Alfred Lawrence De Reya, (1871-10/9/1903). "how bravely her son died"

Overcome By Foul Air. — On Friday afternoon two men had an experience which is quite unique in the history of mining in Orepuki. Two miners named De Reya and Buchanan were sinking a shaft at a place called Potts' Gorge, and had reached a depth of 30 feet. They then procured an auger to bore for the wash, but before doing so they invited Mr J. Forbes, who has considerable mining experience, to go down the shaft and give his opinion as to the formation. He consented to do so, but on reaching the bottom called out "Pull me up." He had been overcome with foul air. De Reya was then lowered with a spare rope, which was fortunately available, but he also had just time to call out "Pull me up." When he was got up he was unconscious and bleeding at the nose and mouth, but soon recovered. Forbes was then brought up and was found to be quite unconscious and frothing at the mouth. He was carried home under the care of Dr. Stockwell, who was soon on the scene. At latest hearing he was just able to speak, but is very ill, and his breathing very much impaired, it will be some time before he is himself again. A very simple precaution should at all times be taken in cases where foul air is suspected, and that is to lower a candle and if it wont burn then the place is not safe for life.  -Southland  Times, 17/12/1900.

There passed away at the Dunedin Hospital on Thursday Alfred Lawrence de Reya, whose death (says the Daily Times) was the result of a heroic and successful effort to save the life of a comrade. About a year ago at Orepuki the deceased bravely entered a shaft impregnated with firedamp, and rescued John Forbes, who lay in an unconscious condition. The rescued man recovered, but since the incident his rescuer had spent most of his time in hospital, at Naseby and Dunedin, succumbing on Thursday to the last of a series of hemorrhages.  -Oamaru Mail, 12/9/1903.

To the roll of unsung heroes who lay down their lives for othcra must be added the name of Alfred Lawrence de Reya, who died in the Dunedin Hospital recently. About a year ago, at Orepuki, a miner named John Forbes lay unconscious in a shaft impregnated with fire damp. His comrade, with magnificent self forgetfulness, went down the shaft and rescued Forbes from certain death. The rescued man recovered, but the rescuer has spent the greater part of his time since in the hospital at Naseby and Dunedin. He finally succumbed recently to the last of a series of hemorrhages. The pathos of the incident lies in the bald nowspaper announcement: On the 10th September, at Dunedin Hospital, Alfred Lawrence de Reya; aged 32 years. Home papers please copy. The last sentence indicates that even his birthplace is unknown, and, unless by chance, his mother may not know how bravely her son died. Surely there should be posthumous honour for such deeds.  -Waikato Argus, 1/10/1903.

Alfred De Reya was not alone in New Zealand, as many miners were.  He had parents in Invercargill and children, one of whom shares his grave.

Northern Cemetery, Dunedin.