Samuel Skierra Horace Kirkland, (1887-12/4/1914). "I am at a loss to say"

Horace Kirkland, aged 27, a mining student, was found dead in bed at his mother's residence at Roslyn yesterday morning. He returned from Stewart's Island on Saturday apparently in the best of health and seemed all right late that evening.  -Bay of Plenty Times, 13/4/1914.

AN INQUEST 

PECULIAR CIRCUMSTANCES. 

(BY TELEGRAPH. PRESS ASSOCIATION.) DUNEDIN, This Day. 

Peculiar circumstances were revealed this morning at the inquest on Samuel Skierra Horace Kirkland, a mining student, found dead in bed on Sunday morning. The doctors who conducted the postmortem examination stated that the body was well nourished and well developed, muscular, all the internal organs and the brain were normal, and the medical men were at a loss to account for the cause of death. Particular attention was paid to the heart, from which it was supposed deceased had been suffering, but it was found to be quite normal, and all the valves were perfect. The suggestion was made that death might be due to poisoning, but the doctors said the examination had been most careful, and that there was nothing to indicate poisoning, adding, however, that the only test for that would be a chemical analysis of the contents of the stomach. 

At the request of the police, the inquest was adjourned sine die to allow a test to be made.  -Evening Post, 13/4/1914.

A MYSTERIOUS DEATH

DOCTORS PUZZLED

(PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) DUNEDIN, April 13,

The inquest on the body of Samuel Skierra Horace Kirkland, a mining student, who was found dead in his bed yesterday morning, was opened today, but the evidence failed to disclose the actual cause of death, and the enquiry was adjourned sine die, in order that a chemical analysis might be made.

Phillip Spence Bett, ironfounder, said he was a brother-in-law of deceased, who had recently been doing the practical work of his university course at a tin mine at Stewart Island. 

Mary Kirkland, a widow, said her son had of late years complained of heart trouble. A few years ago, owing to some trouble with a runaway horse, he was supposed to have strained his heart. He had been at Stewart Island since Christmas, and returned on Thursday. He appeared to be in fairly good health, and made no complaint, beyond remarking that he had had internal pains occasionally. On Saturday he seemed all right, and witness left him reading in the sitting-room at 10 p.m. Next morning she called him at about 8 o'clock, but he did not answer. Again calling, but getting no reply, she went into his room, and, seeing that something was wrong, telephoned for Dr. Church, who came at once, but on arrival pronounced life extinct. Death had taken place several hours previously. 

This morning Dr. Church made a post-mortem examination, Dr. Williams assisting.

Dr. Church said the body was wellnourished and well-developed, muscularly. Witness examined all the internal organs and brain, and, continued the doctor, "I am at a loss to account for the cause of death, all the organs being healthy, so far as we could judge. We paid particular attention to the heart, but found it quite normal, and all the valves perfect. There was nothing at all suspicious in what we found, but what was really the cause of death I am at a loss to say." 

The Coroner remarked that it was a strange case. The suggestion that death might be due to poisoning was made, but the doctor said the examination had been most carefully made, and there was nothing to indicate poisoning. He added, however, that the only test for that would be a chemical analysis of the contents of the stomach. The Coroner pointed out that it was for the police to say whether tests should be made.

Sergeant Matthews: I think it would be advisable. 

The Coroner: The doctor is satisfied that death was due to natural causes. 

Sergeant Matthews: Yes, but what was the actual cause? 

Dr. Church: That is the point. A healthy young man dies suddenly in his bed. I cannot put my finger on any part and say that death was the result of disease of that organ. 

The Coroner adjourned the inquest sine die, in order to allow of a chemical analysis of the contents of the stomach to be made by the Government Analyst. 

During the enquiry it was stated that deceased hail not slept in an ordinary bedroom, but had retired to a back room where his books were kept, evidently with the view of studying, as he was preparing for an examination.  -Press, 14/4/1914.

DEATH FROM ANGINA PECTORIS.

DUNEDIN, April 22. 

The adjourned inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Samuel Skierra Horace Kirkland, aged 27 years, who was found dead in bed on the morning of April 12, was held to-day. At the inquest Dr. Church was unable to assign the cause of death, and it was decided to have the contents of the deceased's stomach analysed. 

The report of the Public Analyst (Dr. Napier) was to the effect that the examination disclosed no evidence of organic or inorganic poison. 

