Flying Officer Colin Parkin, (1922-16/1/1949). "a very efficient officer"

Dunsandel

COMPLIMENTARY SOCIAL TOMORROW

It was intended to hold tomorrow evening, in Dunsandel Hall, the first of a series of weekly entertainments, but instead there will be a complimentary social to Sergeant-Pilot Colin Parkin. Good music has been arranged for and there will be cards and dancing. Many soldiers will be present in addition to the usual large gathering of residents and a particularly successful and enjoyable evening is assured.   -Ellesmere Guardian, 4/9/1942.

SOCIAL TO AIRMAN

Saturday evening drew a large crowd of residents and visitors when Sergeant-Pilot Colin Parkin was tendered a complimentary social. The dancing space was overtaxed and the card tables were well filled. After the singing of the National Anthem, Mr J. H. Skinner, chairman of the Patriotic Committee, presented the guest of the evening with a fountain pen and pencil. Mr Skinner said that Sergeant-Pilot Parkin, although of a quiet disposition, was very well known in the district, he having lived at Bankside all his life and had been on the staff of the local post office up to the time of his enlistment in the Air Force.

Mrs D. Jones, in a neat speech, made a small presentation with the best wishes of the Red Cross, and Nola Parris gave a small parcel from the Junior Red Cross.

Mr C. M. Sheat spoke on behalf of the R.S.A. and remarked that although he had no material gifts to offer, his association would do all in its power to assist servicemen.

On behalf of the staff of the local Post Office, Mr Geo. Curry presented Sergeant-Pilot Parkin with a small gift, remarking that he was sorry to lose Colin from his staff, as in his quiet way he had been a very efficient officer.

During the evening humourous items were given by Drivers Rudkin and Martin, while Master David Swaney sang two solos, which were very much enjoyed.

Mrs G. Gilbert supplied the music for dancing and extras were splayed by Mrs Melhopt and Miss McGillivray. The duties of M.C. were carried out by Mr W. J. Gardiner.  -Ellesmere Guardian, 8/9/1942.

METHODIST LADIES' GUILD

There was a good attendance at the July meeting of the Dunsandel Methodist Ladies' Guild. Mrs Richards was in the chair and after the devotional exercises, gave a reading which pictured the serene and attractive life one might lead even in the busiest circumstances, by realising the Master's interest in our daily toil. Letters were received from Sergeant Pilot Colin Parkin and Gunner H. Delamore, thanking members for parcels they had received. Contributions were made to the overseas mission fund. Arrangements were made for a cradle roll party in August. 

A roll call of "Verses that appeal" was enjoyed and the meeting closed with the benediction. The hostesses were Mrs A. J. Sheat and Mrs L. Woods.  -Ellesmere Guardian, 13/7/1943.

FLYING IN ITALY

SEVERAL NEW ZEALANDERS. 

ASHBURTON MAN RESTING. 

(Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A.) (Rec. 12.25 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 5. 

The Tactical Bomber Force which is in Italy has several New Zealanders serving in its squadrons. The men include Flying-Officer E. F. Edwards (Whangarei), Flight-Sergeants H. S. McCallum (Opunake), and C. Parkin (Dunsandel), who were in the same squadron, and flying Mitchells, and a former Aucklander, now of Suva, Flying-Officer R. H. Crook, who is flying Baltimores.  -Ashburton Guardian, 7/1/1944.

PLANE HITS TREE AND CRASHES

PILOT KILLED INSTANTLY

Passenger Badly Burned

Air Tragedy In Rakaia Riverbed

(P.A.) Christchurch, Jan. 16. The pilot was killed and a passenger severely burned when a privately-owned Tiger Moth aircraft crashed and burst into flames on the Rakaia riverbed at Happy Valley, about nine miles from Methven, at 3.15 o'clock this afternoon. The pilot was Mr Colin Parkin, aged 26, labourer, employed at Methven, whose parents live at Bankside. 

