James Benn Bradshaigh-Bradshaw, (22/9/1832-1/9/1886). "unceasing exertions"

BIOGRAPHICAL.

THE LATE J. B. BRADSHAW.

The late Mr James Benn Bradshaigh-Bradshaw was born in England, at Barton Blount, Lancashire. His father, General Bradshaw, was related to, and connected with the Bradshaws, Bradshaighs, and Benns, of Lancashire, Cheshire, Derby, and Tipperary.

Young Bradshaw passed through the East Indian Company's College, Haileybury, near Hertford, and in due course entered the Indian Civil Service, which, however, he soon left from declining health. For several years after his life was a most eventful one. Thoroughly an settled he was in the humour for travel, common to so many, and was, as so few are, able to gratify his humour to the full.

During those years of travel he went through the Empire of Brazil and several of the states of South America. He also visited the African Islands, including Bourbon, Seychelles, Madagascar, Isle of France, and voyaged as far as St. Helena and Ascension Islands.

The Continent of Africa next tempted the traveller, and he journeyed inward from South Cape Point across the Great Fish river, through Kaffrarea to the missionary stations of the Revs. Robert Moffatt and Dr Livingstone, with whose families he was intimately associated.

His attention was next drawn to the Dutch republics, and he passed through the territory since widely known as the centre of the diamond and gold fields of recent discovery. During his travels in Africa he made several successful trading ventures between the continent and the islands.

His African experience was not confined to peaceable pursuits, for, on the outbreak of the fifth Kaffir war, about 1850, he became in turn war-office agent, recruiting officer, and commander of a company. Sir Harry Smith, an old friend of General Bradshaw's, was then Governor of the Cape, and for the second and third time took an active part in the suppression of the rebellion,

In 1852 the Governors frontier policy not being approved, he was recalled, and succeeded for two years by General Cathcart, who, in 1854, was himself replaced by Sir George Grey, K.C.B., from New Zealand. Sir Harry Smith had, however, left little to be done by his successors, except to gradually build up a more satisfactory relationship between the Kaffir tribes and the colonists.

Leaving Natal when his leader was recalled, Mr Bradshaw went to the Isle of France, remaining only a short time

In 1855 he landed in Victoria, and at once, like everyone else of even less travelled instinct, went straight to the diggings. The time was one of great excitement, and Bradshaw threw himself into the pursuit in full sympathy with the intoxication of the moment. He kept to practical mining for about four years. He followed it up in the deep, wet sinking of Creswick Greek and Ballarat district and worked in and followed every new rush, in some instances being very successful.

His attention was early drawn to quartz mining, upon which he entered before any quartz machinery was in the country, being interested in claims on Eagle Hawk, Mariner's Reef, and at New Bendigo. At New Bendigo, with the Roskrages, he was very successful. It will be seen from this that Mr Bradshaw's practical mining experience was very large.

In 1856 be was persuaded to commence the scientific study of auriferous drifts, and the occurrence of lodes and veins and their qualities. He opened an assay office at Castlemaine as assayer and gold buyer, under the style of Cameron and Bradshaw; subsequently he opened at Tarrangower and Maryborough. At Maryborough he sold the business to the Bank of Australasia, taking office with the bank as assayer and gold buyer, and before leaving having a temporary charge.

While in Australia his attention was drawn to Otagan gold, and he wrote to the then Superintendent, Sir John Richardson, stating that it was worth by assay £3 17s to £4 1s per ounce, and pointed out that by the establishment of a Government assay office, the price of gold — which was then only £3 10s — would be raised. Doubts were, however, cast upon the scheme by his Honor's advisers.

Major Richardson (not quite discouraged) sent several thousand ounces Home for assay and sale, and was able to declare at a public meeting that the price realised was £3 17s to £3 19s, after paying all expenses — proving the accuracy of Mr Bradshaw's opinion.

In 1870, when settled in New Zealand, he again wrote to the Superintendent, Mr Macandrew, recommending the scheme of a Government assay office, in connection with a school of mines ; and also to Sir Julius Vogel. Tbe same policy he urged upon the energetic Superintendent of Canterbury, Mr Moorhouse, coincident with the West Coast discoveries. Unfortunately for New Zealand this good advice was systematically neglected. Influences were all at work, representing too large interests, to give the plan a trial. The proposal was published in the Mount Ida Chronicle in January 1874, and its value pointed out. 

Upon Mr Bradshaw's arrival in Otago he went to the Dunstan, and brought down 3000oz of gold — before an escort was established — on horseback, to Waikouaiti, and shipped it thence, by steamer, to Dunedin.

