3/314 Major Dr Cyril Victor Atmore Baigent, OBE, (10/6/1889-9/1/1923). "kindly and skilful treatment"

BOMBS' DEADLY WORK.

AN INTERESTING PROCLAMATION

Surgeon-Captain Cyril Baigent (Otago Battalion), who was reported wounded on Saturday, writing to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. H. Baigent, Waimea street, under date June 2nd, says: — We have been in reserve lately, but expect to go in the trenches any day now, and have shifted up behind the first trenches. The shelling on the beach got a bit warm the other day, and we had to pick a quiet time for a swim. The other day we had just finished our swim when the enemy shrapnel began to fall. Two other officers and myself were just entering the reserve gully when a shell burst nearly over us, and bullets buried themselves in the ground two or three feet behind us. Had we not lain flat on the ground when we heard it coming we must have been hit. The other night the enemy built bomb-proof shelters at the end of a sap, not more than nine feet from our trenches. They were demolished next morning after some bayonet work. Bomb throwing is a. prominent feature of both sides. They are villainous things, and inflict frightful injuries. Although we are in reserve we go into the trenches if anything much is doing. . . . To-day has been awfully quiet until just now, when the enemy began shelling our lines two or three minutes ago, and almost immediately one of our batteries replied, and they are now having a little go on their own. June 17th. — You should see the Japanese bombs being fired. There is a fair noise when the bomb leaves the gun. You can then see it going up, turn round, and come down. Then follows a tremendous explosion. When the bomb starts to come down our men yell, "Allah, Allah!" —the war cry of the enemy. Bombs are deadly affairs, and do tremendous damage to the enemy's men and trenches. We have other varieties of shells, which also cause a lot of excitement. . . Flies are becoming an awful nuisance, but are not so bad as at the next post, where they simply swarm. In regard to clothing Captain Baigent says: — We really cannot have anything but what we carry about with us, so our only requirements at present are an occasional pair of socks and similar articles.

In an earlier letter Captain Baigent writes: — Last Sunday a colonel from the enemy's lines came in to arrange for an armistice to bury dead from 7.30 to 4.30 p.m. on Monday. Only the burial parties were allowed out in front of the trenches. They had to wear the Red Cross brassard or a white band, while the enemy wore the Red Crescent. Parties went right along the line between the two front trenches and left men, Turks and Australians, with flags marking the neutral line. Neither side was allowed past their marker. I went out with the burial parties to try and identify some of our men. However, although I went over all the ground where the battalion had been fighting I could not locate any. The ground was covered with dead in an advanced state of decomposition, as they had been lying there for at least two or three weeks. There were very few of our forces, but in places the Turks were simply lying in hundreds. It was recently estimated that they lost 3000 in their last attacks, and it apparently agreed with that estimate. It took each burial party at least seven hours to complete their work. According to agreement the Turks were to carry any of our dead to the neutral line, and we were to do the same with theirs. Consequently there wore hundreds of each party assembled along the line, and the men were standing up in the trenches watching. One or two of the — could speak English, but had evidently been ordered not to say anything. The men were apparently well clothed and fed, and officers, especially staff officers, were dressed in very showy uniforms. I am enclosing a notice which I picked up amongst the enemy's dead. Evidently they had some idea it might encourage our men to surrender. (The notice, which is riddled with bullets and blood stained, reads as follows, the words omitted being where the paper has been shot away.):

"Englisch soldiers taken prisoners by us state they have been told that each soldier which has fallen into, our hands will be killed. Don't believe that lie only told to persuade you to prefer being killed than to surrender. Be convinced that everybody of you who has been taken prisoner will be treated just us well as the international law commands.

"France, England and Russia have been awfully and suffered tremendous losses the last few days. More than 100,000 Russians have been taken prisoners by the Gems in Polonia. Libau a russian harbour in the Baltic sea has been taken by the Germans. Dunquerque has been bombarded with the heaviest guns. Calais and Warsaw are in danger. The very next days will bring new losses to the allied forces. There is no chance for you to get the narrows."

Writing on June 10th, Captain Baigent says: — The Fourth Reinforcements arrived here two days ago, and are doing their turn in the trenches with the other companies. Yesterday afternoon was a quiet one. An officer looked at his watch during the afternoon, and no shots were fired for 45 seconds! That is really about as long an interval since we landed seven weeks ago, so you will understand what it is like here.  -Colonist, 24/8/1915.

The health of Dr. C. V. Baigent of Ashburton, is reported to be very critical. He is an inmate of a private hospital. Dr. Baigent belongs to a Nelson family, and was on active service during the Great War.  -Manawatu Standard, 2/1/1923.

Enquiries made to-day indicate that there is no change in the condition of Dr. C. V. Baigent, who has been seriously ill for some weeks.   -Ashburton Guardian, 4/1/1923.

OBITUARY

DR. C. V. A. BAIGENT. 

 It is with regret that we have to record the death of Dr. Cyril Victor Atmore Baigent, which took place at his residence in Ashburton yesterday afternoon after a severe illness that had confined him to his bed for the past month or so. Although Dr. Baigent’s affliction was a serious one; and little hope was held but for his recovery from the outset, the news of his death came as a shock to the community, by whom he was held in the highest esteem.

