233518 Private William Simcoe, (1897-12/10/1936). "badly gassed"

MR WILLIAM SIMCOE 

The death occurred at the Dunstan Hospital on Monday last of Mr William Simcoe, who had been a resident of Alexandra for the past 15 years. The deceased was born in London 39 years ago and enlisted in the army at the age of 16 years. He was badly gassed in the Great War. He came to New Zealand in an endeavour to regain his health. Mr Simcoe took an active interest in the sporting life of the town, particularly on the bowling green, where he had been one of the club’s best players for a number of years, and acted as "skip" in the various competitions. He was also the club’s greenkeeper, and acted as referee for the Hockey Club and as marker for the Miniature Rifle Club. Mr Simcoe was an active member of the Alexandra Volunteer Fire Brigade, having received his early training in fire-fighting as a member of the London Fire Brigade. The funeral took place at Alexandra on Wednesday. The members of the Fire Brigade and Returned Soldiers’ Association attended, and the coffin was borne to the Alexandra Cemetery on the fire engine. The service at the church and graveside were carried out by the Rev. W. J. Bevis. The “Last Post” was sounded at the graveside by Bandmaster W. Bringans.  -Otago Daily Times, 17/10/1936.

Alexandra Cemetery.

Soo Moo Woon, (1858-18/5/1921). "the car overturned"

Soo Moo Woon is described as "a chinaman." It is likely that he came to Otago to mine gold, one of the many Chinese men who came to support their families and villages.  Many of them never saw home or family again.

The failure of the breaks was responsible for an unfortunate car accident near Alexandra on Wednesday last. Shortly after leaving on the journey to Roxburgh the mail motor car, driven by Mr D. Me Donald, and containing four passengers, turned turtle over a bank. A Chinaman who was underneath the car, was killed outright, while Mr McDonald and the passengers were all fortunate enough to escape serious injury.  -Dunstan Times 23/5/1921.

Soo Moo Woon was likely returning home from the town of Alexandra to his home on the orchard owned by Lye Bow.  It would have been a short ride but he did not complete it.

CORONER'S INQUEST.

DEATH BY ACCIDENT

The inquest attending the death of Sue Sue Woon, Chinaman, a victim in the recent accident to the Roxburgh motor mail coach, which capsized about half a mile out of Alexandra on Wednesday, 18th May. was held in the Alexandra court on Wednesday, 8th June, before Mr E. C. Levvey, S M. Coroner. 

The police was represented by Constable Murphy, and Mr W. A Bodkin appeared on behalf of Mr D. McDonald, driver. 

Evidence of identification was first submitted. S. Cameron, fruitgrower, Alexandra. He had seen the body of deceased and identified it as that of Sue Woon, Chinaman, who he had last seen the night previous. Deceased had been employed by Lye Bow, orchardist at Butchers Gully. He knew deceased for the past six months. 

Donald McDonald, mail contractor, Roxburgh and Alexandra. He used a Ford car for running the mail three days a week. On Wednesday, 18th he left Alexandra at 1.15 p.m., with four passengers— Mr Houghey, Nurse Hendry, Myrtle Weaver and the deceased Sue Woon. About half a mile from Alexandra when half way up a hill, the car stopped and started to run back immediately. I tried the breaks and found something wrong. He then ran the car into the side of the road where the car overturned right over. When the deceased was pulled out from under the car he was breathing but did not speak. Police and doctor were sent for, meantime rubbing of the body was resorted to, to try and restore consciousness. Police arrived in about 20 minutes and the doctor 10 minutes later. On examination the doctor declared the man to be dead. The body was then taken to Alexandra. 

To Constable Murphy: The car was running all right in his trip from Roxburgh that morning. He had no difficulty in climbing the hill on the other side of the bridge. He applied the breaks immediately but these would not hold. He had four brakes on the car. On car being taken to the garage and examined, it was found that the clutch spring was broken. He would have a load of about 1/2 cwt, over and above the passengers. 

To Mr Bodkin: The hand brake on a Ford brings the gear back to neutral. The only break of use under was the foot brake which was, because of the broken clutch spring, useless. 

To Coroner: He had ran this car about years. First time he had had trouble with the car. The car was overhauled about 4 months ago. He could not account for the engine stopping on the hill and the examination of car showed no cause. 

