David McKenzie, (1876-19/12/1918). "who here has not heard Mr McKenzie sing?"

The police have been advised that a miner named David McKenzie died in the Riverton Hospital on Thursday as a result of injuries received in the Mossbank colliery at Moretown. The body has been returned to Nightcaps where an inquest will be held to-day. No particulars regarding the occurrence of the accident are available.  -Southland  Times, 21/12/1918.

Nightcaps Notes.

From Our own Correspondent. 

A gloom was cast over the whole district last Wednesday when the news got abroad that Mr. David McKenzie had been killed at his mine, Mossbank No 2, at the open face. The accident happened very simply. It is reported that he was just leaving for dinner hour, with his back to the face of coal, when the accident occurred. He was eventually taken to Wallace Hospital, but died a few hours after his being admitted. An inquest was held here before Mr Jas. Grant, sen, J.P., at which, after hearing evidence, a verdict of "accidental death" was returned, no blame being attached to anyone. Mr McKenzie was widely and favourably known, having been in the coal trade a great number of years as a producer; his kindly manner, along with other good qualities, made him many friends. Who here has not heard Mr McKenzie sing? Many times local concerts would have fallen flat, but for the generous assistance given by him; his songs were always encored unanimously. The place will miss his kindly presence. His wife and two little sons who are left to mourn their loss, will have the sympathy of a large circle of friends. The burial service m the Nightcaps cemetery on Sunday was conducted by Rev. E. Bandy. The attendance was a largely representative one, some coming long distances to pay their last respects to one whose place will be hard to fill.  -Otautau Standard and Wallace County Chronicle, 24/12/1918.

Accident.

— Mr David McKenzie, proprietor of Mossbank No. 2 Mine, met his death on the 19th December by a fall of coal at his open-face works. His death resulted more from shock than from the accident, although one of his legs was very severely injured. Mr McKenzie had a kindly disposition, which made him a general favourite, amongst his acquaintances. He was very widely known in the coal trade. His remains were buried in the Nightcaps Cemetery in the presence of a large and representative gathering. The Rev. Mr Bandy conducted the service at the grave. A widow and two sons are left to mourn their loss. During the recent epidemic the late Mr McKenzie nursed his own household through the trouble, he not falling a victim at the time.   -Otago Witness, 8/1/1919.

Wairio Cemetery.