John William Clingin, (1901-4/4/1936). "10 minutes before knocking-off"

KILLED BY FALL OF ROCK

SOUTHLAND MINER THE VICTIM 

Per Press Association. — Copyright INVERCARGILL, This Day. 

A scheelite miner Mr John William Clingin, a married man, aged 34 years, lost his life near Glenorchy. at the head of Lake Wakatipu, on Saturday afternoon when a large quantity of rock fell on him. 

He was working with Mr William Ernest Tyree in an open shaft picking scheelite, Mr Tyree walked over to his coat to see the time. 

He was about 12 feet away and called to Mr Clingin that it was "20 past 4” —only 10 minutes before knocking-off time — and was just walking back, when, suddenly, a fall of rock weighing about a ton crashed down on top of Mr Clingin who was killed instantly.

Mr Tyree was unable to extricate him and gave the alarm, assistance being rendered by several residents. The body was conveyed to the Earnslaw Hotel, the police at Queenstown were notified, and at 8 o’clock on Sunday morning Dr. W. A. Anderson and Constable W. Roycroft left for Glenorchy by launch. 

A post-mortem examination was conducted by the doctor, and an inquest was opened before the District Coroner, Mr Donald Sutherland. It was adjourned until April 24. Mr Clingin, who is survived by his widow and three small children, was well known in the district.  -Northern Advocate, 7/4/1936.

Inquest 

The adjourned inquest concerning the death at Mount Judah, Glenorchy, on April 4, of John Clingin, a scheelite miner, was held at Glenorchy on Friday before Mr D. F. Sutherland, coroner. Mr C. E. Macmillan, inspector of mines, was present, and Constable W. Roycroft represented the police. When the evidence of deceased’s mate, W. Tyree, and Mr J. Downey had been heard the coroner brought in a verdict of accidental death by asphyxiation, no blame being attachable to anyone. Deceased, who was employed in the Glenorchy Scheelite Mining Company’s holding on Mount Judah, was working on his own account on an outcrop of the claim by courtesy of the company at the time the accident occurred. A fall of rock and rubble came down on him, completely burying him. He leaves a wife and young children.  -Otago Daily Times, 30/4/1936.

Glenorchy Cemetery. Photo from "findagrave."

Peter Gallon, (1829-2/9/1919). "stories of an easy fortune"

We are now to have a change in our roadman, Peter Gallon having retired after eighteen years' work. No doubt there are many more as faithful as he has been in that work but I don't think you could find anyone more so.  -Lake Wakatip Mail, 27/11/1903.

Quite recently Mr Peter Gallon narrowly escaped serious injury. While driving his dray the horse bolted and swerved off the road on to some rough ground the heavy jolting throwing Mr Gallon out and he either struck on the wheel or it went over his back, which was somewhat bruised. It was a severe shock to one of his age, and we hope he will be none the worse for it.  -Lake Wakatip Mail, 3/2/1905.

Mr Peter Gallon, probably the oldest resident of the Wakatipu district, died at Glenorchy last Tuesday (says the 'Mail'). He was one of the sturdy band of pioneers who did so much to subdue the wildness of Otago by their grit, their bold determination, and their hardihood. Born in Elgin. Scotland, as a young man he set out for the colonies. From Gabriel's Gully he was always in the van of the gold-seekers. From Skippers he crossed over the mountains at the back of beyond to the Dart, whence stories of an easy fortune came. But the reports were largely mythical. After trying Martin's Bay he came back and commenced prospecting in Precipice Creek, Glenorchy, where he was for about three years. Subsequently he came down to the Twelve-Mile, where he mined for about 20 years, Mr D. McDonald being associated with him for a considerable period. He then took up a roadman's duties at the Head of the Lake, engaging in this work until his retirement some years ago.  -Evening Star, 13/9/1919.

Glenorchy Cemetery. Photo from "findagrave."

Paul Biro, (1881-2/4/1917). "suicide at Paradise"

News was received from the Head of Lake yesterday that a man named Paul Biro, 32 years of age, and a Hungarian by birth, had committed suicide at Paradise early that morning. Constable Rowe proceeded to Glenorchy per launch immediately word was received, and made the necessary enquiries into the tragedy. It appears that deceased went to the Head of Lake six weeks ago under engagement to work in the scheelite mine at Paradise. He was an experienced miner, having worked at Otira and other places, and, notwithstanding his nationality, was generally respected. According to the evidence which was given at the enquiry at Paradise last evening before Mr W. H Koch J.P., deceased had been somewhat despondent for a week prior to committing the rash deed. He left his hut at 6.30 a.m., and not returning at 7.30 a.m., a search was made and deceased was found about 8 chains away, lying on his right side. On investigation it was ascertained that the deceased had taken his life by means of gelignite for the body was badly mutilated. The following verdict was brought in at the inquest: "That deceased, Paul Biro, blew himself to pieces whilst in an unsound state of mind." It is not known if deceased had any relatives in the Dominion. He wrote to a friend in Tuatapere on Sunday last.  -Lake Wakatip Mail, 3/4/1917.

