2/200 2nd Lieutenant William McLennan, (28/11/1888-28/5/1917). "in a distant land"

 

LIEUTENANT W. McLENNAN. 

Second Lieutenant W. McLennan reported killed in action in France, was the second youngest son of Mrs J. McLennan, of Craigleith street, North-east Valley He was 28 years of age last November, and before enlisting was employed as a tailor's cutter by Mr J. C. Seeyle, of Dowling street. He left Dunedin on November 19, 19914, a gunner in the New Zealand Field Artillery for the training camp at Palmerston North, and sailed from the Dominion with the main body of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. He fought through the Gallipoli campaign, and was invalided twice to Alexandria. The deceased subsequently returned to the peninsula, and was there at the evacuation. He then went to France with his battery, and had been in the firing line almost continuously up to the time of his death. About six months ago, during the heavy fighting at the Somme, an enemy shell burst close to his battery, and he suffered from shell shock for some time as a result of the explosion. He was given a week's leave, and remained in France, subsequently returning to the firing line. Lieutenant McLennan was at one time a member of the Union Football Club, and played in the second grade matches. Although he left these shores as a gunner, he gained rapid promotion, receiving his commission on the field some months ago. The youngest son, Kenneth McLennan, left New Zealand as an infantryman with the Fifth Reinforcements, and is at present "somewhere" in France.  -Evening Star, 8/6/1917.

FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE. 

DEATHS. 

McLENNAN. — On May 28, killed while m action in France, Second Lieutenant Wm. McLennan (NZ Field Artillery, Main Body), second youngest of Mrs J. McLennan and the late Kenneth McLennan, 18 Craigleith street, North-East Valley; aged 28 years.   -Otago Daily Times, 9/6/1917.

McLENNAN. — In loving memory of our our dear brother, Second Lieutenant William McLennan (Main Body), who was killed while in action "Somewhere in France" on May 28, 1917. 

He gave his all. 

In a distant land he lies, At rest in a soldier's grave; 

His battle fought, his name enrolled, On the scroll of the deathless brave. 

A lonely grave in a far-off land, A grave we may never see, 

But while We and memory last, We will remember thee. 

— Inserted by his loving sister and '' brother-in-law, A. C. and C. H. Rochester, Christchurch. 

McLENNAN. — In loving memory of Second Lieutenant William McLennan (N.Z. Field Artillery, Mam Body), who was killed while in action "Somewhere in France" on May 28, 1917, fifth son of Jane McLennan and the late K. McLennan, 18 Craigleith street, NorthEast Valley; aged 28 years. 

Thy will be done. 

McLENNAN. — In loving memory of my dear friend, Second Lieutenant William McLennan (Main Body), who was killed in France. May 28, 1917. — Inserted by W. A.  -Otago Daily Times, 28/5/1918.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.

Nellie Allen, (1878-20/10/1901). "deeply regretted"

Births.

ALLEN. — On the 20th October, at, Phillips street, Hillside, Kensington, the wife of Albert Allen, of a son.  -Evening Star, 21/1/1901.

Deaths.

ALLEN. — On the 20th October, at her residence, Philips street, Hillside, Kensington, Nellie, the beloved wife of Albert Allen; aged 23 years. Deeply regretted.  -Evening Star, 21/10/1901.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.

8/751 Private Alfred Richard Hayward, (20/8/1892-1/5/1915). "constantly shelled"

Private Alfred Richard Hayward (Otago Infantry Battalion), whose death from wounds was announced on Tuesday, was wounded at the Dardanelles on April 27th, and died at Alexandria on May 1st. He was the second son of Mr John Hayward, of Caversham, and a nephew of Mr William Hayward, of Christchurch, and was in his 23rd year. He was born at Caversham, and left there when he was a year old for Invercargill, where he received his education at the Middle School. He joined the Railway Department, and was fireman on the Glenham train when he left to go into the Expeditionary camp at Tahuna Park.  -Press, 7/5/1915.

