OBITUARY
T. J. MORROW, M.A., F.R.E.S.
The late Mr T. J. Morrow, M.A., F.R.E.S., whose death at the early age of 30 years occurred at the hospital yesterday, was brought up in Dunedin. Mr Morrow passed through the Otago Boys’ High School and then attended Otago University for 3 years, during 2 of which he was also at the Training College. After a short stay as headmaster in a school at Dunback he took a position in the Balclutha High School, transferring from there to Nelson College in the 3rd term of 1915. In May 1916 he enlisted for military service, but was not called up until January 1917, when he went into camp just after his marriage. He saw considerable service at the front and was in charge of his company when he received a bullet wound in the head which caused him to be invalided home in January, 1919. He was under medical treatment until March, when he was discharged, the organic complaint which ultimately caused his death not having at that time been diagnosed. In May he resumed duty at Nelson College, but not as the robust man of pre-war days. He worked away for a little over a year, resting himself as much as possible at the week-ends, but facing things bravely. The disease which had gradually been strengthening its hold caused a thorough breakdown in the middle of 1920. A long rest enabled Mr Morrow to pick up sufficient strength to face again his chosen life-work and for the last three years, with rare courage and indomitable resolution, he has remained at his post, the last call finding him with his year’s work — an unusually strenuous one — finished to the end. A man of rare culture, Mr Morrow had a strong bent towards literary and linguistic studies, and he combined with an appreciation of the literature of others a faculty for original composition in verse and prose which would, had he been spared, have been a source of enjoyment to many. Mr Morrow secured his M.A. degree in economics and history and his work was well in hand for a higher distinction in the same subjects when his malady forbade further concentrated study. Gentlemanly, kindly, likeable, Mr Morrow made friends wherever he went, and his removal is a cause of heartfelt sorrow to his colleagues at Nelson College, to the boys he has come in contact with, and to the many friends who have come to know and to respect him. To his widow and child much sympathy will be extended. Deceased’s parents reside at Ettrick (Otago) and his father was present when he passed away. -Nelson Evening Mail, 18/12/1923.
Thomas Morrow died of diabetes, in the same year that the patent for the technique of insulin production was assigned to the University of Toronto. His head wound was sustained on October 9th, 1918, with the war's end in sight.
Wakapuaka Cemetery, Nelson.
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