At the first of the rush to the Lakes he went to Queenstown, He there opened a gold office, and received deposits for the Union Bank of Australasia. At Queenstown he began his connection with the New Zealand press, editing the Mail for nine months, and advocating the cancellation of the pastoral lease held by Mr Rees, and the withdrawal of the delegated powers from the Provincial Government. 

At that time a petition for the withdrawal of powers was got up and signed by 8000 persons. Rees' lease having been cancelled for commonage purposes, he next strongly objected to the proposed sale of the commonage in 1864, in runs of smaller sizes; the objection was for a time successful.

He also corresponded with the Colonist, Telegraph, and Mail newspapers, advocating a higher price for gold, the reduction of duty, and the abolition of all special taxation and monopolies. The Union Bank opened a branch in the Queenstown Gold Office, but the management objecting to the political writings of the agent, he opened another office. In 1866 he left Queenstown, and in the same year stood for the Provincial Council for the goldfields, but was defeated by Mr Mouat. In the following year he stood for the Assembly to represent the goldfields towns, and was returned, beating Mr D. F. Main.

In the same year, assisted by Mr Haughton, he had a hand in the concession made for the purchase of 50 acres on goldfields held under agricultural lease, under the act of 1860. In 1867 he was appointed by Mr Stafford, Ministerial Agent, to take charge of the goldfields.

The resumption of the delegated powers caused a great stir, A plebiscite was taken, public meetings were held, and the unhappy Ministerial Agent was alternately burnt and drowned in effigy. 

Mr Vogel, the great advocate for the preservation of provincial rights intact, stamped the country with paid agents, whom he placed in charge of the courthouses, at the expense to the province of several thousand pounds. At the conclusion of this Parliamentary session, when a truce was patched up, the Ministerial Agent's appointment ceased. 

Meanwhile, on his persistent protest, the Wakatipu runs were, by order of Mr Stafford, withdrawn again from sale and put back into the commonage, a proceeding which offended the provincial authorities. It will be known to our readers that this disputed Wakatipu country was for the most part sold in smaller leaseholds by the Turnbull-Bastings Government in 1872-3, and many think, advantageously, to the Government, but not in the interests of the people. Mr Bradshaw's private secretary, Mr Felix Wakefield, the brother of the founder of the colony, was provided with another appointment. Mr Bradshaw did not seek for himself any compensative office, although no doubt his acceptance of the temporary appointment injured his political prospects very seriously.

In 1868 Mr Haughton introduced the Road Board Endowment Act, which, amended advantageously in committee with Mr Bradshaw's assistance, provided for a better act for outlying districts. 

In 1868 his technical knowledge of mining again stood the colony in good stead, and resulted in some excellent reports on the occurrence of the quartz veins then being discovered in Auckland. In 1870, the goldfields towns being abolished and put into districts, Mr Bradshaw was retained for Waikaia, and shortly after, in his absence, was returned to the Provincial Council for Mount Bengor. When the newly elected Council met the Government in power were displaced, and Mr Bradshaw joined Mr Reid's Government as Treasurer. 

The new Executive had a tough battle to fight; the Treasury owed £97,000 to the banks, money was tight, and the agricultural interest was almost bankrupt. The Secretary and his Treasurer undertook to carry on the Government at salaries reduced to £400, holding two offices apiece. The Superintendent's salary was also cut down, to £800. 

After 20 months in office Mr Reid joined the short lived Stafford Government as Minister for Works; the Executive accordingly had to go, leaving the Treasury with a credit balance at the bank. The retiring Treasurer was pressed by the Superintendent to join the new Executive, but refused.

On the appeal to the province Mr Bradshaw was not returned for Mount Benger on account of the Moa Flat sale, for which he was most unjustly blamed. 

In 1873 he succeeded in carrying through the Assembly an act called "The Resumption of Land for Mining Purposes." This act is now law. It makes mining a public purpose, and is therefore of importance in interpreting certain clauses of "The Waste Land Act of 1872." It authorises the resumption of any land sold after 1873 with no consideration as to its auriferous character.

In 1873 he also introduced and carried through Parliament the Female Employment Bill. The bill has been preached throughout Scotland by the Rev. Dr Begg, and has been commented on favourably in England and the English Parliament. In England the hours allowed for female labour are 10; in New Zealand they are only eight. 

In 1874 an amendment act was introduced, by Mr Rolleston, and the opportunity was taken by the originator of the Factory Act to still further improve it. In 1875 Mr Donald Reid again endeavoured to amend the Bill in the interests of the employers, and was successful in the Assembly. 

Mr Bradshaw gave notice of a series of amendments in the interests of the working classes, which he was unsuccessful in carrying, but which were insisted on by the Legislative Council. The act is now known everywhere as the Bradshaw Factory Act. Under its provisions no child is allowed to work in factories under the age of 10; and no boy or girl from 10 to 14 can be employed for more than four hours a day. 