Paul Biro, an unnaturalised Hungarian, committed suicide at Paradise. The deceased was a miner by occupation, and had worked at the scheelite mine for about five weeks, and during the past week he had been very quiet. He had been living in a hut with a man named Thomas Knuckey, close to the mine. At 6.30 a.m. on Monday Knuckey missed deceased, and noticed that he had left the hut in his light shoes. As the deceased did not go to his work a search was made by his mates. The body was found about eight chains from the hut with the chest blown away and a hole in the ground close to the body. Apparently deceased had laid on the ground face downwards and put a plug of gelignite between his chest and the ground and set fire to the fuse, with the result that the chest was partly blown away. At the inquest the verdict was that the deceased committed suicide while in a state of unsound mind. The deceased's relatives reside at Csongrad, Hungary. The deceased was single, and 37 years of age.  -Otago Daily Times, 7/4/1917.

Glenorchy Cemetery. Photo from "findagrave."

Effie Arundel Barr, (1904-1928). "the silver chord was loosed"

 

OBITUARY.

EFFIE ARUNDEL BARR; Aged 24. 

The death took place at Routeburn Station, Kinloch, on Saturday of Mrs Barr, wife of Mr Alex. Barr. Deceased, who was only 24 years of age, had been in rather delicate health for some time past, but it was hoped that medical skill and the tender care of loved ones would eventually restore her to health. However, her condition gradually became weaker, till at length the silver cord was loosed and the patient sufferer passed into the vale. 

Mrs Barr was the elder daughter of the late Wm, Clingin and Mrs Lewis Groves of Routeburn Station. She was born at the Head of the Lake and had spent most of her life there. Some two and a half years ago she was married, and for the past nine months she had been in residence at Kinloch with her mother. 

Mrs Barr was a young woman of very sweet disposition. Her bright smile and winning way never failed to make for her lots of friends, while her quiet charm had an appeal that was irresistible. Mrs Barr’s death will be regretted by a large circle of people. For her husband, her mother and other near relatives much sympathy, will be felt in their sore bereavement. 

The funeral took place yesterday afternoon, when the remains were interred in the Glenorchy cemetery, a very large number of district residents paying their tribute of respect. The Rev. J. Collie of St. Andrew's Church, Queenstown, conducted the obsequies.  -Lake Wakatip Mail, 20/11/1928.

Glenorchy Cemetery. Photo from "findagrave".

Colin Douglas Drysdale, (1926-25/11/1956). "into a swamp"

 DRIVER DROWNED

TRUCK PLUNGES INTO SWAMP NEAR TE ANAU 

(New Zealand Press Association) INVERCARGILL. November 25. 

A Dunedin bridge contractor was drowned early this morning when the truck he was driving left the road and plunged into a swamp about four miles from Lake Te Anau. He was: 

Colin Douglas Drysdale, aged 30 of 42 Cavell street. Anderson’s Bay, a partner in the firm, Murrell and Drysdale, which is bridge-building in the area. 

The accident occurred between 4.30 and 5 o'clock in the morning at Kakapo swamp on the Lumsden-Te Anau highway. The truck left the road and went over a 10-foot bank into the swamp. 

It was thought Mr Drysdale was alone in the truck. The swamp was dragged by Constable A. R. Gilmour of Invercargill, but no trace of a passenger was found.  -Press, 26/11/1956.

Anderson Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

281407 Private Ronald Bruce Wright, (1920-9/12/1943). "an ambush"

The Official History of Ronald Wright's Battalion, the 23rd, has this to say about the day that he was killed in Italy:

Lieutenant Don Foote's patrol from 17 Platoon, which went out at 7.15 a.m. next day to discover whether or not Poggioforto was still occupied, was by no means so fortunate. Apparently expecting that the enemy would be falling back as he had done on the slopes above the Sangro, Foote led his daylight patrol forward with more resolution than care and ran into an ambush. The Germans saw the patrol approaching, held their fire until it was cut off by Spandaus on both flanks and then pinned it down, forcing the leaders to surrender. Private Fastier was shot through the neck. Examined by two German soldiers, he was left for dead and later made his way back to the battalion, where he reported the fate of the patrol — 1 killed, 2 wounded, and 5, including Foote, missing believed prisoner of war. The enemy was obviously making a firm stand on the line of the Ortona road.

