rev. R. Morgan, minister of that charge. The pall-bearers were Messrs S. Morgan, S. Woods, E. Lock and Morrison (members of St. John’s Bible Class). Many beautiful floral tributes were placed on the grave. At St. John’s Presbyterian Church on Sunday evening the Rev. R. Morgan conducted a memorial service for Miss Highley. There was an overflowing congregation.  -Ashburton Guardian, 27/5/1930.

METHVEN FATALITY

TRAP AND CAR COLLIDE. 

EVIDENCE AT THE INQUEST. 

An inquest was held at Methven yesterday afternoon to determine the circumstances of the death of Rachel Annie Highley, aged 21, who was killed on the Cairnbrae-Methven Road on May 22, when a collision occurred between a horse and trap in which she and her mother were travelling and a motor-car driven by Lawrence Thomas McKendry, aged 25. 

A verdict was returned that deceased met her death as the result of a fracture at the base of the skull, caused by being thrown on her head from a trap following a collision with a motor-car driven by McKendry. 

The District Coroner (Mr R. Clark) conducted the inquiry. Mr Hunter appeared for the relatives of the girl, and Mr J. W. M. (Dart, of Methven, for McKendry.

Mary Jane Highley, the mother of the girl, said that shortly after 7 p.m. on May 22 she and her daughter left their home at Cairnbrae for Methven, driving in a trap. Her daughter was holding a lantern on the left-hand side of the trap. They kept to the middle of the road, and no other lights were to be seen. They travelled about three-quarters of a mile along the road, witness looking back occasionally but seeing no lights. After three-quarters of a mile witness looked round again and saw a car right behind them, and it dashed into the trap, not giving them time to turn one way or the other. After the crash she did not remember anything until she found herself lying on the ground. She tried to rise, although there was blood all over her head. She took one step, but fell over and stayed there till the doctor came and took her home. 

A Good Bright Light. 

To Mr Dart: It was a new hurricane lamp they had in the trap. Witness was driving the horse. Her daughter held the lamp over the splash board as she was very particular about it. It was a good bright light, but there was no red on it. She knew that a light, if there was only one, should, in a trap, be carried on the right hand side. She did not hear the horn of the motor sounded. She had made a statement to the police, but it was not correct, as “she was in bed unconscious at the time.” She said in the statement that she would have pulled out of the way if she had had time, but there was no time for anything. 

To Mr Hunter: She did not see the car until it was right up on them. She knew the stretch of road well, having driven over it regularly for more than 20 years. 

Constable Robertson took the statement from her the day after the accident, and she was feeling very had. She was in bed for three weeks altogether.

To the Coroner: She did not see the reflection of the lights of the car on the gig.

Wiliam Huston McKee, medical practitioner, Methven, said he was called to the scene of the accident. and found that the girl was dead. McKendry was there very white and shocked but quite sober. The trap was at the side of the road, and the horse was lying partially on the road. Witness did not look for skid marks of the car on the road. Witness made an examination of the body, and was of opinion that death resulted from a fracture of the base of the skull resulting from a fall on the top of the head. 

To Mr Dart: Mrs Highley was not unconscious the day after the accident. 

To Mr Hunter: It was possible for a patient to develop compression some time after a blow.

To Mr Dart: There was no sign of compression in Mrs Highley.

Lawrence Thomas McKendry, of ,Lyndhurst, the driver of the car involved in the smash, said that on the night of the accident he was driving into Methven. About a mile past Highley’s home he saw a trap ahead of the car and only about a chain away. He sounded his horn and turned to the right to pass it but the trap swerved at the same time. When he first saw the trap he would be travelling at about 30 miles an hour. When the trap pulled to the right he swung the car to the left and applied the brakes. The trap came back to the left again and the car crashed into it. He spoke to Mrs Highley but could not understand what she said. He did what he could for the two injured people and went on to get the doctor, leaving a friend to see that things were all right. Later he got the constable. 