The condition of the passenger, Mr Robin Burrows, aged about 22, driver of Methven, was critical late tonight. Both men were employed by Burnett's Motors at Methven. The aeroplane took off from Mr E. J. Brand's private aerodrome at Highbank about 3 o'clock. It was flying along the riverbed when a wing struck a cabbage tree 18ft high. The machine continued in the air for almost 70 yards before it struck the ground and skidded before coming to a stop in flames. 

Mr Burrows dragged himself clear of the burning aircraft. Mr Parkin was killed instantly. Mr Sydney Watson, who was shooting in the riverbed, saw the aeroplane strike the tree. He rushed to the assistance of Mr Burrows and helped him to remove his burning clothing. 

The aeroplane was owned by Mr H. Dobson, a member of the Canterbury Aero Club. He had hired it to Mr Parkin, who was also a member. The machine, which is a total loss, was insured.  --Bay of Plenty Times, 17/1/1949.

FUNERAL NOTICES

PARKIN — The Funeral of the late Colin Parkin will leave the residence of his parents, Mr and Mrs H. C. Parkin, Bankside, This Day (Tuesday), January 18, at 2 pm., for the Dunsandel Cemetery. 

John Bryce.  -Press, 18/1/1949.

DUAL FATALITY

Happy Valley Plane Crash 

MR S. E. WATSON PRAISED 

Commendation on the action of Sydney Edgar Watson, of Happy Valley, Highbank, for the assistance he gave, following the crash of an aeroplane in the bed of the Rakaia River on January 16, was given on Saturday evening, when the inquests were concluded on the pilot, Colin Parkin, who was apparently killed instantly, and a passenger, Robin Owen Burrows, who died of injuries the following day. 

The Coroner, Mr E. C. Bathurst, emphasised that Mr Watson was the only witness of the accident, and that he acted very promptly in rushing to the scene and giving assistance to Mr Burrows in removing the latter’s burning clothing and covering him up with an overcoat. Mr Bathurst also commended Constable J. A. Paddy on his quick arrival at the scene when notified by Mr Watson. 

S. E. Watson was the only witness on Saturday, and he stated that, about 2 p.m. on January 16, he was shooting on his father’s farm at Happy Valley. While he was so engaged, several planes passed overhead. At about 3 p.m. he noticed a machine flying in a north-easterly direction, it being about half a mile away when he first saw it. 

“This aeroplane was flying low, but I am unable to give an estimate of the height because I was so far away,” continued witness. “It flew over a row of pine trees about 30 to 40 feet high and then dived toward the ground. It made altitude again, crossed another row of trees, dived again and went in the direction of the riverbed.

“At this time the plane appeared to be flying very low,” proceeded witness, “and appeared to he coming out of the dive, when one wing collided with the top of a cabbage tree about 20ft in height. The machine then travelled on and I lost sight of it owing to scrub blocking the view. A few seconds later I saw flames coming from the ground a short distance from where the plane hit the tree.

“It took me 20 to 25 minutes to reach the scene, as I had to travel through a deep creek and heavy scrub,” Mr Watson stated. “On arrival I found that the plane was totally destroyed by fire. There was the body of a man in the pilot’s seat and another man about half a chain away from the blaze. Most of the clothing had been burned off this man, and I assisted to remove the remainder of his clothes. He appeared badly burnt, and had deep wounds on his body.” 

Witness inquired the names of both men and advised the police at Methven, Constable J. A. Paddy coming out to the scene very shortly. Mr E. J. Watson, father of witness, arrived there soon after. 

With the comment given in the opening paragraph, the Coroner brought in verdicts that Parkin died from injuries and burns caused by the plane crashing, after accidentally colliding with a cabbage tree, and that Burrows died the following day at Ashburton, from shock following extensive burns suffered in the same crash.  -Ashburton Guardian, 7/2/1949.

Colin Parkin's service record is almost unfindable.  He is reported as flying 12 missions out of Italy in 1944 with the rank of Flight-Sergeant and then becoming engaged to Mary Olga Whiting with the rank of Flying Officer (returned) in 1947.

Dunsandel Cemetery.