Dr. Church said that, after careful consideration of the analyst's report and the study of .similar cases, he was forced to the conclusion that the cause of death must have been angina pectoris. 

The Coroner, (Mr C. C. Graham) returned a verdict in accordance with the medical finding, and mentioned that there had been no suspicion about the case at all.  -Ashburton Guardian, 23/4/1914.

Albert, Frederick and James Williams. "dearly beloved sons"

32771 Private James Andrew Brown Williams, 29/12/1894-1/10/1917.

James Williams was working for the NZ Railways - as did his father - when he joined the Otago Infantry Regiment in July, 1916.  

FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE. 

DEATH. 

WILLIAMS — Between the 12th and 20th October, 1917, killed while in action "Somewhere in France," Private James Andrew Brown Williams (N.Z. Railways), 19th Reinforcements, dearly beloved youngest son of Mr and Mrs H. B. Williams, 59 Harbour terrace, Dunedin; aged 22 years. Deeply mourned. 

Nobly fighting nobly fell.  -Otago Daily Times, 30/11/1917.

58946 Private Albert Edwin Brown Williams, 19/4/1886-25/8/1918.

WILLIAMS. — In loving memory of Private Albert Edwin Brown Williams, twin son of Mr and Mrs H. B. Williams, Harbor terrace, Dunedin, who was killed in action, August 25th, 1918. 

One year has passed, our hearts are sore; 

As time goes on we miss him more — 

His loving smile, his welcome face. 

There's none can fill our dear Albert's place. 

— Inserted by his loving parents, sisters, and brothers.   -Evening Star, 25/8/1919.

73760 Private Frederick Walter Brown Williams, 3/9/1888-4/9/1918.

THE BROTHERS WILLIAMS. 

The casualty list published to-day includes the names of two well-known and highly respected Dunedin lads, one of whom, Private Albert Edwin Brown Williams, was killed on August 25, while in action in France; while his brother, Gunner Frederick Walter Brown Williams, died of sickness on September 4. The two lads were sons of Mr and Mrs J. A. Williams, of 59 Harbour Terrace. Albert, who was married, and 33 years of age, left New Zealand with the 29th Reinforcements. “Freddy,” as he was more popularly known amongst his comrades, was a very prominent rugby player in this City, playing five-eighth for the Alhambra Club. He represented Otago on 15 occasions in the seasons 1910 to 1913. He was looked upon as a very heady little player, but was unfortunate in being knocked out on many occasions. The sympathy of a wide circle of friends is extended to the parents in their bereavement.  -Evening Star, 18/9/1918.

FOR KING AND COUNTRY. 

IN MEMORIAM.

WILLIAMS. — In fond and loving memory of Albert Edwin Brown Williams, killed in action on August 25th, 1918; also Frederick Walter Brown Williams, on September the 3rd, 1918, and James Andrew Brown Williams, dearly beloved sons of Jane Williams and the late Henry Brown Williams, 83 Harbour terrace, Dunedin.

"So loved, so mourned.” 

— Inserted by their loving mother, brothers, and sisters.  -Evening Star, 25/8/1928.

Northern Cemetery, Dunedin.

James Archibald Sligo, (1862-15/10/1922). "early on the Nenthorn field"

NB: The reference to Australian First Nations people is a reflection of the era in which the following story was written.

OBITUARY.

MR JAMES A. SLIGO. 

