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.

Francis Joseph Thompson, (1884-10/12/1898). "on to the rails"

FATAL ACCIDENT ON THE MORNINGTON TRAM LINE.

A very sad accident, which was attended with fatal results, took place on the Mornington tram line about 1.30 p.m. on Saturday. A youth named Francis Joseph Thomson, aged 14, who lived with his aunt at Mornington, was on the front of a car attached to a dummy, and just about the intersection of Maitland street he lost his footing and fell on to the rails. The wheels of the trailing car passed over him, breaking both his thighs and his arm. He was taken into Miss Stronach's private hospital, and Dr Macdonald, locum tenens of Dr Brown, was called in, but the poor lad died half an hour after the accident took place. Thomson worked at McLeod's soap factory. 

THE INQUEST. 

An inquest was held at 4 p.m. on Monday at Havelock street, Mornington, before Mr E. H. Carew, S.M. and coroner, and a jury of six, on the body of Francis Joseph Thomson, aged 15, who was killed on the Mornington tramway line on Saturday. Mr Payne appeared for deceased's relatives, and Mr Sim for the company. Sergeant O'Neill represented the police, white Mr John Golder was appointed foreman of the jury. 

Robert Corke, butcher, residing in Havelock street, stated that deceased was his grandchild and lived with him. He was born in Melbourne, and was 14 years in New Zealand. He was 15 years of age. He worked at McLeod's soapworks. When witness was told of the accident he went to Miss Stronach's hospital, and brought the body home. 

Dr William Marshall Macdonald stated that lately he had been assisting Dr Brown. He called at Miss Stronach's hospital on Saturday afternoon about 20 minutes to 1. Witness first saw deceased in High street, but examined him in the private hospital. He was suffering from a compound fracture of the left thigh, a fracture of the right thigh, and fracture of the right arm. The right knee was crushed and bruised, and there was a small cut on the face. He was quite conscious. With the assistance of a nurse, witness dressed the wounds and fixed the legs up. Stimulants were administered to him. He was suffering slightly from shock from the injuries. Subsequently (at a quarter to 2 the same day) he died. Death was due to shock following severe injuries to thighs and arm. 

To the foreman: Deceased made remarks about the pain of his legs and arms, but nothing else. 

To the coroner: When he saw deceased, witness thought he could not recover from his injuries.

Alice May Macdonald, nurse at Miss Stronach's private hospital, deposed that the ' deceased died half an hour after the doctor left. The patient made no remarks as to the origin of the accident. 

Kate Duggan, in the employ of Mrs Rattray, High street, said that on Saturday she was standing at one of the front windows of the house where she was employed. About 10 minutes to she saw a tram — a dummy and ear attached — going up High street. It stopped, and she saw it start again. Deceased was standing on the side of the dummy. As the tram started he made a grab at something. He then fell back and twisted round sideways, falling to the ground. He rolled over, and his legs caught in the wheels. He seemed to get twisted up and was caught apparently between the two wheels, and was dragged some distance along. The guard seemingly did not notice the accident. It took place at the intersection of Maitland street. 

To Sergeant O'Neill: Witness felt quite certain that deceased stood on the dummy and not on the trailing car. 

To Mr Payne: People were sitting on the side of the dummy. There were more on the dummy than in the car. When the car stopped deceased seemed to have one foot on the ground, and that was the position he seemed to be in when the car started again.

To Mr Sim: She did not see the car jerk. It was moving smoothly along in the usual way. 

To a juryman: There were some passengers on the dummy; but she did not think there were many. 