To Mr Hunter: He had held a motor driver’s license for six or seven years. The car he was driving was his father’s. It was a six—cylinder Studebaker. Witness had had no liquor that day. Thirty miles an hour was just an estimated speed of the car. His lights were properly adjusted. He did not know if the lights had been tested at any time. The headlamps gave a good light. He did not see any other light on the road at all, and was in no hurry to get to Methven. 

Mr Hunter: You usually drive fast, though, don’t you? 

Mr Dart objected to the question, saying that he had exercised enough patience. Mr Hunter had no right to ask the question. 

“I have no need of either your patience on your sympathy,” said Mr Hunter.

“You are not getting it,” said Mr Dart. 

The Coroner ruled that the question should not be asked. 

Witness (to Mr Hunter): It was the left-hand side of the trap the car struck, and on the inside. The trap was pretty well smashed up. The brakes were on when he hit the trap. He would be travelling at 10 or 15 miles an hour when he hit it. He could not remember if he put on the hand brake. 

A Question Not Answered. 

Were you able to pull up, going at the pace you were, between the time when you first saw the gig and the time of impact? —— I do not wish to answer that question. 

On what grounds? —— It might go against what I have just said previously. 

Was there room for you to pass on the left-hand side of the gig? —— Yes; there would have been if I had not first swung to the right. 

John Moriarty, a passenger in the car, also gave evidence, stating that there was no sudden jolt of the car pulling up before the collision. 

Constable Robertson said that he was called to the scene of the accident. 

To Mr Dart, he said skids were noticeable before the first signs of where the smash had occurred. He obtained a statement from Mrs Highley the day after the accident, in which she said she had pulled the right-hand rein to get in amongst the broom when she saw the car so close, as she thought that the best thing to do. 

To the Coroner: There was no doubt as to the skid marks being on the road. 

The Coroner said he would refrain from making any comment on the case.  -Ashburton Guardian, 25/6/1930.

DANGEROUS DRIVER.

FINED BY MAGISTRATE. 

(By Telegraph — Press Association). CHRISTCHURCH, Sunday. 

Arising out of an accident hear Methven on/May 22, whereby Rachel Highley, a young woman, lost her life, through a motor colliding with a gig, Lawrence Thomas McKendry appeared before Mr Orr Walker, S.M., at Methven on Saturday, charged with having driven a car in a manner dangerous to the public. 

Counsel pointed out that defendant had already been dealt with on a similar charge at the Christchurch Supreme Court and acquitted by a jury. 

The Magistrate could not agree with this view, and fined defendant £l0 and delicensed him till after January, 1932. 

A charge of having failed to pass on the right side of an overtaken vehicle was withdrawn.  -Wairarapa Daily Times, 24/11/1930.

Methven Cemetery.

Duncan Henry Gordon, (1907-5/4/1929). "the danger of falling rocks"

HAKATERE FATALITY.

AN ACCIDENTAL OCCURRENCE.

The inquest into the circumstances of the death of Mr Duncan Henry Gordon, aged 22, who met his death on Hakatere Station on Friday, was held at Hakatere on (Saturday afternoon, before Mr Stanley Smith, J.P. (Acting-Coroner), and a jury of which Mr C. C. Burdon was foreman. Constable Orchard, of Methven, represented the police. 

Evidence of identification was given by James Cordon (brother of deceased).

S. M. A. Chaffey (manager of Hakatere Station) gave evidence that deceased was one of a party of musterers and was in good health. He knew the danger of falling rocks after sheep had passed over a face. 

William Hood, a fellow-musterer, gave evidence that deceased was mustering round a rocky face between five and ten chains from witness, when he noticed a large rock bounding down the hill above Gordon. He called a warning. Deceased ran forward, the rock passing behind him, and at the same moment another piece of splintered rock flew through the air, striking deceased. Witness immediately ran to deceased’s aid, and later called the attention of the rest of the party that an accident had happened. 

Dr W. H. McKee gave evidence that the cause of death was a fracture of the skull.

