2/2682 Gunner William Anderson Milne, (30/5/1892-12/6/1917). "respect and esteem"

 

GUNNER MILNE. 

Widespread regret was expressed in Milton when it became known a few days ago that private advices had been received on the 19th instant that Gunner William Anderson Milne had made the supreme sacrifice for the Empire. The deceased was the eldest son of Mr Robert Milne, of Milton, and grandson of the late Mr William Milne, formerly head master of the Caversham School, and on his mother's side of the late Mr Malcolm Carmichael, of the Taieri. He was born at North-East Harbour on May 30 1892, and attended school there and completed his education at the Tokomairiro District High School. After leaving school he joined the clerical department of the Bruce Woollen Company and at the time of his enlistment was secretary of the company. He enlisted in October, 1915, with the 9th Reinforcements, and left for Egypt in January, 1916. In March, 1916, he went to France, where he remained until the time of his death. Gunner Milne was a young man of sterling qualities, and commanded the respect and esteem of all with whom he came in contact. He has a brother (Lieutenant M C Milne) on active service with the New Zealand Mounted Brigade.  -Otago Daily Times, 29/6/1917.

William Milne was killed during the build-up to the Battle of Messines.  April 12 was the beginning of the artillery preparation for the battle and it is likely he was the victim of German counter-battery fire.

East Taieri Cemetery.

Herbert John Campbell, (1905-25/10/1944). "the lake was very choppy"

FOUR BELIEVED DROWNED

ANGLERS IN SMALL BOAT.

(Press Assn.) DUNEDIN, Oct. 24. 

Four men are believed to have been drowned when their boat capsized on Lake Mahinerangi, at Waipori, on Monday. The men, who were members of a party which left Outram on Friday night to spend the week-end fishing on the lake, were: Charles Ernest Cameron, aged 40, market gardener, of Outram; James Ewen Anderson, aged 26, single, also a market gardener, of Outram; George McGregor Hendry, aged 18, a Hillside workshops apprentice, of Outram; Herbert John" Campbell, married, of Mosgiel. 

The lake was very choppy when the men set out from their huts at the head of the lake at about 9 o'clock on Monday morning. They were in an 11ft flat-bottomed boat driven by an outboard motor. A fifth member of the party, George McHattie, a youth, who also resides at Outram, had intended to go with the men but changed his mind at the last minute.

An earlier report stated that three men were overdue from the fishing trip.  -Manawatu Standard, 25/10/1944.

BOAT FOUND CAPSIZED

FOUR MEN BELIEVED DROWNED 

Dunedin, Oct. 24. 

Four men are believed to have been drowned when their boat capsized on Lake Mahinerangi at Waipori yesterday. The men, who were members of a party which left Outram on Friday night to spend the. weekend fishing on the lake, were Charles Ernest Cameron, aged 40. market gardener, Outram: James Ewen Anderson, 26, single, also a market gardener, Outram: George McGregor Hendry, 18, Hillside workshops apprentice, Outram. and Herbert John Campbell, married, Mosgiel. 

The lake was very choppy when the men set out from the huts at the head of the lake at about 9 o'clock yesterday morning. They were in an 11-foot flatbottomed boat driven by an outboard motor. A fifth member of the party, George McHattie, a youth who also resides at Outram. had intended to go with the men, but changed his mind at the last minute. Shortly before lunch time he saw the boat disappear around the point. It is thought that this is the last time the men were seen. A search party later found the boat capsized. 

The party was expected back at Outram last night, but when they failed to arrive, Mr McHattie, Senr., took a taxi to the huts, where he found his son still anxiously awaiting the men’s return. Mr McHattie immediately returned and notified Constable Fiddes, of Outram, who left for the scene early this morning. 

Later in the day two constables left the central station in Dunedin by car with equipment for dragging. A launch had been placed at their disposal by the city corporation and it was their intention first to make a thorough search of the shoreline in the vicinity. 