ROLL OF HONOUR

WRIGHT — Killed in action, December 8. 1943, Private Ronald Bruce Wright, beloved husband of Myra Ellen Wright. Fairlie and Waimate, and dearly loved only son of J. R. I. and F. E. Wright, of Morven.  -Timaru Herald, 4/1/1944.

IN MEMORIAM. 

WRIGHT — In loving memory of Ronald Bruce Wright, killed in action in Italy, December 8, 1943. —Inserted by his cousins Joan and Thelma.  -Press, 8/12/1944.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

49275 Private Stephen Leslie Carey, (1896-7/4/1926). "his host of friends"

The name of Stephen Leslie Carey, who died at Ettrick on Wednesday, is the latest to be added to the roll of those who paid so dearly. “Steve,” as he was popularly known among his host of friends, was employed in the town clerk’s department of the Town Hall, and went to France to serve in the signalling section of the New Zealand Engineers. He returned from the war in ill-health and for several years worked in his old position. Becoming worse, however, he went to Central Otago several years ago, but he failed to improve in health, and died on Wednesday at the age of thirty-one. “Steve” was a prominent member of the Otago Rowing Club, and took part in many of the club’s races. Of a happy disposition and a thorough “sport,” he was very popular among his club mates and those with whom he worked.  -Southland Times, 9/4/1926.

Stephen Carey's Army record is currently unavailable online so my best guess as to his cause of death after so many years, plus a move to sunny Central Otago in the hope of improvement, is tuberculosis.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

8/597 Private Alexander William McNeill, (1895-2/1/1924). "aching heart and tearful eyes"

Private Alexander William McNeill (wounded) is the eldest son of Angus McNeill, of Arthur street, Dunedin; also the nephew of John McNeill, Beaumont street, Invercargill. He is 20 years of age, and was born at Naseby and educated at the Macandrew Road School, where he was a Junior Cadet. For two years he was a Territorial in the Coast Defence, and when war broke out was one of the first to pitch camp at Tahuna Park. He left with the Main Body for the seat of war, and was at the first invasion on April 25 at the Dardanelles.  -Otago Witness, 15/9/1915.

Mrs A. McNeill, of Russell street, received! a cablegram on Saturday stating that her son, Private Alexander William McNeill, who was wounded on Hill 971 on the night of August 7, was convalescent, and would be coming home shortly. Private McNeill, who left New Zealand as a member of the Otago Battalion of the Main Expeditionary Force, has been in the Pont de Koubbeh Hospital, Cairo, since he was wounded. He received a gunshot wound in the left foot, which gave the doctors a good deal of trouble. Finally, it was decided to amputate the foot just above the ankle. In a letter to Mrs McNeill, Major-chaplain Mackenzie Gibson says: "The lad is doing as well as can be expected, and is bearing up bravely. The splendid courage and cheerfullness of our dear New Zealand lads under pain and torture are a matter of daily and hourly amazement to chaplains, doctors, and nurses. You may rest assured that your lad is thoroughly well cared for, and has every bit as much skill and attention given to him as would be possible at home. His loss is not to be compared with that of many, many others, and by the by he may be able to get a new foot — such are the wonders of modern surgical science — and only his intimate friends will know of it. We parents have every reason to be proud of our New Zealand boys. They have fought magnificently, and, what is more, they suffer and die magnificently." Prior to joining the colours he was apprenticed to the iron moulding trade at Messrs Cossens and Black's.  -Otago Daily Times, 16/11/1915.

"Seeing Red." — John Duncan McLennan and Alexander William McNeill each pleaded guilty to drunkenness, and also to wilfully damaging a screen and a quantity of crockery, the property of Edith Henrys. The facts as stated by Sub-inspector Broberg were that at 11 o'clock on Saturday night the defendants went into the restaurant occupied by the complainant and got into an altercation with others. They used some very bad language, and it was alleged that one of them struck one of the ladies in the restaurant. They also upset the tables and eatables and smashed the crockery. — The defendants pleaded that they had no recollection of the occurrence. — The Magistrate said he could see no excuse for their "seeing red," and they were fortunate that they were not to be dealt with more severely than he proposed dealing with them. For the first offence they would each be fined 5s, or 24 hours, and on the charge of damaging property they would each be fined 10s, and ordered to pay 10s each towards the cost of the damage done.  -Otago Daily Times, 6/6/1916.