Nurse Hendry gave evidence detailing the accident along the lines already described. She could not see what part of the car was resting on the deceased. Doctor arrived about 20 minutes after the accident. 

To Constable Murphy: She saw the driver applying the brakes. The day was fine and the road dry. 

To Coroner: She did not hear any knocking or grating noise to indicate that the car was out of order. 

Dr A. E. Gladstone: He was called to an accident on Wednesday, May 18th. On arrival he found a Chinaman lying on his back. The man was dead. He (witness) felt the pulse and examined a small streak of blood near the right ear but found that the blood was not coming from the ear. A superficial examination was made later. Found undue mobility of the spine in region of the neck showing a fracture dislocation of the vertebrae, which would cause speedy death. This was the cause of the death. There were no other marks on the body. Messenger had no detail as to the nature of the accident. Not being suitably attired he (witness) went back into the house, put on his collar, tie and shoes and left within 5 minutes. He did not return to the dining room. Had to walk part of the way until met by the fruit lorry returning fat him. Nothing could have been done for the man who was in a moribund condition. 

On being granted leave to make a statement, the witness stated that a silly lie was being circulated to the effect that he had gone back and finished his luncheon before leaving for the scene of the accident. There was no foundation for such a rumour. He was not in the habit of taking notice of such canards but in this instance, the witness alleged that a person, a Justice of the Peace, had accepted the story and acted on it, as if true, without referring the matter to witness or messenger Joe Hesson. This person had approached his brother Justice, and consulted the Coroner's Act with a view of raising the matter at the inquest. When a Justice of the Peace takes steps of this kind it was about time for me to notice. 

The Coroner stated that the Doctor having left the house within 5 minutes of receiving the message, had acted as promptly as any reasonable person could desire. 

Constable Murphy gave evidence as to being called to the accident about 2 p.m. on Wednesday, 18th May. On arrival he rendered first aid to the deceased, the doctor arriving about 10 minutes later. No marks on body except slight abrasion on right side of cheek. He instructed Henry Hesson and Alexander Butler, motor mechanics, to examine the brakes and other parts of the car.

To Mr Bodkin: Knew the driver well for five years. A thoroughly steady, reliable and careful driver, strictly temperate.

Henry Hesson, proprietor motor garage, Alexandra. He examined the car belonging to Mr McDonald at garage. Found clutch spring support was broken, consequently putting all gears and brakes useless. Flange breaking off was the original cause of the engine stopping. Car was a Ford 1918 pattern. Found brakes in good order. In his opinion the Ford car was quite a safe car, even where passengers were carried. 

To Mr Bodkin: The driver did the only thing possible under the circumstances, namely to find the bank as soon as possible. 

Alex. H. Butler, motor carrier, Alexandra. He had assisted in righting the car and taking same to the garage. He was present at the examination of car the following day. Found clutch spring broken, probably by general wear. This would leave the gears and brakes useless. The brakes were all right and in his opinion the brakes on a Ford car were as good as those on any other car. The hand brake on any car was of little use in an emergency. The Ford car was quite a safe car for passengers. The Bennett brake was not good on a wet road.

To Mr Bodkin: He knew Mr McDonald well, as a safe and careful driver. The car capsized owing to one wheel going into a table-drain while the other was on the high ground. The verdict of the coroner was as follows: 

VERDICT. 

Sue Woon came to his death, died at Alexandra on 18th May, 1921, from fracture dislocation of the cervical vertibrae, which said fracture dislocation was caused by the said deceased being caught and crushed under a motor car driven by Donald McDonald, when the said car accidentally capsized at Alexandra on the 18th May, 1921.  -Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 15/6/1921.

Alexandra Cemetery.

David Leisk, (1851-21/6/1899). "suffering for years"

DEATH OF A PORT RESIDENT

[Special to the Star ] ALEXANDRA, June 21. 

Mr David Leisk, a late resident of Port Chalmers, died at Alexandra to-day. For twenty-two years he was in charge of the Union Company’s coal hulks at Port Chalmers, and came to Alexandra some six months ago for the benefit of his health. He succumbed to a severe attack of asthma and bronchitis, from which he had been suffering for years.  -Evening Star, 21/6/1899.

The flags at the U.S.S. Company's premises and of the workmen's reading rooms at Port Chalmers were half-masted yesterday, as a mark of respect for the late Mr David Leisk, a very old employee of the company, who died at Alexandra, where he had gone for the benefit of his health.  -Evening Star, 23/6/1899.