Walter Aitcheson, moulder, residing in Mornington, said he was a passenger in a Mornington tram, which left Dunedin at halfpast 12 on Saturday. Witness stood on the front platform of the carriage. Deceased was standing on the stop on the right side of the front platform of the carriage, behind the dummy. He was leaning with his back against the carriage, and facing the dummy, After, they got over the brow of the hill, and just near Rattray's house, witness noticed that deceased had changed his position. He was facing the left side of the street, and was holding on to two handrails — one handrail on the body of the carriage and the other on the front of the platform. Witness noticed that he let go the rail with his left hand, and, still retaining a hold with his right, he swung round in a half-circle towards the dummy. When in that position, he let go his hold with his right hand, and went clean under the carriage. When he swung round between the two carriages, witness made a grab at him; but he dropped before he could get a hold of him. The tram travelled about six yards after he fell. A passenger on the back seat of the dummy called out, and the tram was promptly stopped. Thomson was lying between the two wheels of the carriage on the right hand side. There were three (including deceased) on the front platform. 

To the foreman: There was no necessity for deceased to stand on the step. There was plenty of room on the platform or inside.

To Mr Sim: Deceased was on the car all the time. He was not on the dummy. Witness noticed a little jerk on the level; but it was not sufficient to cause deceased to lose his hold. The car was travelling at the usual rate.

William Henry Scott, mechanical engineer, residing at Havelock street, Mornington, said that he was sitting on the back seat of the dummy, and faced deceased, who was standing on the platform or step — he could not say which, as the apron of the car prevented him from seeing — of the car opposite. His attention was attracted by seeing the boy swinging round between the car and the dummy. Witness, who was talking to Mr Tame, remarked just before the accident on the carelessness of boys, referring him to the position deceased occupied, remarking that an accident might I easily occur. Almost immediately after the accident did occur. There was no jerk that he noticed. There was nothing of that kind to account for the deceased falling. When witness called out, the driver instantly drew up. The tram stooped within a very short space. 

The inquest was then (6.45 p.m.) adjourned till 11 o'clock to-day (Tuesday). 

At the adjourned inquest, held on Tuesday, Alexander Morrison, J. A. Lewis, Charles Williamson, and Charles Frederick Tame gave evidence. The latter said that the boy had a parcel, and he saw it disappear on to the road. He seemed to make a grab at it and fell. Witness thought he had fallen clear of the tram. 

The jury, after consulting for a few minutes, brought in a verdict that deceased was accidentally killed by falling from and being run over by a tram, and that there was no blame attachable to either the conductor or the driver.  -Otago Witness, 15/12/1898.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin. DCC photo.

7/1871 Gunner George Morton, (16/1/1885-8/2/1919). "nervous breakdown"

DEATH.

MORTON — On February 8th, at Dunedin, George, eldest son of the late George Morton, Morven; aged 34 years. Late 7th Reinforcements.  -Timaru Herald, 10/2/1919.

FUNERAL NOTICE. 

THE Friends of MRS GEORGE MORTON are respectfully informed that the Funeral of her late son George, will leave the residence of Mr Collett, High Street, Waimate, TO-MORROW, TUESDAY, 11th inst., at 2 p.m., for the Waimate Cemetery. 

GEORGE COLLETT, Undertaker, Waimate.  -Timaru Herald, 10/2/1919.

SOLDIERS’ DEATHS

Base Records, Wellington, have received advice that 81543 Private Tai Teipo, a Raratongan, who was in camp at Narrow Neck, died at the Auckland Hospital on the afternoon of February 10th, 1919, from pulmonary tuberculosis. Deceased’s next-of-kin is his father, Teipo Tamaora, Atui Cook Islands. 

Advice has also been received of the death of 7/1871 Gunner George Morton, an undischarged soldier, who died at Seacliffe, on February 8th, 1919. The deceased was 34 years of age, and single. His next-of-kin is his mother, Mrs G, Morton, Morven, Canterbury.  -NZ Times, 14/2/1919.

George Morton's Army record chronicles an unfortunate progression of medical events.  During the war he was hospitalised with influenza, syphilis, measles, pneumonia, jaundice, bronchitis and finally in July, 1918, for "nervous breakdown" and "mania," also described as "manic-depressive insanity," with a note that he had had a "similar attack 7-8 years ago."

In January, 1919, he was aboard a ship for his return to New Zealand. A Medical Board during the voyage attributed his condition to syphilis.