Judged by the amount of air under the boat when found, it is surmised that it capsized suddenly. The lake where the tragedy occurred is more than a mile wide.-P.A.  -Nelson Evening Mail, 25/10/1944.

LAKE TRAGEDY

SEARCH BY POLICE AND RESIDENTS 

OUTBOARD ENGINE FOUND 

Members of the Police Force and local residents were engaged from an early hour yesterday morning in searching Lake Mahinerangi, Waipori, and its environs for the bodies of the four men who are believed to have been drowned when their boat capsized in the lake on Monday. At a late hour last night the bodies had not been recovered. During dragging operations yesterday the outboard engine which had been attached to the men’s boat was recovered in about 50 feet of water not far from where the boat was found on Tuesday. 

The search was supervised by Constables L. Blake,- and A. A. McRae, of the Central Police Station, and E. Fiddes, of Outram. A City Corporation launch was used for patrolling the lake, and a large number of local residents. who were organised into parties, searched the shores. Apart from the outboard engine, no equipment was discovered yesterday. 

The four men who are believed to have been drowned are Charles Ernest Cameron, James Ewen Anderson, and George McGregor Hendry, of Outram, and Herbert John Campbell, of Mosgiel.  -Otago Daily Times, 26/10/1944.

The body of Herbert John Campbell (39), mill employee, of Mosgiel, one of the four men who were drowned when the boat they were in capsized on Lake Mahinerangi, Waipori, on October 23, was recovered this morning. This was the second body to be recovered. An inquest was opened at Outram this afternoon, and after evidence of identification had been given the proceedings were adjourned sine die.   -Evening Star, 7/11/1944.

MAHINERANGI TRAGEDY

INQUEST ON VICTIMS

VERDICT OF ACCIDENTAL DROWNING

A verdict that the men concerned were accidentally drowned when their boat overturned in rough weather on Lake Mahinerangi on October 23 was returned by a jury of four at an inquest held at Outram to-day into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Charles Ernest Cameron, James Ewen Anderson, Herbert John Campbell, and George MacGregor Hendry. The coroner was Mr A. Walker, J.P., of Outram. 

William George McHattie, an apprentice electrician, stated that in company with the deceased he fished Lake Mahinerangi over the week-end of October 21. On Monday the four deceased left in a semi-flat-bottomed outboard motor boat, but as he considered the water too rough he declined to join the expedition. The weather was windy and it was raining at the time. When he last saw the men at 12.10 p.m. they were on the opposite side at Green Pa Patch, Cameron and Hendry having left the boat, but he expected the party to meet to have lunch together. The lake was choppy during the day, but he had seen it in worse condition when the boat had succeeded in crossing. The four men were all wearing thigh gum boots and had oilskin coats with them. Cameron and Campbell were wearing leather jackets, while Anderson had an Army jacket. As the four men were all of heavy build, he did not consider the boat would be safe on that day. 

James Stanley Stoddard, a market gardener of Outram, stated that he saw the boat leave the shore with four men in it for the other side of the lake. At that time the lake was beginning to get choppy on the surface with a heavy wind blowing from the southwest, while it was raining fairly hard. 

Allan Stanley Gathgate, a market gardener of Outram, gave evidence that he was at Cape Help when the boat passed with the four men in it. At this time the weather was rough, it was raining heavily, the surface of the lake was choppy, and one could not see very far. After the party had divided, he saw the boat between Green Patch and Coffin Point. He thought trouble would arise when the motor stopped, as the rough weather would swing the boat around before the oars could be brought out to steady it. 

Arthur Thomas Graham, garage proprietor of Outram, stated that an examination of the boat's motor revealed nothing mechanically wrong. There were several factors that could have stopped the motor before the boat capsized, such as a blocked petrol pipe or jet or water in the ignition system. 

NO LIQUOR TAKEN ON TRIP.