Mr Bradshaw's public career has been distinguished for sterling integrity, industry, and dogged determination; what he determined to do he succeeded in doing or getting done. A more generous politician never existed; what he knew or gathered at great expense of time, or labour was freely anyone's who wished to make use of it. We do not know any member whose time has been so devoted to the interests of the goldfields, and his labours have not been fruitless,

It is true Bradshaw's Act re the employment of females and children in factories and workshops shines with lustre among the statutes of New Zealand. The restrictions embodied in the act have conferred a great boon on those so employed throughout the colony. Lessening the hours of indoor confinement adds vigour to body and limb, and were it not for Mr Bradshaw's exertions, hundreds of our youth, male and female, through long hours and overexertion, would ere now be crippled, and many would have languished and been sent to an early grave. 

Parents and their offspring performing work that comes under the act have every right to be grateful for the benefits conferred on them through the unceasing exertions of Mr Bradshaw. Before we had the act females were sometimes kept at work till midnight in workrooms, factories, and at counters throughout New Zealand, and in some cases they worked from 6 a.m.  -Otago Witness, 24/12/1886.

Northern Cemetery, Dunedin.

Dr John Bell Thomson, MBCM, (1869-20/2/1915). "a keen sense of duty"

MEDICAL INSPECTOR DIES SUDDENLY

(Br TELEGRAM — PRESS ASSOCIATION.) DUNEDIN, This Day. 

Dr. John Bell Thomson, Medical Inspector of Schools, died suddenly to-day. He was spending a holiday in Dunedin, and practised at Arrow town for many years. In his younger days he was a noted interprovincial rugby half-back and played against Stoddart's team.  -Evening Post, 20/2/1915.

DEATH OF DR J. B. THOMSON.

About 10 a.m. on the 20th the police wore advised that Dr John Bell Thomson, aged 46 years, had been found dead in his bed at his residence, 211 Cargill street. 

The deceased practised his profession at Arrowtown for a number of years, and ne also practised at Kaitangata. He held the position of medical inspector of schools at Auckland until about four months ago, when he was granted leave of absence owing to being in indifferent health. Dr Thomson was a well-known representative footballer in his day, and played for the High School, Pirates, and University. He represented his province in 12 matches, and was one of the best backs Otago ever had. He played against Stoddart’s English team in 1888. 

John Bell Thomson, or “Jack,” as he was known to all those who were associated with him, was one of the most distinguished boys that the High School has ever produced, and his early death, coming as it has done with such suddenness, will cause a great shock to all his friends, and particularly to those old boys of the school who were associated with him for so many years. He was a brilliant scholar, and was dux of the school in 1885, when only in his sixteenth year. But it is chiefly as an athlete that he was famous, and it is safe to say that he was the finest all-round athlete that ever wore the blue-and-white jersey. Along with Dr Irwin Hunter, he had the distinguished honour of representing his province in football when he was still a schoolboy, and his wonderful skill as a half back, with his accurate punting with either foot and his tricky, dodgy running, will be talked of by footballers who knew him as long as the game is played. In cricket he was captain of the eleven for three years, and frequently had to do the lion’s share of the work, both as a batsman and a bowler. He never lost any of his enthusiasm for his old school and its doings in the athletic field, and nothing gave him greater pleasure when he came to town than to go and see the boys playing football or cricket. As a matter of fact he spent last Saturday week on the school cricket ground in the afternoon watching the school eleven play their match. He was a true “sport ” in every sense of the word, and his quiet, unassuming manner endeared him to all those with whom he came in contact. Subjoined is his record: — Junior and senior provincial scholar; junior University scholar; dux of Otago Boys’ High School 1885; M.B.C.M. Edinburgh 1892. Athletics: Cricket eleven, 1883£6 (captain 1885 and 86); Football Fifteen, 1883 (captain 1885 and 1886); Otago Football Fifteen, 1886-88. School sports, 1884. Record in high jump (5ft 4 1/2in), 120yds Hurdles, Long Jump. 

THE INQUEST. 

An inquest was held at the late residence of the deceased on the 22nd before Mr C. C. Graham, S.M., coroner. Seniorrsergeant Dart represented the police. 

Isabella B. Thomson, wife of the deceased, said that her late husband was 46 years of age. He was a duly qualified medical practitioner. For some time he had not been well, but had made no particular complaint. He had no particular worry, but his time was not fully occupied, and he suffered from sleeplessness occasionally. On Friday night he was in his ordinary health, and retired shortly after 10 o’clock. He slept soundly until 3 a.m. on Saturday, when he appeared restless. At half-past 7 he appeared to be dozing, and witness left him. About 9.45 a.m. witness returned and found him partly lying on the floor, his head not reaching the ground. Witness did not notice any handkerchief supporting his head. He was unconscious, and witness, on touching his forehead, found it not quite cold. She called Dr Macdonald, and also Dr Fitzgerald, who arrived shortly after his colleague. On their arrival they pronounced Dr Thomson to be dead. Witness did not see a handkerchief removed from the neck of the deceased.

