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.