11671 Private Charles Thomas Hopkinson, (19/12/1876-3/3/1921). "pleased to have been of use"

COUNTRY NEWS

TASMAN.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

Private C. T. Hopkinson, who has returned invalided from France after two years' service, is at present in Tasman, but is still an out-patient of the Nelson Hospital. Private Hopkinson speaks in glowing terms of the kindness and hospitality extended to the New Zealanders at the various ports at which a call was made on the voyage to New Zealand, and is much impressed with the efficiency, earnestness, and dash of the American troops, which were arriving in Europe in ever-increasing numbers at the time of his departure. It is understood that it is Private Hopkinson's intention to settle down again in this district and engage in fruitgrowing and commercial pursuits.  -Colonist, 27/7/1918.

OBITUARY

RETURNED SOLDIER’S END RESULT OFWAR SERVICE

Very genuine regret was expressed when it became known that Mr C. T. B. Hopkinson, of Tasman, had passed away at the Nelson Hospital on Thursday evening. The late Mr Hopkinson was a man of quiet and retiring disposition, but was genuinely respected by all who were brought into contact with him. Born in Morecambe, England, about 46 years ago, he served for a number of years in the Telegraph Department of the London and North-Western Railway. Failing health compelled him to leave England for New Zealand some 12 years ago. After a couple of years in the dairying business in Taranaki, Mr Hopkinson became one of the pioneer settlers in the Tasman district some nine years ago, taking up fruit-growing with enthusiasm. When war was declared Mr Hopkinson offered his services and was rejected on account of ill-health, but as a result of persistent effort and skilled medical attention he was finally passed as fit for service, and spent some two or three years in France and Belgium, returning to New Zealand shortly before the Armistice was signed, his return being rendered necessary on account of his having contracted a complaint, while serving in the trenches, from which he never fully recovered, and which has in the end, caused his death. His removal adds one more to the list of victims of the Great War, and his friends have the consolation of knowing that despite the suffering which he was called upon to bear, he was always more than pleased to have been of use to his country in her hour of need. Mr Hopkinson leaves a widow, for whom the deepest sympathy is felt.  -Nelson Evening Mail, 4/3/1921.

Charles Hopkinson was admitted to hospital in France on January 30, 1918, suffering from nephritis. A month later his situation was listed as "severe."  He was moved to England and classified as "unfit" in April and embarked for New Zealand.