The jury returned a verdict that deceased was accidentally killed. All care had been taken, and no blame was attachable to anyone. The jury added a rider commending the prompt and efficient efforts of deceased’s fellow workers in bringing in the body over such difficult country.  -Ashburton Guardian, 8/4/1929.

Methven Cemetery.

52630 Private John Anderson Marr, (14/5/1890-29/7/1918). "wounded in France"

John Marr was a farmer who answered the call for soldiers in April, 1917. He joined the 17th Company of the 1st Battalion of the Wellington Infantry Regiment on November 8, 1917, and suffered a gunshot wound to the fibia three weeks later, on the 29th.  The Wellington' Official History has this to say about that period of time:

"The 1st Battalion's spell in line was not to be a particularly happy one, for, during the period from 27th to 30th November, a programme of intenPAGE 233sive bombardment of the enemy's positions was carried out twice daily by our artillery with particular attention to Polderhoek Chateau, and the enemy did not neglect to retaliate."

John Marr was sent to the NZ hospital at Walton on Thames and, on the last day of 1917, placed on the "seriously ill" list. He was removed from the last at the beginning of February, 1918, but placed on it again on July 10. His Army records states: "Died of acute pneumonia, pthisis (tuberculosis) toxaemia, cardiac failure.

Methven Cemetery.

426042 Leading Aircraftman Eldred Charles Hart, (1916-7/1/1943). "an instructional flight"

TWO AIRMEN KILLED.

ONE FROM ALFORD FOREST.

ACCIDENT IN SOUTH ISLAND. 

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, Jan. 7. Two members of the Royal New Zealand Air Force lost their lives in an aircraft accident near a South Island air station this morning during an instructional flight. They were:

Pilot Officer Edward George Russell Morley, whose wife is Mrs N. Morley, Masterton. 

Leading Aircraftman Eldred Charles. Hart, whose father is Mr A. Hart, Alford Forest.

AIRCRAFTMAN E. C. HART. 

Leading Aircraftman Hart commenced his education at the Alford Forest Primary School, and later spent a year at the Ashburton High School, and a further year at the Methven District High School. Upon leaving school he worked on his father’s farm and was still engaged in farming when he joined the forces. Prior to joining the forces- he was, for. six months a member of a South Island air defence unit.

Leading Aircraftman Hart was a member of the Stavely Miniature and Defence Rifle Clubs, the Methven Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and the Methven Football Club.  -Ashburton Guardian, 8/1/1943.

FUNERAL NOTICES.

THE Funeral of the late Leading Aircraftman Eldred Charles Hart, will leave the residence of his parents, Mr, and Mrs A. M. Hart, Alford Forest, To-morrow (Saturday), January 9, at 3 p.m., for the Methven Cemetery. BAKER BROS.. SHAW & KING, Ltd.

METHVEN LODGE), NO. 51. BRETHREN are requested to attend the Funeral of the late Brother Eldred Charles Hart, To-morrow (Saturday), January 9, assembling at Cemetery gates at 3.15 p.m. G. CURRIE, W.M.  -Ashburton Guardian, 8/1/1943.

The "rafcommands" database records that Eldred Hart and his instructor were in a Tiger Moth biplane, upside-down, practising engine failure recovery techniques when the fatal crash occurred.

Methven Cemetery.

Margaret Jane Woods, (1872-27/7/1934). "her duty nobly done"

MRS MARGARET JANE WOODS.

Quite a gloom was cast over the Methven and Highbank districts when the death occurred of Mrs Margaret Jane Woods, of Methven. Mrs Woods was horn at Killinchy, where she resided until she was married to Mr Francis Woods in 1893 at Leeston. With her husband she went to Pahiatua, in the North Island, where they lived for a number of years. Later they came to Highbank, where Mr Woods had purchased a farm. About three years ago Mr Woods purchased another farm close to Methven township, and here they lived until the time of Mrs Woods's death. Mrs Woods was of a very retiring disposition, but her lovable disposition made for her a very large circle of friends, who sincerely mourn her loss. She is survived by her husband, six sons — Messrs T., F., H. and L. Woods (Highbank), G. Woods (Pahiatua), W. Woods (Methven) — and four daughters — Mrs T. Gilpin (Highbank), Mrs A. Thompson (Methven), Mrs O. Mabley and Mrs J. Bland (Dunedin). 