 DREDGING AND MINING

The Ngapara fellows are busy overhauling and seeing to the breakages which I believe are very numerous, such as the intake of the centrifugal pump and the blow off pipe from the boiler. This no doubt will cause a great delay. The Garrick also has had mishaps her steam pipe leading from the boiler burst owing to water being left in it. The Success got a start early on Saturday morning, and I believe everything went off without a hitch. This speaks volumes as regards her management. Mr Poppelwell having had a large experience in the dredging industry knew exactly what the frost would effect and therefore got it dismantled consequently she starts first and without a breakage. Mr David Leisk is engineer, late of the Union Coy’s boats and keeps her running well. I would advise other managers in future to follow Mr Poppelwells steps as breakages on the Nevis at this time of year, might delay a dredge the best part of the season as the carters do not get on the road till near Xmas.  -Cromwell Argus, 9/9/1899.

It seems strange that the Argus should be reporting on the activities of a dead man. I cannot account for it.

Alexandra Cemetery.

624 Private John Butler, (1873-27/8/1900). "provides his own horse"

Bald Hill Flat.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Mr John Butler, jun., Bald Hill Flat, has been accepted for the Otago and Southland Contingent, and provides his own horse and equipment.  -Tuapeka Times, 10/2/1900.

Mr John Butler received a wire from the Premier on Tuesday evening, to the effect that his son John was killed in action at Winberg, on the 27th August. He was one of the 3rd Contingent of Rough Riders, that left Canterbury on the Knight Templar under Major Jowsey. Mr Butler and family have the sympathy of the entire district in their sad bereavment. Mr Butler himself is progressing slowly. His is the second case within three months that has been compelled to go to Dunedin to get broken and dislocated bones attended to by Dunedin doctors.  -Dunstan Times, 7/9/1900.

John Butler left with New Zealand's 3rd Contingent and seems to have been in a unit named the Queenstown Rifle Volunteers, which is mentioned in an officer's memoirs of the time.

Our Head Quarters and A, F, G, H, and the Volunteer companies left Ventersburg Road station at six o'clock in the evening on the 25th of August by special train, arriving at Winburg a little after three o'clock; they detrained at once, and received orders to move at five o'clock with the Cameron Highlanders, the 39th Field Battery, and the 5th Mounted Infantry to relieve Colonel Ridley and the Queenstown Volunteers, about 120 men, who for three days had been surrounded at Helpmakaar Farm, some twelve miles to the north-east of Winburg. On arrival there it was found that the Boers, after summoning the garrison to surrender at seven o'clock that morning, had made off; so the force, together with the beleaguered garrison, returned to Winburg, arriving there about seven in the evening, and bivouacking to the east of the railway station.  - Two Years On Trek.  Lt. Col. Du Moulin.

John, therefore, was at Winburg when it was attacked by South African forces who were under the impression that most of the garrison had departed.  

"The Boers, it was ascertained, had tapped the telegraph wire, and intercepted an order to General Bruce Hamilton, to withdraw his troops to Ventersburg Road; so, when three trains containing Yeomanry, which had come in during the night of the 26th, steamed out again in the early morning of the 27th, the Boers mistook these for trains containing General Bruce Hamilton's force, and attacked the town, expecting it to be held by only the usual small garrison." - Two Years On Trek.  Lt. Col. Du Moulin.

Due to the British Army's greater numbers when attacked, casualties were light.  One was John Butler.

Alexandra Cemetery.

Catherine Butler, (1869-23/4/1899). "the long sad procession"

FATAL ACCIDENT.

(By Telegraph — Press Association.)

DUNEDIN, this day

A young woman named Catherine Butler was killed at Bald Hill Flat. She was driving with her sisters when some dogs rushed at the horse causing it to swerve off the road. The animal then commenced kicking and struck Miss Butler while sitting in the trap, killing her. The two sisters had a very narrow escape.  -Auckland Star, 25/4/1899.

DEATH OF MISS KATE BUTLER. 

