Roderick Price, (1913-29/11/1925). "a bright young pupil"

YOUNG LAD DROWNED

ACCIDENTAL FALL INTO RIVER. 

(Per Press Association.) DUNEDIN, This Day. A lad aged 12, Roderick Price, accidentally fell into the Clutha River at Cromwell yesterday and was drowned.  -Ashburton Guardian, 30/11/1925.

 R E W A R D.

A Reward will be paid to anyone RECOVERING THE BODY of the Boy, RODERICK PRICE, Drowned in the River at Cromwell on SUNDAY, 28th November.  -Otago Daily Times, 3/12/1925.

The monthly meeting of the Cromwell School Committee was held on Monday evening, the chairman (Mr W. Gair) presiding. Before proceeding to the business, the chairman made feeling reference to the sad and sudden death of a bright young pupil, Roderick Price, whose family were highly esteemed residents of the town, and another of the family on the teaching staff. A motion of sympathy was carried by all members standing.   -Cromwell Argus, 14/12/1925.

BOY’S BODY RECOVERED 

The local police have been advised that the body of Roderick Price (aged eleven), who was drowned in the Molyneux at Cromwell on November 29, was recovered at Clyde this morning.  -Evening Star, 15/12/1925.

OBITUARY.

The body of the young boy, Roderick Price, who was drowned in the Clutha river near Cromwell on November 29th, was recovered at Clyde on Tuesday last, a short distance above Clyde bridge. The body was brought to Cromwell where an inquest was held before Mr E. Jolly, coroner, and a jury of four, when a verdict of accidental death from drowning was recorded. The funeral took place in the New Cemetery on Wednesday afternoon, when a large gathering of friends paid their last tribute of respect. The first part of the ceremony was conducted in the Presbyterian Church, by the Rev. W. P. Rankin, who also officiated at the graveside. A touching feature of the ceremony was the presence of deceased's comrades from Cromwell school who marched with the funeral to beyond the town, six of the boys from the upper standards acting as pall bearers. Quite a number of floral tributes from residents of the town, and from pupils and staff of the school, conveyed the sympathy of all to the family in their sad bereavement, to whom there was some consolation in the recovery of the body.  -Cromwell Argus, 21/12/1925.

Cromwell Cemetery.

50655 Carl Frederick Carlson, (1907-2/11/1949). "severe burns"

MAN BURNED TO DEATH

LINDIS PASS HUT DESTROYED 

REMAINS FOUND IN MORNING 

(P.A.) DUNEDIN, Nov. 2. The charred remains of Carl Frederick Carlson, aged about 42, single, a rabbiter, were found this morning after fire had destroyed his hut in the Lindis Pass about 45 miles from Cromwell. Mr Carlson had been employed as a rabbiter in the district for about 20 years. He was a returned serviceman from the last war. It is understood that his relatives live at Oamaru. An inquest will be opened at Cromwell this morning.   -Ashburton Guardian, 3/11/1949.

INQUEST HELD

LINDIS PASS TRAGEDY 

The inquiry into the death of Carl Frederick Carlson, aged 42, of Lindis Pass, was held at Cromwell before Mr L. H. Denniston yesterday afternoon. Evidence was given by Thomas John Healey, of Lindis Pass, Geoffrey Edward Skinner, of Morven Hills Station, Lindis Pass, Alexander James Drummond, of Lindis Pass, Dr R. E. Austin, of Cromwell, and Constable A. S. Coker. The coroner found that Carlson’s death was caused by shock resulting from severe burns.  -Otago Daily Times, 5/11/1949.

Cromwell Cemetery.

Allan John Crabbe, (1929-5/12/1947). "a healthy lad"

SHOT IN HEAD 

YOUNG MAN FOUND DEAD 

(P.A.) DUNEDIN, December 7. 

A young man named Allan John Crabbe was found dead at 2 o’clock on Saturday morning at his home at Bannockburn, four miles from Cromwell. Crabbe, who was 18 years old, was found lying on the floor of a garage at his home with a .22 calibre rifle between his knees. There was a bullet wound in his head.  -Ashburton Guardian, 8/12/1947.

CORONER'S INQUEST

An inquest was hold by the district coroner, Mr D. H. Denniston, concerning the death of Allan John Crabbe, of Bannockburn on December 5th.