Alfred Hayward died two days after the Otago Regiment landed on the shores of Gallipoli peninsula.  As the relevant paragraphs of the Otagos' Official History shows, it was a dangerous place from the start:

The efforts made to effect a reorganisation of units had so far been attended with but small success, and the persistent attacks, repeated by the Turks during the 27th, still prevented any advance being made in this direction. Orders were now issued allotting to the New Zealand Infantry Brigade the left section of the line extending from the sea to where the left of Colonel Monash's section ended at the head of Shrapnel Valley. Otago Battalion was to move up the nullah north of the Plateau, thus prolonging the Australian line to the left until a junction was formed with the right of Canterbury Battalion. This was effected during the afternoon and evening of the 27th, the Battalion, with 4th Company acting as a screen, moving up Monash Gully, and taking up its position in defence of Plugge's Plateau.

The enemy's attacks, supported by artillery fire, had been renewed at daybreak on the 27th, and the ridges sloping north-west and south-west to the beach were consistently shelled, By 9 a.m. an attack had developed strongly against the left, at Walker's Ridge, and centre, but was beaten back with loss to the enemy. A desultory fire was maintained throughout the night of the 27th, and frequently the enemy worked up close to our line, but on each occasion was repulsed by rapid rifle fire, — even if the anxieties of the night and the newness of the troops at times led to the expenditure of a great deal more ammunition than was necessary.

Rarely, Alfred's Army record does not detail the wounds from which he died.  He would have been evacuated by hospital ship and settled into the military hospital at Alexandria, Egypt, where he died.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.

Margaret Keliher, (1892-31/8/1908). "lovable disposition"

DEATH.

 KELIHER — On August 31st, 1908, at the Dunstan Hospital, Clyde, Margaret, the beloved daughter of Michael and Margaret Keliher, Waikerikeri Valley; aged 16 years and 1 month. — So loved so mourned.   -Alexandra Herald and Goldfields Gazette, 2/9/1908.

Obituary.

It is with deep feelings of regret that we are obliged to chronicle the death of Miss Maggie Keliher, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs M. Keliher, of Waikerikeri Valley, which occurred at the Dunstan Hospital, Clyde, on Monday evening last, after a short but painful illness. The deceased young girl, who was a native of Waikerikeri Valley, and 16 years of age, was very highly esteemed for her estimable qualities of lovable disposition by a large circle of friends in the Clyde, Earnscleugh, and Waikerikeri Valley districts, and their sympathy is extended to the relatives in their untimely sad bereavement. The news of her sad end came as a great blow, not only to her relatives, but to the whole community where she resided. She had only been in ill-health for about a week previous to her death, having an attack of appendicitis, which necessitated an operation being performed; but everything that medical aid could do proved futile. She was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand in case of need, and won for herself the admiration of everyone whom she became associated with in the daily routine of life. The funeral takes place this afternoon at 2.30 p.m., leaving the St. Dunstan's Church, for the Clyde Cemetery.  -Alexandra Herald and Goldfields Gazette, 2/9/1908.

Alexandra Cemetery.

Mary Percy, (1898-9/12/1923). "a bright and useful life"

OBITUARY.

The distressingly sad and sudden death of Mrs Stuart Percy, of Clyde, which took place at midnight last, caused a gloom over the whole township. Only yesterday morning Mrs Percy, apparently in her usual good health, attended divine service, and afterwards visited friends. Here a sudden illness overtook her, and Dr Turnbull was summoned. He ordered her removal to the hospital, where an operation was performed, Drs Turnbull, Harrison and Shore being in attendance. Of a bright and happy disposition, Mrs Percy was a general favourite, and we are sure that to her sorrowing husband and little boy and to her parents (Mr and Mrs M. Keliher) and brothers the heartfelt sympathy of all sections of the community is extended. May be who tempers the wind to the shorn lamb be with them in their great grief. The funeral takes place to-morrow at 4 p.m.  -Dunstan Times, 10/12/1923.

The death is reported suddenly in the Dunstan Hospital, on Sunday, December 9th inst., of Mrs Stuart Percy, daughter of Mr and Mrs Keliher, of Clyde. The deceased was in her usual good health on Sunday morning, but took seriously ill during the day, being removed to the hospital where an operation was performed, but proved of no avail. The deceased, who was 25 years of age, was a popular young lady, widely known throughout the district and this sudden termination to a bright and useful life came as a shock to her many friends and acquaintances. We extend to the bereaved husband and child, to the sorrowing parent and brothers the heartfelt sympathy of all those who mourn with them in their time of grief.  -Alexandra Herald and Goldfields Gazette, 12/12/1923.