Born in Nelson 33 years ago, the deceased entered Nelson College in 1902, where he received most of his education, leaving there in 1907 for Dunedin. Determined on the medical, profession, he entered the Dunedin University as. a medical student and qualified as a medical practitioner in 1912. Shortly afterwards he was engaged as a house surgeon in the Dunedin Hospital and he was in that position when the war broke out in 1914. Immediately answering the call to the colours, he resigned from the Hospital staff and left New Zealand as a member of the Main Body, being attached to the Medical Corps. On Gallipoli he rendered valuable service and he was wounded there whilst in charge of an advanced dressing station. His kindly and skilful treatment of the wounded endeared him to hundreds and earned him the highest praise. No trouble was too great for him if it meant the relief of some sufferer, and his disregard for his personal safety won him a high reputation. After the evacuation he went to France, where he had charge of a stationary hospital. In the field he again distinguished himself, and was recommended for the D.S.O., this being the second occasion, the first being when he was on Gallipoli. The coveted honour not granted, however later he was decorated with the Order of the British Empire.

With the sighing of the Armistice, Dr. Baigent, with the rank of Lieutenant, was placed in charge of the Codford Military Hospital, where he again rendered conspicuous service among the New Zealand sick and wounded. He remained in charge of Codford until the institution was closed, when he returned to the Dominion in charge of a hospital ship but went back to Edinburgh, where be gained further experience in his profession gaining the degree of  F.R.C.S.

Returning to New Zealand finally, he took up a position on the Pensions Board, and took over Dr. G. Lyon’s practice in Ashburton about two and a-half years ago. During his student days at the Dunedin University, Dr. Baigent took a prominent part in athletics, and more than once represented his University in inter-’varsity meetings in field events. In those days, as also during his trying time in France, where he was severely gassed, his genial nature endeared him to all who knew him, and his work in Ashburton placed him in the highest regard with a large number of people, by whom his death at so early an age will be deeply regretted. The deceased gentleman leaves a widow and one three-year-old child. His parents are very well-known residents of Nelson, in which town he will be buried on Sunday next.  -Nelson Evening Mail, 9/1/1923.

OBITUARY

DP. CYRIL BAIGENT 

The sad news of Dr. Cyril Baigent's death, which occurred at Ashburton yesterday afternoon, will be received with widespread regret. It is not many years since he was a boy attending Nelson College, and as a member of one of .Nelson's bestknown and oldest families he was well known right through the district. On leaving Nelson College he continued his studies at Dunedin University, obtaining his M.B. and B.Ch. Degrees. On account of the brilliancy of his examination results he was at once offered a position as Junior House Surgeon at Dunedin Public Hospital, which post he accepted, and within two years had risen to the position of Chief House Surgeon, he holding this appointment at the outbreak of war. He immediately volunteered for active service and left .New Zealand with the Main Body as Captain in charge of the Field Ambulance of the Otago Infantry Battalion. He served right through the Egyptian and Gallipoli campaigns, his ambulance being constantly in touch with the fighting and in advanced positions. He was several times then offered promotion, which he refused, his letters home emphasising the fact that he considered promotion valueless if it meant leaving his battalion as he was proud to be associated with men of their calibre, and wished to remain with them as long as any of the Main Body men were left. After one night's advance his battalion found their new position was enfiladed from both sides, and his ambulance station therefore being unprotected, was constantly sniped day and night for some four days. He, however, remained at his post until the withdrawal, just previous to which he was shot through the arm, the bone being pierced and his condition was then such that he at once went down with dysentery and enteric fever. As soon as convalescent, he rejoined his unit, and was present at the evacuation of Gallipoli and the transfer to France. He was there promoted, and with the exception of a few months in New Zealand on special duty, he remained with the forces until the Armistice, at which time he was medical officer in charge of Codford Camp, with the rank of Lieut.-Colonel. For his war services he was decorated at Buckingham Palace with the O. B. E. He then applied for. and was granted demobilisation in England, and at once proceeded to Edinburgh to study for the F.R.C.S. Degree, and on receiving the diploma he returned to New Zealand. He then entered private practice at Ashburton and soon established a very large connection, but he had not escaped unscathed from the privations of the war, and about six months ago he was able to diagnose a trouble caused in the first instance by severe chill or exposure, which trouble he knew must sooner or later result in his death, and which imperatively demanded a complete rest. Knowing the incurable nature of his illness, he, however, decided to carry right on, which he did, he successfully performing a serious operation on the morning of his collapse. It was at first expected that he would recover sufficiently to come through to Nelson, but he gradually sank and passed away yesterday afternoon. The late Dr. Baigent leaves a widow and one child, and to them and Mr and Mrs H. Baigent, of Waimea street, sincerest sympathy will be extended. The body is being brought to Nelson for burial.  -Nelson Evening Mail, 10/1/1923.

The brief description of Cyril Baigent's fatal disease would indicate that he was one of the many New Zealanders who contracted tuberculosis in the trenches and died after their return home.

FUNERAL NOTICE

THE friends of the late Dr. Cyril V. A. Baigent are informed that his funeral will leave the residence of the parents, Mr and Mrs H. Baigent, of Waimea street, on SUNDAY Morning at 9.45 o'clock for the Nelson Cemetery. 

G. FLEMING & SONS, Funeral Directors.  -Nelson Evening Mail, 12/1/1923.

PERSONAL ITEMS

The funeral of the late Dr. Cyril Baigent, of Ashburton, son of Mr and Mrs Henry Baigent, of Waimea street, was held yesterday morning. There was a large attendance of all sections of the public, including representatives of the Nelson Returned Soldiers’ Association, the medical profession, and many personal friends. A number of beautiful floral tributes were sent, including wreaths from the Ashburton Returned Soldiers’ Association, the Ashburton Trotting Club, Ashburton County Racing Club, Ashburton War Relief Fund, arid St. John’s Ambulance Association, as well as from numerous private individuals. The service at the graveside was read by Rev. H. Edridge, while Pastor C. S. Matthews, of Ashburton, a close personal friend of deceased, paid a warm tribute to the late Dr. Baigent’s memory.  -Nelson Evening Mail, 15/1/1923.