McNEILL. — On January 2, 1924, at his parents’ residence, 25 Nairn street, Roslyn, Alexander William McNeill, No. 8/597, Main Body, N.Z.E.F., beloved oldest son of Angus and Mary Jane McNeill; aged 29 years. Deeply regretted. “A patient sufferer gone to rest.” Private interment. — R. McLean and Son, undertakers.  -Evening Star, 2/1/1924.

Mr Alexander William McNeill, who died on January 2, was the eldest son of Mr and Mrs Angus McNeill, and grandson of the late Mr John Eccles, of Naseby. In August, 1914, when war broke out, Mr McNeill enlisted at Dunedin, and left for Egypt with the Main Body. He was at the Gallipoli landing on April 25, 1915, and was severely wounded in action on August 7, losing a limb, From this he really never recovered. The funeral was private, and the service at the graveside was conducted by the Rev. Isaac Jolly.   -Evening Star, 5/1/1924.

FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE.

IN MEMORIUM. 

McNEILL. — In loving memory of our dear son Alexander William McNeill (No 8/597, Mam Body), who passed away on January 2, 1924, at his parents’ residence, Nairn street, Roslyn. 

Just two years ago to-day, dear Willie, 

We stood with aching heart and tearful eyes, 

And gently held your hand 

Until you peacefully passed away into the Better Land. 

— Inserted by his sorrowing mother and father. 

McNEILL. — In loving memory of our dear brother, Alexander William McNeill (No. 8/597, Main Body), who passed away on January 2, 1924, at his parents’ residence, Nairn street, Roslyn. 

Though his loving voice is silent, 

And his fond heart ceased to beat, 

How we missed his well-known footsteps 

And his form we used to greet. 

— Inserted by his loving brothers and sisters.  -Otago Witness, 5/1/1926.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

15206 Private Cuthbert Richard Mathews, (1892-8/1/1923). "severely gassed"

FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE. 

DEATH. 

MATHEWS. — At Wakari Sanatorium, January 8, Private Cuthbert Richard Mathews, eldest son of the Rev. R. T. and Mrs Mathews, the Vicarage, Suva, Fiji.  -Otago Daily Times, 9/1/1923.

FUNERAL NOTICE. 

The Friends of the late No. 15206 Private CUTHBERT RICHARD MATHEWS (and Family) are respectfully invited to attend his Funeral, which will leave St. Matthew’s Church, Stafford street, TO-DAY (TUESDAY), the 9th inst., at 11 a.m., for the Anderson’s Bay Cemetery. 

HOPE & KINASTON, Undertakers, 36 St. Andrew street.   -Otago Daily Times, 9/1/1923.

OBITUARY.

Our Dunedin correspondent telegraphs that the death has occurred, at Wakari, of Mr Cuthbert Richard Mathews, eldest son of the Rev. E. T. Mathews, Suva, Fiji, and Administrator; of the Diocese of Polynesia, who, with his wife, is at present on furlough in Dunedin. Deceased, who was 30 years of age, was born at Mount Lofty, South Australia, and when just a child he came to New Zealand with his  parents and was placed at Christ's College, Christchurch, where he received his education. Subsequently he was trained as a cable operator at Nelson, whence he was transferred to Singapore, and then to Adelaide, South Australia. Later he went to Fiji, and was placed in charge of the wireless station at Tavani. Shortly after the war broke out he came to Queenstown, New Zealand, enlisted, going across to France in D. Company l6th Reinforcements. At Messines he was severely gassed, and this, combined with exposure, set up pulmonary trouble, which necessitated his going into Cambridge Sanatorium on his return to New Zealand in 1918. From that time on up to the present, with the exception of a short spell when he went to his parents at Suva, and suffered badly in the influenza epidemic of November, 1918, he had been under treatment in the sanatoria of the Dominion, finally succumbing to the fell disease, and to heart trouble resultant from his war experiences.  -Press, 11/1/1923.

Memorial Arch — It was decided, at the request of Mrs P. Mackenzie, junr., Walter Peak, to have the name of her brother Cuthbert Richard Mathews (deceased) placed on the Roll of Honour on the Memorial Arch.  -Lake Wakatip Mail, 10/4/1923.

Anderson Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

36519 Private Thomas Arthur Taylor, (30/9/1896-4/1/1923). "alcohol occasionally"

PRISONERS FOR SENTENCE. 

AN AMATEUR BURGLAR. 