Frank Ferguson, on furlough leave from the Army and owner of a third share of the boat, testified as to Cameron's skill and care as a boatsman. When on a fishing trip the party never took intoxicating liquor with them, while Cameron was a teetotaler. 

Edward Clifford Adams, a constable stationed at Mosgiel, produced a plan of the area and detailed the search made for the bodies. Cameron's body had been recovered at 11.30 a.m. on November 5, Campbell's at 5.50 a.m. on November 7, Andersons at 6.15 a.m. on November 8, and Hendry's at 6.15 a.m. the following day. From the positions of the articles and bodies recovered, it appeared that Campbell, Cameron, and Anderson had made an effort to reach the shore, while Hendry had been overcome soon after the boat capsized. 

Corroborative evidence was given by Constable Arthur Allan McRae, of Dunedin, and Constable Edward William Fibbes, of Outram.  -Evening Star, 27/11/1944.

East Taieri Cemetery.

George Proctor Howell MA, (3/11/1874-29/11/1907). "a scholar by nature"

The Naseby School Committee met on Monday last, 21st April, and selected a name to be sent on to the board for a teacher of secondary subjects in the District High School. Naseby. It may be pointed out that the school committee have hail great difficulty in carrying this subject to this conclusion. There was nothing else for it. 

The committee kept pegging away, and are now in view of the so much to be desired goal. Naseby is the centre of a large district, with many about, and its claims to a District High School have been long recognised as reasonable and just. The committee have been very fortunate in the names sent in for the appointment, any one of the teachers — three in all — referred to would have been an ornament to the school. The name selected for the appointment is George Proctor Howell. Mr Howell is a very distinguished graduate of the New Zealand University — i.e., an M.A. He studied for this at the Otago University, and furnishes certificates from the professors of that institution. Prof. Gilray says — "Mr Howell has proved himself an excellent student and a careful and scholarly writer of English prose. On the linguistic side of the study I have no hesitation in saying that he is the ablest student I have ever had in the whole course of my experience as a teacher. His work is accuracy itself. He is a true scholar and. a splendid linguist. He is quite at home in four languages — Latin, French, German and Anglo-Saxon." Professor Gilray also adds "Mr Howell is a man of the highest character — a scholar by nature as well as by acquirement and a perfect gentleman." Mr G. M. Thomson, Dunedin High School says — "I have the highest opinion of Mr Howell's character." It may be marked also that Mr Howell has had four years' experience in the teaching required in the District High School. He had, last year, two pupils of the Pharmacy Board and three for matriculation, and all passed. One of his University pupils last year gained a senior scholarship of the New Zealand University. Mr Howell also teaches bookkeeping, typewriting and shorthand. Altogether the Naseby District High School seems to be very fortunate in the of such a man.  -Mount Ida Chronicle, 25/4/1902.

DEATHS

HOWELL. — On November 29, at Rock and Pillar (suddenly), George Proctor Howell, M.A., beloved husband of Agnes Hay and son of Ann and the late George Howell, Mosgiel; aged 33 years.  -Otago Daily Times, 9/12/1907.

Birth.

HOWELL. — On the 11th February, at George street, North Dunedin, the wife of the late George Proctor Howell, M.A. — a daughter.  -Evening Star, 13/2/1908.

The place known as Rock and Pillar was a stop on the Central Otago Railway.  In the early 120th century there was a small tuberculosis sanatorium there.  It is possible that George Proctor was under treatment there and suddenly succumbed.

East Taieri Cemetery.

36553 Lance corporal Thomas Burnett, (2/2/1896-4/9/1918). "followed farming pursuits"

 

Lance-corporal Thomas Burnett, reported died from wounds on September 4, was the second youngest son of Mr Thomas Burnett (Middlemarch). He was born and educated at Middlemarch, and afterwards followed farming pursuits up to the time he enlisted with the Twenty-first Reinforcements. He left New Zealand in January, 1917, and after training in England proceeded to France, where he was slightly wounded in June of the same year. On recovering, he again proceeded to the front, where he again received wounds, this time bringing on his death. Previous to enlisting he took a keen interest in Territorial matters.  -Otago Daily Times, 23/9/1918.

