9/890 Gunner Leslie Weaver, (9/8/1893-17/8/1921). "Poor Leslie!"

PERSONAL.

The news of the demise of Mr Leslie Weaver, although not altogether unexpected, caused quite a shock and deep sorrow to his many friends hereabouts. Poor Leslie! He was a favorite with everybody. Born at Earnscleugh some 27 years ago, he lived practically the whole of his life amongst us, and his happy, kindly disposition endeared him to all. He was a good athlete, and was a prominent member of the Clyde football team for several years. He also represented Vincent, and out of respect to his memory the members of the Vincent team in the match on Saturday wore a band on their jerseys. When the war broke out and the call went forth for men, "Les" and his two brothers were soon doing their bit. It was while fighting for King and Country that he, like many another poor lad, endured such hardships as to undermine his constitution. He was an inmate of the Dunstan Hospital for some considerable time, but recently was removed to his parents home in Dunedin. To the sorrowing parents, who only a few months ago suffered the loss of another distinguished soldier son, the sympathy of the whole community is extended in their sad bereavement. The funeral, a military one, took place at Alexandra yesterday, when there was a big attendance, people being present from all parts of Central Otago.   -Dustan Times, 22/8/1921.

PERSONAL.

The body of Gunner Leslie Weaver, the third son of Mr and Mrs Patrick Weaver, of Otakou, and formerly of Earnscleugh, was brought to Alexandra on Saturday and was buried in the local cemetery on Sunday, alongside his brother, the late Trooper Peter Weaver, D.C.M., M.S.M. The deceased was accorded full military honours, the Alexandra Brass Band, the local Territorials and a firing party of Returned Soldiers accompanying the cortege to the cemetery, where the usual short religious service was followed by the firing of three volleys and the sounding of the Last Post. A large attendance of the public gathered at the cemetery to pay their last respects to another of our local boys gone to his long rest. A short Memorial Service was held in St. Enoch's Presbyterian Church at 2 p m., the Rev. J. Standring officiating. To the bereaved parents and the sorrowing brothers and sisters is expended the sincere sympathy of their many local friends.   -Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 24/8/1921.

In common with so many soldiers who died shortly after returning from the war, Leslie Weaves died of tuberculosis.

Alexandra Cemetery.