It is our very painful duty to record a very sad and awfully sudden death which occurred through a buggy accident, at Bald Hill Flat, last Sunday afternoon. It appears that Miss Kate Butler and her two sisters (daughters of Mr John Butler, J.P., member of our County Council) were driving down the main road through the flat, and when passing Falconer's Speargrass Hotel, some dogs rushed out among the horse’s feet, barking and jumping. The horse, which was rather fiery, took fright and swerved right round past Falconer’s house towards the tailings, to which there is a somewhat steep descent. Going down here, one of the sisters was thrown clear of the buggy, but the deceased somehow got thrown against the wheel, which was revolving quickly at the time. In a short time she must have been unconscious; and when, a few minutes after, the buggy stopped and the horse went clear with the shafts, friends and neighbours hastened to extricate the body of the deceased from the wheels, it was found that life was all but extinct, and death followed in a few minutes thereafter. 

The sad and appalling sudden nature of the death of such a well known and much esteemed fine young girl gave a shock to the whole community, and deep sorrow was felt in every household and universal sympathy for the bereaved father, brothers and sisters. 

On Monday afternoon, at 4 p.m , an inquest was held before the deputy coroner Mr H. Symes, J.P., and a jury of six, the verdict being ‘accidental death.’ 

The funeral took place on Wednesday last, and the cortege was one of the longest we have ever seen for many a day in Alexandra, there being between 50 and 60 conveyances, besides horsemen and those on foot. A short halt was made at St. John’s Chapel, Alexandra, where the Rev. Father Hunt conducted a solemn and appropriate service in the presence of a large congregation. The long sad procession then resumed its way to the cemetery where the Rev. Father Hunt again conducted the solemn services for the dead, in the presence of a large gathering of people.  -Otago Daily Times, 28/4/1899.

Alexandra Cemetery.

Thomas Salter, (1839-13/5/1890). "premature decay"

 Sudden Death.

|By Telegraph. [united press association.] Dunedin. This Day. 

Thomas Salter has died suddenly at his residence in Anderson's Bay road. In December he arrived from Sydney, with his family. He was then in indifferent health, having been in a Lunatic Asylum before coming here. He had been ordered to take no spirits, but during his wife's absence from town Salter procured some rum. On her return he was found dead.  -Evening Post, 14/5/1890.

FUNERAL NOTICE. 

THE Friends of the late Mr Thomas Salter are invited to attend his Funeral, which will leave his late residence, Victoria terrace, Anderson's Bay road, for the Southern Cemetery, TO-MORROW (Thursday), the 10th inst., at 11 a.m. 

HUGH GOURLEY, Undertaker, Clarke and Maclaggan streets.  -Evening Star, 14/65/1890.

SUDDEN DEATH.

A death under circumstances which called for an inquest occurred at 4 Victoria terrace, Anderson Bay road, on Monday afternoon. It seems that in December last Thomas Salter, a man supposed to be well connected, arrived from Sydney with his wife, and, being in ill-health, has since been attended by Dr Teevan. Salter, who manifested peculiar symptoms at times, had been in a lunatic asylum before coming to this colony. It is stated that his medical attendant ordered that no spirits should be given him; but on the day in question it appears that Mr Salter went into town, accompanied by a man named Poole, who had been living in the house, leaving the deceased at home and some rum in the place. When they returned Salter, who had been drinking, was found to be dead.

THE INQUEST was held before Coroner Carew at Blaney's Hotel this afternoon. 

Sarah Jane Salter said that the body was that of her late husband, Thomas S. Salter. He was born in Sydney, and arrived here on December 11. He had been a coachsmith at Sydney, but was compelled to stop through failing sight. He was never able to retain his food after undergoing an operation. He had been in bad health. Deceased was very headstrong. He could not walk during the last three months without assistance. He had been given up by the doctors in New South Wales; his case was considered incurable. He had been in the asylum at Balmain, New South Wales, and remained there until the doctors said he was incurable. He was then taken home, where he remained about three months. They then came to New Zealand on account of witness's bad health. Deceased was about fifty-five years of age. He suffered from a serious complaint. The day before yesterday she left him and the children at a quarter past two, and returned about a quarter past four. She gave him some brandy before she went away, and he seemed in his usual state of health. Mr Poole gave him some liquor in the morning, and he had some liquor in the afternoon. He did not get much liquor — a bottle would last him a week. He refused his food on Sunday morning; that was the first occasion on which he had not taken his meals. When he died witness thought that he was sleeping, and said: "Here, wake up, and have some of this warm stuff." She was cooking some sausages, when Poole, who was staying in the house, returned with some rum. Mr Poole made a warm drink for deceased, and took it in, when it was seen that deceased was uncovered. She asked for assistance to fix the bed up, and as they attended to him he must have been dying — he had a warm perspiration on his forehead. [Left sitting.]  -Evening Star, 14/5/1890.