Wakapuaka Cemetery, Nelson.

 

Tommy Scarlett, (1917-7/5/1935). "one could not help liking him"

A gloom was cast over the whole district last week when word was received that Tommy Scarlett, aged 20, son of Mr. W. Scarlett, Public Works surfaceman, was killed while working in the bush at Granity Creek with his two uncles Dick and George Gilbank. As far as I can learn he was getting out of the way of a falling tree when a limb from an adjoining tree fell and hit him on the head, killing him instantaneously. The deceased, who was a quiet, inoffensive young man, earned the goodwill and respect of all with whom he came in contact. Obliging and always ready to do anyone a good turn, one could not help liking him. The whole district will join me in expressing the deepest sympathy to the parents, brothers and sisters in their sad loss. The parents received over 100 telegrams from outside sympathisers which goes to show the popularity of the late Tommy. Hundreds of residents of Karamea and Westport attended the funeral which took place in Wednesday last at the Karamea cemetery, the service being read by the Bev. R. Coombridge, of Granity.  -Grey River Argus, 15/5/1935.

Karamea Cemetery. Photo from "Find a Grave."

Peter (1834-16/1/1886), and Maria Madeline (1849-22/1/1894) Lynch. "had hold of his hand"

The other death is that of an old pioneer of the Shotover District, Mr Peter Lynch, who has also been a cattle-owner and hotelkeeper. He was an impulsive but good-hearted man and full of fun. He was a married man and has a family. Many old miners in your locality and where your paper circulates will learn with regret of his sudden death at Maori Point in his own house. The cause is either heart disease or apoplexy. Dr Donaldson attends the inquest this afternoon before the Coroner, and probably this letter may state the real facts of the case.   -Cromwell Argus, 19/1/1886.

An inquest was held on Monday last, at the residence of the late Peter Lynch, Maori Point, Shotover river, before W. Warren, Esq., acting-coroner, and a jury of eight persons (Mr W. Palmer, foreman) touching the said Peter Lynch, who died the Saturday morning previous. 

According to the evidence of Joseph Anderson, a labourer at Skippers Point, deceased — who had been cutting timber for the Phoenix mine, Skippers reefs — came down to the Point on Friday evening last, seriously ill, when witness accompanied him to his (deceased's) residence, and arrived at Maori Point about half-past 9 o'clock. Before proceeding home, however, deceased had a basin of maizena, and on enquiry as to his ailment remarked that Mr Evans, manager of the Phoenix mine, and Mr H. K. Moore had said it was congestion of the lungs. He did not complain on the journey home, but seemed a little worse at the latter end, as he could not manage his horse very well. To the knowledge of witness deceased only had one glass of brandy before leaving Johnston's hotel, Skippers Point, and a very small drink of brandy when riding down.

Maria Madeline Lynch, wife of deceased, deposed that her late husband left home to work for the Phoenix mine on the 23th December last, and she did not see him till Friday evening last, when he complained of having a cold. He had a little brandy when he first got home, and a little more, with an egg beaten up in it, at about 10 o'clock. He seemed to he a little easier after this, and laid down on the sofa in the sitting room where his head was propped up with pillows. His head was very hot, and his pulse throbbed very much. Witness put a cold wet cloth round his head from time to time, from which he seemed to derive great relief. Witness and deceased were talking quietly together till about one o'clock on the following (Saturday) morning, 16lfirh instant, when he died. Deceased was talking until about ten minutes before his death. At the moment of his death he never moved a muscle, and witness (who had hold of his hand) had no intimation of it except that she missed the throbbing of his pulse. Deceased made a slight gurgle at the throat a little before death, as from the effect of a cold. There was no one in the house at the time of of death, but witness and her children. Witness then went out and cooed across the river to Mr Fraser and Mr Caldwell, her nearest neighbours. Deceased was treated for heart disease about nine years ago by Dr Jackson, and about 18 mouths since for the same disease by Dr Douglas. Deceased was a Roman Catholic, a native of County Clare, Ireland, and 52 year of age at the time of his death. He was in Victoria in the early days, and afterward came to New Zealand, and was mining till about July last, when he went to work in the bush for the Phoenix Company. 

Henry Donaldson, a duly registered medical practitioner, of Arrowtown, deposed to having that morning made a post mortem examination of the body of deceased. There were no external marks of violence. Internally he found the walls of the heart very thin and dilated. There was also extensive ossification of the aorta. The left was slightly congested. Had no doubt death was nearly wholly due to diseased condition of the heart. Did not think it would have made any material difference in prolonging the life of deceased had he remained at Johnston's hotel on the evening of his death. Witness found sufficient cause for death in the diseased state of the heart and lungs without examining the stomach. There was no doubt that deceased had been suffering from disease of the heart for nine years.

This concluded the evidence, and the jury, without retiring, returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony, namely, of death from disease of the heart.  -Lake Wakatip Mail, 22/1/1886.

SKIPPERS.