Alexandra Cemetery.

Robert McMorran, (1839-6/3/1881). "his kindliness of heart"

THE LATE ROBERT McMORRAN

It is our painful duty to day to record the death of one of the oldest — if not the very oldest — resident of the district in the person of Mr Robert McMorran, and which took place on Sunday night last, the 6th inst., at the White Horse Hotel, Manuherikia Valley, where he had resided lately in the capacity of manager of the house and farms. The cause of death was sunstroke whilst engaged driving a reaping machine. No name in the whole interior gold fields —  from Naseby to Queenstown — was better known than Robert McMorran, and we doubt if many would be found that was more generally liked and respected. He was a strong supporter of every movement that had for its object the well-being of the interior gold fields, and private individuals and public institutions alike benefitted by his kindliness of heart. Of late years his affairs have not progressed so favorably as could have been desired. However, he is gone from us to his eternal rest at the early age of 42 years, and we can but say, may he rest in peace. He leaves a widow and one child and a large circle of friends to mourn his loss.  -Dunstan Times, 11/3/1881.

Clyde Cemetery.

8/3097 Private Leslie Thomson, (10/2/1891-21/4/1927). "an all-round good fellow"

FUNERAL NOTICE. 

Returned Soldiers of Alexandra and district are respectfully requested to attend the Funeral of their late comrade, Private LESLIE THOMSON (Otago Battalion), which will leave the Residence of Mr J. D. Thomson on SUNDAY. 24th Inst., at 2.30 p.m., for the Alexandra Cemetery. Please wear badges.   -Otago Daily Times, 23/4/1927.

OBITUARY.

The sudden and unexpected death of Mr Leslie Thomson (eldest son of Mr J. D. Thomson, of Alexandra), caused quite a gloom over the district on Thursday evening last. Deceased, who was a carpenter by trade had been employed in Dunedin for some time, and at Easter decided to pay a visit to his old home in Alexandra. Arriving home he took ill and was removed to the Dunstan Hospital where he died shortly after being admitted. He was born in Moonee Ponds, Melbourne, in February 1891, and arrived in Alexandra in September 1892. Being educated in Alexandra, and one of our own local boys, he was known to all, having grown up with the district. He also attended the Waitaki High School, and after leaving school he started the carpentering trade with his father in Alexandra, finishing his apprenticeship with Messrs Sheppard and Strong, of Tapanui. He afterwards worked for Mr E. McLean, contractor, of Owaka, and then returned to Alexandra for a few months. "Les" was a keen footballer, and upheld the Green (the local colours) in many a well-contested match, and in sport as in his other vocations, he could be depended on in giving a good account of himself. He was always a member of the local Fire Brigade during his residence in the town. An all-round good fellow of sober and industrious habits "Les" commanded respect from all with whom he associated. A member of the Dunedin City Fire Brigade, which brigade he joined several months before war broke out. He left for France with the 7th Reinforcements. He was wounded at Armentierres in the raid in which Capt, Jolly and many other Otago regiment men were killed. In July 1916, he was invalided to Brockenhurst Hospital, England. On his recovery he returned to France, and in 1918 was again wounded at Bapaume. He was invalided to England, and from there sent home, arriving here at the end of January 1919. After undergoing two operations and treatment for several months he returned to his old billet at the City Fire Brigade Station. In 1921 he was married to his old schoolmate, Miss Ethel Dunsmuir. Shortly after his marriage he started working at his trade again and had been so employed until Thursday, the 14th inst. 

The funeral, which took place on Sunday last, was of a military character, and was one of the largest seen in the district for many years. A large company of returned soldiers followed the remains to the grave. The coffin was draped with the Union Jack. Six of his companions (Messrs D. Tohill, E. Goulson, J. Dougherty, T. Cubitt, F. Cubitt, and E. McIntyre), acted as pall-bearers. The Alexandra Brass Band headed by a firing party of twelve under Lieut. Spain, played the "Dead March" as the procession wound its slow way to the local cemetery. Many beautiful wreaths were placed on the grave from friends, as well as one each from his returned comrades and the Football Club. 

The Rev. James Robertson officiated at the house and at the grave. 

After the benediction the firing party fired a salute of three volleys, Band-master Bringans sounding the "Last Post" and "The Reveille." 