Dr Fitzgerald said that he knew the deceased well, and had seen a good deal of him for the last three months since he had come to Dunedin. He had recently given up his practice at Arrowtown and accepted an appointment as medical inspector of schools at Auckland. He came to Dunedin on sick leave, and consulted witness, who found him to be suffering from nervous depression and insomnia. He seemed to improve when he came to Dunedin, and witness had never anticipated any such termination as had occurred. On being called on Saturday morning, and entering the room of the deceased, witness found the body lying on the floor. Dr Macdonald had arrived before, and had removed a handkerchief which had been around the neck of the deceased, and fastened to the bed post. A mark was left on the neck, and strangulation was evidently the cause of death. The deceased was naturally of a nervous temperament. 

The Coroner said that strangulation had evidently been the cause of death, and the deceased had apparently been suffering from temporary mental aberration. He had been well known as an athlete, and had been forward in every sport. He had been of a nervous temperament. If he had been contemplating suicide, as a medical man, he would have taken a more satisfactory means of committing it. Slow strangulation was a most painful mode of death, and he must have been suffering from temporary mental aberration. The case was a sad one. 

The verdict was “ That the deceased had died of self-strangulation while he was in a temporary state of insanity.”

A former resident of the Lakes district has forwarded to us the following tribute to Dr Thomson’s memory: — 

“John Bell Thomson was not only an able physician, but a friend. All that was best and noblest found practical expression in his life. He was ‘a man.’ During his lengthy residence in the Lakes District he was over animated by a high sense of duty, and his quiet, kindly ways and sympathetic manner made his presence welcome in the homes that were shadowed by sickness. To the writer’s knowledge he unobstrusively performed many acts of generosity, and never charged a penny to the poor and needy who sought his advice. It has been said ‘True goodness is like the glow-worm in this — that it shines most when no eyes, except those of Heaven, are upon it.’ Such were the traits in the character of John Bell Thomson, whose whole life was marked by a keen sense of duty, deep and unostentatious piety, and unswerving rectitude and integrity.”  -Otago Witness, 24/2/1915.

Northern Cemetery, Dunedin.

Ethel May Lucas, (1891-1900). "playing the truant"

DISTRESSING FATAL ACCIDENT

A CHILD KILLED ON THE RAILWAY.

A distressing accident occurred on the railway bridge just a little beyond the Pelichet Bay station yesterday afternoon, which resulted in the death of a little girl named Ethel May Lucas, aged 10 years, who resided with her mother ill Moray place, near the Turkish baths. It appears that the little girl, together with a companion named Norah Connor aged seven years, were "playing the truant" from school, and wandered along the line past Pelichet Bay station. They were on the bridge, about 10 yards from the end, when the goods train from Port Chalmers, reaching town at 2.15 p.m., approached. The children so far as can be gathered, saw the train approach, and the younger one got underneath the bridge. The other stood still, probably paralysed with fear, and was struck by the engine on the side of the head and knocked into the water below. The accident was observed from the Pelichet Bay station, and the officials there immediately ran up to the bridge. The body was picked up beneath, but life was evidently quite extinct, — in fact, death must have been instantaneous, as Dr Riley who was sent for, found on examination that the child's neck was broken. The father of deceased William J. Lucas is employed as butcher on the Elingamite. An inquest will be held at 9.30 tins morning.  -Otago Daily Times, 15/6/1900.

INQUEST.

An inquest was held this morning before Mr Coroner Carew and a jury of six (Mr James Todd foreman) on the body of Ethel May Lucas, who was killed on the railway line at Pelichet Bay yesterday afternoon. 

Sarah Barbara Lucas, mother of deceased, said that her daughter was born in Dunedin, and was nine years of age. She was attending the Normal School, and left her home in Moray place yesterday morning to go to school. She returned home a little after twelve o'clock, and left for school again at five minutes past one. Witness expected her home at three o'clock, but the police came to the house a little after that hour and informed her what had happened. She had never heard any complaints of deceased not attending school. 