In the whole of the sweeping operations in which the Regiment had become engaged since its discovery of the first German withdrawal on the morning of August 14th, the tactics employed were almost essentially those of open warfare. Trench-to-trench fighting had suddenly given place to a war of movement. Within a month the Division had advanced to a depth of close on 20 miles. Many villages of size and a great area of country had been liberated. The whole machinery of war, the cogs of which had long been stationary, was working swiftly and with telling effect. The enemy, now withdrawing everywhere, had been thrown off his balance. On the one side, terrific artillery barrages delivered by guns massed almost wheel to wheel, the infantry, flushed with victory, exerting relentless pressure or in full pursuit, an ever-increasing toll of prisoners and enemy dead, piles of booty, and, as a spectacle never to be forgotten, a bewildering and enormous stream of men, guns, tanks, ammunition supply, transport, and all the vast essentials of a great Army, ceaselessly rolling eastward; on the other side retreat, stubborn rear-guard actions, counter-attacks to save time and artillery or in a vain endeavour to snatch back a vital position, the abandoning of guns and material, the blowing up of roads and bridges, disorganisation, and the lowering moral that comes of defeat. It was the debacle of March over again, but with the positions reversed.  -Official History of the Otago Infantry Regiment.

It was during this tumultuous period of rapid victory following near defeat that Thomas Burnett was wounded, with a gunshot wound to his abdomen.  He died in the Dressing Station of the 3rd NZ Field Ambulance. He has no known grave.

East Taieri Cemetery.

439989 Gunner William Maxwell Allan, (1922-7/1/1943). "the enemy was extremely active"

 

DEATHS

ALLAN. — Gunner William Maxwell, died of wounds, Italy, beloved younger son of Georgina. Allan, Mayfield, East Taieri, and the fate Lindsay Allan, Hawera; aged 21 years.  -Evening Star, 24/1/1944.

SOCIAL AT EAST TAIERI

A welcome home to three local men recently returned from overseas was given in the East Taieri Hall. Those honoured were Lance-corporal F. R. Reid, Gunner A. S. Massey, and Private J. McCabe. The Taieri Pipe Band was in attendance and rendered various selections at the commencement of the evening. After the singing of the National Anthem, reference was made by the chairman of the death of William Maxwell Allan who died of wounds in Italy. He asked those present to honour the deceased's memory in the customary manner.  -Evening Star, 7/2/1944.

Meanwhile 31 Battery, under the command of 2 Independent Parachute Brigade since early December, moved with that formation from this mountain area to the right flank of the Division in the sector which included on its left the village of Poggiofiorito and the outskirts of Arielli. B Troop was released on 5 January and moved to Lanciano and J and K Troops of 33 Battery replaced it. The enemy was extremely active on this part of the front and shelled Poggiofiorito mercilessly. On the 7th Gunners Hargreaves and Allan of 31 Battery and Lance-Bombardier Laing of 33 Battery were killed or fatally wounded, and three others including an officer were wounded.  -Official History of the 2nd NZ Divisional Artillery.

East Taieri Cemetery.

29586 Rifleman Alexander Owens, (15/11/1893-21/6/1917). "flags were flown"

RIFLEMAN OWENS. 

Flags were flown in Mosgiel yesterday as a tribute to the memory of Rifleman Alexander Owens, who fell in battle on June 21. He was a son of Mr D. Owens, of Bush road, Mosgiel, and was a popular young man. He was a member of the Loyal Mosgiel Lodge, and at a social to welcome returned soldier brothers a motion of condolence with his relatives was passed.  -Otago Daily Times, 6/7/1917.

IN MEMORIAM. 