The funeral, which was largely attended, took place at the Methven Cemetery. The service at the residence and afterwards at the graveside was conducted by the Rev. Richard Morgan. The pall-bearers were Messrs T., F., G., H., and L. Woods (sons) and O. Woods (nephew). Many beautiful floral tributes were received.  -Ashburton Guardian 7/8/1934.

Methven Cemetery.

6/4514 Private Gilbert Alexander Stewart, (21/9/1893-29/1/1922). "since his war experience"

INQUEST AT METHVEN

DEATH OF EX-SERVICEMAN.

VERDICT OF SUICIDE RETURNED

An inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Gilbert Alexander Stewart was held at Methven before Mr J. Cow, District Coroner, yesterday afternoon. 

Alexander Gumming Stewart, blackssmith, gave evidence that he a brother of deceased. The deceased, who was 28 years of age, had been staying at home for the last two or three days, but had been working at Mount Somers. He last saw him alive on Sunday night at 10 o’clock. There had then been no signs of drink about him. He could not account for deceased’s taking his life, and he had made no statement in that connection to him. The gun produced belonged to witness. It was the one with which the deed had been done. When he saw him the deceased had just come from Mount Somers. He was given to drinking, but witness was quite sure he showed no signs of drink when he came to witness’ whare. He had taken the gun from above the bed in the whare, and the cartridges were in a little drawer. The latter must have been taken by the deceased when witness was asleep. 

Frank Frederick Kirby, baker, Methven, stated that as he was on his way to work about 5.15 on Monday morning he found the body of the deceased outside the Canterbury Hotel, half on the footpath and half on the road. The body was lying on its back, a gun being between the legs and a bootlace was attached to the gun. The deceased was then quite dead. He had known him well, and had been talking to him on the previous morning. He had then noticed nothing peculiar about him. There was nothing in his manner that led him to think that he would commit suicide. The deceased had been away to the war, but he thought he had suffered no disability thereby. 

James McTaggart, licensee of the Canterbury Hotel at Methven, said that he knew the deceased, and last saw him on the previous night about 10 o’clock in the hall of the hotel. There was then no one else with him. Deceased said he had come in to see whether there was a man named McGill there. Witness asked him where he had been, and received the reply that he had come from Mount Somers. Deceased had asked, “Where was Scotty” or “Get me Scotty” (Scotty being McGill), and witness had found McGill for him. He had then asked McGill whether he had got a job for him on Ross’ mill. McGill told him he was going to see Ross, and McGill added that he had no job for him. The deceased then left the hotel. He had taken no gun with him. In his opinion deceased was sober. In answer to a question by the Coroner, said the deceased had asked for no drink, nor was he served with drink. Continuing, witness said he was in bed about 11.30, when be heard a noise like a bottle breaking. This sound seemed to come from where the tragedy occurred. 

Constable A. Orchard gave evidence as to having removed the body to the hotel. He described the gun. On Thursday the deceased appeared as if he had been drinking. Since his war experience the deceased had indulged in drinking. 

The Coroner returned a verdict that the deceased had committed suicide by shooting himself with a shotgun.  -Ashburton Guardian, 21/1/1922.

Gilbert Stewart's Army record - and such records often have things to say which were not known by a soldier's family - shows an admission to hospital for influenza in 1917 as his only sickness or injury.  What prompted returned soldier Gilbert Stewart to end his life may never be known.  He was one of many men who, for one reason or another, could not face life after the war.

Methven Cemetery.

Desmond Douglas Allred, (1910-20/12/1922). "due to hydatid disease"

SUDDEN DEATH.