Charles Belworthy, station-master at Pelichet Bay, said that about 2.10 p.m. yesterday he heard the Palmerston to Dunedin train approaching. On going outside to give the usual signal he saw two girls, the deceased and another girl, on the railway bridge, about 150yds from the station platform. They were facing north in the direction of the engine. As soon as witness saw them they seemed to catch sight of the train. At first they appeared surprised and uncertain which way to go. The engine would then be about 300yds from them. They then turned to come back, and seemed to be frightened, and were holding each other to walk. The younger one, Norah Connor, either fell or dropped down at the south end of the bridge on the town side, and got clear of the line. Immediately afterwards deceased appeared to make a spring to the same side, when the engine caught her and threw her down the embankment on the town side. Deceased appeared to drop on her head. The train came into the station before witness could do anything. He ran to deceased with the guard of the train, and found her lying in the water, which was about 2ft deep. They got her out, and, as far as witness could see, there was no appearance of life. They carried her to the railway station, and telephoned for a doctor and the police. The other girl was not hurt. Dr Riley appeared on the scene shortly afterwards. The engine-driver could not have pulled up any quicker than he did. He had frequently turned children back from going on the line. When witness saw the girls on the bridge be ran back to the station, and with a red flag gave the danger signal. The engine was then about 200 or 250 yards from the girls. 

Dr Riley said that deceased died from a sustained fracture of the skull and a broken neck. 

Alexander Graham said he was driver of the engine of the train from Palmerston to Dunedin yesterday afternoon. He blew the whistle in the ordinary course for the Pelichet Bay station. He was going then about fourteen miles an hour, and had steam shut off. When he whistled he would be about 400 or 450 yards from the station. From the driver's side of the engine he could not see the station until about 160 or 170 yards from it. He was looking for the stationmaster's signal, and at the same time his eye caught the children on the bridge. He was then about twenty yards from them, and the engine partly on the bridge. He applied the brake immediately, and his mate applied sand at the same time. He could not see over the engine as to which part struck the child. Witness could have done no more than he did to check the speed of the engine. The train was a heavy goods one. It was not possible for him to see the children from his position as driver until within twenty or thirty yards from where they were. It was common to find children along the banks of the line between Pelichet Bay and Logan Point. Witness stopped the engine just opposite the station platform. 

Henry Woodhead, fireman on the engine in question, also gave evidence. 

The jury returned a verdict that deceased was accidentally killed by being knocked over by a railway engine; no blame being attached to any person.  -Evening Star, 15/6/1900.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin. DCC photo.

Alexander Williamson, (1863-24/7/1880). "sleepers on the engine"

INQUEST.

An inquest was held at the St. Kilda Hotel, to-day, before the City Coroner, and a jury of twelve, of whom Mr J, P. Jones was chosen foreman, on the body of Alexander Williamson, who was killed on the reclamation works on Saturday. 

The Coroner said that this was an inquiry into the death of Alexander Williamson, a Harbor Board  employe, who was killed, he believed accidentally, on Saturday last. There was nothing special for him to comment on; it would be for the jury to say whether proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents to the employes. 

James Williamson stated that the deceased, Alexander Williamson, was his son. His age at the time of his death was seventeen. He was a native of the Shetland Islands, and a Presbyterian. 

James Morrison said; I am an enginedriver in the employ of the Harbor Board. About ten o’clock on. Saturday morning last I was shunting loaded waggons past my engine at Jetty street. I had just brought them from the Maitland street works, After uncoupling as usual I went forward about 20ft with the engine, and the deceased put on the coupling rope to the foremost truck. This was done to enable the waggons to travel along one line and the engine another, and to give the waggons an impetus. Before coming to the points I slacked off to allow the deceased to uncouple the rope, which he did, following up the engine with it in his hand. There were nine waggons, five of which ran by the deceased, but the wheel of the sixth I saw strike him as he was lying on the rail. I could not say what caused him to fall, as I did not see him until the waggon went over him. As soon as I saw what happened I went up, and I think death must have been instantaneous. The method of working the trucks with a rope I consider quite safe.

John Johnson, foreman of the Maitland street works, said: I was standing on the main line about twenty yards distant from where the accident occurred. The last time I saw the deceased he had unhooked the rope to follow up the engine, and was about halfway between where the engine was standing and the junction of the lines s that would be about 15ft from the points. I went to shift the points, and whilst so engaged I heard a cry which I think came from the engine-driver, I looked up and saw the deceased lying with his head on the waggon rails. The only way in which I can account for the accident is that the deceased was standing too near to the waggons, one of which struck him on the shoulder and sent him forward. There was no necessity for him to stand so near the waggons, as there is plenty of room away from the rails. The deceased had been with me for the last two years, employed at similar work. There were some sleepers on the engine, but I do not think they in any way caused his death.