On February 4th he was taken to Seacliff Hospital under escort and died there shortly after.

Waimate Cemetery. Photo from "findagrave."

Noble Clement Harris, (1900-13/3/1907). "sting by a spider"

DEATHS

HARRIS. — On the 13th March, at Seacliff, Noble Clement, dearly beloved son of John and Martha Harris; aged 7 1/2 years. — Funeral will leave Seacliff To-morrow (Friday), 16th inst., at 1, o'clock, passing through Waikouaiti about 3 o'clock, to the Waikouaiti Cemetery.  -Otago Daily Times, 14/3/1907.

A touching incident happened last Friday in connection with the death of a little boy named Noble Clement Harris, who died at Seacliff from blood poisoning resulting, from a sting by a spider (says the "Otago Daily Times". All that skill could do for him was done by Dr Truby King, but he died within two days in great suffering. He was buried on Friday, and the Waikouaiti School got a half-holiday. Six of the boys walked all the way — a distance of eight miles — to attend the funeral, and they would have had to walk back but for the fact that some kind friends paid their fare and treated them to tea at the Waikouaiti Hotel.  -Lyttelton Times, 21/3/1907.

Waikouaiti Cemetery. DCC photo.

Richard Stevens, (1799-8/7/1889). "last survivors of waterloo"

Word was received in town yesterday of the death on Monday at the Seacliff Asylum of Mr Richard Stevens, one of the veritable oldest inhabitants of this part of the island. The late Mr Stevens, or “Old Uncle Dick,” by which sobriquet he was best known, settled in Riverton in the early whaling days, and will be well remembered by all in the district except the very new chums. About a year since his reason became slightly impaired and he was removed to the institution where he on Monday breathed his last. The late Mr Stevens, who was about 90 years of age, was one of the last survivors of Waterloo. At that time he was a boy of 15, and he often used to recount his recollections of the great triumph. He also served with the Iron Duke in other engagements. The deceased gentleman leaves besides Mrs Densham, who is a daughter, many relatives about Riverton.   -Western Star, 10/7/1889.

Riverton Cemetery. Photo from "findagrave."

William Lindsay, (?-2/7/1887). "a helpless maniac"

A WOULD-BE SUICIDE AT LARGE.

William Lindsay, of Strath Taieri, farmer, attempted to commit suicide on Friday morning last by shooting himself on the right side of his neck. Dr Christie, of Outram, attended him, and found that the wound inflicted was not dangerous, but that he was suffering from loss of blood. As he was still afflicted with suicidal intentions, the doctor ordered his removal to the Dunedin Hospital. Accordingly he was placed in a trap on Saturday morning, and a start was made towards Outram. Dr Christie was of opinion that Lindsay was too weak to get out of the trap if he felt so inclined, and, with Constable Gray, rode a considerable distance behind. When the Lee Stream School (which is about ten miles from Outram) was reached, Lindsay surprised the driver of the trap, Thomas Watkins, by exclaiming “I’m off!” and with remarkable celerity he jumped out and ran along a ridge and disappeared in a gully. When Dr Christie and the constable came up and learnt what had occurred they commenced a very careful search for Lindsay, but without avail. Search parties have been organised since, and are scouring the country round for the fugitive.  -Evening Star, 4/7/1887.

LOVELLS FLAT (excerpt)

Missing — Much concern is felt here about the fate of William Lindsay, who, after making an attempt to commit suicide at the Strath-Taieri, escaped from custody, and had not since been heard of. Lindsay lived in this district for many years. He was of a genial temperament, and well liked. He was a well informed man, and an enthusiastic student of Shakespeare. He was also very hard working and industrious, and had scraped together fully £2000. It is strongly suspected that his aberration was only very temporary, and his unfortunate escape is much deplored. — Occasional Correspondents.  -Otago Witness, 12/8/1887.

Peculiar Death.