SUDDEN DEATH.

A resident of Anderson's Bay road named Thomas Salter, who has only been in the colony for about six months, died somewhat unexpectedly at his dwelling on Monday afternoon. He had been in ill-health for a considerable time, and had been an inmate of a lunatic asylum at Balmain, New South Wales.

INQUEST. 

An inquest on the body was held at Blaney's Caledonian Hotel yesterday afternoon before Mr Coroner Carew and a jury of six, of whom Mr Charles Fisher was chosen foreman. 

The following evidence was given: —

Sarah Jane Salter deposed that the body shown to the jury was that of her late husband. Thomas Salter. He was born in Sydney, and arrived here on the 11th of December Inst from that port. He was a coachsmith in Sydney, but gave up business about five years ago on account of failing sight. He underwent an operation in Sydney, since which he had never been able to retain his food. Since his arrival here deceased had been out for a drive, but was always anxious to get to bed again. The last three months he could not walk without, help. He had been in Balmain Public Asylum, Sydney, and had been sent home as incurable He was there about three months. Deceased came to New Zealand on account of witness' health. Deceased was about 55 years of age, and was seen first by Dr Martin, who was telephoned for on the last occasion, but owing to a misunderstanding he did not come, and the girl was thought to say through the telephone deceased was dead. He had been attended by Dr Teevan. On Monday morning deceased was the same as usual, and talked quite sensibly. Witness left the home at a quarter to 2 o'clock, and returned at a quarter-past 4 o'clock, leaving the servant in the house during her absence. The three children, the eldest of whom was nine years old, were also in the house with deceased. Witness gave deceased a drink of warm brandy before leaving, and he then appeared the same as usual. A Mr Poole gave deceased a little drop of brandy in the morning, but he had very little altogether. A bottle of brandy would last a week. He refused food on Monday morning, which was not unusual with him. He was not troubled with any pain. Witness thought deceased was asleep when she went to him on her return home. She said "Here's a warm drink for you," and on looking saw he was dead. On witness returning home she began attending to some cooking, and about three-quarters of an hour after this Mr Pool came in with a bottle of rum. A warm drink was made of this by Mr Poole, who took it into the room where deceased lay Mr Poole said, "Just come and look; he is all uncovered." Witness said, "Grace (meaning the servant), you had better come and help me make his bed. Witness caught hold of her husband, who she thought must have been then just dying, as he was quite warm and there was a warm perspiration on his forehead. Witness said to Mr Poole, "He's dead," and he replied, "Not he." When witness got hold of deceased's arm to give him the drink she knew what was the matter. Deceased had left no will. He had no property, but had been living on witness' means, which were derived partly from her father, now deceased, who had been in the 11th Regiment. There was no insurance on deceased's (witness' husband) life.

To the Police: Witness returned home before Mr Poole, who was engaged to be married to her sister. Mr Poole returned about a quarter-past 5 o'clock. Witness did not go into deceased's bedroom till Mr Poole came, as the girl had said she believed he was sleeping, as he was so quiet.

To the Coroner: Deceased was noisy at times. If there was anything in the room he would catch hold of it and break it. This, witness thought, was due to insanity. 

To a Juryman: The door of the bedroom was not kept looked, so deceased could have got up and gone out if he liked. He was given up by all the leading doctors in New South Wales.