(from an occasional correspondent). March 26. Silently, but not unexpectedly, the hand of death has been laid on another old Shotover resident, in the person of Mrs Lynch (relict of Mr P. Lynch). Deceased, who had been ailing for three or four years with an incurable chest complaint, died in her sleep at Bullendale on Thursday night. The funeral (which was a large one) took place on Sunday, her remains being interred in the Skippers cemetery beside the grave of her late husband, who died some seven or eight years ago. The Rev. Father Lynch conducted the funeral service. Much sympathy is felt for the family, consisting of four, whose ages range from 10 to 17 years. Deceased, in the palmy days of the Shotover, kept an hotel at Maori Point. Immediately after the funeral, a mob of indignant footballers assembled in the schoolground, making harangues and threats as to how they would wreak their vengeance on the correspondent (myself) who had complained of their Sunday practices. The uproar attracted the attention of the surrounding neighbors. However, the schoolmaster came upon the scene, and severely rebuked them for their disgraceful conduct, and ordered them to quit the grounds. The mob (who would compare favorably with the typical Sydney larrikins) slunk away utterly crestfallen. They are much like unto a pack of wolves — desperate in numbers, but when dispersed individually before superior mental power, slinking, cowering, pitiable objects. I some time ago complained through your columns of the bad state of the cemetery. Public attention has now been given to the matter, and I hear that our energetic member of the Lake County Council (Mr B. Rodgers) has taken the matter in hand, and there is no doubt through his exertions a satisfactory issue will be obtained. It is probable a public meeting will be held in the Skippers Library Hall in a fortnight’s time to arrange matters. It seems that two of the trustees are away, and some wish to resign. It is the wish of the community that the members elected will be centrally located.  -Lake County Press, 29/3/1894.

The "occasional correspondent's" reference to the Skippers footballers' indignation would appear to refer to the following, published two week previously:

(from an occasional correspondent). March 12. The Skippers Football Club purpose holding a general meeting on Monday, 12th inst. to determine whether the above-mentioned club shall be merged into a cricket club. A gross reflection has been cast on the moral tone of the community through the footballers last season playing their game every Sunday. A good deal of comment has been freely expressed by the old residents on this glaring, unnecessary violation of the Sabbath Day. The arm of the law might unexpectedly intervene, thus giving them the coup de grace.

Skippers Cemetery.  Photo from "Find a Grave."

Andrew Lambie, (1857-21/2/1923). "a most devoted father"

OBITUARY.

ANDREW LAMBIE; aged 66.
Mr Andrew Lambie, whose name at one time was a household word at Skippers, where he resided for twenty-five years, died at his home, George St., Green Island, last Tuesday. Deceased gentleman had been in very indifferent health for a considerable time past, so that it was not a matter of great surprise when private advice was received here on Wednesday that the end had come. For the long period mentioned Mr Lambie had carried on farming pursuits at Skippers, the well-known Mt. Aurum Station being his property till he sold it on deciding to go nearer to the haunts of civilisation. During his residence at Skippers Mr Lambie took a very full part in the amenities of the social life of the place. He was chairman of the Library Committee, also of the Public School Committee, and was member for Shotover riding on the Lake County Council, which he worthily represented for some years. In all his dealings Mr Lambie was a man of the strictest integrity, a man who was held in the utmost respect among his fellows, and one whose sense of justice, charitable disposition and kindness of heart won for him the warmest esteem. Mr Lambie’s wife predeceased him some eleven years ago. Two daughters are left to mourn the loss of a most devoted father. They will have the deep sympathy of the people of Wakatipu. Mr Robt. Lambie is a brother of deceased. 

Before the business of the special meeting of the Lake County Council was proceeded with on Wednesday evening, Cr Cockburn made reference to the death of Mr Andrew Lambie, news of which he had just received. He said he did not think he had ever met a man whom he respected more. Mr Lambie had proved a most worthy representative of Shotover riding at the Council table and he would move that a vote of sympathy with his family and relatives be passed. The Chairman (Cr Wm. Reid) said deceased had been elected to the Council 24 years ago — at the same time as he himself was returned. He had found him one of the straightest men he had over known . He always endeavoured to do a fair thing by his own. riding — never to the disadvantage of the others. Cr Collins also spoke from an intimate acquaintance with Mr Lambie. He was the same sterling fellow in his home and outside of it, and his hospitality was known far and wide. Crs Lewis, W. S. Reid and McKibbin endorsed the remarks of the previous speakers. The vote of sympathy was then carried, members standing.  -Lake Wakatip Mail, 27/2/1923.

Skippers cemetery. Photo from "Find a Grave."

Robert Evans Newton, (1855-4/7/1875). "hurled him into the air"

DEATHS.

On the 4th July, from injuries received while at his work, Robert Evans Newton (hammerman), aged 20 years. Home papers please copy.  -Otago Daily Times, 6/7/1875.

FUNERAL NOTICE. 

THE Friends of the late Robert Evans Newton, are respectfully invited to attend his Funeral, which will leave his residence, George street, near Union street, Tomorrow (Tuesday), at one o’clock, for the Southern Cemetery. 

WALTER G. GEDDES, Undertaker, Octagon.  -Evening Star, 5/7/1875.

A. young man named Robert Evans Newton, employed at Sparrow’s foundry, sustained injuries on Saturday morning, which, proved fatal. He was placing a board near the fly-wheel, when it got between the spikes, and, catching him in the stomach, hurled him into the air. He was picked up insensible, and lingered in great agony at the Hospital until Sunday afternoon, when he expired.  -Cromwell Argus, 7/7/1875.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.  DCC photo.

Captain John Johnston Anderson, (1841-24/2/1898). "without a superior"

 

ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES

ACCIDENT ON THE WAIKARE. 