John Begg Crabbe, tanner, father of deceased stated that his son was employed part time on the farm and other casual work on the water race and neighbouring farms. He was a healthy lad, living a normal life. On Dec. 5th, Allan John Crabbe worked on the farm whilst he rose at 6 a.m. and left home to work on the water race, returning at 10 p.m. that night. He was informed by his wife that the son was not at home, but concluded he had gone out visiting. He then went to bed and was wakened by his wife who told him the son had not returned. Dressing, he went to the car shed, intending to go and look for him. The car shed door was partly open, and going inside, made his way to start the car when he discovered the body of his son. Thinking he was asleep, he shook him, taking hold of his coat and discovered that he was dead.

He then went with his daughter to a neighbour, thence to the Cromwell Police Station. His son was of a happy disposition and had not complained of ill-health or lack of sleep. There had been differences of opinion over the water race but these did not appear to have affectted him. He was an industrious lad and had no financial worries.

Mr J. C. Parcell, appearing for the relatives asked questions regarding the car shed, and witness stated it was also used for storing of farm gear. The space between the car and wall was restricted. The deceased was experienced with rifles. 

Edith Elsie Lillian Crabbe, age 16 years stated that her brother was quite normal doing his work as usual about the farm. After his evening meal he went out and she did not see him again. He frequently went shooting or irrigating before retiring. She did not know what his intentions were that evening. After hay-making for a neighbour the day before, he had said there had been a row over water, and when asked about it said something about a stone in Ritchie’s box. She thought he said that Ritchie’s would be getting extra water. He told his sister he had not slept for three nights. 

Mabel Annie Crabbe, mother of deceased outlined her husband’s activities on the day of December 5th. He did not return until 10 p.m. Her son was 18 years of age and worked on the farm. His manner was quite normal. During the afternoon she had asked him if he was tired, when he replied that his legs were sore. He did not go for a rest, although she suggested it. After assistance with the evening milking he had his tea, leaving the house between 6 and 6.30 p.m., without saying anything. When he did not return at dark she concluded he had gone visiting. Deceased was not likely to pay any undue attention to minor troubles.

Henry Vincent Parcell also gave evidence that deceased was a bright intelligent lad. He was a member of the local Rifle Club and a good shot.

Steven Henry Rusbatch, police constable, in his evidence, stated he had been called to the scene by John Begg Crabbe about 2 a.m. on the 6th December when he found the body of deceased lying on the floor of the car shed with a bullet wound in the forehead in a position consistent with the father’s statement. He was dead. The firearm had been examined by experts and though old the firing mechanism was in good order.

Summing up, the Coroner found that deceased was killed by a rifle bullet discharged through his own action at Bannockburn on December 5th, 1947, whether by accident or intent, there being not sufficient evidence to disclose. Cromwell Argus, 20/1/1948.

Cromwell Cemetery.

433836 Driver Eric Frederick John Soden, (1913-18/1/1946). "free from pain"

DEATHS

SODEN. — On January 18, 1946, at Dunedin, Eric Frederick John, beloved husband of Meda Caroline, and loved youngest son of the late Mr and Mrs T. Soden, Bannockburn; aged 32 years. Interment at Cromwell, Monday.   -Evening Star, 18/1/1946.

Eric Soden was chosen by ballot for overseas service in 1941 - and that is all I have been able to discover about his military service.  The cause of his death is also unknown to me, but the briefest reading of the tributes published "in memoriam" are telling.

The location of his death suggested the possibility that he died in a Dunedin tuberculosis ward.

IN MEMORIAM

C. F. SODEN. — In loving memory of my dear husband, who passed away at Dunedin, on January 18, 1946. 

I miss your smile and cheery ways. With you I spent such happy days. 

Cherished memories fond and true, Will ever remain dear Ec. of you. 

— Inserted by his loving wife, Meda. 

SODEN. — In loving memory of my dear brother, who passed away at Dunedin. on January 18, 1946. 

Sleep on dear Eric, for it is true, You suffered long and told but few, 

Peaceful sleep free from pain. We would not wake you to suffer again. 

— Inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-law, Alma and Fred. 

SODEN. — In loving memory of my dear brother, Erie, who passed away at Dunedin, January 18, 1946. 