SAD AFFAIR AT METHVEN

A very distressing case of sudden death occurred at Methven last evening, the victim being Desmond Allred, the nine-year-old son of Mr and Mrs A. Allred, well known business people of Methven. The appeared to be in his usual good health yesterday and did not complain of being unwell. Shortly after going to bed, however, he complained of sickness, which was accompanied by vomiting. Medical assistance was sought, but the little fellow died before the arrival, of the doctor.

An inquest will be held at Methven this evening.  -Ashburton Guardian, 21/12/1922.

ACCIDENTS & DEATHS

INQUEST AT METHVEN. 

The verdict returned at Methven yesterday concerning death of Desmond Douglas Allred, who died rather suddenly on Wednesday night, was that death was due to hydatid disease of the heart. The deceased was the son of Arthur Allred, wheelwright, of Methven.

The inquest was conducted by the Coroner (Mr J. Cow), senior-sergeant Jackson representing the police. The deceased was 12 years of age, and, according to the evidence of his father, his usual health had been good. At no time had he complained.

Dr. W. H. D. McKee, of Methven, stated that the deceased died two minutes after his arrival, about 11 o’clock. When he arrived the boy was moribund. The doctor was unable to certify to death. The post mortem examination disclosed a large hydatid cyst in the heart. There were secondary and smaller hydatid deposits on the left lung. His other organs were healthy, except for the appendix, which showed chronic inflammation. Death was due to hydatid disease on the heart.

The verdict was in accordance with the medical evidence, the Coroner expressing sympathy on behalf of himself And the district with deceased’s parents.   -Ashburton Guardian, 22/12/1922.

PRIZE DISTRIBUTIONS.

METHVEN. 

The annual distribution of prizes at the Methven Public School took place on Friday evening in the Public Hall, which was crowded. Dr. W. H. McKee, chairman of the committee, presided, and referred in very feeling terms to the sudden death of Master Desmond Douglas Allred, one of the senior; pupils of the school. As a mark of respect all stood in silence for a few moments.  -Press, 26/12/1922.

Methven Cemetery.

36411 Private Stewart Callaghan, (17/6/1896-9/7/1919). "three volleys over the grave"

 METHVEN.

Private Stewart Callaghan, youngest son of Mr A. K. Callaghan, of Highbank, was buried in Methven on Friday last with military honours. A firing party of returned soldiers of the district fired three volleys over the grave and Bugler Moore sounded the Last Post. Private Callaghan, who was 23 years of age at the time of his death, left New Zealand with the 21st Reinforcements, and went through some severe fighting in France, being present at Passchendaele and other engagements. In December, 1917, he contracted severe pleurisy and pneumonia, and was in hospital in England for nearly nine months. He then returned to New Zealand, was discharged as cured in March last. He was compelled to go into Ashburton Hospital, being transferred to Featherston a month later. He died there on the 9th instant of pulmonary tuberculosis. There was an exceedingly large attendance of the public at the funeral, testifying to the respect in which he and his family are held in the district.  -Ashburton Guardian, 16/7/1919.

Methven Cemetery.

Marion Kathleen Compton, (1908-23/11/1910). "in a waterrace"

 

A GIRL DROWNED.

CHRISTCHURCH, Wednesday. A little girl named Marion Catherine Compton, aged two years, a daughter of Mrs. Compton, of Methven, was found drowned at 5.30 pm. to-day in a waterrace running past her parents' house.  -Auckland Star, 24/11/1910.

ACCIDENTS AND DEATHS.

INQUEST.

An inquest was held at Methven yesterday before. Mr W. Morgan, J.P., and a jury, on the body of Marion Kathleen Compton, aged two years, who was drowned in a water-race near her parents' residence the previous day. From the evidence it appeared that the mother missed the child for a few minutes, thinking she might be at a neighbour's place, and sent another daughter, aged ten years, in search of her. No trace of the child could be found there, and the waterrace was then searched, and about 400 yards down the race the body was found. Artificial respiration was resorted to, but without success. The body was then moved to the parents' home. The jury returned a verdict that deceased was accidentally drowned, and added a rider to the effect that the responsible authorities should take steps to safeguard the public from the open water race. This was the third drowning fatality which had occurred in connection therewith.  -Ashburton Guardian, 26/11/1910.