Mr James Archibald Sligo, a partner in the well-known firm of Messrs Sligo Bros., sharebrokers, died at 7 p.m. yesterday. The deceased had boon in failing health for some time past, but refused to lay up until 10 days ago. Mr Sligo was closely associated with mining in the South Island over a long period of years. Born in Ballarat, Victoria, his boyhood was passed on his father’s farm at Mount Bealibo. In 1879 his parents sold out, and came on to Dunedin. Mr James Sligo was attracted to Macetown, and took a position under Mr David Watt, who was then manager of the Maryborough crushing plant. In the course of time he secured interests in several of the reefs in the district, and he and his partner owned a controlling interest in the Old Golden Hind mine. Later he spent a good deal of time prospecting in various parts of the Wakatipu and on the Old Man Range. He was early on the Nenthorn field, and became interested in several of the mines, and owned the last public crushing plant that worked there. When Coolgardie was booming he and his mate crossed over to Perth, and there secured a team and provisions and started into the interior to locate a younger brother, who, with a party, was prospecting somewhere “out beyond.” After a strenuous journey he found his brother and party time 150 miles north-east of Coolgardie, at a place called Mount Margaret. They discovered several promising lodes, one of which dollied from £20 to £30 value per ton. A larger capital than they could command was necessary to develop the lodes to advantage, and they decided to accept an offer from a strong syndicate for the purchase of their interests in several lodes. Deceased and his brother decided to return to New Zealand, and some time later entered into business here. He had many thrilling experiences while travelling through practically unknown tracts of bush in Western Australia. The blacks at this time were fairly troublesome, and a good deal of caution had to be exercised. From his boyhood onward Mr Sligo had a great love for horses, and was never without several. He bred and owned some fast trotters, and as an official of the Forbury Park Club worked assiduously to popularise the sport and conserve its best traditions.  -Otago Daily Times, 16/10/1922.

Northern Cemetery, Dunedin.

Samuel Brown Stevenson, (1869-2/8/1907). "terribly sudden"

FATAL FALL DOWN A LIFT.

[United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, Friday. 

Shortly before 10 o'clock this morning a man named Samuel Stevenson, employed by the contractors for putting an additional story to Sargood, Sons, and Ewen's warehouse, fell down the well of the lift used by the builders and died in a few minutes. His skull was broken, and one of his arms. Deceased was a single man, aged about 35.  -Nelson Evening Mail, 2/8/1907.

In connection with the death of Samuel Stevenson through a lift accident, at Wellington, the Post says: — An eye-witness of the accident states that the unfortunate man fell outside the building all the way — a clear drop, head foremost. He uttered no sound as he descended, and from the impact on the ground it seemed as if every bone in his body must be crushed. Though evidently alive, he appeared to be unable to speak, and he was carried into the warehouse. The beholder found it a nerve-trying spectacle, and the duration of the fall seemed appalling. He has no idea how deceased lost his foothold.  -Fielding Star, 3/8/1907.

THE WELLINGTON FATALITY.

The contractors believe that the unfortunate man, Samuel Stevenson, who met a terribly sudden death in Wellington yesterday must have walked backward, unconscious of his danger, and toppled down the lift-well. As he fell he evidently struck the lift, which was on its way down, and was jerked outwards. The deceased, who was a single man, entered Messrs Campbell and Burkes employ at Masterton about three years ago, and was regarded by them as one of their best labourers. He was sober and industrious and popular with his mates. It is understood that he has a brother living at Lumsden and a sister at Palmerston North.  -Wairarapa Daily Times, 3/8/1907.

A FATAL FALL.

THE DEATH OF SAMUEL STEVENSON. 

CORONER'S INQUEST.

An inquest was held on Saturday afternoon, before Mr. James Ashcroft, district coroner, as to the manner in which Samuel B. Stevenson came by his death on Friday morning last. 

Sergeant Phair represented the police, and Mr. R. A. Boland, inspector of scaffolding, was present on behalf of the labour department. Mr. Blair represented Messrs. Campbell and Burke, contractors, whose contract it was to erect the building for Sargood, Son and Ewen, at which work was in, progress when deceased sustained the injuries which caused his death.

THE BUILDING. 

Daniel Burke, contractor, gave evidence that there was a scaffold, with railing, all round the place on which deceased worked. The railing was about four foot high from the spot on which deceased stood. The spot was about 60 feet from the ground. Witness's opinion was that deceased must have fallen down the well of the lift. So far as witness could ascertain no one saw deceased fall. The particular work he was engaged on at the time of the accident had been going on for about two weeks, and deceased had made no complaints about its nature or anything else connected with it. He could not tell how he came to fall. His work consisted in taking the barrows of cement off the lift and putting the empty barrows in their place. He had been working for the firm, without accident, for over two years. He was a sober man.

To Sergeant Phair: Just after the accident witness saw the lift. It was 5ft 6in from the top of the building. Under ordinary circumstances there would be a barrow on it, but there was none at this juncture. There was a barrow on the roof of the building. 