OWENS. — In loving memory of Rifleman Alexander Owens (18th Reinforcements), who was killed while in action "Somewhere in France," June 21, 1917, beloved eldest son of David and Jessie Owens, Bush road, Mosgiel; in his 25th year. 

Do not ask us if we miss him, There is such a vacant place; 

Can we e'er forget his footsteps And his dear, familiar face? 

One year has passed, our hearts are sore, As time rolls on wo miss him more; 

His welcome smile, his loving face, No one can ever fill his place. 

Some day we hope to meet him — Some day, we know not when, 

We shall clasp his hand in the Better Land And never part again. 

— Inserted by his loving parents, sisters, and brothers. 

OWENS. — In loving memory of our dear brother, Rifleman Alexander (Sandy) Owens (18th Reinforcements), who was killed while in action "Somewhere in France" on June 21, 1917. 

There is a link death cannot sever: Fond remembrance lasts forever. 

— Inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-law, M. and J. Davidson, Mosgiel.  -Otago Daily Times, 21/6/1918.

IN MEMORIAM.

OWENS. — In loving memory of Alexander Owens, who was killed in action in France on June 21, 1917. 

How joyful is the hope that lingers, When loved ones cross death’s sea, 

That we, when all earth's toils are ended, With them, shall be. 

— Inserted by his loving father and mother, brothers and sisters.  -Otago Witness, 26/6/1923.

East Taieri Cemetery.

47090 Rifleman Richard John Snow, (25/10/1896-31/3/1935). "result of war injuries"

 STATIONMASTER'S DEATH

SUDDEN ILLNESS 

Mr Richard John Snow, the stationmaster at Temuka, died suddenly yesterday afternoon. He went to work in the morning, but did not feel well, and returned to his home. He became unconscious in the afternoon, and died about; 3 o'clock. Mr Snow was a returned soldier, and had been slightly wounded. He was married, and had two young children. No inquest will be necessary.  -Press, 1/4/1935.

DEATHS

SNOW. — On March 31, 1935, at Temuka, Richard John, beloved husband of Margaret Snow; aged 39 years. No. 47090 N.Z.E.F. (result of war injuries). Deeply mourned.  -Otago Daily Times, 2/4/1935.

FUNERAL NOTICE. 

The Friends of the late RICHARD JOHN SNOW (and Family) are respectfully invited to attend his Funeral, which will leave the residence of Mrs Hanlin, Church street, Mosgiel, TO-DAY, 2nd Inst., at 2.30 p.m., for the East Taieri Cemetery. 

ROBT. MUIRHEAD, Undertaker. M. U. I. O. O. F. 

LOYAL MOSGIEL LODGE. 

The Officers and Members of the above Lodge and Sister Lodges are respectfully requested to attend the FUNERAL of their late Brother R. J. SNOW, which will leave the residence of Mrs Hanlin, Church street, Mosgiel, TO-DAY (TUESDAY), April 2, at 2.30 p.m. for the East Taieri Cemetery. Members will assemble at Lodge Room at 2 p.m. 

R. WYLIE, Sec. 

Mosgiel and west Taieri returned SOLDIERS are requested to attend the FUNERAL of the late No. 47090, RICHARD J. SNOW, which will leave Mrs Hanlin’s residence, Church street, Mosgiel, TO-DAY (TUESDAY), April 2, at 2.30, for the East Taieri Cemetery. 

T. SMEATO.N, Hon. Sec.  -Otago Daily Times, 2/4/1935.

Richard Snow was wounded on March 29, 1918, in an attack on German positions after the failed German Spring offensive. Having been rapidly pushed into a gap in Allied lines to hold the enemy, the Rifle Brigade was part of the counter offensive which would end in German surrender. Richard was admitted to hospital with gunshot wounds in his chest and abdomen. He was sent to New Zealand in May and discharged the following September as being no longer physically fit for service.

East Taieri Cemetery.