Dunedin, February 2. A pigeon message received by Mr Hayne, the well-known pigeon-breeder, from the steamer Waikare, which is at Preservation Inlet, says that an accident occurred on Monday night. While the launch was being hoisted out the ring of the hydraulic derrick broke, the derrick falling right down on to the deck. 

Captain Anderson was struck on the back by some of the gear, and somewhat badly hurt. He was disabled for a time. Two doctors say there is no serious danger. Three passengers were also slightly injured. 

It was resolved to proceed on the tour, the ship being in charge of the chief officer. 

Later. Another message has been received by pigeon from the Mayor, who is an excursionist, by the Waikare, as follows: — "Passengers all convalescent, and will be able to attend concert this evening. Captain Anderson is very much improved, and is merely suffering from stiffness of the muscles. All well. Weather fine.” 

February 4. Another pigeon message from the Waikare from Milford Sound reports that the passengers who met with a slight accident are quite convalescent. A most enjoyable regatta was held in George Sound. The successful Ladies’ crew were Misses Edwin (2), Easther, Duncan. Mr Kennedy, branch manager of the Union Steam Ship Company, received a private telegram from Dunedin last week giving the names of the injured passengers, who, he informs us, are Messrs Smith, O’Connor and Chancellor.  -NZ Mail, 10/2/1898.

The particulars given by passengers of the accident on board the steamer Waikare at Preservation Inlet are in the direction of showing that it was of a more serious character than the previously received accounts indicated. Fortunately it was not anticipated by passengers that the launch would be hoisted out on the evening when the accident occurred, or else the injuries that resulted from the breaking of the ring in the hydraulic derrick would not have been confined to four persons, and it was, luckily, only by splinters from the falling gear that any of the injured were struck. They nevertheless sustained very nasty injuries, so much so that one of the passengers was still in bandages on the vessel's arrival at Dunedin on Monday, while Captain Anderson was taken in the ambulance to the hospital. The Waikare had Sir Kenneth Cumming, an old army surgeon, on board amongst the excursionists to the Sounds, and the services of a second doctor were secured also from Cromarty. Had it not been that these medical gentlemen were on hand the steamer would certainly have had to return to the Bluff. On his admission to the hospital Captain Anderson was found by the house surgeon to be Buffering from a flesh wound and a contusion of the muscles of the back, and thorough rest has been enjoined for him.  -Otago Witness, 10/2/1898.

We regret to have to state that the condition of Captain Anderson is causing the gravest anxiety to his friends and medical attendants. He is much worse than when admitted to the hospital about a fortnight ago, and his case is regarded as very serious.   -Evening Star, 18/2/1898.

Captain Anderson, who was injured during the recent excursion of the Waikare to West Coast Sounds, is in a very critical condition, and it is doubtful if he will recover.  -Auckland Star, 19/2/1898.

On inquiry as the hospital last night we were informed that Captain Anderson's condition was slightly improved.   -Otago Daily Times, 21/2/1898.

A POPULAR SKIPPER IN THE HOSPITAL. 

A good deal of uneasiness was felt throughout town during the last few days by the state of the health of Captain John Anderson, a popular captain of the Union Company's service. Captain Anderson, it will be remembered, had charge of the splendid intercolonial liner, the Waikare, on her trip to the Sounds, and there met with a serious accident. The voyage was, however, continued, although the captain suffered dreadful pain, and when town was reached again he was taken to the hospital. It was then found that the accident was of a more severe character than anticipated, and latterly he has been in a very low state. Captain Anderson is one of the most popular captains in the service. He is of an extremely gentlemanly disposition, well and favorably known, and generally respected.  -Bruce Herald, 22/2/1898.

A telegram was received at the local office of the Union Co. from head-quarters last night stating that Captain Anderson's condition was grave. His eldest son, who is in the service of the Adelaide Steamship Co., is coming over from Sydney by the Rotokino, due here to-morrow. Captain Hart, of the Shaw-Savill and Albion Company, was advised to-day by Captain Strang, who visited Captain Anderson, that his condition is very serious; he is quite unconscious, and he is getting weaker every day.  -Evening Post, 23/2/1898.

DEATH OF CAPTAIN ANDERSON.

Captain John Anderson, late of the s.s. Waikare, died peacefully at Dunedin at 3 o'clock this morning. The Union Company is the poorer to-day in the loss of one of its very best servants, for as a seaman John Anderson was without a superior in the fleet, and to his qualities as a gentleman almost every person who has travelled much on the coast can testify. Captain Anderson had been connected with the sea almost from his infancy, having sailed out of Liverpool before he was 10 years of age. After coming to the colony he served in many capacities on the coast, and at length accepted a position in the Provincial Government's service as a member of the Wellington Pilot Staff, becoming coxswain in the pilot boat under the late Capt. Holmes. At a later period he was appointed Pilot and Berthing Master for the port, but he resigned that post in 1874 to act as second officer of the steamer Wellington, Captain Carey, now of the Moana, and Captain McGee, latterly of the Tasmania, being respectively master and chief officer. With the exception of 12 months which he spent in the late Captain Williams's steamer Grafton he has been in the Union Co.'s employ ever since then, and has commanded steamers of every grade in the red funnel fleet, from the smallest (Boojum) to the largest. When the new steamer Waikare arrived in the colony some months ago Captain Anderson was placed in command, a position which he retained until the serious accident at Preservation Inlet three weeks ago, which has now led to his death, necessitated his retirement. Captain Anderson, it is understood, was a native of the Orkney or Shetland Islands, and was 57 years of age. His wife and two daughters pre-deceased him, but there are two sons living, one of whom, in the employ of the Adelaide Steamship Co., is now on his way from Sydney to Dunedin. The deceased enjoyed a great reputation as an athlete in his younger days. As an oarsman he was a member of the famous Dolly Varden crew. Captain Anderson has been connected with the Shipmasters' Association from its infancy, and was among the most enthusiastic of its members. The flags of all the vessels in port and at the various mercantile houses were at half-mast to-day owing to the sad event.  -Evening Post, 24/2/1898.

