Fatal Accident at Aparima
DEATH OF AN EARLY RESIDENT.
Aparima was the scene of a very sad accident yesterday, resulting in the death of an old and highly respected resident, in the person of Mrs Stephen James, sen., who met her death under particularly distressing circumstances, and the fact that the accident took place in the presence of her husband adds to the painfulness of the occurrence. It appears that about 2.30 p.m., after returning from a drive, Mr James was unharnessing the horse, being assisted in the operation by his wife. Thinking probably that everything was clear, Mr James attempted to lead the horse out, Mrs James holding up the shafts. One of the breeching straps, however, was either unbuckled or entangled, and the animal, being unable to get free, became fractious. Being a spirited beast it plunged wildly, and kicking out struck Mrs James on the head behind the right ear, rendering her unconscious. Medical aid was summoned, and Dr Baird being communicated with, arrived on the scene about a quarter to five. He found Mrs James still in an unconscious state, from which she never recovered, and passed away three quarters of an hour after the Doctor's arrival, death being due to compression of the brain. The deceased lady, who was between 60 and 70 years of age, was widely known, the family being one of the first to settle in the district, and was regarded with the greatest respect and esteem by the whole countryside. Mrs James enjoyed the best of health, was active for her years, and accompanied her husband on a trip to England a little over a year ago. General regret will be expressed on all sides at the news of the sad occurrence, and Mr James and family will have the heartfelt sympathy of a wide circle of friends in their sudden bereavement. The remains will be intoned in the Otautau cemetery on Sunday. -Western Star, 23/6/1905.
The funeral of the late Mrs Stephen James, which took place on Sunday, was one of the largest ever seen in Otautau, and testified to the esteem in which the deceased lady was held. The cavalcade of vehicles and horsemen extended the best part of the length of the main street. The service at the grave by the Rev W. Beckett, was a solemn and impressive one. A noticeable feature of the assemblage was the large number of old identities, residents of the surrounding district, who had known Mr and Mrs James during the early years of their settlement here. -Otautau Standard and Wallace County Chronicle, 28/6/1905.
THE LATE MRS STEPHEN JAMES.
An impressive service was held on Sunday afternoon last in the Aparima Methodist church in memory of the late Mrs Stephen James. The preacher (the Rev. Wm. Beckett) speaking from the text, "To teach us to number our days that we may get us an heart of wisdom," referred to the suddenness of the death call and the need of being always ready. The leading characteristics in the life of the deceased were dwelt on. Her retiring disposition kept her from taking an active part in the church life, still the genuineness of her piety was manifested in the deep interest she took in all good work. She was one of the first members of the Aparima church, which always had her loyal and generous support. Her Christianity was practical. She did her work in the home and in the earlier years on the farm uncomplainingly. The spirit of helpfulness was shown in her willingness to answer the sick call of her neighbours, and wherever her help was sought it was gladly given. It was in an act of helpfulness, as she was assisting her husband to unharness the horse, that she received the fatal blow. The sorrowing husband and sons were assured of the heartfelt sympathy of all. A letter from the Rev. P. W. Boys, speaking in terms of high appreciation of the deceased, was read during the service. -Western Star, 4/7/1905.
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