Sleep on dear Eric, for it is true, You suffered long and told but few. 

Peaceful sleep free from pain, We would not wake you to suffer again. 

— Inserted by his loving sister, Bertha, brother-in-law, Doss and family. 

SODEN. — In loving memory of my dear brother, who departed this life January 18. 1946. 

A nature you couldn’t help loving, A heart that was purer than gold, 

To those who knew him and loved him, His memory will never grow old. 

— Inserted by Doris, Alby and family. 

SODEN. — In loving memory of our dear brother, Eric, who passed away on January 18, 1946. 

This day brings memory, Of a dear brother laid to rest. 

And those who think of him to-day, Are those who loved him best. 

— Inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-law, Veda and Wilf. 

\SODEN. — In loving memory of our dear Uncle Eric, who passed away on January 18. 1946. 

Ever remembered. 

— Inserted by the Auld children. 

SODEN. — In loving memory of our dear son-in-law and brother-in-law Eric who passed away at Dunedin on January 13, 1946. "Sadly missed.” — Inserted by Mrs Kitto and Cec.   -Otago Daily Times, 18/1/1947.

Cromwell Cemetery.

29561 Private William John Robb, (10/3/1892-22/2/1920). "a happy and cheery disposition"

FOUND IN THE CLUTHA

SOLDIER'S DEATH. 

Our Clyde correspondent wires that the body of a young man named William Robb was found yesterday among the rocks in the Clutha River near Lowburn. The young man, who was a returned soldier, had been working at Tarras, and had been missing for a week. There is nothing to show how he got into the river.  -Evening Star, 1/3/1920.

The young man William Robb, whose body was found in the Clutha river a week ago, was employed in the Tarras district before and after serving in the great war. Of a happy and cheery disposition, he made many friends, and was popular wherever he was known. The funeral took place in the New Cemetery on Tuesday, in the presence of many friends from the district wherein he resided, the funeral service being conducted by Mr A. L. Witheford.  -Cromwell Argus, 8/3/1920.

Drowning Fatality.

THE INQUEST. 

An inquest concerning the death of the young man William Robb, whose body was found in the Clutha river, near Devils Creek, on Sunday, 29th ult., was held at Cromwell on Tuesday last before Mr A. M Brodrick, acting coroner, and a jury of four. The text of the evidence was that deceased had been working for John Colling, a farmer at Tarras, since September last, with the exception of a week at Waides. Colling last saw deceased at 2 p.m. on Sunday, 22nd February, when he left with another man on a motor cycle, going in the direction of Queensberry chair. When deceased did not arrive back after several days Colling made inquiries in various quarters and then informed the police. As far as witness knew deceased was a married man, his wife being in Scotland. He had been at the war, but witness could not say how long he was back. Referring to the Queensberry chair, witness said it was in a disgraceful state, and not fit for any man to cross. — James McCurrach said he met deceased at 2 p.m. on February 22nd, and after a short conversation deceased asked him (witness) for a ride on the motor cycle to Queensberry chair. Witness left him within half-a-mile of the chair, but deceased did not say where he was going. He said he had someone to meet. Witness last saw deceased at 3.45 p.m. making towards the chair. Adam McDonald and Constables Maiden and Bradley also gave evidence of a formal nature. Constable Bradley said he made inquiries and found deceased never arrived at Queensberry.

After a, short, retirement the following verdict was returned: — That the deceased, William Robb, was found drowned in the Clutha river on Sunday, 24th February, but there was no evidence to show how he got into the river. A rider was added drawing the Vincent County attention to the unsafe state of the Queensberry chair.  -Cromwell Argus, 8/3/1920.

Cromwell Cemetery.

Duncan George Campbell, (1895-20/9/1937). "a true sport"

DEATHS

CAMPBELL. — At Lowburn Ferry, on Monday, September 20, 1937, .Duncan George, beloved son of the late Harriet and Alexander Campbell, Lowburn Ferry; aged 42 years. "At rest.” — J. W. Gibson, funeral director.  -Otago Daily Times, 21/9/1937.

OBITUARY

DUNCAN GEORGE CAMPBELL. 