(By Telegraph.) DUNEDIN, Sept. 24. Early in July William Lindsay, a farmer of Strath Taieri, attempted suicide by discharging a pistol at his head. While being conveyed to the Dunedin hospital he escaped into the bush and was never discovered till Saturday, when his body was found in a creek a thousand yards from where he effected his escape.  -South Canterbury Times, 24/9/1887.

INQUEST.

An inquest was held before Mr Coroner Carew at the Terminus Hotel, Outram, yesterday, on the body of William Lindsay. 

Andrew Lindsay stated that he had no doubt that the body shown to the jury was that of his brother, William Lindsay. He was a farmer at Strath Taieri. Witness last saw him alive in May, 1888 — six or eight weeks before he heard of his being missing. He was born in Linlithgowshire, in Scotland, and had been in New Zealand about twenty-six years. He was a single man. John Lindsay stated that about two months after the deceased was last seen alive by the last witness he went up from Dunedin to fetch the deceased to town, and he passed an express between the Lee and Deep streams driven by a man named Thomas Watkins. He saw a man in the trap lying down and covered with blankets. He asked the driver to stop, thinking it was an accident case, but the driver would not stop. He went a mile further along the road, and when he got to Clark's Hotel he found it was his brother who was in the trap. He had tea at the hotel, and after going about a mile and a-half along the road Dr Christie and Constable Gray overtook him, but he did not speak to them. He next saw Mr Nichol coming from an opposite direction, and he told him that his brother had escaped. He continued along the road, and met the constable and Dr Christie and a few more people who were in search of his brother. He joined them in the search, and the place indicated to him as where the body was found was well searched about. He asked Watkins, the driver, how the deceased had got away, and Watkins told him that he had a bottle of brandy and water in the trap, and the deceased asked for a drink. He gave him the bottle, and he drank all the contents, and afterwards got up and got out of the trap, saying to Watkins "Now I'm off." He then walked away from the road, and Watkins turned the trap round and went to look for assistance. 

George Nichol, who took part in the search for the deceased, stated that the place where the deceased's body was found was such that the deceased might easily have escaped observation. There was a hole between two rocks, and on one side of the hole there were two large bushes of long snow grass almost covering up the hole. There was not more than nine or ten inches of water in the hole when witness saw it. The body was lying face downwards, and the water did not quite cover the head. He thought it was a possible place for a person to be drowned, but even in the weak state that deceased was in when witness saw him in the express, he could not have been drowned unless he was determined to commit suicide.

Constable Gray stated that on the night of July 1, 1888, a report was sent to him that William Lindsay, of the Strath Taieri, had attempted to commit suicide, He went to his residence, and found Dr Christie in attendance on Lindsay. The doctor said Lindsay was in a very weak condition from loss of blood, as he had been over twelve hours without anyone to stop the bleeding. The doctor also told witness to procure a trap to take Lindsay to the Dunedin Hospital. He procured a trap, and the driver, Thomas Watkins, had to assist witness and others to put Lindsay into the trap, as he was so weak. They started for Outram at 10 a.m. Watkins was driving, and there was no one else in the trap but Watkins and Lindsay, Dr Christie and witness rode behind on horseback. When they reached Deep Stream the doctor asked Lindsay how he felt, and he said "Middling." The doctor gave him a drink from a bottle, which witness thought contained brandy and water. After proceeding along the road about two miles further they came to a farm house belonging to Mr Peats. The doctor suggested to witness that they should go in and have some refreshment. He asked the doctor if he thought the man would be all right, and he said he thought so, as Watkins could give him a drink if he wanted one. He also said it was no use detaining the trap, as it would take them all their time to catch the last train from Mosgiel. They then went into the farm, the trap continuing on. They were at the farm, he supposed, pretty nearly an hour. They then made a start, and when within a mile of the Lee Stream schoolhouse Nichol shouted out that Lindsay had escaped. On arriving at the place where Watkins and Lindsay got out of the trap, Dr Christie remarked that he could not be more than 100 yards away, as he had no strength to go further. He also expressed surprise at his being able to get out of the trap. When witness got to Strath Taieri and first saw Dr Christie, he said: "You may term him," meaning Lindsay, "a helpless maniac." Witness joined in the search, but could see no signs of Lindsay. He supposed he was in his custody. From what the doctor told him he thought Lindsay was helpless from weakness. He was very pale, and appeared to witness to be very weak. What the doctor said to him influenced him in letting Lindsay go on in the trap. If the doctor had not been with him he would not have left Lindsay.

