James Tepene was farming at Otakou on the Otago Peninsula when he joined the Army in Oct 1914. He was originally one of the guards at Matiu/Somes Island, guarding foreign nationals detained for the duration of the war. He arrived in Britain almost exactly two years after enlistment and joined the 18th Pioneer Company with the rank of Corporal. He was with them on August 25, 1917 when he was seriously wounded.
On August 23rd, the North Brigade Area work was handed over to the 4th Australian Pioneers. On the 24th, some final work was carried out on the rail lines. The day's casualties were six men wounded, of whom two remained on duty. On the 26th, the Battalion moved on from Leeuwerck Farm to Tahuna Camp, D Company, owing to lack of accommodation, remaining temporarily at the Farm. "The Maoris in the Great War," pub. 1926.
The incident in which James was wounded is not specifically mentioned, but his Army record describes it as "shrapnel wound back severe penetrating abdomen." A serious wound indeed. He was admitted to the New Zealand hospital at Walton on Thames near London, and his wound seems to have healed without complications. He was transferred to another ward in January, 1918 to be held under observation for venereal disease.
His record further shows that he married one Ruby Parnell (spinster) at Corkington, Devon, on March 4th, 1919, but that is the only reference I can find to Ruby - his death notices say he was married to Doris.
His occupation at time of death was a platelayer for the Dunedin City Council - presumably part of the DCC tramways.
James Tipene died either of the effects of an intestinal hernia (possibly connected with his war wound), or during an operation to correct his condition. His death notice mentions "(A) cardiac arrest, (B) operation for hernia and (C) ileum," (intestinal blockage caused by a hernia).
DEATHS
TEPENE. — On December 17, 1928, at Dunedin. James William, beloved husband of Doris Jane Tepene, of 5 Prince Albert road, St. Hilda, and late of D.C.C.; aged 41 years. “At rest.’’ — The Funeral will leave the above residence, 5 Prince Albert road, St. Hilda, To-morrow (Wednesday), December 19, at 2.30 p.m,, for the Anderson’s Bay Cemetery. — W. H. Cole, undertaker. -Evening Star, 18/12/1928.
THE Officers and Brethren of Lodge Peninsula Kilwinning, No. 696, S.C., and Sister Lodges, are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral of late Bro. James William Tepene.
Funeral leaves his late residence, No. 5 Prince Albert road, on WEDNESDAY, 2.30 p.m.. for Anderson’s Bay Cemetery.
White ties and gloves.
By order, WALLER BROOKMAN. Secretary. -Evening Star, 18/12/1928.
FOR THE EMPIRE’S CAUSE.
IN MEMORIAM
TEPENE. — In remembrance of Corporal James William Tepene, 20795, N.Z.E.F., who died at Dunedin, December 17, 1928. — Remembered by wife and three children. -Otago Daily Times, 17/12/1929.
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