It is with feelings of deep regret that we record the death, at Lowburn Ferry, on Monday morning, 20th instant, of Mr Duncan George Campbell, at the early age of 42 years. The late Mr Campbell had been suffering from a severe illness for some time and his passing, as recorded above, was not unexpected. He was a native of Lowburn Ferry, being a son of old settlers there, the late Mr and Mrs Alexander Campbell, and, with the exception of his war service, had spent the whole of his life in this district. He had a very fine war record, leaving New Zealand with the Eighth Reinforcements and spending some three and a-half years in service abroad, the greater part of which was spent in active line service, during which he was slightly wounded. He was employed on various stations in the district and was held in high regard by his employers, being a man of high principles and most conscientious and industrious. In his younger days the late Mr Campbell was a keen rugby player, being one of the finest forwards in the county for main years. He was also an enthusiastic follower of racing and in every sense of the word he was a true sport. He was a man of splendid personality, with a fine, sunny nature which endeared him to all. Straightforward and honest in all things, he was generous to a fault. The news of his passing, at the early age of 42 years, practically in the prime of his life, was received with widespread feelings of regret throughout the whole community in which he was so well known and universally popular. A wonderful tribute to the esteem in which be was held came at the funeral on Tuesday, when friends from all parts of Central Otago assembled to pay their last respects and the cortege was one of the largest ever seen in the district. The Rev. Renwick and the local branch of the Returned Soldiers Association conducted the service at the graveside, whilst the pall-bearers were returned soldiers and Bugler C. Betts sounded the Last Post. The late Mr Campbell was a single man and is survived by many relatives in this district and to these the sympathy of many friends is extended in their great loss.  -Cromwell Argus, 27/9/1937.

Cromwell Cemetery.

Leslie Liddicoat, (1909-13/7/1937). "a fine type of young man"

ACCIDENTS & DEATHS.

TWO MEN DROWNED.

KNOCKED OFF STAGING INTO RIVER.

(Per Press Association.) DUNEDIN, July 13

A double fatality occurred about 1.15 p.m. to-day at the Lowburn Ferry bridge works, near Cromwell, when two men fell off the staging of the temporary structure into the Clutha River and were drowned. The victims were: —

Mr Leslie Liddicoat, aged 26, a married man; and Mr Ronald McElhenny, aged 28, a married man.

In company with several others, the two men were working about 80 feet out on a staging at a height of some seven feet above the river. When the accident happened a large beam was being shifted by four men, the two drowned being on the farther end, when it fell, and the impact knocked them into the water. Both men could swim, and struck out for the bank, but when they were only a few feet from safety they both disappeared. Another workman, seeing a hat floating on the river, dived in in an endeavour to locate the missing men, but was unsuccessful, the current at that spot being fairly swift. Mr Liddicoat was a resident of Ripponvale, Cromwell, and Mr McElhenny of Oamaru.  -Ashburton Guardian, 14/7/1937.

Drowning Fatality at Lowburn Ferry

TWO MEN DROWNED 

BODIES NOT YET RECOVERED. 

A shocking fatality occurred at 1.15p.m. on Tuesday last, at the construction works of the Lowburn Ferry bridge, when, with appalling suddenness, two young married men, Leslie Beaton Liddicoat, aged 28, and Ronald McElhenny, aged 28, were drowned in the Clutha river. Work had just been resumed after the midday meal and the two men, in conjunction with other workmates, were working about 80 feet out on the staging, at a height of some seven feet above the water. It appeared that a large beam was being shifted by four men, the two deceased being on the farther end, when it slipped and the impact knocked them into the water. Both men could swim and struck out for a point on the hank where a willow tree projected into the river, and they had almost reached this when the current, fairly strong at this part, swept them past the tree. Almost immediately after they disappeared, evidently being caught in an under-tow. One of the workmen, Mr D. Caskie, seeing a hat floating on the surface, dived in in an endeavour to locate the missing men but was unsuccessful. Unfortunately, the river, which is usually very clear at this part, was discoloured by a recent thaw in the snow country, and this, combined with the swift current, further impeded the searchers. All work on the bridge immediately ceased and a search was instituted, this being kept up for several days but so far no trace of the bodies has been discovered. Mr Bistow, Inspector of Scaffolding, inspected the scene of the accident on Wednesday morning and we understand that, although authority was given for the work to proceed, work will not recommence until this morning. 