To Mr. Blair: There was a space of about 8 inches between the edge of the lift and the staging. It was left so that the handles of the barrows could be kept clear of the staging. To blow the whistle which gave the signal for setting the lift in motion it was essential for the blower to stand clear of the lift. He could not get to the whistle otherwise. If Stevenson had fallen outside of the rail of the scaffold it would have been impossible for him to hit the lift, and it was considered probable that he did hit the barrow and the lift as he fell, knocking the barrow off the lift on to the roof of a lower story. The winchman heard a scream and he stopped the lift immediately. The fact of the barrow being off the platform indicated that deceased must have struck the lift, and therefore it was quite clear he must have fallen inwards; he could not have struck the lift had he fallen outside of the scaffold rail. 

A QUESTION OF WAGES. 

To Mr. F. J. Lyons (representing the Building Trades Labourers' Union), witness said it was not possible for a man to accidentally slip through a space of eight inches that existed between two of the planks. (The foreman interjected that the man would involuntarily spread out his arms and save himself). The secretary wanted to examine the witness as to whether the wages of 35s per weak which witness paid to the winchman was not below the Arbitration Court's provision as to rate of wages, but the coroner refused to allow this line to be proceeded with, holding that an inquest was no place for a labour inquiry. Mr. Lyons expressed regret at the decision, saying he desired to establish whether or not the firm had employed competent men for the job. These young men of 22 years or so were in the habit of leaving their lifts at times to assist at other duties. 

The coroner replied that the time to do that was when the winchman gave evidence.

THE WINCHMAN'S EVIDENCE. 

Charles Arthur Menins gave evidence that he heard a cry and immediately stopped the lift. He saw deceased falling from above, with his hands and legs spread out. He discovered afterwards that the lift had got down five or six feat before he stopped it. 

The Coroner: Can you suggest any likely cause of the accident? 

Witness: I have known him to shift the barrow, a bit after he blew the whistle for the lift to start. That would put him in danger, for it was possible for the shifting of the lift to pull him over the scaffold. 

The foreman of the jury: If he shifted the barrow after he blew the whistle he was courting danger? — Yes. 

And yet Mr. Burke says he was a careful man? — Yes. 

The Coroner: But he had no need to do it? — No. 

To Mr. Lyons: Witness heard the whistle distinctly before he started the lift. He had been working for the firm for eighteen months. If the barrow was put over too far on the lift it was possible for it to fall off the lift. He believed that had occurred on the buildings once.

To the Foreman: He did not see deceased stoop on this occasion to touch the barrow after the lift started, but he was not looking at him. The whistle was sounded by deceased, and that meant all clear. 

To Mr. Bolland: The whistle had quite a distinct sound from any other. He could not mistake a tram whistle for it. 

Professional evidence was given by Dr. Henry, who said the man was dead when witness saw him. It would be impossible in the circumstances to diagnose whether the fall was preceded by a fit of any kind

OTHER WITNESSES. 

Richard Alfred Bolland, inspector of scaffolding for the Labour Department. said he inspected the lift and its adjuncts both before and since the accident. He could see nothing wrong, and | generally speaking he considered the appliances complete and proper. He did not consider the space left between the planks (to which reference had already been made) an element of danger, except in so far as there was danger in any opening at a great height from the ground. From all he could gather the man must have struck the barrow on the lift after it was stopped. 

A fellow workman named Michael Murphy deposed that the winchman was a competent man. In witness's opinion deceased must have stepped off the platform in a moment of absent | mindedness. As regarded appliances and safety, ho considered Campbell and Burke's was the best firm he had ever worked for. All the men on the works were agreed that no blame was attachable to anyone. 

The foreman of the works (Arthur Cox) gave evidence that he was sure the winchman had done his duty. He thought that, after whistling, the deceased had stepped back into the liftwell after the lift had fallen a few feet in response to his signal, and that he knocked the barrow off in his fall. 

The jury expressed its belief that the cause of death was purely accidental, but that there was not sufficient evidence to show specifically how the fall was occasioned.  -Evening Post, 5/8/1907.

Northern Cemetery, Dunedin.

Theodore James King, (1908-6/8/1933). "a devoted son"

TRAMPER KILLED.

FALL OVER CLIFF.

ACCIDENT ON WEST COAST.

COMPANION REACHES BODY.

(By Telegraph. — Own Correspondent.)

TE KUITI, this day.

