24/858 Rifleman John Thomas, (4/3/1894-24/6/1916) and 8/2681 Private Hector Malcolm, (19/7/1892-12/10/1917) McLeod. "how we miss them"

Mr Hector McLeod, Mosgiel, received word last week that his son, Private John McLeod, had been killed in action. On receipt of the news flags were hoisted on the business places as a tribute to his memory.   -Otago Witness, 19/7/1916.

The Call of the Empire.

Rifleman John Thomas McLeod (killed in action) was the fourth son of Mr Hector MsLeod, fields inspector, Mosgiel (who is well known in Tokomairiro district). Advice has been received that, at the time of his death, Rifleman McLeod was with a party working in the trenches in France, when killed by a German sniper. A bullet penetrated his brain, and death was instantaneous. The officer commanding the company has written to the deceased's mother, informing her that her son was "a good comrade and a keen and brave soldier," Another brother of Rifleman McLeod is Private Hector McLeod (wounded in France on September 16th). He left New Zealand with the Sixth Reinforcements. He saw service at Gallipoli, and was there at the evacuation. In a letter received by his mother, Private McLeod stated he was wounded in the back of the neck by a piece of high explosive shell while advancing over No Man's Land. He is now in hospital at Brockenhurst, England, and is doing well.  -Bruce Herald, 16/11/1916.

McLEOD. — In loving memory of Rifleman John Thomas McLeod (2nd Battalion E.L.O.), who was killed while in action "Somewhere in France" on June 24, 1916, dearly beloved fourth son of Hector and Elizabeth McLeod, Mosgiel; aged 21 years. 

In a distant land he lies, At rest in a soldier's grave; 

His battle fought, his name enrolled On the scroll of the deathless brave.

How the life was sped we know not, What the last word, look, or thought, 

Only that he did his duty — Died as bravely as he fought. 

— Inserted by his loving parents, sisters, and brothers.  -Otago Daily Times, 23/6/1917.

FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE.

IN MEMORIAM. 

In loving memory of 24/858 Rifleman John Thomas McLeod, who was killed while in action "Somewhere in France" on June 24, 1916, dearly beloved fourth son of Hector and the late Elizabeth McLeod, Janefield, Mosgiel; aged 21 years. Also of Donald, dearly beloved eldest son who was accidentally killed at Wingatui on July 7, 1910; aged 23 years. 

Time may heal the broken-hearted, Time may make the wound less sore; 

But time can never stop the longing For the loved ones gone before. 

— Inserted by their loving father sisters, and brothers.  -Otago Daily Times, 24/6/1918.

McLEOD.—In loving memory of Private Hector Malcolm McLeod (8/2651, Sixth Reinforcements), who was killed in action at Passchendaele, October 12, 1917, dearly beloved third son of Hector and the late Elizabeth McLeod, Janefield, Mosgiel; aged 25 years. 

"To memory ever dear." 

— Inserted by his loved ones.  -Otago Witness, 14/10/1919.

McLEOD. — In loving memory of Private Hector Malcolm McLeod, killed in action at Passchendaele on October 12, 1917, and Rifleman John McLeod, killed in action at Armentiercs, June 24, 1916. Also our dear mother, who passed away at Janefield, Mosgiel, on October 25, 1917, and Donald, accidentally killed at Wingatui on July 7, 1910. 

Our lips cannot speak how we loved them, Our hearts cannot tell what to say, 

God only knows how we miss them, As we battle on life’s rough way. 

— Inserted by their loved ones.  -Otago Daily Times

, 12/10/1923.

East Taieri Cemetery.

Donald McLeod, (1888-7/7/1910). "satisfied with its safety"

ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES.

[press association.] HAWERA, July 6. 

H. K. Harty, a middle-aged man, took a fit in the street this morning and died shortly after his admission to the hospital. 

DUNEDIN, This Day. 

Daniel McLeod, single, aged 22, was killed at Gore's brickworks at Wingatui this morning by a fall of clay, death being almost instantaneous.  -Bush Advocate, 7/7/1910.