The tragedy, involving the loss of the lives of two young men in the prime of life, cast a gloom over the whole community. The late Mr Leslie Liddicoat was the youngest son of Mr and Mrs W. H. Liddicoat, highly respected settlers of Ripponvale. He had spent practically all his life in the district and was a fine type of young man, good living and well respected by all. Possessed of a bright, happy nature he was very popular with all who knew him. The late Mr Ronald McElhenny, who was foreman of the construction works, was a man highly thought of by his employer with whom he had been employed for the past ten years. He was a native of Oamaru and, sad to relate, had only been married some few weeks ago. 

To the relatives who are left to mourn their loss the deepest feelings of regret and sympathy of the whole district are extended in their sad bereavement.  -Cromwell Argus, 19/7/1937.

BODY IN MOLYNEUX

Just before going to press the Police were informed that the body of a man was floating down the Molyneux River above Clyde. 

Later —The body went ashore near Mr P. Miller’s orchard and has been recovered. It is understood to be the body of Leslie Liddicoat, who was drowned at Lowburn on July 13th.  -Dunstan Times, 9/8/1937.

Lowburn Drowning Fatality

ONE BODY RECOVERED. 

INQUEST ADJOURNED. 

Advice was received in Cromwell on Monday afternoon last to the effect that the body of one of the victims of the drowning fatality at Lowborn Ferry on July 13th, had been recovered from the Molyneux river at a point about two miles above Clyde. 

Employees of the Public Works Department, engaged on the Clyde-Cromwell road, noticed a body floating down the river and the police were immediately informed, Constable Harris, of Clyde, being quickly on the scene. The body was floating in a backwater near the edge of the river and the Constable, assisted by Mr S. Stephens, had no difficulty in removing it from the water. 

A formal inquest for identification purposes only was held at the Courthouse, Clyde, on Tuesday morning, when the body was identified and found to be that of the young man, Leslie Beaton Liddicoat. The inquest was adjourned until 2 p.m., on Wednesday, next, 18th inst, at the courthouse, Cromwell. 

he last sad rites were carried out on Tuesday afternoon, when the funeral of the late Mr Leslie Beaton Liddicoat look place at 2.30 p.m., from his parents’ residence at Ripponvale. The large crowd which assembled to pay their final respects was a tribute to the esteem in which the deceased was held. The Rev. Renwick officiated at the graveside and members of the Loyal Cromwell Lodge, of which order the deceased was a very worthy member, acted as pallbearers.  -Cromwell Argus, 16/8/1937.

Cromwell Cemetery.

Janet Wishart, (1885-8/7/1905). "her many amiable qualities"

 

We regret exceedingly to have to report the sudden death of Miss Janet Wishart who passed away unexpectedly last Saturday evening, after 36 hours' illness, which no one regarded as serious. Deceased was a cheerful sociable young woman and was highly respected by everybody. The sad news caused quite a shock to the townspeople. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved parents and relatives.  -Cromwell Argus, 10/7/1905.

Our Cromwell Correspondent writes. — A lamentably sudden death occured here on Saturday evening. Miss Janet Wishart expired after a very short illness. The deceased who was about 18 years of age was universally esteemed for her many amiable qualities. Universal sympathy is felt for the sorrowing parents, brothers and sisters, in their sad bereavement.  -Dunstan Times, 10/7/1905.

The funeral of the late Miss Janet Wishart last Tuesday was very largely attended, The Rev. Mr Wall conducted the service.  -Cromwell Argus, 17/7/1905.

Cromwell Cemetery.

Ethel Julia Wilson, (1892-19/7/1920). "somewhat unexpectedly"

DEATH.

WILSON — At Cromwell Hospital, on July 18th, 1920, Ethel, dearly beloved wife of Arthur Wilson, aged 28 years. 

FUNERAL NOTICE. 

Friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral of the late Ethel Wilson, which will leave the residence of Mr G. Stumbles, Cromwell, on TUESDAY, 20th July, at 2 p.m, for the New Cemetery.  -Cromwell Argus, 19/7/1920.