Methven Cemetery.

Kathleen Margaret McNeill, (1904-30/8/1905). "fell into a county water race"

Sad Drowning Fatality.

A sad drowning fatality occurred at Methven yesterday afternoon, Kathleen Margaret, the only daughter of Mr and Mrs McNeill, of the Methven Hotel, a child of 18 months old, being the victim. The child fell into a county water race running through the township, and was discovered shortly afterwards by her uncle submerged in the water flowing in the race. Medical aid was procured, but all attempts at recuscitation proved futile. Much sympathy is being extended to Mr and Mrs McNeil in their sad bereavement. An inquest was held at Methven to-day.  -Ashburton Guardian, 31/8/1905.

Inquest at Methven.

An inquest was hold at Methven yesterday evening by Mr Morgan, J.P., on Kathleen Margaret, the only daughter of Mr and Mrs McNiell, found drowned in a water race on Wednesday. The jury, of whom Mr Baker was foreman, brought in a verdict of accidentally drowned, and added a rider that the attention of the authorities be called to the necessity of fencing in the water race through the township of Methven to guard against such occurrences in future.  -Ashburton Giardian, 1/9/1905.

Methven Cemetery.

26/1096 Rifleman John Joseph Nee, (29/4/1894-14/7/1917). "was helping his mother"

THE FALLEN AND WOUNDED.

PERSONAL NOTES.

Rifleman John Joseph Nee (reported missing, believed killed in action) was the eldest son of Mrs McGirr, of Cairnbrae, and of the late, Mr Thomas Nee. He was born at Methven in 1896, and was educated at the Methven Public School, and subsequently was at St. Patrick's College, Wellington, for a period of two years. Leaving the College, he took up farming, and was helping his mother to carry on the farm at Cairnbrae. He joined the 4th  Battalion of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade, and left with the 9th Reinforcements. Rifleman Nee was a month in Egypt, and afterwards went to France. He went through the Somme and Messines offensive without harm. Only a few days before he was reported to have been killed his mother received a cable message from him.   -Press, 15/9/1917.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. 

MR and MRS McGIRR and Family (Cairnbrae) tender their heartfelt THANKS to all kind friends for the expressions of sympathy in the supposed loss of their son, Rifleman John Joseph Nee.   -Ashburton Guardian, 29/9/1917.

John Nee's disappearance is a strange event, happening as it did at a relatively quiet time for the NZ Rifles.  On the night of August 14th a relief was made of the Riflemen in the trenches.  John seems to have gone missing on that night, with no trace and no report of being taken prisoner.  The report of his being killed was a standard response after six months' disappearance.

Methven Cemetery.

 

4921 Private Andrew John (James ) Paterson, (1917-28/6/1942). "we never gave up hoping"

I have already published a story about Andrew Paterson, but I hope this one gives a better idea of the conditions in which he disappeared and was probably killed in action.

Minqar Qaim is nothing but a position in the desert of North Africa.  In it, in late June 1942, New Zealand forces were trapped by a fast-moving and aggressive German force commanded by Erwin Rommel.  The kiwis faced a choice - escape or capture.  They chose escape but had the difficult task of leaving their wounded as well provided for as possible and hoping the Germans would be kind.

The breakout on the night of the 28th used every vehicle that would move.  Orders were not to stop for any reason.  At some time on that night, Andrew Paterson went missing without trace.  A letter written to his family describing the night can be found here.

For the Empire's Cause.

PATERSON. — Presumed killed in action in the Battle of Minquar Quaim. June 28, 1942, after missing for three years nine months, 4921 Private Andrew John Paterson, of Nineteenth Wellington Rifle Battalion, dearly-beloved son of Mr and Mrs A. J. Paterson, and loved brother of Ernest, Edward, Jean, and Ellen, 186 Main south road (late of West Avenue); in his twenty-fifth year. "He gave his best, his all."