Constable Mackenzie and Duncan McDonald also gave evidence.

The Coroner said he must remark as to the conduct of Constable Gray. If the jury wished, he would take evidence from Inspector Weldon as to a constable's duty when in charge of a prisoner, but it seemed to him unnecessary, as common sense would say it was his duty to keep with the prisoner. If that was his duty under ordinary circumstances, it would be even more so when the prisoner was a lunatic and weak from loss of blood.

The foreman subsequently intimated that the jury had come to the conclusion that the deceased had killed himself, but whether by drowning or by what means the evidence did not show. After further consideration, however, the jury brought in the following verdict: — "We find that William Lindsay, when last seen alive, was of unsound mind, and that he was found dead on Saturday last, but the evidence is not sufficient to show how he came to his death."  -Evening Star, 26/9/1887.

West Taieri Cemetery. DCC photo.

William George Allan, (1871-22/11/1890). "but a short life"

Some years ago now I published the story of Nenthorn, the boisterous and short-lived quartz mining town a couple of hours from Dunedin. The altitude at which the town was sited made water a continual problem. Water was needed to power the quartz crushing batteries and, when the batteries were powered by coal, needed to make into steam.  Water was a problem for the miners underground and some mines became unworkable due to it. And drinking water was a problem.  There was too little and sometimes it was contaminated. Some Nenthorn residents died from the contamination and young William Allen was one of them.

Mr William Allan, whose term of apprenticeship in this office expired a few weeks back, we learn, has bought an interest in the Nenthorn Recorder, a demy weekly published on the Nenthorn goldfield. We wish our young friend luck, and hope that his venture may prove as successful as the good points of William Allan deserve.  -Dunstan Times, 25/7/1890.

It is with regret we record the death of William Allan, eldest son of Mr John Allan, Springvale, which took place at the Naseby Hospital on Saturday last, at the early age of 19 years, after a short illness. Deceased served his apprenticeship at this office, and by his obliging and pleasant disposition was greatly respected by his fellow workmen and all those with whom he came in contact. On the completion of his apprenticeship deceased severed his connection with this office, and after a short trip from home with the intention of looking around him, he bought an interest in the newly-established paper at Nenthorn, the Nenthorn Recorder. The paper had but a short life, and deceased had almost concluded arrangements with respect to the settling up, when he was seized with typhoid fever. His parents were led to believe — both from letters received from the lad himself and also from those who had charge of him — that he was fast recovering from the fever, and that he would soon he able to be removed to Springvale. Both Dr Fletcher (of Middlemarch) and Dr Whitton (of Naseby) had been called in and both agreed that the attack was a very slight one, and that no danger need be apprehended. As time wore on, and he did not seem to improve, Dr Fletcher was again sent for, and he recommended his removal from Nenthorn — at the same time expressing a wish to be sent for us soon as his father arrived. His father arrived on Sunday, the 16th. Dr Fletcher had already been sent for. On Monday he wired that he would come on Tuesday; however, he did not come, and on Wednesday he wired: “Can't possibly come to-day"; and as the boy appeared to be getting weaker every day, his father obtained a covered express and in it poor Willie was brought to the Naseby Hospital on Thursday. But too late; a relapse of the fever had set in for some time, and he gradually got weaker and weaker, and expired on Saturday morning, at 7 o’clock. The body was interred in the Clyde Cemetery on Sunday afternoon, and was followed by a large concourse testifying to the esteem in which deceased had been held. Mr G. McNeill, Alexandra, read the last sad rites.  -Dunstan Times, 28/11/1890.

Clyde Cemetery. CODC photo.