The hand of death has claimed the young husband.at the early age of 36, and to the young widow who deeply mourns the loss of a good husband, to the parents, and brothers and sister who mourn the loss of a son and brother, and to the many local relatives we offer our sincere sympathy.  -Alexander Herald and Goldfields Gazette, 27/4/1927.

Leslie Thomson died of cardiac arrest which was the result of an intestinal obstruction.

Alexandra Cemetery.

25538 Lance Bombardier William Smith Anthony (1914-31/10/1942) and 41574 Flight Sergeant Vincent Patrick (6/3/1917-3/6/1942) Cummock. "duty nobly done"

William Cummock left New Zealand in early 1940 and served with New Zealand's artillery forces in North Africa.  He was with them during the Second Battle of El Alamein, assisting British tank forces in their assault on the heavily defended minefield area laid out by General Rommel as a defensive measure until he could acquire the weapons and supplies to move into Egypt. A week into the offensive, a gun of William's unit, the 4th Field Regiment was lost with its crew on the day of William's death.

The 4th Field left the Australian sector, starting at 6 a.m. on the 31st, and drove nine miles to a new area just south-west of Tell el Eisa proper (not the station). Before the batteries were ready for action 34 ammunition lorries arrived. Parties from the other field regiments followed and at 10 a.m. the 6th Field began to move by troops. The 4th Field was heavily shelled in this position and a direct hit on a 25 Battery gun killed three men and wounded two.  -2nd NZ Divisional Artillery, Official History.

FOR THE EMPIRE’S CAUSE

CUMMOCK. — T/L/Bdr. William Smith Anthony, loved fourth son of James and Ellen Cummock, of Galloway, killed in action, Middle East; aged 28 years. "His duty nobly done." R.I.P. 

CUMMOCK. — Sgt. Vincent Patrick, R A F, killed in action, youngest son of James and Ellen Cummock; aged 25 years. "His duty nobly done.” R.I.P.  -Otago Daily Times, 16/11/1942.

Vincent Cummock received his wings in New Zealand after training and was trained to fly the Vickers Wellington bomber between October 1941 and May, 1942.  He was assigned to No 57 Squadron, RAF, and took part in mining and bombing raids over Germany and occupied Europe.  On his sixth operation, to Essen, Germany, his plane was shot down by a German night fighter.  There were no survivors.

He was listed as "missing," then "missing, believed killed," until information was received from the International Red Cross confirming the deaths of him and his crew.  From early June to November would have been a long wait, made doubly tragic by the news of the death of William.

GALLOWAY

Deep regret is felt in the district at the news that Sergeant/Pilot Vincent Pat Cummock and his brother T/L/Bd. William Cummock have been killed in action. Sergeant/Pilot Cummock was drafted straight to England from New Zealand and was posted as missing in the great raid over Germany early in June. He had always been keen on aviation and held a Commercial Pilot's license before joining the Royal Air Force. He was twenty-five years of age. T/L/Bd. Bill Cummock, in the artillery of the 3rd Echellon was for a time in Fiji and after a short leave in New Zealand went to Egypt. Bill was an enthusiastic member of the Young Farmers' Union and was looked upon as a coming man in the Farmers Union where he held the post of Secretary for some time. He was twenty-eight years of age. Much sympathy is felt for Mr and Mrs Cummock and family, in their double bereavement.  -Alexandra Herald and Goldfields Gazette, 18/11/1942.

The "great raid" mentioned above was one of the "thousand bomber" raids on Germany in 1942, intended to show the enemy the strength of the Royal Air Force and to damage German morale.  Bombers were assigned from squadrons whose usual duties did not include entering the heavily defended zones over Germany.  It is possible that Vincent's Wellington was one of these.

Alexandra Cemetery.

Johanna Carroll, (1886-28/1/1908). "such an earnest friend"

DEATH.

CARROLL. — At her parents' residence, Bald Hill Flat, on January 28th, Johanna Elizabeth, youngest daughter of Pierce and Elizabeth Carroll; aged 21 years - R.I.P. 

FUNERAL NOTICE. 

The Friends and Elizabeth Carroll are respectfully invited to attend the funeral of their, late Daughter Johanna (Elizabeth), which will leave her home, Bald Hill Flat at 12 noon on THURSDAY, 30th inst., for the Alexandra Cemetery.   -Alexandra Herald and Goldfields Gazette, 29/1/1908.