3/6/830 Signalman Lawrence Gideon Henderson, (1916-10/7/1942). "touched the back wheel"

TWO DEATHS IN ACCIDENT

EVIDENCE AT INQUEST

Evidence concerning an accident involving a motor-cycle and a cycle at the intersection of Ferry road and Randolph street on the evening of July 1 was given by several witnesses yesterday, when an inquest was held into the deaths of Lawrence Gideon Henderson, a soldier, aged 26, and William Alfred Eade, a fitter and turner, aged 19. Henderson was the owner and rider of the motor-cycle, and Eade was riding the cycle. Mr E. C. Levvey, District Coroner, presided. 

Frederick M. Gracie stated that on the evening of the accident, he and Eade were riding home from work. At one stage they were aware of a tram behind them and kept well to the correct side of the road. Just before they reached the intersection of Ferry road and Randolph street he heard a motorcycle at their rear, but did not know immediately that Eade had been struck. It was dark at the time, but the weather was good. He could not estimate the speed of the motor-cycle. 

Robert W. McRobie, a soldier, stated that he was a pillion rider on the motor-cycle, which was not travelling more than 30 miles an hour. He noticed two cyclists travelling in the same direction when they were about 15 yards away. He warned Henderson and was aware of a reduction in speed. The driver also eased the motor-cycle gradually, but witness saw that sufficient room had not been left. He was of the opinion that the front wheel of the motor-cycle first touched the back wheel of the cycle. 

Judging by the distance the motorcycle travelled after the impact, it appeared that it was travelling at a high speed, stated Constable P. Fallon, giving evidence. Henderson was found to have died through toxic myocarditis due to gangrene following a compound fracture of a leg, and Eade was found to have died through compression of the brain due to extra dural hemorrhage, following a blow on the head.  -Press, 6/8/1942.

IN MEMORIAM

HENDERSON, Signalman, S.D.. 2nd N.Z.E.F. — In loving memory of Lawrence Gideon, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Gideon Henderson, Charteris Bay, Christchurch, who passed away result of accident July 10, 1012. 

Not just to-day, but every day, 

In silence we remember. 

Ever remembered by his loving sister and brother, Ngaio, Geoff (overseas), and brother-in-law, Howard.   -NZ Herald, 10/7/1944.

Teddington Anglican Cemetery, Canterbury.

Randal Edwin Fitton, (1851-1/4/1875). "suffering under delerium"

Coroner's Inquest. — An inquest was held yesterday afternoon at five o'clock at the hospital, before Dr Coward, coroner, on view of the body of Edward Fitton, aged twenty-six years. It appeared from the evidence that deceased was admitted into the hospital on Tuesday afternoon from Governor's Bay suffering from typhoid fever. About seven o'clock on Wednesday evening he was seen to go into the water-closet. As deceased did not, after the lapse of a considerable time, again come into the ward, search was made in the closet, and it was found that he was not there, having squeezed himself through a very small window which opened into the yard. The house surgeon immediately despatched men to look for the deceased, and, the police having been communicated with, a special detachment was told off, who continued the search all night, but without success. About a quarter to eight o'clock yesterday morning deceased was found by a man, named George Starkiss, in a pond near the fish-house in the Acclimatisation Grounds. The body was lying in about two feet of water, face downwards, close to the edge of the pond, as if the deceased had accidentally walked into it. Dr Parkerson, the house surgeon, who had made a post-mortem examination of the body, stated that death had resulted from suffocation. The jury returned a verdict that deceased, whilst suffering under delirium arising from typhoid fever, was accidentally drowned, and recommended that the watercloset windows should be barred.  -Globe, 2/4/1875.

St Cuthberts Cemetery, Canterbury.

Jessie McLeod, (1855-23/12/1884). "sank after the birth"

 INQUEST AT GOVERNOR'S BAY.

An inquest was held at Governor's Bay yesterday, at the Ocean View Hotel, before W. S. Coward, Esq., Coroner, into the death of Jessie McLeod. Mr John Gebbie was chosen foreman of the jury. 