THE WINGATUI FATALITY

An inquest on the body of Donald McLeod, who was killed at Gores brick yards, Wingatui, through a quantity of clay falling on him, was held in the courthouse, Mosgeil, yesterday afternoon, before Mr W. R. F. Fraser (acting coroner) and a jury of six, of whom Mr W. Smellie was foreman. 

Mr J. S. Sinclair appeared for the brickworks owners, and Mr Finch for deceased’s relatives. Constable M\Walton conducted the inquiry for the police. 

Michael Harty, laborer, said he was employed in the brick yards at Wingatui. He commenced work with the deceased at 8 o’clock on the morning of the 7th inst., together with two other men, Robert Evans and Thomas Robinson. They began to dig at a fall between nine and half-past nine. The deceased went up to the top to examine the fall, and he (deceased) expressed himself satisfied with its safety. Witness, deceased, and Evans were working below, and Robinson was above. Presently Robinson called out “Look out.” The fall then came away, and gripped deceased. Witness and his mates went to lift deceased out. He was buried up to the breast in clay. He never spoke a word. Witness considered that Robinson gave sufficient warning to got clear. — Cross-examined by Mr Sinclair, witness said deceased must have heard the warning. The deceased would have had more time to get away than Evans, who would have to get clear by about four yards to be out. of danger. If deceased had immediately run straight out he must have got to safety. In witness’s opinion every precaution was taken to prevent an accident. 

Robert Evans, laborer, employed at the brick yards, gave corroborative evidence. He heard Robinson’s call, and got clear by about twelve yards. The fall would be about two tons in weight. 

Thomas Robinson also said he had been employed at the works for about two years. He was on the top of the fall “stripping” when deceased called out to him to watch the fall, while they took the “legs” out. As soon as the fall began to give way witness gave warning. The only reason he could give for deceased’s inability to get clear was that he must have slipped. 

Dr. Allan gave evidence as to the wounds on deceased. He thought death was due to shock. 

Chas. Gore also gave evidence, and described the method adopted for making a “fall.” 

This concluded the evidence, and the jury, after a few minutes’ consultation, returned a verdict to the effect that “the deceased, Donald McLeod, was accidentally killed by a fall of earth, and that, in their opinion, no blame was attachable to anyone.”  -Evening Star, 9/7/1910.

East Taieri Cemetery.

Clifford John Whitson, (1925-26/4/1932). "bowled his hoop"

STREET FATALITY

CHILD KNOCKED DOWN BY CAR 

While playing in High street, Mosgiel, yesterday afternoon, a boy named Clifford John Whitson was knocked down by a motor car and killed almost instantaneously. The boy, who was seven years of age, lived with his parents in High street. An inquest was opened at Mosgiel this afternoon.  -Evening Star, 27/4/1932.

KILLED WHILE PLAYING

BOY KNOCKED DOWN BY CAR 

An inquest on Clifford John Whitson, aged seven years, who was killed when he was knocked down by a motor car in High street, Mosgiel, last Tuesday afternoon, was continued by the coroner (Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M.) to-day. Constable Phillips represented the police. 

David Findlay, aged eight years, said he was playing with the boy when he was run over in High street. Clifford Whitson was playing with a hoop. They ran along High street on the gravel, and when near the corner of Factory road he saw a car come round the corner. They were on the left-hand side of the road. He said, “Look-out, Cliff., there is a car coming,” He did not know whether or not the other boy heard him. He ran on to the grass on the right side and he saw Clifford struck by the car. Mr Wallace pulled up his car about 12yds from where it had struck the boy. He had shown the police the spots where the boy was struck and where the car stopped. Mr Wallace came back to Clifford with Mrs Wallace, who picked the boy up and took him to his mother’s home. 

To counsel for the relatives: He did not hear the car’s horn sounded, although it might have sounded. Clifford bowled his hoop all the way from the railway on the road. 