Charles Poole, sworn, said he was not in employment at present, but was formerly a groom and coachman in Sydney. Witness came from that city with Mr and Mrs Salter to Dunedin, and had known deceased about three years. He had been living with Mr and Mrs Salter on and off about two years or two years and a-half. Witness had been out of employment nearly 12 months. Deceased's condition during that time was very changeable. One day he was fresh and well, and at another time the other way. He was not a hard drinker, as far as witness knew, though he was always very fond of a little drop of rum. Witness saw him on Monday morning, when he looked very bad; but witness had often seen him looking worse. Witness assisted to give him something to eat and drink. Witness offered him something to eat alone first, but he would not take it, and he got the girl to assist him to raise deceased, who was at times unable to raise himself in bed. Deceased took only one mouthful, and then refused to take any more. Witness did not notice what the food was, and could not say what it was. Deceased drank three or four mouthfuls of brandy. Witness again saw deceased about 1.30 or 2 o'clock when he was lying very quiet. Witness could not say if he was asleep or not. He did not speak to deceased. He appeared to witness to be comfortable at that time, and witness did not see him again alive. Witness went to town about 2 o'clock and returned about 5. Mrs Salter was then at home. Witness took a bottle of rum home with him for deceased, and as soon as he got in the house he made deceased a drop of hot rum. Witness asked them how the old man was, as he had been very noisy before this and very troublesome. The girl said he had been very quiet and had not spoken while witness was away. Witness went to the bedroom door, on opening which he saw the bedclothes were all pushed down. Witness called out, "What the h___ is the good of covering him up; he won't keep the clothes on him," naturally thinking that he was asleep. With that, Mrs Salter and the girl came and looked in the room. Witness had seen him in that position many times and thought he was asleep. Witness shook deceased by the arm and told him to to sit up and have a drop of hot rum. Mrs Salter felt deceased's leg and said, "He's dead." Witness said, "No he's not," and shook him again. He could then see that he was dead. He told them to send at once for the doctor who attended him last. It was about 5 o'clock that witness discovered that deceased was dead. Witness knew nothing about deceased's means, and would like to know why the doctor refused to give a certificate. 

Mr Carew: You are here as a witness. You must behave yourself.

Witness continued that on the Monday deceased just said "Charley," and on being asked if he was all right he said "Yes," after being asked two or three times. Deceased had relatives in Sydney. 

To the Police: Deceased very often had no spirits during the week, though he was fond of a little rum. Witness could not say how much spirits a week deceased had. The medical men, as far as witness knew, allowed deceased to have rum. Dr Martin himself gave him rum. The rum was taken home at deceased's request. Witness contradicted this afterwards, and said he took it for his benefit.

Grace Cairns stated that she had been in Mr Salter's employ for a month last Saturday, and knew them before that from being neighbours. During her time of service deceased had not been out of the house, because he would not get out of his bed. It would be between 8 and 9 o'clock when witness first saw deceased on Monday morning. He then seemed the same as on previous mornings. Witness heard him speak that morning, but not so freely as usual. He made no complaint and had a little breakfast, but witness could not say if she helped to give him it on that morning. She gave him his dinner. Mrs Salter left the house about a quarter to 2 o'clock, before which witness gave deceased his dinner. He took very little and left the rest. He fed himself, but never chewed it — swallowed it whole. Mr Poole gave deceased some brandy at the same time. Deceased took the cup in which it was and drank the contents. He was able to sit up for his dinner, but Mr Poole helped him to sit up for the brandy. Mr Poole also gave deceased brandy about 11 o'clock in the day. Mr Poole left the house about half-past 1 o'clock, before Mrs Salter. Deceased did not get brandy every day because the doctor said he was not to have it. Deceased craved a good deal for drink, but was always worse after taking it. Deceased's bedroom was left open when Mrs Salter left so that witness might go into the room if necessary, but she did not go in during Mrs Salter's absence. Mrs Salter came in at about a quarter to 4 o'clock, and Mr Poole about 5. Witness told Mrs Salter that deceased had been very quiet, and she (Mrs Salter) did not go into the bedroom, but started making sausages. Mr Poole came home, made the rum hot and took it into the bedroom. Witness thought they all went into the room, and Mrs Salter went up to him and said "Sit up," and putting her hand on him found he was dead. Mr Poole said in reply to her that he was not dead. Witness put her hand on deceased's forehead and thought he was dead. Mrs Salter went away for a doctor, but made a mistake in the name. Witness heard no noise whatever in the bedroom during Mrs Salter's absence in town. Witness thought deceased was kindly treated. Mrs Salter did all for him that she could do.

To the Police: Witness could not say how often deceased got spirits in the day. 

To a Juryman: Mr Poole was very kind to deceased, who was very fond of him. 