THE DEATH OF CAPTAIN ANDERSON.

A preliminary inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of Captain Anderson, late master of the s.s. Waikare, was held, in pursuance of subsection l, clause 237, of the Shipping and Seamen’s Act, 1877, at the examiner's office at Port Chalmers, before Mr C. W. Chamberlain, Collector of Customs. Mr James Mills, managing director, was present in the interests of the U.S.S. Company. 

William Walker, chief officer of the Waikare, was the first witness examined. He remembered the evening when the accident occurred during the lowering of the launch in Cuttle Cove, Preservation Inlet. The second mate was in charge of the arrangements connected with the lowering of the launch. Through the breaking of a link in the hydraulic gear the jib swung down and inboard, causing very trivial damage to the ship, and striking Captain Anderson and three of the passengers, named respectively O'Connor, Chancellor, and Smith. None of the passengers were seriously injured; they were merely grazed on the head. Captain Anderson was quite conscious. He was wounded in the small of the back. It appeared to be the fleshy part, but nothing serious. He was at once carried to his cabin, and there examined by Sir K. W. Gumming, who was a passenger, and by Dr Fox, who was brought from the shore. The doctors found that it was merely a flesh wound, nothing serious, and that he had apparently escaped injury to the bone. He had a letter to that effect in his possession, and produced it, as follows

S.s. Waikare, Cuttle Cove, February 1, 1898. 

This is to certify that I was called in to attend Captain Anderson on January 31, at about 9 30 p.m. I found him suffering from the results of injuries received on the s.s. Waikare. He had a lacerated flesh wound in the lumbar region and contusion of surrounding muscular tissues, and was suffering from severe shock. On the morning of February 1 I, in company with Sir K. W Cumming, surgeon, examined him, and finding mm showing slight improvement, Sir K. W. Gumming and self thought it unnecessary to have steamer put back to Bluff, as was previously thought to be necessary. 

G. H. Fox, M.R.C.S., Surgeon, etc. 

K. W. Cumming, H.n. Brigade Surgeon, Army. 

The hydraulic gear was in charge of Reynolds. He had seen this launch got out ten or twelve times. They did not use any preventative gear on this occasion, as they did not think it at all necessary. It would have been almost impracticable to have used it on account of the construction of the gear. It would require to be self-regulating preventative gear. They used double purchase on this occasion. It would be a very difficult thing to form an idea of what would have been the strain on the link which gave way with the double purchase. From his own experience of all the gear, he should say that it ought to have lifted the weight of the launch three or four times over. He should say that the gear swung down and inwards at an angle of perhaps 60deg. The same gear had previously carried heavy weights. They had brought down from Melbourne on a recent occasion a weight of three and a-half tons. It had been run over the weighboard before coming on board ship. He estimated the weight of this launch at about three tons, and the size of the broken link at 13in. He was not any authority as to iron, but, looking at the size of the link, he should say it was good enough for the work it was called upon to do. It was an understood thing that all persons were told to keep clear of the gear, particularly on account of its being hydraulic gear, and therefore of its silent working. Captain Anderson remained in charge of the ship after the accident, though witness navigated it. He had had a conversation with Captain Anderson after the accident took place. He asked the captain if he thought it was necessary to put back, and he said “No.” Witness said to him "Do not allow yourself to be influenced by anyone on board. If you think there is any occasion to go back we will turn the ship about." The captain replied: "There is no occasion. The doctors tell me that there is nothing very serious the matter with me, and they say that there is no occasion for the ship to turn back. I am satisfied that I shall be treated as well here as in any hospital.” The ship’s log-book, which was in the possession of the Customs, contained entries relating to the accident from the time of its occurrence until the arrival of the ship at the Bluff. He was quite certain that Captain Anderson was not influenced by anybody on board to continue the voyage, and that the ship’s going on was entirely voluntary on his part. The only men who influenced the captain were the two doctors on board. Witness asked separately each of the three passengers who were injured, and they would not hear of it. Witness saw Captain Anderson constantly after the accident — every morning and every evening. Everything possible was done for his comfort, and he was properly attended to in every way. He was waited on by his own steward, by the -chief steward, and by the witness. These were the only persons allowed to go near him. 

Robert Stewart, second officer of the Waikare, remembered what happened in Cuttle Cove on the 31st of January. Witness put out the steam launch on that day by means of the No. 2 crane or derrick. He had performed the same operation many times before — fully a dozen times. Nothing was done on this occasion different to the previous ones. The winch was worked by an A.B. named Reynolds, who had been working it for some time previous. He (Reynolds) did his duty properly. There was no fouling on this occasion. Witness could not account in any way for the failure of the gear. The link produced was the one that gave way on that occasion. He could afford no possible explanation of the accident except that this link had given way. It was usual when they were lifting heavy weights to warn everyone to stand clear, and this warning was specially necessary on account of using hydraulic gear. All such persons were warned on this occasion by the bo’sun; in fact, no one was standing about there at the time. He was quite positive that the bo’sun warned persons to stand clear during the launching. They were always in the habit of giving this warning when sending this gear up and down, and it was the only time that they anticipated any danger. The only remark he wished to make was that if anything was likely to be carried away during the lifting of the launch they would naturally expect it to fall over the side of the ship; they would never expect it to fall inboard. It was the peculiar construction of this gear that had caused it to fall down and inboard. If it had fallen straight over the side of the ship no person could have been injured. Witness was well acquainted with the construction of gear of this sort, and did not think it would have been possible to have averted the accident.