Robert Ruthven, a farmer, Wingatui road, said that at about 4.30 p.m. on April 26, he was driving two drays and four horses along Factory road. When he was near Morrison street he saw a car approaching from the rear at a speed of about seven miles an hour. At the intersection with High street the car cut behind the rear horses to take a turn into High street. He knew then that it was Mr Wallace’s car. He saw two boys in Factory road; the boy with the hoop was on the left-hand side and the other boy was on the opposite side of the road. When the car was three-quarters of a chain round the corner he lost sight of one of the boys and saw the hoop being dragged inside the front wheel on the driver’s side. About 7yds further on the boy dropped from underneath the car and the back wheel passed over his back and shoulder. He considered that the car travelled about a chain and a-half after passing over the boy. 

To counsel for the driver: The car was still in the act of turning when it struck the boy. 

To counsel for the relatives: He heard no signal by the car driver before he made the turn. 

James Ure Wallace, a retired farmer, residing in High street, Mosgiel, said he decreased his speed from fifteen to five miles an hour approaching High street. He did not remember sounding his horn, although he gave a hand signal. As his engine was knocking he accelerated to seven miles an hour. He saw the boy and heard his wife call out. Witness was then in the middle of the street. The boy was running towards the car and was in front, slightly towards the right. Witness knew when he struck the boy, and attempted to pull up immediately. He stopped after going a little over a car’s length. The boy was struck by the centre of the front bumpers. He could not say whether the car passed over the boy. When witness got out of the car the boy was lying between two and three yards behind the car. 

To counsel for the relatives: It took him 42ft in which to pull up. He was only travelling at seven or eight miles an hour. He had been a licensed driver for seven years. He was seventy-two years of age. The boy must have run off the grass into the car. 

Further questioned witness said his car accelerated slowly. The boy seemed to run into the car. He had no chance of avoiding the accident. 

Agnes Wallace, wife of the previous witness, said the horses were at least hallway across the intersection when her husband took a wide turn into High street. She saw no children on the road then. She saw the boy only a second before the car struck him. The boy was in the centre of the road then, although the centre, she was positive, was clear when the car turned the corner. The car travelled more than a length before it was pulled up. 

Constable Phillips produced a plan of the locality. 

The Coroner said there was a clear view from Factory road to the railway line. If the deceased had been bowling his hoop, and was in the position stated by Mr Ruthven and his playmate, or even if he was not in the precise position, a very adequate explanation would be called for from the motorist as to how the accident occurred. In view of the possibility of further proceedings he did not propose to comment on the evidence. A verdict would be returned that death was due to injuries caused by being knocked down by a motor car driven by James Ure Wallace. With regard to the injuries, Mr Ruthven stated that the boy was run over. Mr Shore’s evidence showed that that could not have happened, or his chest would have been crushed. A detailed examination twenty-four hours after death showed that the only marks were bruising of the thigh and a severe abrasion of the left temple. Mr Ruthven’s good faith was not questioned, as he had qualified his evidence by stating that from the distance he was away the boy appeared to be run over.  -Evening Star, 4/5/1932.

East Taieri Cemetery.

John Mackie, (1884-18/7/1917). "a critical operation"

Mr John Mackie, farmer, Menzies Ferry, aged 33, died at Invercargill on Wednesday morning after undergoing a critical operation for the removal of an abscess affecting the brain. The deceased, who was a native of Mosgiel (where his parents, Mr and Mrs David Mackie, still reside), was married a little over a year ago to Miss Annie McKenzie, a daughter of Mr and Mrs Robert McKenzie, of Bay Road, Invercargill (and formerly of "Dunvaik," Seaward Downs); and the widow is left with an infant six days old.   -Mataura Ensign, 21/7/1917.

CLEARING SALE AT MENZIES FERRY, EDENDALE. 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 1917, At 12 o'clock sharp. 

WRIGHT, STEPHENSON AND CO., LTD., have received instructions from the Executors of the late John Mackie, to sell by public auction, as above — 

CATTLE. 

27 Dairy COWS, factory calvers 

5 Two-year-old HEIFERS 

4 Yearling HEIFERS 

1 Two-year-old BULL 

4 PIGS 

HORSES. 

1 8-year-old Mare, 1 Filly (4 years), 1 Gelding (4 years), 1 Gelding (3 years), 1 Filly (2 years), 1 Aged Mare (in foal), 1 Hack (aged). 