Thomas Arthur Taylor came up for sentence on two charges of breaking and entering with intent to commit a crime, charges to which he had pleaded guilty in the lower court. Mr Irwin, on his behalf, said that Tailor was 23 years of age, and saw considerable service during the war. He went away from here while quite a boy and was wounded in the head at Passchendaele. His conduct at long intervals had been a little bit erratic, and on one occasion he collapsed while at work. He had a job as an electric linesman at Roslyn, and when spoken to by a detective he made a clean breast of the whole thing. There appeared to be no evidence against him except his own statement. He forced a cash box open, but he took nothing away from either house he visited. It had been stated that he wore rubber shoes, but that was necessary in his occupation for insulation. His conduct before he went to the war and while he was at the war was good. He had obtained employment in the country, and his employers were anxious that he should sign on there with them for a time. He was working on a farm out from Milton under arrangement with the probation officer. 

Mr F. G. Cumming said he had a number of references for accused. His previous character had been good. He recommended probation. The police report was that he was a good worker, but he took alcohol occasionally. 

His Honor: Do you recommend any condition as to restriction of alcohol? 

Mr Cumming said he would recommend the taking out of a prohibition order. 

Accused said that at the time of the offence he was under the influence of liquor. 

His Honor said be thought it was a case in which the prisoner ought to be given a chance. He would be ordered to be released on probation for a term of three years, one of the conditions being that he abstain altogether from alcoholic liquor, and take out a prohibition order against himself, and renew it from time to time. He must pay the costs of the prosecution, £3 12s, within one month.  -Evening Star, 14/2/1921.

FOR KING AND COUNTRY. 

DEATH.

TAYLOR. — On January 4th, 36519 Private Thomas Arthur Taylor, N.Z.E.F., fourth son of Elizabeth and the late William John Taylor; aged 24 years. Deeply mourned, private interment. — Hope and Kinaston, undertakers.  -Evening Star, 5/1/1923.

The death occurred at Wyndham Hospital recently of Mr Thomas Arthur Taylor, son of the late Mr 'William John Taylor. Deceased left New Zealand in the 22nd Reinforcements, and served for three years with the machine gun section in the Great War, and was wounded at Passchendaele. He was well known among Rugby football followers, having been a member of the Zingari-Richmond first fifteen.  -Evening Star, 6/1/1923.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

8/1836 Private Albert Sinclair, (4/1/1895-2/1/1923). "owing to his youth"

The late Private Albert Sinclair, late of Dunedin, whose death at Dunedin Hospital has just been recorded, after several attempts that were unsuccessful owing to his youth, finally succeeded in getting himself accepted for service in January, 1915, and served for four years and thirty days, of this period three years and thirty-seven days being spent overseas. His service record reads — Balkans, Gallipoli, 1915; Egyptian, 1915-16; Egyptian E.F., 1916; West European, 1916-18. He was invalided from Gallipoli seriously ill with typhoid and dysentery on July 27th, 1915, but was back on the Peninsula before the evacuation. He was wounded in France on July 14th, 1916, and again on September 5th, 1918. Since his return to New Zealand the greater part of his time had been spent at either the Dunedin Hospital or the Montecillo Red Cross Convalescent Home, in consequence of heart trouble developed at the war.  -NZ Times, 5/1/1923.

Albert Sinclair was wounded slightly in the hand in July, 1916 and then more seriously - a shrapnel wound in his back - in 1918, near the end of the war. He embarked for New Zealand in December of that year and was discharged the following February. Later in 1919 he was diagnosed with heart trouble and admitted to Dunedin Hospital.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

21990 Private William Cecil Davey, (3/8/1884-4/8/1921). "hideous sympathy"

Punctually to time the great series of underground mines were fired, the effect instantly being a premonitory heaving and trembling of the earth, as if Nature, in some mad freak of hideous sympathy with the prevalent human wickedness, was preparing to launch an assortment of horrors on her own account. Simultaneously with the rending of the blood-soaked Ridge, again to be the scene of desperate conflict, the dark and sullen sky, as yet untouched by the sleeping dawn, was suffused with a red glow as the fire of the massed artillery broke out along the line, its thunderous reverberations rolling over the distant spaces of the battlefield. The infantry were at once in motion, and in splendid unison were now sweeping over the foremost German defences.  -Official History of the Otago Regiment.

The shocked German forces were not able to responds as strongly as they might have had without large explosions wrecking their positions, but one of them shot William Davey in the face and arm, costing him his left eye.  He also suffered from myalgia, an acute pain in his shoulder area.

BIRTHS

DAVEY. — On January 3rd, at Nurse Cupples's, “El Nido,” Duke street, to Mr and Mrs W. C. Davey, of 1 Macandrew road, Dunedin — a son.  -Evening Star, 5/1/1921.