PATERSON. — Presumed killed in action in the Western Desert, June 28, 1942, 4921 Private Andrew John Paterson, loved grandson of Mrs and the late Mr Andrew Paterson, 69 Harbour Terrace; in his twenty-fifth year.  -Evening Star, 21/3/1945.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

PATERSON — Mr and Mrs A. J. Paterson, Ernest, Edward, Jean, and Ellen desire to thank relatives and many kind friends and neighbours for telegrams, letters, cards, and floral tributes received by them for the sad loss of their loved one, Private Andrew John Paterson. Kindly accept this as a personal acknowledgment.  -Evening Star, 30/3/1945.

IN MEMORIAM

PATERSON. — In loving memory of our dearly-loved son, Pte. Andrew John Paterson (4921), killed in Battle Minquar Quaim, June 28. 1942. “ Cherished are the memories.”

We lost a son with a heart of gold, Who was more to us than wealth untold; 

Unseen by this world, he stands by our side, And whispers: “Don’t worry, death cannot divide.’’ 

Bravely he lived, and bravely he died, Let this brief epitaph suffice. 

He would not wish for words of praise, Who gladly paid so high a price. 

He deemed his life a little thing To offer for so great an end. 

And we are proud that we can say, He was our son, and everyone’s friend. 

So sadly missed and longed for always by his sorrowing mother and father. 

“Lest we forget.” 

In loving memory of all who gave their lives that we might live.

PATERSON. — In loving memory of our dear brother, Pte. Andrew John, who was killed on June 28, Battle Minquar Quaim. 

Although your friends have forgotten you, Andrew, dear, 

We at home will never. 

Your beautiful memory is with us ever. 

Oh, how we loved and missed you so, 

A wonderful brother, so kind, and true; 

We never gave up hoping through the years that were long, 

How we pictured your safe return. 

The shock was great, the pain severe, 

To part with one we loved so dear. 

When we see the boys returning, 

Our hearts do throb with pain; 

For there always comes that longing 

For you to be home again. 

— Sadly missed by his loving sister, Ellen, brother-in-law, Bill. 

PATERSON. — In loving memory of our dear brother, Andrew, who was killed in the Battle of Minquar Quaim, June 28, 1942. 

He sleeps beside his comrades, In a grave to us unknown; 

But his name is written in letters of love 

In the hearts of us at home. 

— Inserted by his loving brother, Ernie, sister-in-law, Ethel. 

PATERSON. — In fond and loving memory of our dear brother, Andrew John, killed in action, Battle Minquar Quaim, June 28, 1942. 

Memories grow sweeter as years travel on 

Longing for a face and a smile that have gone. 

We think of his sayings, and remember his smile, 

And think he is not lost, just gone for a while.

— Inserted by his ever-loving (twin) sister, Jean, and brother-in-law, Archie, and wee Ellen.

PATERSON. — In fond and cherished memory of Pte. Andrew John Paterson, 4921, presumed killed in action, Minquar Quaim, June 28, 1942. — Inserted by his loving brother and sister-in-law, Ted and Ann. .

PATERSON. — In affectionate remembrance of Pte. Andrew John Paterson, presumed killed in action, June 28, 1942. 

Fond memories linger every day,  Remembrance keeps you near.

— Inserted by his loving grandma and Aunt Mary. 

PATERSON. — In affectionate remembrance of 4921 Pte. Andrew John Paterson, presumed killed in action at Minquai Quaim, on June 28, 1942. 

Time passes on, but memory stays; 

Loved and remembered by us always. 

— Inserted by his Uncle Bill and aunts. 

PATERSON .“In loving memory of our dear nephew and cousin, Andrew, who paid the supreme sacrifice in Egypt on June 28, 1942. 

He shall not grow old, as we who are left. 

Age shall not weary him, nor the years condemn.

Inserted by the Pryde family, Shortland street.   -Evening Star, 28/6/1946.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.