IMPLEMENTS, ETC. 

D.F. Plough, Cultivator, set Discs, set four-leaf Harrows, M.H. Drill, Macalister Ridger, Deering Binder, Gig, Dray and Frame, Spring Dray, Turnip Scuffler, Harness for 4 horses, Horse-covers, Chains, 32 sacks of Oats, Empty Sacks, Wheelbarrow, Grindstone, 9 Milk Cans, 1 20-gal. Copper Boiler and Stand, 1 Separator, Stewart Horse Clippers, 4 sacks Table Potatoes, 7 Straining Posts, Stakes, Barb Wire and Netting Wire, Ducks, Fowls and Sundries. 

ALL HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE

LUNCHEON PROVIDED. 

The Farm being sold, and the Estate having to be wound up, everything is offered for unreserved sale. The Cows are a selected lot, and we recommend buyers to attend.   -Southland Times, 4/8/1917.

East Taieri Cemetery.

2/2682 Gunner William Anderson Milne, (30/5/1892-12/6/1917). "respect and esteem"

 

GUNNER MILNE. 

Widespread regret was expressed in Milton when it became known a few days ago that private advices had been received on the 19th instant that Gunner William Anderson Milne had made the supreme sacrifice for the Empire. The deceased was the eldest son of Mr Robert Milne, of Milton, and grandson of the late Mr William Milne, formerly head master of the Caversham School, and on his mother's side of the late Mr Malcolm Carmichael, of the Taieri. He was born at North-East Harbour on May 30 1892, and attended school there and completed his education at the Tokomairiro District High School. After leaving school he joined the clerical department of the Bruce Woollen Company and at the time of his enlistment was secretary of the company. He enlisted in October, 1915, with the 9th Reinforcements, and left for Egypt in January, 1916. In March, 1916, he went to France, where he remained until the time of his death. Gunner Milne was a young man of sterling qualities, and commanded the respect and esteem of all with whom he came in contact. He has a brother (Lieutenant M C Milne) on active service with the New Zealand Mounted Brigade.  -Otago Daily Times, 29/6/1917.

William Milne was killed during the build-up to the Battle of Messines.  April 12 was the beginning of the artillery preparation for the battle and it is likely he was the victim of German counter-battery fire.

East Taieri Cemetery.

Herbert John Campbell, (1905-25/10/1944). "the lake was very choppy"

FOUR BELIEVED DROWNED

ANGLERS IN SMALL BOAT.

(Press Assn.) DUNEDIN, Oct. 24. 

Four men are believed to have been drowned when their boat capsized on Lake Mahinerangi, at Waipori, on Monday. The men, who were members of a party which left Outram on Friday night to spend the week-end fishing on the lake, were: Charles Ernest Cameron, aged 40, market gardener, of Outram; James Ewen Anderson, aged 26, single, also a market gardener, of Outram; George McGregor Hendry, aged 18, a Hillside workshops apprentice, of Outram; Herbert John" Campbell, married, of Mosgiel. 

The lake was very choppy when the men set out from their huts at the head of the lake at about 9 o'clock on Monday morning. They were in an 11ft flat-bottomed boat driven by an outboard motor. A fifth member of the party, George McHattie, a youth, who also resides at Outram, had intended to go with the men but changed his mind at the last minute.

An earlier report stated that three men were overdue from the fishing trip.  -Manawatu Standard, 25/10/1944.

BOAT FOUND CAPSIZED

FOUR MEN BELIEVED DROWNED 

Dunedin, Oct. 24. 

Four men are believed to have been drowned when their boat capsized on Lake Mahinerangi at Waipori yesterday. The men, who were members of a party which left Outram on Friday night to spend the. weekend fishing on the lake, were Charles Ernest Cameron, aged 40. market gardener, Outram: James Ewen Anderson, 26, single, also a market gardener, Outram: George McGregor Hendry, 18, Hillside workshops apprentice, Outram. and Herbert John Campbell, married, Mosgiel. 