It is with deep regret that we record the death at the Cromwell hospital, on Sunday evening, of the wife of a well known local young returned soldier, Mr Arthur Wilson. Deceased, who was 28 years of age, was born in Canada, and the couple were married at Southampton fifteen months ago, during the husband’s period of service with the New Zealand forces. Three months later they arrived in New Zealand, and resided in the Upper Clutha district. The deceased young lady was taken to the hospital a week ago, and at first appeared to be making a satisfactory recovery following an operation for appendicitis, but somewhat unexpectedly collapsed as recorded. To the bereaved husband the deepest sympathy is extended in his bereavement. The funeral takes place in the New Cemetery on Tuesday.  -Cromwell Argus, 19/7/1920.

T H A N K S. 

Mr Arthur Wilson desires to return his sincere thanks for the kind expressions of sympathy extended to him in his recent bereavement.  -Cromwell Argus, 26/7/1920.

Cromwell Cemetery.

8/2099 Corporal David Porter, (5/7/1887-27/9/1916). "one of the most popular"

 

CORPORAL DAVID PORTER. 

News was recently received that Corporal David Porter, eldest son of Mr D. Porter of the St. Kilda Hotel, who left New Zealand with the Fifth Reinforcements, was missing, and was believed to be killed as a result of the lighting on the Somme about September 26. In a letter received by Mrs Porter from a comrade of Corporal Porter the writer says: — "Just a few lines to tell you how David went down at the Somme. I have been hoping against hope that he would turn up, but now I have lost all hope of seeing him again. When we went up to the firing line I was in the battalion bombers, and, as my work took me away from the company, I saw very little of the lads. In the charge on the 26th our company — the 14th — got it hot and our platoon got the worst gruelling of the lot. Only one man came out unwounded, and out of the whole company only, 14 answered the roll call in the trench. David was in our section, and one of the chaps who went out with him, and who was wounded, but managed to limp back told me he did not think any of them would get out of it. My God, some fine men were left behind after that charge! It may be some consolation to you to know that your son was one of the most popular in the regiment; in fact, I do not know one who was better liked. The Otago battalion has been very unlucky right through the piece. I saw Claude (another of Mrs Potter's sons) a few days before I came over. He got the military medal for good work on the Somme. David should have had one for his gallantry on July 4, when he did some fine work as a stretcher-bearer on the night of the raid. You have lost a fine boy, we have lost our best comrade and the regiment has lost a fine soldier."  -Otago Daily Times, 2/2/1917.

IN MEMORIAM

PORTER. — In loving memory of Corporal David Porter (Son), who was killed while in action in France, September 27, 1916, eldest son of David and Margaret Porter, St. Kilda Hotel. 

His grave is far in a foreign land, Where our feet may never tread, 

But tender thoughts oft linger there, And many the tears we shed. 

Yet, we should not weep, for his life he gave, In the golden glow of youth, 

For the land he loved, its women fair, For honour, right, and truth. 

— Inserted by his parents, sisters, and brothers.   -Otago Witness, 26/9/1917.

This passage in the Otago Regiment's Official History relates the fate of David's Com pany, the 14th, on the day he died:

Punctually to time and in good order the Battalion advanced to the attack, and with only a moderate number of casualties crossed the line of Factory Corner-Eaucourt L'Abbaye Road, From this stage the ground fell away abruptly and the attacking troops almost immediately came under a withering blast of fire from enemy rifles and machine guns posted along Gird Trench and Gird Support. The two leading Companies, 14th and 4th, valiantly endeavoured to press on against this hail of fire; but it was only a question of distance when they were literally swept away by it. Every officer and almost every man became a casualty.

David Porter's death was established by a Court of Enquiry. He has no known grave.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.

James Gordon Porter, (1899-1910). "both boys fell off"

FATAL ACCIDENT.

A sad fatality occurred on the Blue Spur road, near Lawrence, last evening about half-past six o'clock, the victim being a boy (10 years of age) named James Gordon Porter, son of Mr David Porter, Melbourne street, South Dunedin. The little fellow was staying for the holidays with his uncle, Mr D. L Christie, of Lawrence. At about six o'clock he was, with his cousin — a boy of about the same age — put on Mr Christie's horse by his elder cousin to ride up to the head of the water-race to turn off the mill water. The horse evidently took fright and, after travelling same distance up the road, both boys felt off opposite Mr R. Marshall's residence, the deceessd falling beneath the horse's legs and receiving injuries to his head which must have caused instantaneous death. The other boy, though hurt, is not seriously so. A number of persons witnessed the occurrence, but were unable to render any assistance. John Christie, who put the boys on the horse, says he cannot understand what caused the horse to clear out as it is a very quiet animal, the boys having ridden it in similar fashion for a number of evenings.  -Tuapeka Times, 22/1/1902.