574519 Lance corporal Errol James Weddell, (1912-9/10/1944). "our love for you"

 

FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE 

In Memoriam

WEDDELL. — In loving memory of our dear husband and father, 574519, L/Cpl. Errol James Weddell, killed in action at Casone, Italy, on October 19, 1944. 

He shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old. 

Age shall not weary him, nor the years condemn. 

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, We will remember him. 

— Inserted by his wife and children, Errol and John. 

WEDDELL. — In sad but loving memory of our dear son and brother. Lance-corporal E. J. Weddell, killed in Italy. October 19, 1944. 

Two sad years have passed, dear Errol, 

But love and grief remain. 

In life you were so dear to us; 

In death you’re still the same. 

A wonderful son and brother. 

One of the best God ever sent. 

A cheery smile, a heart of gold, 

The dearest son and brother this world could hold. 

— Inserted by his sorrowing parents, sisters, and brothers-in-law. 

WEDDELL — In loving memory of 574519 L/Cpl. Errol James Weddell, killed in action, Italy, October 19, 1944. So loved, so mourned. 

— Inserted by May and Fred.  -Otago Daily Times, 19/10/1946.

FOR THE EMPIRE’S CAUSE

In Memoriam

McKENZIE. — In loving memory of Private Henry John McKenzie (Mac), killed in action in Italy. October 18, 1944. Ever remembered. 

— Inserted by his loved ones, 23 Wansbeck street,. Oamaru.

WEDDELL. — In loving memory of our dear husband and father, 574519 Lancecorporal Errol James Weddell, killed in action Italy, October 19, 1944. 

As we loved him. so we miss him. 

— Inserted by Lily, Errol and John. 

WEDDELL. — In fondest memory of our dear son and brother, Corporal Errol James Weddell, who was killed in action in Italy, October 19, 1944. 

Gone from this world of sorrow, 

Gone from this world of love. 

Our Errol is safe in his heavenly Father’s care, 

Lovingly longed for always. 

— Inserted by his loving parents and sisters.

WEDDELL. — In loving memory of our brother Cpl Errol James. Weddell, killed in action, Italy. October 19, 1944.

So fond to our memory, so dear to our heart, 

Our love for you, Errol, will never depart. 

— Inserted by May and Fred.  -Otago Daily Times, 19/10/1947.

MOSGIEL SCOUTS

WEDDELL MEMORIAL HALL 

OFFICIAL OPENING 

The Errol Weddell Memorial Scout Hall in Wickliffe street, Mosgiel. was officially opened by the Minister of Defence, Mr Jones, on Saturday. There was a large attendance and, during the function, tributes were paid to the late Scouter Errol James Weddell, who paid the supreme sacrifice in Italy during the recent war. Mr W. A. Bodkin, M.P., was unable to be present, being detained by Parliamentary committee work in Wellington. 

Led by the Mosgiel Highland Pipe Band (Drum-major Miss A. McGregor) Mosgiel Scout units and officers and Scouts from Dunedin marched from the park to the hall. 

Mr H. C. Connor, chairman of the First Troop, Mosgiel Boy Scouts Group Committee, who presided at the ceremony, described how the nucleus of the fund to erect the hall had been obtained from the sale of the. Scout hut at Brighton in 1945. A public appeal in 1946 realised £389, and a grant of £205 was received from the Government. Further income had been obtained from “bottle drives” by the Scouts and from renting the hall. 

With an imposing brick frontage, the hall was built from army hut material, and the outside will be plastered in the near future. It will admirably serve a great need by the Scout movement in Mosgiel, and will be used by Scouts, Guides, Brownies, and Cubs, as well as by the Mosgiel Kindergarten Association, which has rented it. The hall was built largely by volunteer labour, and was opened free of debt. The cost to date has been £639, including the purchase of the section, but the monetary value of the hall would be well over £1000.

