TIMARU RIFLES.
On Monday evening a special meeting of the Timaru Rifles was held in the drillshed reading room. Major Jowsey occupied the chair and officially informed the men that on account of his promotion to the position of Major of the newly formed South Canterbury Battalion, the captaincy of the corps was vacant. Therefore, he had much pleasure in moving a resolution to the effect, "That Lieutenant Walter Beckingham be elected to be captain, and that Mr John Lilley Gillies be elected to the position of Junior Lieutenant." Major Jowsey drew attention to Lieutenant Beckingham's career as a volunteer, and pointed out that he had been a member of the corps since its formation; that he had served as a private; had received various promotions, and was well worthy of the higher honour. -Timaru Herald, 7/7/1897.
The ball in aid of the Waimataitai school piano fund is to be held at the schoolroom this evening, the grand march being timed for 8 o'clock. Yesterday and last evening the members of the committee were very busy in preparing the rooms. The two main rooms are to be used as the ballroom, and have been splendidly decorated. The rooms are large, and should prove ample for the purpose named. The infant room is to be devoted entirely to the refreshment department, in which the ladies of the district will preside and lay out a supper that should be equal to any ever partaken of before. Three other rooms adjoining the main rooms will be furnished as cloak, drawing and card rooms, their furnishing being m the able hands of Mr Walter Beckingham, who can be relied upon to produce the best results. Music will be provided by Mr Shield's band; the piano for the use of the school being "christened" on the occasion. The m.c. will be Chief-petty officer Stephen. The ball should be a great success. -Timaru Herald, 9/9/1897.
His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to approve of the award of the Colonial Auxiliary Forces long-service medal to Captain Walter Beckingham, Timaru Rifle Volunteers, he having a total efficient rank and commissioned service to 31st August, 1903, entitling him thereto. -Timaru Herald, 6/10/1903.
Volunteer Promotion - Captain (Acting Major) Walter Beckingham, of the South Canterbury Battalion of Infantry Volunteers, has been promoted to be Major (second in command). A notice to this effect appears in the last issue of the "Government; Gazette." -Ashburton Guardian, 16/1/1905.
LIEUTENANT-COLONEL BECKINGHAM.
[From Our Correspondent,] TIMARU, December 20.
It was widely reported last night that Colonel Beckingham, who has been lying seriously ill for some days, was dead. The report proves unfounded. Colonel Beckingham was in a very grave condition yesterday, and remains the same to-day. -Star, 20/12/1912.
OBITUARY.
LIEUTENANT-COLONEL BECKINGHAM.
News of the death of Lieutenant-Colonel Walter Beckingham, which occurred just after midnight, will be received with very general regret throughout South Canterbury. Colonel Beckingham was the only son of the late Mr James E. Beckingham, who was one of the earliest residents of Timaru, and opened the first cabinet-making and furniture warehouse in the town. About twenty years ago the late Colonel Beckingham left the drapery trade, with which he had become to join his father in business, and the firm of Beckingham and Son, formed a year or two ago into a company, with Colonel Beckingham as managing director, was established.
From an early age the late Colonel Beckingham took a warm interest in defence matters. Having gained his stripes in the "Old Cadets," he soon became an officer when he joined the Timaru Rifles. He remained a volunteer through the ''Russian scare," and, continuing to make a close study of military matters, rose rapidly in the service, being appointed Major in 1904. and Lieutenant-Colonel later. His first class military record would have completed its full period next year.
The late Colonel Beckingham took a foremost part in farewelling and welcoming home again the New Zealand troopers who went to the South African war. He took no prominent part in municipal affairs, but was always closely interested in them. An enthusiastic sportsman, he did good work at the Council of the South Canterbury Acclimatisation Society.
Colonel Beckingham leaves a widow, sister, one son and four daughters, three of whom are married, to mourn his loss. The funeral will probably take place at ten o'clock on Thursday morning, with full military honours. -Timaru Herald, 31/12/1912.
A military funeral was accorded to the late Lieutenant-Colonel Walter Beckingham at Timaru yesterday, Those present were the Officer Commanding in Canterbury, Colonel Cooper, representing the Commandant, Colonel Jowsey, other officers from Christchurch and a large attendance of South Canterbury officers of Territorials and Senior Cadets. -Lyttelton Times, 3/1/1913.
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