A young man named Theodore James King fell over a cliff while hiking yesterday afternoon and was killed. He was employed by the Auckland Education Board as a teacher at Kiritehere, and was out tramping with a fellow teacher named Ryan.

While exploring the rugged coastline between Tirau Point and Nukuhakere, on the sea coast north of Taranaki, Mr. King lost his balance and fell to the beach below.

With great difficulty Mr. Ryan descended the steep face of the cliff and removed the lifeless body from the reach of the incoming tide.

A party of settlers from Marokopa has left to bring the body to Te Kuiti, and is expected to arrive later in the day. An inquest will be held.

Mr. King was a single man, aged 26 years. His mother resides at Maori Hill, Dunedin. He was most popular in the West Coast settlement. He was a member of the Te Kuiti Harriers' Club.  -Auckland Star, 7/8/1933.

TRAGIC FALL OVER CLIFF

DEATH OF YOUNG TEACHER 

OUT TRAMPING WITH FRIEND 

ACCIDENT ON COAST NEAR KAWHIA 

Falling over a sharp cliff on the coast near Marakopa on Sunday, Theodore James King met his death. He was a young teacher at Moeatoa School and the tragedy occurred while he was on a tramping trip with a friend, Mr. Ryan, a teacher at the neighbouring school at Keretihere.

It appears that while they were walking along the seacoast Mr. King fell over a sharp cliff between Tirau Point and Nukuhakere. Mr. Ryan lowered himself down the cliff to the bottom, where he found Mr. King, whom he believed to be unconscious. He drew him up to a point at which he considered the sea would not reach, him, and then went for assistance.

He had to travel some distance, and when he returned with helpers they found that the tide had made so much that they were unable to reach the spot where Mr. King had been left. The party could therefore only wait until the tide receded sufficiently. They recovered the body early yesterday morning and took it to Kawhia, where an inquest will be held.

Mr. King, a native of Dunedin, was a pupil teacher at the Maori Hill School, and an Otago University student before coming to the Taranaki district. He was about 25 years of age, and was considered a very promising teacher.  -Taranaki Daily News, 8/8/1933.

BODY RECOVERED

TRAMPER'S DEATH.

COMPANION'S EXPERIENCE.

INQUEST ADJOURNED.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

TE KUITI, Tuesday.  

The inquest into the death of Theodore James King, the young schoolmaster who fell from a steep cliff on the West Coast at Nukuhakere, was opened before Mr. Percy Rose, coroner. After the formal identification of the body and hearing of the medical evidence, the inquiry was adjourned pending the recovery of deceased's companion, Mr. G. P. Ryan, who is suffering from shock and exhaustion.

After scaling the precipice, following the recovery of the body of his companion, Mr. Ryan fought his way. through dense bush and undergrowth to the homestead of Newton King's sheep and cattle station, where he arrived after dark, thoroughly exhausted and cut and scratched. Mr. Howard, the station manager, immediately organised a party, which reached the vicinity of the fatality at midnight, but was forced to wait for daylight before attempting to bring the body up the face of the cliff. Transport along the beach for miles between Kiritehere and Nukuhakere is blocked by broken rocky cliffs, against which a rough surf breaks unceasingly. The only possible way out was by the same track the two companions had traversed in bright spirits a few hours previously. At 5 a.m. the journey over Moeatoa Mountain was commenced. It was a herculean task. With stretcher almost perpendicular for hours, the party bore the body up the mountain side winding through the bush, rising to an altitude of 800ft in 20 chains. The journey of five miles to Mr. Loundy's sheep station at Kiritehere occupied eight hours. This was the point from which the trampers had set out on Sunday morning after spending the night with Mr Loundy and family.

A large number of young people assembled at the Methodist Church this evening, when a memorial service was held. The Rev. B. Hames, B.A., a leader in the youth movement, spoke of the self-sacrificing devotion of deceased, who was a vice-president of the New Zealand Youth Movement.  -Auckland Star, 9/8/1933.

Memorial Service. 

An impressive memorial service to the late Theodore James King, who met with a tragic death by falling over a cliff at Nukuhakere on Sunday, was held in the Methodist Church on Tuesday. A very impressive address was delivered to a large gathering by Rev. Bernard Hames, who came to Te Kuiti to attend the services. The deceased was vice-president or the Youth Movement in New Zealand and was well and popularly known.  -Waikato Times, 9/8/1933.