The lake was very choppy when the men set out from the huts at the head of the lake at about 9 o'clock yesterday morning. They were in an 11-foot flatbottomed boat driven by an outboard motor. A fifth member of the party, George McHattie, a youth who also resides at Outram. had intended to go with the men, but changed his mind at the last minute. Shortly before lunch time he saw the boat disappear around the point. It is thought that this is the last time the men were seen. A search party later found the boat capsized. 

The party was expected back at Outram last night, but when they failed to arrive, Mr McHattie, Senr., took a taxi to the huts, where he found his son still anxiously awaiting the men’s return. Mr McHattie immediately returned and notified Constable Fiddes, of Outram, who left for the scene early this morning. 

Later in the day two constables left the central station in Dunedin by car with equipment for dragging. A launch had been placed at their disposal by the city corporation and it was their intention first to make a thorough search of the shoreline in the vicinity. 

Judged by the amount of air under the boat when found, it is surmised that it capsized suddenly. The lake where the tragedy occurred is more than a mile wide.-P.A.  -Nelson Evening Mail, 25/10/1944.

LAKE TRAGEDY

SEARCH BY POLICE AND RESIDENTS 

OUTBOARD ENGINE FOUND 

Members of the Police Force and local residents were engaged from an early hour yesterday morning in searching Lake Mahinerangi, Waipori, and its environs for the bodies of the four men who are believed to have been drowned when their boat capsized in the lake on Monday. At a late hour last night the bodies had not been recovered. During dragging operations yesterday the outboard engine which had been attached to the men’s boat was recovered in about 50 feet of water not far from where the boat was found on Tuesday. 

The search was supervised by Constables L. Blake,- and A. A. McRae, of the Central Police Station, and E. Fiddes, of Outram. A City Corporation launch was used for patrolling the lake, and a large number of local residents. who were organised into parties, searched the shores. Apart from the outboard engine, no equipment was discovered yesterday. 

The four men who are believed to have been drowned are Charles Ernest Cameron, James Ewen Anderson, and George McGregor Hendry, of Outram, and Herbert John Campbell, of Mosgiel.  -Otago Daily Times, 26/10/1944.

The body of Herbert John Campbell (39), mill employee, of Mosgiel, one of the four men who were drowned when the boat they were in capsized on Lake Mahinerangi, Waipori, on October 23, was recovered this morning. This was the second body to be recovered. An inquest was opened at Outram this afternoon, and after evidence of identification had been given the proceedings were adjourned sine die.   -Evening Star, 7/11/1944.

MAHINERANGI TRAGEDY

INQUEST ON VICTIMS

VERDICT OF ACCIDENTAL DROWNING

A verdict that the men concerned were accidentally drowned when their boat overturned in rough weather on Lake Mahinerangi on October 23 was returned by a jury of four at an inquest held at Outram to-day into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Charles Ernest Cameron, James Ewen Anderson, Herbert John Campbell, and George MacGregor Hendry. The coroner was Mr A. Walker, J.P., of Outram. 

William George McHattie, an apprentice electrician, stated that in company with the deceased he fished Lake Mahinerangi over the week-end of October 21. On Monday the four deceased left in a semi-flat-bottomed outboard motor boat, but as he considered the water too rough he declined to join the expedition. The weather was windy and it was raining at the time. When he last saw the men at 12.10 p.m. they were on the opposite side at Green Pa Patch, Cameron and Hendry having left the boat, but he expected the party to meet to have lunch together. The lake was choppy during the day, but he had seen it in worse condition when the boat had succeeded in crossing. The four men were all wearing thigh gum boots and had oilskin coats with them. Cameron and Campbell were wearing leather jackets, while Anderson had an Army jacket. As the four men were all of heavy build, he did not consider the boat would be safe on that day. 

James Stanley Stoddard, a market gardener of Outram, stated that he saw the boat leave the shore with four men in it for the other side of the lake. At that time the lake was beginning to get choppy on the surface with a heavy wind blowing from the southwest, while it was raining fairly hard. 