Paying a tribute to the Scout movement, Mr Jones said it presented the opportunity for training boys and girls to become healthy, self-reliant citizens, with a deep sense of responsibility. Members of the movement, which included the late Scouter Weddell, had a glorious war record. The Government was interested in the youth of the country, and the Scouts were no exception, he said in mentioning the financial assistance the Government had readily made available to the Scout movement on various occasions. After paying a tribute to the excellent work of all associated with Scouting, Mr Jones gave details of the war record of the late Scouter Weddell. 

“I hope the work and sacrifice of Scouter Weddell will always be an inspiration to others,” said Mr Jones. “He was a soldier who did so much to serve his country so well.” 

A prayer of dedication was offered by the Rev. A. Macfarlane. 

Mr H. Wilson replied on behalf of the widow, sons and family of the late Scouter Weddell.

Congratulating the committee on its tireless endeavours, which had culminated in the opening of the hall, the Mayor of Mosgiel, Mr W. P. Hartstonge, said the ready assistance of Scouts and Guides in community activities was deeply appreciated. 

The Mayor handed to Mr Connor a handsome memorial cup, which had been presented by Mr and Mrs A. Weddell, the parents of the late Scouter Weddell, and his sisters for annual patrol competition among Mosgiel Scouts. 

A tribute to the life, work and sacrifice of Scouter Weddell was paid by Mr T. Pugh, president of the Mosgiel Returned Services’ Association. 

After referring to the increasing membership of the Scout movement since the war, District Commissioner A. S. Murie appealed to all returned servicemen to join the movement, because, after what they had seen and experienced overseas, they were fitted to teach the young people something that would stand them in good stead. 

A large framed photograph of the late Scouter Weddell was unveiled by County Commissioner W. P. Birchall.  -Otago Daily Times, 20/10/1947.

East Taieri Cemetery.

Captain James Boyd Laird RNR of the "Turakina." (1895-20/8/1940). "a gallant seaman"

IN TASMAN.

ENEMY RAIDER.

TURAKINA GUNNED. 

NAVAL FORCES AND R.N.Z.A.F. ANSWER S.O.S. 

WELLINGTON, this day. 

Answering an S.O.S. from the New Zealand Shipping Company vessel Turakina that she was being attacked and gunned by a raider in the Tasman Sea, New Zealand naval forces and the Royal New Zealand Air Force joined in efforts to locate and deal with the raider. 

The search is still continuing, but no further information is available. 

These brief particulars, contained in an announcement made last night by the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, confirm rumours that have been strongly current throughout the Dominion for the past two days. The Prime Minister stated that at 6.28 p.m. on Tuesday last the New Zealand naval authorities received a message by wireless from the s.s. Turakina in the Tasman Sea to the effect that she was being attacked and gunned by a raider. The message gave her latitude and longitude. 

"All possible steps to locate and deal with the raider were immediately taken by New Zealand naval forces, and the search is continuing," said Mr. Fraser. "No further information is at present available." 

The Prime Minister explained that it had not been possible to make an earlier announcement on this matter owing to the necessity for preserving secrecy in order not to prejudice the effectiveness of the steps that are being taken. 

The Turakina is a vessel of 8706 tons and was built for the New Zealand Shipping Company, Limited, at Glasgow in 1923. She is powered by steam turbines and has a length of 460 feet. Her master is Captain J. Laird.  -Auckland Star, 23/8/1940.

TURAKINA SUNK BY "NAZI SEA FORCES."

GERMAN CLAIM.

Steamer Overdue At N.Z. Port Since Last Wednesday. 

United Press Association. —

Copyright. (Reed, noon.) LONDON, Aug. 25. 

The German High Command states: "Our sea forces sank the Turakina in Australian waters." A Press Association message from Wellington states: "Five days have now elapsed since the wireless message was received from the New Zealand Shipping Company's steamer Turakina revealing that she was being attacked by a raider in the Tasman. Nothing more has been heard of her. 