Mark Webb, waterman, said: About ten o’clock on Saturday last I was standing on the reclamation works near to where some shunting was going on. The engine passed me and shortly afterwards I heard a cry. I looked up and saw the deceased lying close to the wheels of the last truck. After seeing the deceased attended to I went up and examined the spot where the accident happened. On the back of the engine were placed a number of sleepers, one of which projected about six inches beyond the side of the engine. Some of the sleepers were slewed round, and one of the small pegs in the rear part of the engine had been cut clean off by the rail swinging round. On one of the rails I found a number of blood spots, and towards the end there was more blood than on any other part. From these observations I came to the conclusion that the fifth waggon, the side of which projects farther than the rest, had caught the rails in passing and thus slewed them round, and that the deceased had been struck by the sleeper with the marks of blood on it. I consider that it is a dangerous practice to put sleepers on the engine. 

James Morrison recalled said that he was aware that the sleepers were found slewed round after the accident, but he could not say whether any of them struck the accused. They had often put the sleepers across the engine in the same manner previously, but orders had been given that no more were to be put on as they damaged the smoke-box by catching against the posts at Anderson’s Bay. 

John Johnson, recalled, stated that for his own part he could not see how death could have been caused by the rails across the engine. If they had been projecting beyond the engine 6in they would have struck against the posts at Anderson’s Bay, because there was only 3in between the engine and the posts. Again, as the deceased was found lying, the rail must have been knocked off the engine to strike him at all. 

The Coroner, in summing up, said that it might be fairly concluded that death was caused by the sleeper striking the deceased, although there might be a very good reason for Mr Johnson’s conclusion, viz , that if the sleepers did project more than 8in they would have been knocked off as they passed through the gateway. 

The jury then returned a verdict of “Accidental death,” adding a rider to the effect that they were of opinion that sleepers should not be carried across an engine, but that they should in future he stowed in a safe position upon the trucks.  -Evening Star, 26/7/1880.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin. DCC photo.

William Paul Cunningham, (1831-6/5/1879). "look out, man!"

FATAL RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

An accident, attended with fatal results, occured on the railway line last evening. William Paul Cunningham, master of the steamer Ino, with Mr Henry Guthrie, was crossing over the line at Jetty street when the 5.40 p.m train from Dunedin to Andersons Bay approached. The whistle was sounded, as we are informed by Mr Guthrie and oters, but something seemed to attract Mr Cunningham's attention, and the engine knocked him down, carrying his body about two engine's-lengths along the line. Mr Butchart, the stationmaster at Dunedin, was at once sent for, and he found the body lying between the rails with one of the legs over them. Both legs were nearly severed at the knee joints, and there was a small wound on the crown of the head. The body was removed to the morgue at the Hospital, where an inquest will be held tomorrow. Deceased was married, but leaves no children. His wife keeps a grain store at Kakanui. The crossing in question was protected by gates until recently, when the railway line was altered. A watchman is now kept there until dusk, when the dray traffic ceases, and this man had left his post but a short time before the accident happened.  -Evening Star, 7/5/1879.

FUNERAL NOTICE. 

THE Friends of the late Mr William Paul Cunningham (who was accidentally killed by the train on Tuesday) are respectfully invited to attend his Funera1, which will leave the Hospital, Dunedin, To-morrow (Saturday), the 10th inst., at half-past 2 o'clock, for the Northern Cemetery. WALTER G GEDDES, Undertaker, Octagon.  -Evening Star, 9/5/1879.

Judicial.

INQUEST.

An inquest on the body of William Paul Cunningham, who was killed on the 6th inst. by a train at the Jetty street crossing, was held at the Hospital on the Bth, before D Hocken (coroner) and a jury of 12.

Superintendent Weldon watched the proceedings on behalf of the police. The Coroner said a main object of the inquiry was to see whether the occurrence was the result of a pure accident, or whether there was blame attaching to anyone. As the body was fearfully mangled, there was no doubt death had been instantaneous.

Matthew Halliday deposed that on Tuesday evening last, between 5 and 6 o'clock, he was coming up the Jetty street Jetty with the deceased, when they met Mr Guthrie. As they approached the railway line he saw the train coming. Mr Guthrie and the deceased were about four or five feet ahead of him. Witness called out, "For God's sake, look out, man!" Mr Guthrie caught hold of Mr Cunningham by the coat-collar and attempted to drag him off the rails. The deceased's foot hit against either a stone or one of the rails, and he fell between them. The engine was upon him the moment he fell, and he was dragged along the ground. The train was pulled up as soon as possible, after it had traversed about 25 feet. Witness then saw the body lying on the ground completely smashed. When he first saw the train it was about 15 or 20 feet from the crossing. He could have seen it 50 or 60 feet away if he had looked. He could not say he heard the engine whistle. Cunningham was perfectly sober. He was 48 years of age, and had been married only eight months. Witness thought he could have got across the line had he not caught his foot against the rail or stone. 