Allan Stanley Gathgate, a market gardener of Outram, gave evidence that he was at Cape Help when the boat passed with the four men in it. At this time the weather was rough, it was raining heavily, the surface of the lake was choppy, and one could not see very far. After the party had divided, he saw the boat between Green Patch and Coffin Point. He thought trouble would arise when the motor stopped, as the rough weather would swing the boat around before the oars could be brought out to steady it. 

Arthur Thomas Graham, garage proprietor of Outram, stated that an examination of the boat's motor revealed nothing mechanically wrong. There were several factors that could have stopped the motor before the boat capsized, such as a blocked petrol pipe or jet or water in the ignition system. 

NO LIQUOR TAKEN ON TRIP.

Frank Ferguson, on furlough leave from the Army and owner of a third share of the boat, testified as to Cameron's skill and care as a boatsman. When on a fishing trip the party never took intoxicating liquor with them, while Cameron was a teetotaler. 

Edward Clifford Adams, a constable stationed at Mosgiel, produced a plan of the area and detailed the search made for the bodies. Cameron's body had been recovered at 11.30 a.m. on November 5, Campbell's at 5.50 a.m. on November 7, Andersons at 6.15 a.m. on November 8, and Hendry's at 6.15 a.m. the following day. From the positions of the articles and bodies recovered, it appeared that Campbell, Cameron, and Anderson had made an effort to reach the shore, while Hendry had been overcome soon after the boat capsized. 

Corroborative evidence was given by Constable Arthur Allan McRae, of Dunedin, and Constable Edward William Fibbes, of Outram.  -Evening Star, 27/11/1944.

East Taieri Cemetery.

George Proctor Howell MA, (3/11/1874-29/11/1907). "a scholar by nature"

The Naseby School Committee met on Monday last, 21st April, and selected a name to be sent on to the board for a teacher of secondary subjects in the District High School. Naseby. It may be pointed out that the school committee have hail great difficulty in carrying this subject to this conclusion. There was nothing else for it. 

The committee kept pegging away, and are now in view of the so much to be desired goal. Naseby is the centre of a large district, with many about, and its claims to a District High School have been long recognised as reasonable and just. The committee have been very fortunate in the names sent in for the appointment, any one of the teachers — three in all — referred to would have been an ornament to the school. The name selected for the appointment is George Proctor Howell. Mr Howell is a very distinguished graduate of the New Zealand University — i.e., an M.A. He studied for this at the Otago University, and furnishes certificates from the professors of that institution. Prof. Gilray says — "Mr Howell has proved himself an excellent student and a careful and scholarly writer of English prose. On the linguistic side of the study I have no hesitation in saying that he is the ablest student I have ever had in the whole course of my experience as a teacher. His work is accuracy itself. He is a true scholar and. a splendid linguist. He is quite at home in four languages — Latin, French, German and Anglo-Saxon." Professor Gilray also adds "Mr Howell is a man of the highest character — a scholar by nature as well as by acquirement and a perfect gentleman." Mr G. M. Thomson, Dunedin High School says — "I have the highest opinion of Mr Howell's character." It may be marked also that Mr Howell has had four years' experience in the teaching required in the District High School. He had, last year, two pupils of the Pharmacy Board and three for matriculation, and all passed. One of his University pupils last year gained a senior scholarship of the New Zealand University. Mr Howell also teaches bookkeeping, typewriting and shorthand. Altogether the Naseby District High School seems to be very fortunate in the of such a man.  -Mount Ida Chronicle, 25/4/1902.

DEATHS

HOWELL. — On November 29, at Rock and Pillar (suddenly), George Proctor Howell, M.A., beloved husband of Agnes Hay and son of Ann and the late George Howell, Mosgiel; aged 33 years.  -Otago Daily Times, 9/12/1907.

Birth.

HOWELL. — On the 11th February, at George street, North Dunedin, the wife of the late George Proctor Howell, M.A. — a daughter.  -Evening Star, 13/2/1908.

The place known as Rock and Pillar was a stop on the Central Otago Railway.  In the early 120th century there was a small tuberculosis sanatorium there.  It is possible that George Proctor was under treatment there and suddenly succumbed.

East Taieri Cemetery.