Private Arthur Toms, whose death on May 9 from wounds received in the fighting at the Dardanelles has just been reported, was the third son of the late Henry Toms of Coal Creek. He born in January, 1878, and received his education at the Coal Creek Public School, afterwards following the industry of fruit-growing. Upon his father's death he assumed control of the orchard on behalf of his mother, Mrs S. Toms, but relinquished that about two years ago, and proceeded to Nelson to take up fruit culture in that district. -Oamaru Mail, 8/6/1915.
PRIVATE TOMS
Private Arthur Toms, whose death on May 9 from wounds received in the fighting at the Dardanelles has just been reported, was the third son of the late Mr Henry Toms, of Coal Creek. He was born in January, 1878, and received his education at the Coal Creek Public School, afterwards following the industry of fruit growing. Upon his father's death he assumed control of the orchard on behalf of his mother, Mrs S. Toms, but relinquished that about two years ago and proceeded to Nelson to take up fruit culture in that district. It was while there that he responded to the call of the Empire and enlisted in the Nelson contingent of the Canterbury forces. Private Toms was one of the most popular young men of the district. In his business he was considered an expert, and he took a deep interest in all classes of sport. He was a very keen footballer and was also a member of the Cricket Team and Golf Clubs. Much sympathy is felt for his mother, brothers and sisters. -Otago Daily Times, 8/6/1915.
METHODIST CHURCH.
Preacher — Rev. J. Benning
Services Next Sunday.
Roxburgh, 11 a.m. — Rev Benning
7pm — Rev Benning
Coal Creek, 3 p m. — Mr Weatherall
Special Memorial Service in memory of the late Arthur Toms will be held at Roxburgh on Sunday at 8 p.m. -Mt Benger Mail, 9/6/1915.
For King and Country
Quite a gloom was cast over Roxburgh and district on Friday last when word was received that Private Arthur Toms had died of wounds at the Dardanelles. Private Toms' death took place on the 9th of May, and the news was all the more sudden as no word had previously been received to the effect that he had been wounded. General regret has been expressed at Arthur's short career at the front, but there is consolation in the fact that he fell nobly lighting for his King and Country. The flag at the hall was flown half-mast in memory of him. Arthur was of that type of young man whose place is hard to fill, and the district is certainly the poorer by his rather untimely end. He was highly esteemed by a large circle of friends and his manly disposition was much admired. On the sports field, and more particularly on the football field, he "played the game" and was always looked upon as a clean sport. Much sympathy is expressed for his mother and family in their sudden and sad loss. -Tuapeka Times, 9/6/1915.
Arthur Toms was with the Canterbury Regiment during their advance, against stiff opposition, towards the Turkish village of Krithia. Fighting on May 8th was fierce and the 9th was relatively quiet, the Canterburys consolidating the newly-captured trenches. Arthur was wounded by shrapnel which entered his abdomen and died that day. He is buried in the Skew Bridge Cemetery on the Peninsula. He had blue eyes.
METHODIST CHURCH.
Impressive Memorial Service.
A special service was conducted by Mr T. Skuse in the Methodist Church on Sunday afternoon last, an important feature being the unveiling of a tablet placed in the Church by Miss L. Howell in memory of the late Arthur Toms, who was killed in action. The design of the tablet made out of oak is very artistic and the working is in gilt letters. It occupies a position on the wall of the Church near the seat usually occupied by the deceased soldier before he left for the scene of war. The service was largely attended and in addition to inspiring hymns, solos were rendered by Miss M. George ("Nearer My God to Thee,") and Mr J. Bennetts ("My Task.").
The unveiling ceremony was performed by Mr J. Bennetts and Mr T Skuse made feeling and appreciative reference to the late Mr Tom's career as a boy in the Sunday School, his powers as a footballer, his goodness to his home and mother, his faithfulness in the Methodist Church, and to the supreme sacrifice made by him us a soldier on Gallipoli. After the singing of a hymn, Mr Skuse preached an inspiring and engrossing sermon, selecting for his text "The Word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision saying. Fear not Abram. I am thy shield, thy exceeding great reward." — (Genesis 15th. At the conclusion of the sermon the choir rendered the Anthem "Fear Thou Not." a most impressive service concluding with the singing of "Stand up for Jesus" by the congregation and the benediction. -Mt Benger Mail, 6/12/1916.
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