It is with deep regret that we are obliged to chronicle the rather sudden death of Miss Johanna Carroll, youngest daughter of Mr Pierce Carroll, of Bald Hill Flat, occurred shortly after midnight on Monday. For some time past the deceased young lady had not been in good health and in October last returned from Dunedin, where she had been residing for the previous twelve months. Since her arrival home she had been keeping fairly well, and her relatives were in hopes that she was regaining her usual good health. Everything that medical aid and home comfort could do was always at hand, but about midnight on Monday a sudden vomiting fit came over her, and within half an hour afterwards the young lady breathed her last, notwithstanding the fact that everything was done for her. When the news of her sudden end became known amongst the residents of the district a pang of regret was felt by both young and old alike, for the deceased lady had always been a universal favorite with her numerous friends and school companions, who were stricken with grief at the loss of such an earnest friend at so young an age, the deceased lady being only 21 years old. We tender our deepest condolences to the relatives in their sad bereavement The funeral takes place to morrow afternoon.  -Alexandra Herald and Goldfields Gazette, 29/1/1908.

Alexandra Cemetery.

36828 Sergeant-Major James Falconer, (9/7/1884-2/10/1917). "deservedly popular"

SERGT.-MAJOR FALCONER. 

On Wednesday, advice was received in Lawrence that Sergt.-Major James C. Falconer, eldest son of Mrs C. Falconer, for many years a resident of Lawrence, had been killed in action in France on the 2nd October. The deceased, who was 33 years of age, was born at Willow bridge, in Canterbury. and was educated at the Waitaki and Alexandra Schools. On completing his education he joined the clerical branch of the railway service, subsequently transferring to the Public Works Department, being employed for some time in connection with the construction of the Waikaka branch line, and later at Auckland. About five years ago he took up a fruit farm at Coal Creek, from which place he enlisted, leaving with the 24th Reinforcements. He was well-known and deservedly popular throughout the Lawrence and Roxburgh districts and much sympathy is felt for his mother and family in their bereavement.  -Tuapeka Times, 20/10/1917.

James Falconer's army record merely notes that he was killed in action on October 2nd.  It was an active time for his Battalion, the 1st Otago, and  is described in its Official History:

Between five and six o'clock on the morning of September 30th the enemy's artillery assumed an activity which grew in intensity as our retaliatory fire developed, until their combined aggressiveness reached the stage of a fierce artillery duel. By 6.15 a.m. the enemy's guns had been silenced; but another form of hostile activity presented itself when enemy aeroplanes hovered over our lines almost continuously during the remainder of the morning. In fact, the whole day was marked by considerable aerial activity, during the course of which one of our aeroplanes was forced to land after an engagement with four hostile machines. Following upon the morning's outburst, our artillery continued intermittently active throughout the day and night.

On October 2nd orders were issued for the relief of the 2nd Infantry Brigade by troops of the 1st and 4th Infantry Brigades; on the following night the 1st Battalion of the Regiment was relieved by the 3rd Battalion, marching back to the old British front line by way of the Wieltje Road, and remaining there over the 3rd in reserve to the 1st Brigade.

James was initially buried in a shell-hole near the scene of his death. He was later interred in the Poelcappelle British Cemetery, Belgium.

Alexandra Cemetery.

The White family - Elizabeth, John, Desmond: "accidentally killed at Hyde"

All around Central Otago, sleeping under blue summer skies and the sullen skies of winter, in cemeteries large and small, are stones with the same date on them.  Sometimes only the date - sometimes the word "accidentally." 

The railway crash just out of Hyde, of a train taking people from Central Otago town into Dunedin, was New Zealand's most fatal, until that of Tangiwai on Christmas eve in 1953.

'

DEATH ROLL NOW 21

Railway Disaster At Hyde

LIST OF INJURED 

(P.A.) DUNEDIN, June 5. 

The death roll in the tragic railway smash at Hyde on Friday afternoon mounted to 21 at the week-end. A further body was recovered from the wreckage on Saturday afternoon, and two seriously-injured men died in the Ranfurly Hospital. Mr Frederick Christopher died late to-night from his injuries. 

The work of clearing the line of debris went on over the week-end. It is now considered extremely unlikely that any more bodies remain in the wreckage. All the dead have been identified. 