INQUEST.

An inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of James Gordon Porter was held in the Borough Council Chambers on Wednesday before Mr T. Pilling, J.P., and a jury of six, of which Mr Alex. Blair was chosen foreman.

Sergeant Bowman conducted the inquiry. The jury having viewed the body,

D. L. Christie, flour miller, Lawrence, gave evidence and said the deceased boy was a nephew of his and had been staying at his place for the past fortnight on a holiday. He was a son of David Porter, South Dunedin, and was about 10 years of age. He knew nothing personally as to how the accident had occurred.

William Sutherland, duly qualified medical practitioner, Lawrence, said he was called to see the deceased on Tuesday evening about 7 o'clock and, on viewing the body, he found a depressed fracture at the base of the skull which must have caused death almost immediately. It could have been caused by the heel of the horse's shoe. There was no projection on the road where the accident occurred to cause such an injury. There was also a slight bruise on the upper part of the chest. Having heard the circumstances of the accident, he was of opinion that death was caused in the manner described.

Jno, G. Christie, son of the first witness, saw the deceased on Monday evening about twenty minutes to seven when he put him and a younger brother of his (witness) on his father's horse. They were to ride to the mill dam, halfway to the Blue Spur. He had intended to have ridden alongside of them on a bicycle. Before he got on the bicycle deceased said "Hurry up John," and he then started the horse off at a canter. He got on the bicycle and followed them up and sang out to his brother to catch hold of the reins with the deceased, who was in front. The horse was then galloping. They went out of sight from him after they got round a corner of the road. After going some distance further he met his brother walking back and he was told by him that Gordon was lying on the road. His brother was cut about the face. He went up to where the boy was lying and found Mr B. Marshall there, who told him to ride for the doctor, which he did at once, going for Dr Sutherland, who came immediately. The boys had several rides on the horse in the same way before and everything had passed off all right. He was a quiet horse. Had no idea that he would bolt, otherwise he would not have put the boys on him. Both boys were about the same age. The horse had never bolted before.

Robert Marshall, laborer, Gabriels Gully, said that on Tuesday evening he heard screams while in his own house about a-quarter to seven o'clock. Peter Matthews, who was coming into witness's place, met him at the gate and told him that the two boys had been thrown off the horse. He found the deceased boy lying on the road, about 60 yards from witness's gate. He was lying on his side and he pub him on his back and found h9 was dead. The last witness then came up and he directed him to go for the doctor. Did not see the accident occur. Dr Sutherland was soon on the ground.

Peter Matthews, compositor, was going into Lawrence on Tuesday evening at about a quarter to seven when he met young Christie and the deceased on horseback. The horse was going at a hard gallop, and the lad Christie was screaming, which seemed to make the horse go faster. Shortly after he heard the screams the lads were thrown off, Christie being the first to fall. The horse still continued galloping. Witness then went back for Marshall and they both went to where the lad Porter was lying. After having a look at the lad they sent Jno. Christie for the doctor. Witness could see that the boy was dead.

By the jury; He saw the boy Porter clinging to the horse's neck for a little while and then he fell and was struck by one of the horse's fore feet. Christie fell clear of the horse. 

This being all the evidence, the jury at once returned a verdict that the deceased lad James Gordon Porter met his death by accidentally falling from a horse on the Blue Spur road on Tuesday evening, 21st January.  -Tuapeka Times, 25/1/1902.

An observant reader might note a difference between the dates on James Porter's gravestone and the newspapers presented above.  I have no idea why that would be.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.

11233 Private George Lyall, (22/5/1893-15/9/1916) and 45191 Rifleman James Lyall, (17/1/1888-4/5/1918) Coombes. "a stout issue of rum"

Private George Lyall Coombes, fourth son of Mr John Walter Coombes, of North-East Valley, who was reported wounded on September 15, is now officially reported killed in action on that date. He left New Zealand with the Twelfth Reinforcements, was educated at North-East Valley public school, and prior to his enlisting was engaged in sheepfarming. He was twenty-three years old.  -Lyttelton Times 24/1/1917.