 Mr. Theodore James King, the young schoolmaster who met an untimely end in a hiking accident near Te Kuiti this week, was well known in Dunedin athletic circles, being for three years champion and holder of the Otago University three-milerecord (telegraphs "The Post's" Dunedin correspondent). He also had several meritorious performances in Otago cross-country championships to his credit, and represented three clubs in all.  -Evening Post, 11/8/1933.

FUNERAL NOTICE.

THE Friends of Mr and Mrs E. J. King (and family) are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral of their late son, Theodore James, which will leave their residence, 346 Highgate, Maori Hill, TO-MORROW (Saturday), the 12th inst., at 2.30 p.m., for the Northern Cemetery. 

R. McLEAN AND SON, Undertakers.  -Evening Star, 11/8/1933.

THEODORE JAMES KING

AN APPRECIATION 

By E. E. B. 

The passing of a young man in his early twenties calls forth usually a feeling of pity for the non-completion of work aspired to, for the non-realisation of hopes and ambitions, for the nonattainment of specific aims and ideals. To those who knew him, the tragic passing of Theodore King meant more than that. It meant the severance from this world of one who had already made his mark, one who had by his life inspired others to nobler and better service. We knew him in four spheres — in the physical, where as fellow-harriers we sought together the perfection of the body; in the mental and intellectual, where as students we were seekers after knowledge and truth; in the social, where his popularity attested to his personality; above all, in the spiritual, where his experiences and example provided for us an inspiration and a joy. 

As a student, he followed the dictates of science, in which realm he caught the true spirit of. science, the search for truth, the ultimate reality, as revealed in the material wonders of the universe. As a young scientist he could not be expected to find what scientists after years of patient search had only succeeded in attaining; but as a young scientist he did grasp the ideals and the idealism of those more experienced searchers. Never did he appear to doubt that the best things in life are above the material plane. Thus he was building up for himself a philosophy of life which, though based on experiences from the sphere of science, contained the better elements of idealism.

Our spiritual experiences together are among my treasured memories. Whilst at the Training College he identified himself with the Student Christian Movement, in which he was honoured in election to the presidency. During his term of office, the movement was a “live" and active branch of college activities, and many will look back on those years of spiritual refreshment inspired by the president's zeal and courage. That courage was required is obvious when it is stated that this band was active in a community of young people whose main diversion from study was pleasure. 

A young man, commencing his life's work, that of the teaching of the young, inspired by lofty ideals and by cherished hopes, he was contributing to the community the same hopes and ideals, and his work was furthered by his zeal to give of his best. In him the world has lost one of that comparatively small band who distinguish themselves finally by results achieved after long, patient and exhaustive effort. The sphere of science has lost a seeker who was not content until the final solution of the problem had been made; and, further, it has lost one who, in his seekings and searchings, would have contributed much to the philosophy of the universe, blending as he did science with the ideal. The teaching profession has lost one who had already made rapid progress, who inspired confidence and ambition in his pupils, and who was ever a ready and sympathetic helper to his confreres. 

But it is as a friend that he will most greatly be missed. Appreciating as he did the truest and best qualities, and having himself qualities which make for true friendship, he endeared himself to all those who knew him. I shall ever cherish those experiences, physical, social, mental and spiritual, which I have shared with him, and I mourn with others who had shared with him similar experiences in any sphere. Above all, we feel for his parents, who have lost a devoted son, a son of whom they were justly proud.  -Otago Daily Times, 11/8/1933.

Northern Cemetery, Dunedin.

15143 Private John Walter Lyall Coombs, (-9/6/1917). "the world's need"

DEATHS

FOR KING AND COUNTRY

 COOMBS. — On June 9th (died of wounds somewhere in France), John Walter Lyall, dearly beloved son of George and the late Eliza Coombs, 679 Castle street. 

“Greater love bath no man than this: that a man lay down his life for his friends.”  -Evening Star, 23/6/1917.