Harriett Edmonds said she was present at the confinement of the deceased on Dec. 24 of the present month, at her house. The child was born dead. Deceased complained greatly of faintness, and seemed gradually to sink, dying about twenty minutes past 8 in the afternoon. The child was burned. The doctor was there during the birth. He arrived at about 1 o'clock, and was there at the death. Witness thought the woman should have had more attention than she did. She was, witness thought, in a dying state, and should have received medical attendance on the previous day. 

Agnes Gebbie said: She lived close to the deceased, and was in the habit of seeing her every day. Witness saw deceased on the Sunday previous to her death. Advised deceased to go to bed, and gave her some medicine. Witness then advised her to go into town to the doctor. She replied she thought she was not able. When witness saw her again she was up, and witness told her again that she thought she was doing wrong. Deceased said she was a little better. Saw her again on Monday morning at 9 o'clock. She was very weak, but was going about trying to do her work. Told her again to go to bed and that witness would do her work for her, but she did not go. Went away at 2 o'clock. At 6 o'clock saw her milking a cow. She said she was quite well. At half-past 7 next morning she said she had been very ill during the night. Did what witness could for her. Told her husband to get a doctor. A man was sent, the doctor arriving between 5 and 6 in the evening (Tuesday). Deceased was examined by the doctor, who said "There was no life there." He made a second exanimation, and said that witness need not be afraid. She was bandaged by the doctor, who gave orders to keep the bandage tight. Those directions were followed. The doctor left half an hour afterwards. Witness left at about half past 11, deceased then appearing to be worse. Medicine was given, by the doctor's orders, every two hours. Went back about 8 a.m. next morning, being called by deceased's husband. She was much worse, and unable to lift her head. Mrs Matchford was sent for, who said witness could do no more than she was doing. Mrs Pope was attending on deceased during witness' absence. Dr Macdonald was again sent for, and arrived between 11 and 12 o'olock. The child was born between 11 and 12 o'clock, shortly after Mrs Edwards' arrival. The woman sank after the birth. The doctor did what he could for deceased, who died, sinking gradually. Deceased way given brandy and beef tea by the doctor's orders till she died.

By Sergeant-Major Mason: The doctor arrived after the birth. He told witness to put the child in the fire, but witness could not do so. Believed one of the other woman did so, Mrs Blatchford threw the medicine into the fire after the death. Thought the child should have been removed the day before. The doctor said there was no child. Otherwise everything possible was done by him. Witness was not one of those who asked the Coroner to hold an enquiry.

Hugh Macdonald, M.D., said he saw Mrs McLeod on Tuesday Dec. 23. Was called to see deceased without knowing what was the matter with her. Examined her, and saw she had been flooding for several days. Asked her if she was pregnant. She replied she was not sure. On examination, witness said there was no life there, but found what he took to be a soft lump in the womb. Applied a bandage and gave orders to continue the cold water application. He prescribed for her. Left at half-past seven. Deceased was then comfortable, she said. Sent some medicine out as soon an witness got home. Next morning at 12.30 p.m. she was much weaker. Administered juice of meat and brandy and water. Gave the usual applications, when she rallied slightly, but relapsing, died at about twenty minutes to three. Witness described the symptoms in medical terms. 

Thomas Orr Guthrie, sworn, said he had made a post mortem examination of deceased. Found the body well nourished. There were no external marks whatever. The right lung showed signs of old disease; the other organs ware healthy, but pale and bloodless, as was the brain. The heart and larger blood vessels were also empty. The deceased died from loss of blood. From the evidence witness heard, the treatment used was that usually applied, and the remedies used the best. The child was by law not a child, but a miscarriage. Dt Guthrie here stated, to avoid any misapprehension on the subject, that although Dr Macdonald had been present at the post mortem, he had taken no part in it whatever. He had not even suggested anything in regard to it, nor did he know the purport of witness' evidence until he heard it given. It was usual for doctors to give directions as to the disposal of miscarriages. 

The verdict was that "Jessie McLeod died from 'flooding,' but that Dr Macdonald showed an error of judgment in not having removed the foetus on the day previous to the death of the woman."  - Lyttelton Times, 30/12/1884.

St Cuthberts Cemetery, Canterbury.