John Guthrie deposed: On Tuesday evening, I was walking up Jetty street Wharf in company with the deceased, talking as we crossed the line. I heard somebody call out, "Look out!" I turned my head, and on observing the train I leaped across the rails. The engine pulled up very quickly. I believe if I had jumped a second later I would have been caught by it. I heard a whistle before the accident happened, but did not think of it till afterwards. I was only two or three minutes with the deceased, and could not say whether he was not sober. The engine had lights, and I could have seen the train half-way to the station. I could not have blamed anyone if I had been hurt myself. If there had been a person at the crossing or gate to pass through, I do not think the accident would have happened. 

Frederick Moorhouse, porter at the Dunedin railway station, stated that he was acting as pilot on the engine at the time of the accident. When 200 yards from the Jetty street crossing, witness saw two gentlemen walking very slowly from the jetty to the roadway. They were about six yards from the line, and the driver whistled, and kept on doing so until within two yards of them. He then shut off the steam and reversed the engine. It was dusk. Witness saw Mr Guthrie jump forward. The deceased tried to jump backwards, but slipped, and the left hand side of the engine caught him and knocked him down. The train was going at the rate of five or six miles an hour. 

Thomas Foote, enginedriver, said he was on the engine of the 5.45 train to Anderson's Bay. On leaving the station the alarm whistle was blown as an alarm for the crossing. Witness saw two persons approaching the crossing when the whistle was blown. They still walked on, and witness kept whistling. When the train was within 20 feet of them witness saw that they were in danger. He then shut off steam and reversed the engine. The fireman had the brake screwed down as far as it would go. Witness saw one of the men look towards the train and then jump forward. He put his hand backwards, and witness did not know whether he pulled or pushed the other man. The enginedrivers have instructions to blow the whistle and proceed cautiously at crossings. The train was going at the rate of about seven miles an hour. The whistle was open from the time the engine started. 

Alexander Day, who was a passenger by the train, gave evidence as to the whistle sounding so shrilly that he could not hear his own voice. He thought the whistle was quite sufficient to warn anyone. 

Henry Guthrie, shipping agent, residing in Dunedin, deposed: I saw the deceased about 5 o'clock on the day of the accident, and he then seemed as if he had had a little liquor. He was talking to me, and I could detect, by his manner and the way he was speaking that he had had some drink. He could walk quite steadily. 

Thomas Butchart deposed: I am stationmaster at Dunedin. On Tuesday evening Moorhouse came and told me that there had been an accident at the Jetty street crossing. On arriving there I saw the train just beyond the crossing, and the body of the deceased lying between the rails, with the left leg over one of the rails. He was quite dead, and the body was taken to the Hospital. The whistling of the train was unusually long. A single line of rails goes over the Jetty street crossing. A man is stationed there when dray traffic is on, and his duty is to keep vehicles back when a train is passing. He was not there at the time of the accident, for he does not stay after half past 5. There is very little traffic after that time. Alterations have recently been made to the main line by the Public Works Department. There are no gates to the crossing. There were gates previously. I do not know whether it is intended to re-erect them. The permanent way is under the charge of the engineer. Hardly anyone crosses the line there after dark. 

Alexander Grant, general manager Dunedin section of railways, stated that the only protection used at the crossings, with one or two exceptions, was the whistle of the engine. Alterations have been made near the Jetty street crowing, and the fence and gate have been taken down. It is not intended to re-erect these, as they are considered unnecessary. Witness thought the whistle was a sufficient safeguard. 

This was all the evidence, and the Coroner asked the Jury to say whether the deceased met his death accidentally, or whether any blame was attached to any of the railway authorities. It seemed to him that every precaution had been taken. 

A verdict was returned to the effect that the deceased met his death accidentally. The Jury considered that no blame was attachable to the railway authorities.  -Otago Witness, 17/9/1879.

William Cunningham lies in Dunedin's Northern Cemetery.

7/1328 Trooper Robert Vernon Armstrong, (5/12/1882-12/12/1915). "his splendid good nature"

Personal — Trooper Vernon Armstrong, son of Mr G. Armstrong, Akaroa, is at home on his final leave. He goes into the sixth Mounted Reinforcements. Trooper Armstrong has been in the Hospital with influenza, and speaks very highly of the way in which he was looked after while in the hospital. He is excellent health now.  -Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, 23/7/1915.

PENINSULA ROLL OF HONOUR.

TROOPER R. V. ARMSTRONG.

Mr Geo. Armstrong, of Akaroa, received word on Tuesday evening that his Bon, Trooper Vernon Arm strong, who left with the Sixth Reinforcements, is dangerously ill with enteric at St John's Hospital, Malta. Both Mr Massey and the Hon. Jas. Allen telegraphed Mr Armstrong expressing a hope for his speedy recovery.  -Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, 10/12/1915.