Private W. C. Davey, who died at Dunedin yesterday, left New Zealand with the 16th Reinforcements and served in the line with the 4th Company, 1st Otago Infantry Battalion until the battle of Messines, on June 7th, 1917 when he was severely wounded, receiving a bullet through the arm and losing one of his eyes. After a long period of treatment at Walton-on-Thames Hospital, he returned to New Zealand near the end of 1919, in a bad state of health, his wounds causing internal trouble, which proved fatal after a long period of suffering. Deceased leaves a widow and young child.   -Press, 6/8/1921.

THE Officers and Members of Lodge Taieri, No. 620, S.C., are respectfully requested to attend the Funeral of their late Brother, William Cecil Davey, which will leave his late residence, No. 1 Macandrew road, South Dunedin, at 2.30 o’clock TO-MORROW (Friday), 8th inst., for the Anderson’s Bay Cemetery. 

By Order of the R.W. Master. 

RUSSELL HOSIE, Secretary.  -Evening Star, 4/8/1921.

M I L I T A R Y  F U N E R A L.

The Friends of the late Private WILLIAM CECIL DAVEY, 21,990, 16th Reinforcements (and Family), are respectfully invited to attend his Funeral, which will leave his late residence, No. 1 Macandrew road, THIS DAY (FRIDAY), the 5th inst, at 2.30 p.m.. for the Anderson's Bay Cemetery. 

HOPE & KINASTON, Undertakers, 36 St. Andrew street. 

THE Principals, Officers, and Companions of the Kilwinning Otago R.A. Chapter, No. 116, S.C., are respectfully requested to attend the FUNERAL of their late Companion, WILLIAM CECIL DAVEY, which will leave his late residence, 1 Macandrew road, South Dunedin, at 2.30 o'clock THIS DAY (FRIDAY), 5th inst., for Anderson's Bay Cemetery. By Order. The Rev. Chas. J. Bush-King, Scribe E. 

THE Officers and Members of Lodge Taieri, No. 620, S.C., are respectfully requested to attend the FUNERAL of their late Brother, WILLIAM CECIL DAVEY, which will leave his late residence, No. 1 Macandrew road, South Dunedin, at 2.30 o'clock THIS DAY, for the Anderson's Bay Cemetery. 

By Order of the R,W. Master RUSSELL HOSIE, Secretary.  -Otago Daily Times, 5/8/1921.

The funeral of the late Private William Cecil Davey, 16th Reinforcements, took place yesterday afternoon at the Anderson Bay Cemetery. The service was taken by the Rev. Bryan King, and the military authorities were represented by Lieutenant Hunt. The ‘Last Post’ was sounded by Bugler Napier at the graveside.  -Evening Star, 6/8/1921.

 

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin

49005 Rifleman Edward Holme Richmond, (23/9/1891-19/8/1921). "borrowed garments from other patients"

RETURNED SOLDIER'S DEATH

INQUEST AT DUNEDTN OPENED TO-DAY. 

Edward Holme Richmond, single, a shearer and wool classer, aged twentynine years, died at the Dunedin Hospital at 4.30 yesterday afternoon whilst being operated upon for an injury to his hand. Richmond served with the 26th Reinforcements. When he returned in October or November, 1918, he was suffering from a wound in the hand. This wound necessitated surgical treatment. He went into the hospital on the 27th June this year. The treatment consisted of three orthopaedic operations. The second of these operations was performed a month ago. The third was fixed for yesterday. Dr J. Renfrew White was the operating surgeon, Dr Marion Whyte administered the anaesthetic. It is said that the patient took the anaesthetic badly, his nerves being a trouble, and that his breathing became difficult, and though the usual restoratives were applied he expired in ten minutes. An inquest was opened at the hospital at noon to-day by Mr H. T. Widdowson, coroner. Sergeant Shanahan represented the police. 

The only evidence taken was that of Harold Harding Richmond, salesman, residing at Green Island. He identified the body as that of his brother, who was born at Oamaru, and resided with witness and their mother when he was networking in the country. At the war the deceased got a gunshot wound in the hand, and he suffered much from the injury, being unable to work for any length of time. The family did not know that this operation was to take place. Apart from the wound the general health of the deceased was good, and witness would not say that he was ordinarily nervous. He had the influenza at the time of the epidemic. Witness was away at the time, but understood he had it pretty severely. The Coroner adjourned, the inquest to a date to be hereafter fixed.  -Evening Star, 20/8/1921.