Thomas Buchanan Meiklejohn, chief engineer of the Waikare, said he joined the vessel at Dumbarton on the 1st of March last, just after her engines had been put in her. He had made the model (produced) of the crane which caused the accident at Cuttle Cove. He had never before seen a crane of this exact patent, but he had had to do with the fitting up of cranes by other makers. He thoroughly understood hydraulic cranes, which had been specially put through his hands. He could find nothing defective about the design of the crane on the Waikare. The links were just the same as in any other crane. Some of the attachments had been strengthened by being made fast to the rails of the ship. They had been found too weak, and had been strengthened in such a way as witness considered necessary. No other alteration was made. The builders gave it a lifting power of two tons with single tackle and four tons with double tackle. The makers gave them drawings, on which it was shown that the crane would lift two tons through 68ft or four tons through 34ft. If there was more than a certain weight put on the crane the hydraulic gear would refuse to lift it. Therefore you could not overload the crane. Of course, the makers always allowed so much per cent. for friction, and that margin was allowed for contingencies. As nearly as he could make out in the case of this crane that margin amounted to six tons. The safe working allowed for that link, as given by Molesworth, who was a recognised authority, would be somewhere about thirteen or fourteen tons, and its maximum strain would be somewhere about thirty tons. He estimated that the strain on the link at the time of the accident should not have been more than seven or eight tons. The rule he had been quoting applied to oval links, and not the round one like the one produced. He could not form any idea as to what strain a round link would stand, but he should say it would be considerably less than that of an oval link. It would commence to crack from the inside and give way much before an oval one. There was no doubt that the fracture of that link was the cause of the accident. The link looked to him to be crystallised iron. When the operator commenced on it the iron might have been of the best quality, but in the course of manipulation it had evidently suffered from overheating; it became burnt in fact. Its fibre character was destroyed, and it had been given a crystalline texture. In witness's opinion if the link had been of good quality iron it would have been quite sufficient for the work. The defect In that link could not have been ascertained by external examination before it gave way. In witness’s opinion it was one of those unavoidable accidents which sometimes occurred in connection with the working of iron and steel; Nothing could have been done to prediscover it or to avoid the accident. All the cranes came in witness’s department, and it was his duty to see that they worked efficiently. He was quite satisfied with the working of this crane, which had repeatedly put out this launch before, and had lifted a heavy piece of machinery at Melbourne. Nobody was more astonished than himself that the crane should have come down as it did. He was never troubled in the least as to its strength and safety. The alterations in the direction of strengthening the ship’s rails had no possible effect on the subsequent accident. It was entirely apart and separate from the hoisting gear which gave way, and the two things had no possible connection with each other.

Robert Ross, bo’sun of the Waikare, remembered perfectly well the launch accident at Cuttle Cove on the 31st of January. To a certain extent he was in charge of the operation; he was directing the men. He had performed this operation eleven or twelve times, and everything went well and properly on every occasion; there was not a hitch at any one of them. On this occasion the man at the winch did everything that was necessary. The winch worked very smoothly; much easier than it generally did. There was no other possible reason for the accident except the breaking of the link produced. When putting out a heavy weight he always warned persons to stand clear from the gear. On this occasion no one was standing directly underneath when they lifted the launch; they were standing on that part of the upper bridge beneath the flying bridge. After the launch was lowered some of them went over to have a look at her. He did not see them do so, but he knew that must have been the case because none of them were there when the launch was first swung. When the launch was swung out all danger was supposed to be over. Nobody had ever thought that the gear would swing inboard. Witness was quite sure that on this occasion, as on former ones, persons were warned to stand clear of the gear. Captain Anderson took no part in the lowering operations, but witness saw him come down from the bridge just after the launch was put over the side. The ship had just been moored, and the captain had just finished his work in connection with the navigation.

Mr Walker (recalled) said that Captain Anderson was on the upper bridge, navigating the ship, and remained there until she was moored. The operations in connection with the lowering of the launch took place before his eyes; therefore, it would be absurd to warn him specially. When he came down from the bridge he said to one of the passengers: “ Well, that day is over,” or rather, “Now that work.is over, the fun starts.” Witness said he might mention here that it was at the captain’s special request that the launch was put on the hatch. She was put on the davits in the Tarawera, but not so in this ship. Witness thought that it would have been an indignity to have asked Captain Anderson to get out of the way of the gear.

Thomas Reynolds, an A.B. on the Waikare, said he had been driving the derricks on board since he joined the ship in Sydney in September last. He was working the hydraulic gear when the accident happened at Cattle Cove. The gear worked properly in every way on chat occasion. He should say that he had worked the gear twelve or thirteen times, possibly fourteen, in lifting the launch or heavy weights. He had not the slightest idea that the gear would give way. On this occasion he heard the bos’un telling everybody to stand back. He did not know whether those on the top bridge heard him or not. Captain Anderson, who was on the bridge at the time when the launch was being lowered, could not have helped seeing every thing that was going on. He was on the lower bridge when the accident occurred.