PRIVATE JOHN WALTER L. COOMBS 

Another Dunedin lad who has given his all for country is Private John Walter Coombs, only son of George and the late Mrs E. Coombs, No. 679 Castle st, Dunedin. A cablegram received by Mr Coombs last week stated that his son had died of wounds received while in action in France on June 9. The deceased soldier was born in Dunedin, and and was 33 years of age. He was educated at the George Street School, and after leaving school entered his father’s employ as a builder and contractor. He took a very prominent part in all kinds of sport, being a very keen angler and an enthusiastic footballer. He enlisted in Dunedin in the Otago Infantry with the 15th Reinforcements left New Zealand in July 1916 and after remaining with the New Zealand troops at Sling Camp in England for some weeks, went to France. He was subsequently in hospital for some time suffering from trench fever, and later with an injured ankle. Letters' received by his father recently showed that he was in the best of spirits. The deceased was a particularly bright young man, being of a very jovial disposition, and very popular with his mates. He was a good musician, and was a strong supporter of the Salvation Army and and Methodist churches.  -Evening Star, 23/6/1917.

FOR KING AND COUNTRY.

IN MEMORIAM.

COOMBS — In loving memory of Private John Walter Lyall Coombs, 15th Reinforcements, who died of wounds received at Messines, June 9th, 1917. Remembrance. Inserted by his loving father and family.  -Evening Star, 9/6/1922.

FOR THE EMPIRE’S CAUSE. 

IN UEMOKIAM. 

COOMBS. — In loving memory of our only brother, John Walter Lyall Coombs, 15th Reinforcement, who died of wounds received at Messines, June 9, 1917. 

He laid down his life in a great and noble cause. He died not only for his King and country, but for civilisation and humanity, in the hour of the world’s need. Death is but the passage Home. We will meet again in the morning.   -Otago Daily Times, 9/6/1926.

Northern Cemetery, Dunedin.

5/161 Driver George Mervyn Daniels, (26/6/1875-24/5/1918). "in a better land"

A MAN STABBED.

JOHN MORRA ARRESTED. 

THE WOUNDED MAN'S EVIDENCE. 

George Mervyn Daniels, a carter, single, and aged thirty-three years, was stabbed in the chest on Saturday afternoon at Gibbie's fish stable, in Lower Stuart street. His alleged, assailant was John Morra, and the weapon used was an ordinary tobacco knife with a blade about 2in long. This penetrated the cavity of the chest, and the man's condition was so serious that it was resolved to hold court at the hospital to record his evidence. He was easier yesterday, however, and continued so to-day. 

Morra is a Chilian, who has lived here for some years. He was arrested by Constable Rasmussen, and stated that Daniels had struck him and knocked him down, and that he had cut Daniels with the knife, not intending to do so. 

Before Mr Kenrich; S.M., Sub-inspector Norwood, Constables Rasmussen and Butler, and the accused, the wounded man gave the following evidence on Saturday: — "I am a carter, residing at 23 Howard street, Dunedin. I have known the accused to speak to for about two years. I have always been on friendly terms with him. I met him at 12.15 p.m. to-day (December 19, 1908) in the back yard of Gibbs and Co.'s. fish stable, in Lower Stuart street. I came out of the stable after putting the horse in. I saw accused come into the yard, and I spoke to him. I said: 'Jimmy, you only gave me 3s instead of 3s 6d.' Accused called me a — — and a — —. I said: 'Don't you use them words to me.' Accused used more words of a similar class. I said: 'If you use them words to me you will get into harm,' or words to that effect. There was some more words said, but I can't remember what they were. Accused then stooped down and picked up a piece of stick about 2iin wide and about 1in thick. He struck at me, and the blow grazed my face and landed on my shoulder. I then struck accused with my fist. He again hit me with the stick on the shoulder, and I then struck him on the chin with my fist, knocking him down. I left him, and went into the stable to attend to my horse. Accused came into tie stable after me with a knife. He had it in one hand, I can't say which. As he came in the door he appeared to take the, knife out of one of his pockets." Witness identified the knife produced as similar, to the one accused used. He continued: "Accused made a rush at me and struck me in the breast with the knife. I felt it pierce me, and I caught him by the wrist and tried to take the knife from him. . . . We both struggled, and I called out for assistance — 'Charlie and Joe.' In struggling I pot a cut on the finger from the knife. Mr Gibbs came out and took the knife from accused. . . . As Mr Gibbs came out he said: 'Hullo, what is the matter here?' I said: 'He stabbed me, Charlie.' Accused said something to Gibbs which I don't recollect. . . . At the time accused struck me with the knife be was mumbling to himself. . . . The blow of the knife was wilfully done. Accused was under the influence of liquor at the time. I had two drinks during the morning, the last one about 11.40 a.m." 