One of the injured women in the Ranfurly Hospital, Mrs R. Maskell, of Dunedin, whose leg was broken and crushed, had her leg amputated, but her condition is reported as fair. In the first list of dead issued on the night of the disaster, it was stated that Maureen Tyrrell, of Makarora, had been killed. This was incorrect, but she is among the injured in the Ranfurly Hospital. 

The list of dead and injured is now as follows: 

DEAD 

FREDERICK CHRISTOPHER, aged 52, Dunedin. 

DUNCAN BROWN LINDSAY, Wedderburn. 

THOMAS M. CHISHOLM, Cromwell. 

THOMAS B. CONNOR, Cromwell. 

JOHN BLACK CONNOR, Kyeburn, son of Thomas Connor. 

FRANCIS ROBERT KINNEY, Hyde. 

CHARLES ROBERT McKENZIE, Alexandra. 

VIVIAN CARSON, Ranfurly. 

DUNCAN MACDONALD, Patearoa. 

ROBERT CARR, Patearoa. 

CHARLES THOMPSON DOUGLAS, Kyeburn. 

MRS IRENE ELIZABETH WHITE, Timaru. 

DESMOND EDWARD WHITE, aged four months, son of Mrs White. 

JOHN WILLIAM WHITE, aged five, years, son of Mrs White. 

JOHN MASKELL, aged four years. 

DANIEL MCDONALD, Poolburn. 

JOHN WRIGHT, Ranfurly. 

JOHN MARTIN NICHOLAS FRATER, Alexandra. 

MRS ETHEL ANNIE CASSELLS. Kokonga, 

JOHN EDWARD O’CONNELL, Hyde. 

THOMAS HENRY CLARE, aged 59, Oamaru. 

INJURED 

Raymond Tait, Naseby, aged 16, scalp wounds. 

Maureen Tyrrell, Makarora, aged 14. abrasions. 

Pearl Jenkins, Kaihiku, aged 15, abrasions. 

Harold Strode, Kyeburn, fractured leg. 

Albert Kane, Becks, aged 53, fractured hip and severe cut on wrist.

John Edward Kearney, Ranfurly, aged 56, scalp wounds and bruises. 

Mrs Annie Kearney, Ranfurly, aged 57, abrasions. 

Mrs Merlyn Little, Chatto Creek, aged 23, fractured arm and concussion. 

Lorna Hore, Naseby, aged 18, fractured jaw and and fractured wrist. 

John Stuart, Naseby, aged 60, bruised back. 

James Lynch, Ranfurly, aged 49, fractured spine (condition not serious). 

Joseph Geoffrey, Wedderburn, aged 63, multiple injuries. 

Francis Murray Rawcliffe, Kokonga, injuries to ribs.

 Alexander Roas Helm, Gimmerburn, aged 17, fractured leg. 

Dorothy Beryl Beel, Hyde, aged 35, bruises and abrasions. 

Frank Pringle, Ranfurly, aged 36, injured shoulder. 

Donald Grant McMillan, Naseby. aged 17, crushed fingers (tips amputated).

Eric D. Lambie, Ashburton, aged 31, scalp wounds. 

Stanley E. Little, Centre Bush. Southland, aged 29, fractured arm. 

David Connor, Kyeburn, aged eight, deep wound in leg and shock. 

Charles A. Woods, Hornby, aged 34, injuries to chest and hips. 

Mrs Agnes Hanrahan, Ranfurly, aged 33, bruises.

Robert John Little, Chatto Creek, aged 34, fractured leg. 

Valerie Smolenski, Hyde, aged nine, lacerated leg. 

Mrs Molly Maskell, Dunedin, aged 30, leg amputated. 

Mrs Mary Frater, Alexandra, aged 69, lacerations. 

John Patrick Corcoran, the engine-driver, Dunedin, fractured arm and severe scalds. 

Stanley G. Hollow, Dunedin, aged 21, the fireman, severe scalds. 

Dorothy Robinson, Dunedin, aged 24, injuries to hips. 

Mrs Marguerite Avis Ward, Hyde, aged 25, both legs fractured. 

Roberta Ward, Mrs Ward’s baby daughter, slight injuries. 

James McBride, Lauder, aged 19, abrasions and shock. 