John Cook, superintending engineer to the company, said he had a fair knowledge of cranes and gear connected therewith. He had examined the crane on the Waikare that had given way. In his opinion it was sufficient in design and workmanship for the purposes to which it was put. They ascertained its lifting capacity by general calculation and the maker’s specification. According to the latter it was: Mackinlay patent hydraulic derricks to be fitted as follows: One at No. 1 hatch to lift 30cwt; one at No. 2 hatch to lift two tons, and fitted with snatch block, so as to be able to lift four tons when required; one at No. 3 batch to lift 30cwt; and one at No. 4 hatch to lift 30cwt. All derricks to be fitted with topping and slewing gear, also steel wire hoisting ropes complete.” He calculated the weight of the launch at about 3 tons 10 cwt. The link produced appeared to have been made of very indifferent iron. It was quite impossible that the bad quality of that link could have been ascertained by any external examination. Supposing the material to be good he reckoned the carrying capacity of the crane would be quite double the weight put to it without breaking. 

Robert Strang, acting marine superintendent of the company, said that he considered the gear on the Waikare acted very well, and there was very little difference either as to design or execution from what was generally used. That on board worked very well. He had examined the broken link. He would not like to speak as an expert, but with what small experience he had had he should say it was rather inferior iron. It was of crystalline texture, instead of being fibres. He understood their experts to say that it might have been good iron one time, bub it had got “burnt” in the working. It was usual to have preventative gear when using heavy lifts, but he would not consider four tons a heavy lift for this particular gear. They could double the gear, and so make it preventative. (Witness explained this by means of a model produced). They might have had a “preventer,” which would have prevented the jib from falling down, but that would not have prevented it from swinging in. In this case it was the swinging in, and not the falling down, that had done the mischief. He did not think that any person was to blame for the accident. It was an accident, pure and simple, and was all owing to the defect in the link. He was not speaking officially now, but he wished to say that he had seen the same thing happen with a cable chain of a ship when he was at sea. He had ridden out a gale in perfect safety with his chain paid out. When the gale was over and the anchor hove in they found that the anchor had broken the chain. It was within his own knowledge that this particular crane had lifted that launch out many times in safety. He had seen it lift it the first time it was used; and the gear worked quite satisfactorily. He wished to repeat a little conversation he had had with Captain Anderson at the hospital. He went to the hospital as soon as Captain Anderson arrived there, and witness asked him about the affair. Captain Anderson said it was purely an accident. He volunteered that statement. He said that the chief officer had told him that the suggestion had been made by someone that the ship should turn back, and that he had sent someone to find out how the injured passengers were getting on, and that on hearing they were not hurt he said: “We will go on, for I am all right.” He also spoke of and gave great credit to the steward for the way in which he had been treated on board the ship, saying that he could not have been better treated on shore.

Mr Walker, again recalled, produced the official log book, from which these extracts were read;

Cuttle Cove, Preservation Inlet, 31/1/98, 6.45 p.m. — In lowering launch into the water gear carried away injuring the captain (John Anderson) and three passengers (O. A. Smith, H. Chancellor, and B. M. O’Connor). A doctor on board (Sir K. Cumming) and also one from shore (Dr Fox) were both of the same opinion, viz., that the injuries were not of such a nature as to warrant our immediate return to the Bluff. After due consideration of the matter by the said doctors and Captain Anderson it was decided to proceed on our trip in charge of first mate. Everything possible for their comfort was done. W. Walker, chief mate, W. A. Mason. purser, K. W. Gumming, M.D. 

Cuttle Cove, Preservation Inlet, 1/2/98. — The captain and injured passengers had a good night, and are all doing well. 

George Sound, 2/2/98. — The captain and injured passengers recovering rapidly. Two of them on deck during day. 

George Sound, 3/2/98. — The above continuing to do very well. 

Milford Sound, 4/2/98. — Captain and other patients still doing well. 

Milford Sound, 5/2/98. — All the injured ones doing remarkably well. 

All signed by the same persons. 

The inquiry was then adjourned to the Custom-house at Dunedin to-morrow morning, when the evidence of Dr Colquhoun, Mr E. B. Cargill, and the Government Engineer (Mr Duncan) will be taken.  -Evening Star, 14/3/1898.

At the Waikare accident enquiry, now proceeding at Port Chalmers, Dr Colquhoun stated the nature of Captain Anderson's injuries, and said that their full extent was only ascertainable by post mortem. He was of opinion that his removal from the steamer at the Bluff, and subsequent railage to Dunedin, did more harm than good. Mr Cargill indignantly denied that any pressure had been brought to bear on Captain Anderson to cause the ship to proceed on her trip.  -Mataura Ensign, 17/2/1898.

Dr Colquhoun, however, who made a post mortem examination, found that the pelvis was splintered, and that there was an opening into it from the outside air. Two ribs were also broken. The cause of death was blood-poisoning, following fracture. Dr Colquhoun admitted also that, with the appliances at hand on board the ship, it was impossible to make the exhaustive examination necessary to discover the injury.   -Mt Ida Chronicle, 18/3/1898.

The Otago Daily Times says: — "After an exhaustive inquiry before the Collector of Customs, it has been clearly demonstrated that the accident on the Waikare, from which Captain Anderson unfortunately died on the 24th of last month, was one of those incidents for which no human foresight can provide. There is the clearest proof that the same fatality which produced the accident attended its consequences to the end. A brave man has lost his life, but humanly speaking no one can say it was by neglect of any precaution or any indifference to his sufferings."  -Poverty Bay Herald, 23/2/1898.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.