George Coombes died on the first day of the Otago Infantry Regiment's involvement in the Battle of the Somme.  Overwhelming artillery preparation, followed by overwhelming infantry numbers, were going to make the attack a walkover.  It could hardly have been more different.

The weather broke fine on the morning of September 15th. Zero hour was fixed at 6.20 am., and by 6 o'clock all ranks had breakfasted and were fortified by a stout issue of rum. In order as far as possible to conceal from the enemy the hour of attack there was no increase of our artillery fire immediately before the assault was timed to commence. Shortly after 6 o'clock three distinct lines of troops of the 2nd Battalion of Otago, which in conjunction with the 2nd Battalion of Auckland was to open the New Zealand Division's attack, had formed up in front of the new Otago Trench at intervals in depth of about 50 yards, and a fourth line was in Otago Trench itself.

Zero hour, 6.20 a.m., was the common signal for a mighty effort on the part of infantry and artillery. An intense and hurricane-like barrage of field artillery instantaneously broke out along the line; the great howitzers in the rear, hitherto firing but intermittently, now burst forth in extreme violence, and the anxiously awaiting lines of infantrymen stepped forward as in one accord and moved straight to their task. But the advancing waves had not proceeded far before officers and men began to drop from the ranks, for heavy machine gun fire was coming from the left and from the front of High Wood.  -Official History of the Otago Regiment.

George Lyall was found to be dead by a Court of Enquiry after the Battle.  He lies buried in the Caterpillar Valley Cemetery.  It is possible that he was buried by someone who was unable to report it, and exhumed after the war.

FOR KING AND COUNTRY.

DEATH. 

COOMBES. — On September 15th, 1916 (killed while in action in France), George Lyall, dearly-beloved fourth son of John Walter and Annie Jane Coombes, 5 Montague street, N.E. Valley, Dunedin; aged 23 years. So loved, so mourned.  -Evening Star, 23/1/1917.

Mr James Lyall Coombes, son of Mr J. VV. Coombes, was farewelled last night, his final leave being up, by residents of the North-east Valley, and presented with useful souvenirs. His younger brother, George Lyall Coombes, was killed in action on the 15th September.  -Evening Star, 2/3/1917.

James Coombes died at a time when the German Spring offensive had almost spent itself, but still had hope of success.  It was a relatively quiet time, as the Rifles' Official History describes, but not without its alarms:

The position of both battalion fronts was generally satisfactory except in the vicinity of La Signy Farm. Here the enemy occupied a small salient, and steps were taken to reduce his area of occupation by pushing forward our own posts and trenches; but before this improvement had proceeded far, the Germans attempted to raid a post which the 1st Battalion had brought close up to the hedge on the northern side of the Farm. At 3.30 a.m. on May 2nd, after a hurricane bombardment by artillery and trench mortars, about sixty of the enemy attacked this position in four parties. The situation was capitally handled by that Lance-Corporal McMurray who, a month before, had so distinguished himself in single-handed patrol work in the same locality, but who was now a sergeant with a D.C.M., and in charge of the platoon forming the garrison. Possibly he felt more than ordinary interest in the position, seeing that he had been mainly instrumental in its establishment; at any rate he dealt with the attack without calling for artillery support, and succeeded in driving off the raiders after inflicting heavy casualties. The only German, an officer, who entered our trench, was promptly killed. Our listening-post here was driven in, but was immediately re-established. In the repulse of the raiders particularly gallant work was done by Lance-Corporal M. Willets, who was in command of one of the sections. Though severely wounded during the bombardment, he continued the active direction and control of his men, carrying out to the letter the instruction to hold on at all costs. Three days later the enemy made a similar attempt on a neighbouring post, but this also was a complete failure.

FOR KING AND COUNTRY. 

IN MEMORIAM.

COOMBES. — In loving memory of James Lyall Coombes, second son of J. and J. W. Coombes, Montague street, N.E. Valley, killed in Colincamps, France, May 4, 1918. 

"So loved so mourned." — Inserted by his father, mother, sister, and brothers.   -Evening Star, 4/5/1920.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.