PENINSULA ROLL OF HONOUR.

TROOPER ROBERT VERNON ARMSTRONG

On Tuesday last, Mr Geo. Armstrong, the Mayor of Akaroa received word that his son, Trooper Vernon Armstrong who left with the 6th Reinforcements had died of enteric at Malta. A previous cable stated that he was progressing, and it was hoped he was on his recovery. The news came as a great shock to all, as Trooper Armstrong was a well known, and very much liked boy in Akaroa and the Peninsula. Trooper Armstrong went straight to Gallipoli upon reaching Egypt, and evidently was on the Peninsula for six weeks or two months. His brother Lincoln is still in Egypt. 

Trooper Vern Armstrong was 25 years of age, and was the fifth son of Mr Armstrong. He lived at Akaroa most of his life, and was for some months with his brother George at Hamilton prior to his enlisting. He left for the front in perfect health. He was a keen footballer, and for a number of years was one of the best forwards in the Akaroa team. He also took a keen interest in rowing, cricket, and sport. His splendid good nature won him many friends, and the news of his death was received with the sincerest regret by a very large portion of the community. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Peter's Anglican Church, Akaroa, on Sunday evening, when the members of the Oddfellows' Lodge Akaroa, of which Trooper Armstrong was a member, the Akaroa Borough Council and members of the local sports clubs will attend. The Rev. A. H. Julius will conduct the service.  -Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, 18/12/1915.

Robert Armstrong lies in the Pieta Military Cemetery, Malta.

Robert Ingram Stewart, (1886-9/1/1907). "could not help it"

SUICIDE AT SOUTH DUNEDIN.

A man named Robert Ingram Stewart, aged twenty-one, residing with his parents at 75 Oxford street, South Dunedin, committed suicide at his home some time late last night or early this morning. He was last seen alive about eleven o'clock last night, when he was with his brother in the kitchen. Early this morning his body was discovered lying on its back in the yard, fully dressed, with a bullet wound above the right ear and a loaded sixchambered revolver, one chamber discharged, lying between his legs. Deceased had been employed as a striker at Reid and Gray's foundry until three months ago, since when he had been out of work. He suffered from severe mental depression, and had been under the treatment of Dr Macpherson for about a year. Deceased left a letter to his parents and members of the family in which he said: "Extremely sorry, but could not help it. Was overcome with depression. You have done all you can for me." An inquest on the body is proceeding as we go to press.  -Evening Star, 9/1/1907.

INQUEST.

An inquest was conducted yesterday afternoon, by the coroner (Mr C. C. Graham, S.M.) on the body of Robert Ingram Stewart, who shot himself the night previous at his parents' residence, 75 Oxford street, South Dunedin. 

Dr McPherson deposed that he had been attending deceased for some time for mental depression, and he was not surprised at what had happened, as deceased was in a fair way to becoming a melancholic. Deceased complained that he was unable to take any interest in his work or anything else. On his advice deceased went into the country for a change in October last, returning after three weeks. In November he attended deceased for an attack of influenza, which aggravated the depression. He would not go so far as to say that he thought deceased was of unsound mind at the time of death. 

Henry Manning Stewart, deceased's father, said deceased had left his employment on account of the state of his health, Though physically strong, he suffered from great depression of spirits. He had once previously threatened to do away with himself just before going away to the country, showing his mother — who was advising him to look after himself — a revolver and saying that if she said any mere to him he would blow his brains out. Witness last saw deceased alive at about eight o'clock on Tuesday night, when he seemed in his usual condition. 

Charles Bradlaugh Stewart, brother of deceased, said that deceased and he usually occupied the same bed. Deceased had once previously said to him: "I think I can get to Australia, and if that doesn't cure me I think I will cure myself some other way." Witness construed that to mean that unless he got better he would do away with himself. Witness knew that deceased had a revolver, and on discovering that his brother suffered from a mental disorder advised him to throw it away. Deceased subsequently said he had done so. On Tuesday night witness left his brother in the kitchen at about 10.45, and went to bed, deceased stating that he wished to write to a friend in Central Otago. At about 4.30 next morning be discovered that his I brother had not come to bed. He found the light burning in the kitchen, and saw deceased's body in the yard outside. He informed his parents, and then notified the police. 

Constable Dark, stationed at South Dunedin, gave evidence as to the notification of the police and the examination of the body. He stated that Mr and Mrs Jenkins, neighbors of the Stewarts, heard a shot at 11.15 p-m. on Tuesday, but did not pay much attention to it.

The jury returned a verdict of suicide by shooting while in a temporary state of insanity produced by despondency.  -Evening Star, 10/1/1907.

Robert Stewart lies in Dunedin's Northern Cemetery.