Mrs Margaret Hansen, Cromwell, aged 61, fractured ribs. 

Arthur Wright, Dunedin, aged 30. bruised hip and abrasions. 

C. R, Crutchley, Kyeburn, aged 17, injuries to back and face (condition serious). 

Mrs Mavis Sawers, Alexandra, aged 39, fractured leg and severe shock. 

Andrew Sarginson, Gimmerburn, aged 53, crushed and fractured ribs. 

Straun Robert Stringer, Gimmerburn, aged 19, injuries to arm.

MANY ACTS OF COURAGE 

FOUR CARRIAGES TELESCOPED 

RESCUING VICTIMS FROM WRECKAGE 

From Our Own Correspondent DUNEDIN, June 6. 

The disastrous telescoping of the carriages, four of which were smashed into less space than is normally occupied by one, was the cause of the high death roll in the railway accident at Hyde. The first carriage on the train catapulted past the engine and tender, while the second, third, fourth, and fifth carriages telescoped into one another, and on to the tender of the engine, which rested on its side against the embankment. Portions of some carriages — complete sections such as roofs — were hurtled up into the air and on to the high ground on top of the embankment, while 15 feet of the cutting itself was filled with an indescribable mass of debris and crushed carriages. 

Providentially fire did not add to the horrors of the scene. Such a calamity might easily have followed upon the crash, for splintered matchwood was piled high all round the engine. 

Amid this terrible scene of destruction and death, pitiable cries of the injured came from all sides. First arrivals at the cutting describe the scene as heartrending. Little children were buried with their parents — some dead, others injured. Men and women, old and young, were buried deep, crushed and mutilated. 

The complete train comprised seven cars, one guard’s van. and two luggage vans. Of the carriages two only were not smashed to matchwood. It was the first five on the train which suffered, the sixth carriage, with its windows still unbroken, climbing semi-vertically on to the top of the wreckage of the others. The seventh came to rest in a normal position. 

All through the night ghostly figures with torches, storm lanterns, or slush lamps moved silently about the wreckage. High up on the adjacent banks were scattered articles of clothing, women’s shoes, children’s slippers, toys, a tin of baby powder, a broken jar of honey, a child’s picture book crushed and torn, fur coats, handbags, and innumerable suitcases and boxes crushed beyond recognition. Town wearing apparel, hats, and gloves were scattered everywhere among the debris. 

Naturally there were many stories of individual acts of heroism. It was seen in the stubborn refusal of an old lady, who, after having her hand bandaged, refused any further treatment until her husband and son were found. It was witnessed in the case of a boy of eight years, David O’Connor, of Kyeburn, who, with a broken arm, asked the rescuers to attend first to his father and elder brother alongside him, who were in a worse predicament than himself. The brother was found to be dead. 

One man of medium build was thrown out of a carriage window by the force of the impact of the cars coming together, and as the carriage hurtled over he struck the bank of the cutting and was forced back through another window aperture into the carriage again. Apart from a few superficial cuts he was not seriously injured. 

Caught for Six Hours 

Amid the cries of the injured, great fortitude was displayed by Mrs Sawers, of Alexandra. She had a providential escape from death for just before the crash she gave up her seat to a lady with a baby in arms, and moved to a corner seat. The mother and child were killed and Mrs Sawers was trapped —buried almost — in the twisted wreckage, in which position she remained for more than six hours. She was given medical treatment during this time and assistance and support from the rescuers while the metalwork imprisoning her was cut away. It was nearly 8 o’clock in the evening before she was released.

When one of the telescoping carriages was hurled up on to the bank, the whole side was torn clean off it and the passengers were tossed in all directions. It was in the carriages immediately in front of this one that the greatest number of casualties occurred, for one had turned sideways on and the walls had become flattened together like two pieces of cardboard. All through the night the crew of the rescue train worked by the aid of flood lights, and by morning it had laid down another track of rails right up alongside the engine, which had to be hauled back out of the cutting before any further progress could be made. In the meantime the rescue gangs had been busy clearing away the dismantled seats, racks, and woodwork piled high behind the engine. It was here that most of the bodies were recovered.

The train left Hyde at 1.37 p.m., but its usual scheduled time was stated to be 1.25. By the time it had reached Ranfurly there were about 80 passengers on board, while others were picked up at Waipiata, Kokonga, and Hyde. Indeed; it is said that one young man. Kinney, had not found a seat when the accident occurred. He was among those killed.