"The Turakina has been overdue at a New Zealand port since last Wednesday morning. Captain J. Laird, who is in command of the Turakina, has with him four deck officers, and about 50 other members of the crew. She left an Australian port to load in New Zealand."  -Auckland Star, 26/8/1940.

Stories from the survivors state that they were well treated by the Germans while prisoners though ugly threats were apparently made to some of them about what would happen if they were again captured aboard an armed vessel during the war. There must be stories of danger, discomfort and courage in adversity not yet told, but the action of the master of the Turakina, Captain J. B. Laird, in fighting the raider to the end with one solitary gun cannot but appeal to everyone who admires bravery displayed in the face of great odds, even though in a lost cause. Captain Laird, it is said, kept his vow to fight to the end. With her one gun the Turakina engaged the raider for two and a half hours; then, with colours flying, she went down and her gallant captain and some of the crew with her. The Turakina will long be remembered. Meanwhile the peril of war in Australian and New Zealand waters remains and everyone will hope for positive results from the efforts of the Navy to remove it.  -Nelson Evening Mail, 3/1/1941.

RAIDER VICTIMS

ONE GUN AGAINST MANY 

MEN DIE AT POSTS

OTHER SHIP SURVIVORS

LANDING IN AUSTRALIA 

CANBERRA, Jan. 2 

An announcement that the 496 men, women and children from ships sunk by German raiders had been landed at an Australian port was made by the Minister for the Navy, Mr. W. M. Hughes. They were rescued by an Australian ship after the raiders had placed them on the island of Emirau, in the Bismark Group, north-west of the Solomon Islands. 

Mr. Hughes said they had brought back with them an epic story of how the British steamer Turakina fought the raider for nearly three hours with her one stern gun, and lost nearly twothirds of her crew of 58 before the battle ended. None of the Turakina's survivors are among those rescued. 

Stories of Heroism "Many stories of individual heroism and endurance will emerge from the tale of the British merchant service in conflict with the enemy at sea," said Mr. Hughes. "At present only the most meagre facts are available. None of the survivors landed has seen any of the Turakina men to hear their stories direct, but 23 Turakina survivors are known still to be prisoners in one of the raiders, and it is through the German guard that the rescued people have learned of the fight. 

"The Turakina was attacked in the evening twilight of August 20. She had only one gun. whereas the attacker was heavily armed and had a trained fighting crew. She had greater speed, and could outfight the Turakina on every point, yet the Turakina fought her for over 2 1/2 hours. It is believed that 35 of the Turakina's crew were killed. 

200 Still Captive Mr. Hughes said those rescued from the island were the passengers and crews of seven of the 10 ships sunk in the Pacific in recent months. The ships sunk by the raiders were the Rangitane, Komata, Holmwood, Turakina, Triaster, Triadic, Triona, Ringwood, Notou and Vinni. 

It is stated that the largest of the raiders is a ship of about 8000 tons and that she still has 200 British captives on board.  -NZ Herald, 3/1/1941.

GALLANT FIGHT OF TURAKINA 

HARBOUR BOARD RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION 

A resolution expressing the board’s appreciation of the recent gallant fight of the Turakina against an enemy raider was passed by the Oamaru Harbour Board yesterday. The chairman (Mr R. K. Ireland) said that Captain Laird was well known in Oamaru, and the board was proud of the captain, his officers, and crew for ‘the fight they had put up. The loss of British shipping was bound to affect the trade of the port, but the board would be the last to complain against the sending of boats back to the main ports to allow produce to reach the United Kingdom as soon as possible.  -Press, 22/1/1941.

The Turakina was armed with a single 4.7inch gun.  Her attacker, the KMS Orion, had six 5.9inch guns, one 3 inch, six light anti-aircraft guns and six torpedo tubes. In the unequal fight the Turakina scored one hit on the Orion, while being destroyed by shells and torpedoes.  Twenty one of the crew were rescued by the Orion.

Oamaru Lookout.