Dr Teevan deposed that he first saw deceased, a patient of Dr Martin's, on May 5. Witness found deceased in bed in a very emaciated condition, with bed sores on both hips, and unable to control his actions. The result of this was that the smell in the room was very offensive. He also appeared to be suffering from a form of insanity called dementia. Witness could get no reply from deceased, who kept calling out for rum. He was not capable of carrying out a conversation. Witness told his wife not to give him rum, and she said she had to do so in order to keep him quiet and prevent him disturbing the neighbours. Witness told her it was a case in which he could do nothing, and that it was no use spending her money. Witness called again on Wednesday, the 9th inst , to show Mrs Salter how to use a certain thing, and while doing this she said, "If I have to do that it's no use your showing me, because it's repulsive." Witness could sympathise with her in saying this, for it was even repulsive to him. She asked how long deceased would live, and witness replied he might not live six months and he might live some years. She said she hoped he would not live so long. — witness concluded on account of the repulsive nature of the case, which was very bad. Witness should say that deceased was a man who had been given to chronic alcoholism, though he was perfectly sober on both occasions he visited him. On Monday, the 12tb, about 9 o'clock, witness again saw deceased. He was lying on his right side, with the arms crossed over the chest and the legs bent, the left being on the right. The face was quite calm, as though he had died quietly. The body was cold, and life had been extinct probably about five or six hours. There were no signs of violence, and the bed sores, the treatment of which witness had explained to Mrs Salter, were very much improved. This showed that Mrs Salter had attended to deceased well during the past week. Witness was surprised to find deceased dead on the Monday. In cases of poisoning rigor mortis did not, witness believed, set in. If there had been foul play, he did believe there would have been rigor mortis. He saw no reason to suspect foul play. He told Mrs Salter that he would have to tell the police of the matter, and she said she was not afraid. She acted with perfect candour throughout. Witness believed the cause of death to be premature decay of the vital powers, due to chronic alcoholism, and also insanity. Witness told Mrs Salter it would be far better to send deceased to a lunatic asylum, and she said she would consider it. She said his age was 41, and witness expressed surprise at his not being older. Witness believed Mrs Salter looked after deceased to the best of her ability. Witness had never refused to give a death certificate.

Mr Carew said that was all the evidence. The main thing that struck him was that deceased seemed to have suffered from chronic alcoholism. He seemed to have been supplied with drink by someone in the house, and the reason given for that was that it was to prevent him making a noise and disturbing the neighbours. He thought Mrs Salter had made a mistake in not sending deceased to a lunatic asylum. Dr Teevan had said that Mrs Salter attended deceased as well as she could, and that he did not suspect foul play, The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony, that deceased's death was caused by premature decay, due to chronic alcoholism, and also insanity.  -Otago Witness, 15/5/1890.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin. DCC photo.

John Robert Becker, (1908-9/6/1928). "without a light"

CENTRAL OTAGO.

OPHIR NOTES.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) OPHIR, June 18. 

MOTOR ACCIDENT INQUEST. 

The adjourned inquiry in connection with the fatal motor collision at Poolburn Post Office on the evening of June 9 was held in the Ophir Courthouse last Friday, before Mr H. J. Dixon, S.M. Constable J. Wroblensky, stationed at Ophir, conducted the case tor the police, and Mr M. A. Bodkin, Alexandra, appeared for Mr Thomas Carruth, the owner of the motor truck, a converted Ford car. Mr Carruth made a very full and apparently frank statement, admitting that his truck was without a light, front or rear, and had no registered number. Lengthy evidence was given by Messrs L. Crawford (postmaster), Harold J. Young (carpenter), and James K. McIntosh (farmer), all of Poolburn. 

Constable Wroblensky, who reached the spot within an hour of the accident, gave full evidence concerning the position of the truck and various measurements made by himself. He stated that the deceased had no marks except a bruise on his left cheek, which had evidently come in contact with the end of the ladder. 

The coroner summed up the evidence, which showed that the deceased, John Robert Becker, was riding a motor cycle without a light; that a motor truck owned by Thomas Carruth was standing at the side of the road, also without a light, and carrying a ladder which projected from the rear somewhat into the roadway. There was ample room for the deceased to pass, but he struck the projecting ladder and was killed. He gave his verdict accordingly. 

The interment of the body of young Becker took place on June 12 in the Moa Creek Cemetery, where there are several graves of the Becker family. The funeral procession consisted of 60 motor cars from all parts of Ida Valley. The Rev. J. B. Kirk, Oturehua, conducted the services at the house and grave.  -Otago Daily Times, 21/6/1928.

Moa Creek Cemetery.