The first news of the tragedy was telephoned by Mr Harold Preston, of Galloway, a passenger on the train, from the home of Mr Michael Kinney, about two miles from Hvde. to Mr Charles Taylor, of the Hyde Hotel. Mr Preston asked for brandy and this was dispatched on horseback, as the only means of transport available. Word was then sent out to Ranfurly, Middlemarch, and Dunedin, and all possible arrangements were made for the rescue of the passengers still trapped in the debris. Shortly after 5 o'clock, ambulances from Dunedin, including personnel from the Otago University Medical Corps, left for the scene of the accident, together with Army transport lorries and City Corporation and Railway buses, to convey the injured to the hospitals in Ranfurly and Dunedin, and to transport the remaining few passengers from the scene, 

By sundown many willing workers were on the scene doing everything in their power to assist in the rescue work. The first doctor on the scene (Dr. I. J. Logan, of Middlemarch) arrived within an hour. He was followed shortly afterwards by Dr. Horton, of Ranfurly, and Drs. A. Kidd and A. H. Webb, from the Orangapai Sanatorium. Dunedin doctors arrived later in the evening. This calamitous train smash was all the more tragic because nearly all the passengers were journeying to Dunedin on holiday, either to attend the winter show or races.

FOUR RELATIVES KILLED 

MAN’S TRAGIC EXPERIENCE 

Mr G. H. Frater, formerly of Christchurch (where he was well known as club captain of the Christchurch Football Club) and now registrar of Social Security at Rotorua, received the tragic news on Saturday morning that his father had been killed, his sister and her two children killed, and his mother seriously injured in the railway disaster near Hyde on Friday afternoon. Mr Frater passed through Christchurch yesterday on his way to see his mother, whose condition is reported by the Ranfurly Hospital to be improving, and to attend his father's funeral, which will be held at Alexandra. His sister was Mrs W. White, of Harper street, Timaru.

MESSAGES OF SYMPATHY 

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, June 6. The Governor-General (Sir Cyril Newall) has sent to the Minister or Railways (the Hon. R. Semple), a message expressing his deep grief in hearing of the tragic railway accident in Central Otago. “I shall be grateful if you will convey to the relatives of those who lost their lives the heartfelt sympathy of Lady Newall and myself and to the injured our best wishes for a speedy recovery.” 

The Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Railway Engine-drivers, Firemen’s and Cleaners' Association has passed a motion of sympathy and condolence with those suffering bereavement or injury through the accident.  -Press, 7/6/1943.

DEATHS

WHITE — On June 4 (result of accident), Desmond Edward, loved son of William McLeod and the late Irene Elizabeth White; aged four months. — The Funeral will leave the Presbyterian Sunday School Hall on Tuesday, 8th inst., after the arrival of the Central train, for the Alexandra Cemetery — J. D. Thomson and Sons, funeral directors. 

WHITE. — On June 4 (result of accident), Irene Elizabeth, beloved wife of William McLeod White, 46 Harper street, Timaru, and youngest daughter of Mary D. Frater, Earnscleugh, and the late John Frater. — The Funeral will leave the Presbyterian Sunday School Hall on Tuesday, 8th inst., after the arrival of the Central train, for the Alexandra Cemetery. — J. D. Thomson and Sons, funeral directors. 

WHITE. — On June 4 (result of accident), John William, beloved son of William McLeod White and the late Irene Elizabeth White; aged three years. — The Funeral will leave the Presbyterian Sunday School Hall on Tuesday, 8th inst., after the arrival of the Central train, for the Alexandra Cemetery. —J. D. Thomson and Sons, funeral directors.  -Otago Daily Times, 7/6/1943.

Visit Postponed. 

The visit of Mr. G. H. Frater, Social Security Department officer, who was to attend at the Opotiki Courthouse on Wednesday next, has now been postponed. Mr. Frater's father, Mr. John Martin Nicholas Frater, and his sister, Mrs. Irene Elizabeth White with her four-months-old son Desmond and her five-year-old son John, were all killed in the recent tragic train smash in the South Island. Mr. Frater’s mother was also injured in the railway accident.  -Opotiki News, 11/6/1943.

Alexandra Cemetery.