Examined by Accused: "I did not say 'You black ____ give me sixpence.'" 

The charge preferred against Morra is "that on December 19, at Dunedin, he did cause actual bodily harm to George Daniels by stabbing him in the chest with a knife." 

Accused was remanded, till Wednesday next.  -Evening Star, 21/12/1908.

STABBED FOR SIXPENCE.

Dunedin Carter Wounded. 

Chilian Accused of Using Chilled Steel. 

Things have been moving with joyful briskness in Dunedin lately. This, no doubt, is due to the desire of the good, kind souls of this hospitable city to provide the "Truth" man with, cheerful copy and thus enable him to earn a crust and an occasional cup of afternoon tea. He, therefore, bows, and likewise smiles. Only last week, for instance, amongst other bright incidents, there were two cases of attempted sudden slaughter, one by means of a gun and the other by cold steel. The second affair occurred on Saturday afternoon, and as the result, George Mervyn Daniels, (33), a carter travelling in single harness, lies in the Hospital with a knife wound in his chest. Also John Morra, familiarly known as "Chilly," because he is a native of Chili, is under arrest, charged that he did cause actual bodily harm to Daniels, by stabbing him in the chest with a knife. Like most serious affairs this arose out of a very trivial thing — from the question of a paltry sprat, in fact. Daniels accused Morra of having given him only three bob instead of three and six. "Words" followed and at the finish Daniels found himself in the Hospital with a knife wound in his chest. His condition was then so serious that Mr Kenrick, S.M., attended the Hospital with the police and took his evidence. Daniels made the following statement: — "I am a carter, residing at 23 Howard street, Dunedin. I have known accused for about two years and have always been on friendly terms with him. I met him at 12.15 p.m. on Saturday in the back yard of Gibbs and Co's fish stable, in Lower Stuart-street. I saw accused come into the yard, and I said: Jimmy, you only gave me 3s, instead; of 3s 6d. Accused called me a ____ and a ____. I said: 

DON'T YOU USE THEM WORDS to me. Accused used more words of a similar class and I said: If you use them words to me you will get into harm, or words to that effect. There were some more words used, but can't remember what they were. Accused then stooped down and picked up a piece of stick about 2 1/2in. wide and about 1/2in. thick. He struck at me and the blow grazed my face and landed on my shoulder. I then struck accused with my fist. He again hit me with the stick on my shoulder, and then I struck him with my fist on the chin, knocking him down. I left him and went into the stable to attend to my horse. Accused came into the stable after me with a knife. He had it in one hand, I can't say which. Accused made a rush at me and struck me m the breast with the knife. I felt it pierce me and I caught him by the wrist and tried to take the knife from him. We both struggled and I called out for assistance — 'Charlie and Joe.' In struggling I got a cut on the finger from the knife. As Mr Gibbs came out, he asked what was the matter, and I said, 'He's stabbed me, Charlie.' Accused said something to Gibbs which I don't recollect. At the time accused struck me with the knife he was mumbling to himself. The blow of the knife was wilfully done. Accused was under the influence of liquor at the time. I had two drinks during the morning, the last at about 11.40." 

Accused was remanded.

The weapon used was a tobacco knife, with a two-inch blade. The cavity of Daniels' chest was penetrated, but by Monday he had improved somewhat. Morra has lived in Dunedin for some years. When arrested by Constable Rasmussen he said Daniels had knocked him down and he had cut the man with a knife, not intending to do so.  -NZ Truth, 2/1/1909.

DEATH.

DANIELS. — On May 24, 1918, died from wounds "Somewhere in France" Driver George Mervyn Daniels (4th Reinforcements), beloved brother of A. O. D. H. M. and W. H. Daniels, Dunedin. 

He did his duty.  -Otago Daily Times, 5/6/1918.

FOR KING AND COUNTRY. 

IN MEMORIAM.

DANIELS. — In loving memory of Driver George Mervyn Daniels, 5/181 (4th Reinforcements), who died of wounds, 24th May, 1918, somewhere in France. 

We looked for his safe return, We longed to clasp his hand; 

But God postponed the meeting — It will be in a better land.  

— Inserted by his loving brothers and sister.   -Evening Star, 24/5/1919.

Northern Cemetery, Dunedin.