The funeral of the late Private Edward Holme Richmond, who died while undergoing an operation in the Dunedin Hospital, took place at the Anderson Bay Cemetery yesterday. The burial service was conducted by the Rev. V. G. Bryan King, O.B.E. The Defence Department was represented by Lieutenant Healey, and Bugler Napier sounded the ‘Last Post.’  -Evening Star, 22/8/1921.

DEATH DURING OPERATION

NO BLAME ATTACHABLE. 

An inquest concerning the death of a returned soldier named Edward Holme Richmond was concluded before Mr H. Y. Widdowson. S.M., yesterday afternoon. Deceased died while undergoing tin operation at the Dunedin Hospital on Friday. 

Dr Colvin, senior house surgeon, said he know deceased. He was admitted to the hospital on June 25, because of a scar on the back of his right hand. Between the time he was admitted and the last operation he had been operated on three times. His general condition was good. For the final stage of treatment of the scar it was necessary that a fourth operation be performed. This was done on August 19. Before the operation deceased was nervous and apprehensive. He felt sick when he was placed on the operating table. The giving of the anaesthetic commenced a little after 4.20, but he took it badly. The operation was started by Dr Renfrew White at about 4.30. Witness was all ready to assist. Dr Marion said that deceased was getting worse, and his breathing became weaker, and stopped at about 4.32. Artificial respiration was commenced, as well as other measures, including massage of the heart, but there was no response. The measures were kept up for about half an hour. Dr Billcliff, house surgeon at the hospital, said when deceased was admitted he remained under witness’s care until about five days before his death. During that time he had three operations to his right hand. He had an anaesthetic for each operation. The first operation, was on July 8, the second on July 22, and the third on August 8. His physical condition was apparently good, but he was addicted to alcohol to such an extent that witness on one occasion ordered that some of his garments be taken from him, so that he could not leave the ward without permission. In spite of this, he borrowed garments from other patients, and left the ward without permission on several occasions. On one occasion witness could swear he had had liquor. On another he tore the stitches from the wound in his side. Witness had to speak to him several times to let him know the dangers of drinking. 

Dr Marion Whyte said that she thought she administered the anaesthetic on all four occasions. The patient was difficult to get under. At the fourth operation he was very nervous, and began to vomit as soon as the anaesthetic was started. He continued vomiting until witness changed the anaesthetic and gave him chloroform. Later his breathing became difficult, and then stopped for about half a minute. He recovered, and after a few minutes the operation was commenced. His breathing was then quite good, but soon witness saw that he was losing ground. Stimulant was administered, but his breathing became slower and stopped. Artificial respiration was began, and the measures were kept up for about half an hour without result. 

Dr Renfrew White, honorary orthopaedic surgeon at the hospital, said he performed the first, second, and fourth operations. Deceased was alcoholic. He was just ready to commence the fourth operation when Dr Marion Whyte said the patient was having trouble with his breathing and had spasm of the jaw. Witness went to her assistance, but in thirty seconds he was breathing again. Witness made the first incision about three minutes later, and then Dr Whyte stopped him, as the patient had stopped breathing again. His pulse had also stopped. While Dr Whyte was giving stimulants witness started artificial respiration, and kept it up for about ten minutes. Then he opened the abdomen and massaged the heart; but these artificial means were without avail. Witness did not interfere with the anaesthetic.

Dr A. M. Brennan, professor of pathology, handed in a written report of the examination he had made. He was of opinion that deceased died of heart and respiratory failure following on the administration of an anaesthetic. There was distinct evidence of asphyxiation. The history of the case pointed to laryngeal spasm, and that would explain what he found. He certainly thought that every care was taken. 

The Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with Dr Drennan’s evidence — That death was due to heart and respiratory failure following the administration of an anaesthetic, which the patient had taken badly, exhibiting spasm of the larynx, resulting in asphyxiation. This was one of those cases in which the administrator of the anaesthetic was in no way to blame.  -Evening Star, 25/8/1921.

Edward Richmond was wounded, losing the little finger of his right hand, during a relatively quiet period of the war, at Polygon Wood in the Flanders area.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

41281 Private Peter McCabe, (17/1/1880-20/2/1922). "without a word"

ACCIDENTS AND DEATHS.

SUDDEN DEATH. 

(Per Press Association.) DUNEDIN, Feb. 20. Peter McCabe, a trimmer, a returned soldier, dropped .dead in a hotel bar to-day. He is supposed to have suffered from heart trouble.  -Ashburton Guardian, 21/2/1922.

RETURNED SOLDIER’S DEATH

THE INQUEST. 

An inquest was held yesterday afternoon by Mr H. Y. Widdowson (Coroner) regarding the sudden death of Peter McCabe at the Terminus Hotel on Monday afternoon. 

John Reynolds, ship fireman, identified the body of the deceased, a returned soldier. He had known him for seven years. The deceased was a fireman and was stopping at the City Buffet. He told witness he had left the Wahine at Lyttelton and had come down to Dunedin. Witness had seen him frequently during the last three weeks. He was, as far as witness knew, a sober man. 

James O’Donnell, another fireman, said he had known the deceased for two years, and had seen him knocking around for the last three or four weeks. He appeared quite healthy and never complained to witness of his health. Witness was in the bar of the hotel when the deceased came in about four o’clock. He walked straight up to the counter, leaned up against it and fell without a word. Witness and another man lifted him to a couch, where he apparently expired. The deceased was not a drinker, though he took a glass occasionally. Witness would certainly say the deceased was a sober man. 

William Ware, labourer, residing at the City Buffet, said he met the deceased for the first time about three weeks ago. He occupied the same room. The deceased always appeared to be in good health. He came back to the boardinghouse a little after noon on Monday and had his dinner. He then went out and came back again about half-past one. He said he had pains between the shoulders and that he would go to bed. He took off some of his clothes and got into bed, asking witness to call him about a quarter past three. Witness saw him later, about 2 o’clock. He got up and dressed, but threw himself across his bed. saying he could get no relief. He undressed and got into bed again. He told witness he thought that if he got some brandy it would do him good, and witness replied that it might. Witness last saw him alive about twenty minutes past two, witness going out and not returning till close on four o'clock. As far as witness knew the deceased was a sober-living man. 

Dr Drennan, who conducted a post mortem examination, said that the deceased had the scar of a gunshot wound on his left chest and a similar scar further back. The third and fourth ribs had been fractured. The heart was congested and the arteries showed considerable degeneration. Dr Drennan detailed the state of the various parts of the organ, and gave it as his opinion that death was due to the degenerated condition of the blood vessels. It was probable that the condition was due to war service; he had seen similar conditions in other cases of sudden death among returned soldiers. 

Constable Sughrue stated that about 4 p.m.. on Monday, he was called to the Terminus Hotel. On his arrival he found the deceased lying on his back in the public bar. He was in a state of collapse, so witness immediately summoned Dr De Lautour, who pronounced life to be extinct. Witness removed the body to the morgue. There was a sum of £17 5s 9d on the deceased, and among various papers several ships’ discharges, the last being from the steamer Wahine, in January. The papers showed that the age of the deceased was 41 and that he belonged to Liverpool. The military papers showed that the deceased had over two years of war service and that he had been in receipt of a pension. A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical testimony. The magistrate remarked that the deceased was entitled to a military funeral, and advised the police and the representative of the Seamen’s Union to communicate with Major Fraser.  -Otago Daily Times, 22/2/1922.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

8/591 Private John Kellett, (1/6/1887-30/9/1917). "that's me"

Private John Kellett, a main body man, 30 years of age, died in the Dunedin Hospital on Saturday night, and is to be buried at Anderson Bay Cemetery, his funeral starting from 34 Wilkie road, the residence of his friends, for there are none of his relatives in the Dominion. His father and mother live in Leeds, England. He was working as an upholsterer for Scoullar and Chisholm when the Kaiser set the world afire. As soon as England came in John Kellett said “That’s me,” and he volunteered at once and went away with the first of our soldiers. He returned, wounded, in May of this year. As soon as possible he went back to his trade, and made light of his wounds and their effects; but on Thursday he had to go to the Hospital with kidney troubles, the result of his injuries, and he lasted only two days.   -Evening Star, 1/10/1917.

MILITARY FUNERAL.

The military funeral of the late Private John Kellett took place yesterday afternoon. The firing party was composed of men from the Central Battery, and a large number of returned soldiers also followed the remains to the Anderson Bay Cemetery, one of the pall bearers, William Kearney, being the deceased's tent mate at Gallipoli. Captain Myers (A.A.G.) directed the arrangements, and Major Fleming was also present. The United Furniture Trades Union was represented by Mr W. J. Ruston (president), Mr J. Haymes (secretary), and a number of other members. Several beautiful wreaths were sent. The Rev. J. L. Mortimer conducted the service at the grave.  -Otago Daily Times, 3/10/1917.

John Kellet landed on Gallipoli with the Otago Regiment but was not there for long, being hospitalised on May 2nd with bullet wounds to his right arm and chest.  He returned to the Otagos in time to leave for France, where he suffered multiple gunshot wounds. After another time in hospital he embarked for New Zealand in March, 1917, and was discharged due to his wounds in June. 

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.