Mary Ann Margaret Sing, (1892-15/12/1892). "no marks of injury"

 INQUEST.

An inquest was held yesterday at midday at the Royal Hotel, Walker street, before Mr Coroner Carew and a jury of six, of whom Mr T. D. Mockford was chosen foreman, concerning the death of a child named Mary Ann Margaret Sing, who was found dead in bed on the mother's return after a short absence.

Jane Sing deposed that she was the wife of Richard Ching Sing, who was a cabinetmaker. They resided off Walker street. The deceased was 10 weeks old, and had always been very healthy. On Thursday morning the child appeared to be all right, and witness went out about half-past 12 o'clock. Before going out witness fed the child, and put her to sleep. The child was left alone, and the front door was left slightly open. Witness returned a little after 1 o'clock, and went straight to the bedroom. She found the child lying just in the same position as she had left her. Noticing that the face was a little white, witness picked the child up, and found that there was something wrong. She laid the child down and went to find her husband. Not finding him, she went for a friend named Mrs Wilson, who returned with her. Mrs Wilson took up the child, and said it was quite dead. Witness' husband then came in, and went away again for a doctor, but none came. The maizena on which the child was fed before witness left the house was from the same parcel as had been used on previous occasions. The child had a very slight touch of convulsions about six weeks since.

Dr Ogston stated that he had examined the body. There was nothing about the pupils of the eyes unusual, that might indicate opium poisoning, or any head trouble. There were no marks of injury about the body — there was no appearance of the clothes being too tight, and the child had been well nourished and well kept in every way. As indicating the form of death, the nails and finger tips were blue, and the lips were also slightly blue. The right side of the chest was dull on tapping it, and did not seem quite so big as the left. The bones were not so well knit or developed as they should have been, and witness came to the conclusion that probably the child had one lung which had never expanded properly (the right lung), and that its bony system generally was not so strong as it should be. Death was probably due to natural causes.

Mary Wilson, living in Stafford street, Sergeant Keating, and the father of the child having given evidence, a verdict was returned that the child died from natural causes, due to want of development.  -Otago Daily Times, 17/12/1892.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin. DCC photo.

Mary Cecilia Keating, (1875-6/5/1955). "fooling with a gun"

A GUN ACCIDENT.

About one o'clock yesterday afternoon a serious misadventure occurred at South Dunedin. In Sydney street there are two cottages, separated only a few paces, one of which is tenanted by Mr Edward Keating, stoker at the gasworks, and his family, and the other by Mr Hagen. The neighbors are and always have been most friendly terms. Shortly after dinner yesterday Robert Hagen, a young man, by occupation a bootmaker, went to the back of the house to clean a double-barrelled gun that had been in use the day previous, and while doing so he conversed across the fence with Miss Mary Cecilia Keating, one of Mr Keating's daughters, eighteen years of age, and hitherto employed as a tailoress at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. The girl was standing in the scullery washing up the dinner-ware. Hagen and Miss Keating were chaffing and laughing, and Mr Keating was standing by, when suddenly the gun went off and the shot from the left barrel entered the open doorway of the scullery. Some of the shot went through the dishes and pierced the boards of the scullery, and some unfortunately struck the girl, penetrating her eyes and neck. She cried out "Father, father, what is it? am I shot?" and Mr Keating ran up the steps and caught her in his arms. A messenger was at once despatched to the Caledonian Hotel, from whence Mr John Blaney telephoned for Dr Coughtrey. The doctor drove out immediately, and ordered Miss Keating's removal to the hospital. Arrived there, it was found that the right eye was so badly torn and shattered as to make an operation for its removal indispensable. Dr Stenhouse, the ophthalmic surgeon at the hospital, performed the operation, The unfortunate girl was conscious when driven to the hospital. Mr Hagan makes the following statement regarding the affair:— "I was out rabbit shooting on Saturday near Cargill's. Another young fellow named William Dunn, who lives at Mornington, was with me. It is his gun that we used. Young Tom Keating, about fourteen years old, was with us. We all used the gun. I fired the two barrels, and then handed the gun to Dunn. He loaded the right-hand barrel with the last charge of shot we had and gave the gun to Keating, who fired the right-hand barrel. That was the last time the gun was fired before we came home. Dunn told me to take the gun home and clean it. Yesterday, after dinner, I took the gun out to do so, believing it was empty. I put on two caps to clear the nipples first. I did not raise the gun to my shoulder. The girl was just opposite me, and her father standing near by, I was talking to the girl, and I put out the gun in front of me and pulled the light trigger. The cap exploded, I then pulled the left trigger, and the barrel discharged. The left barrel must have missed fire when I thought I fired it on Saturday. That is the only way I can account for what happened." The above statement seems to fairly describe the occurrence, and we may add that Mr Keating's family express the opinion that the affair was purely accidental. Hagen, who is very much cut up, says that he is fairly well accustomed to the use of firearms, and it appears from all that can be made out that he was not larking with the gun in the way of pretending to shoot at the girl. The gun was, of course, pointed her way at the time it went off, but it was apparently an accident that it was so. Inquiring from Dr Coughtrey this morning we learn that the case will be a critical one for two or three days, and that if Miss Keating does recover there is very little hope of her ever regaining the sight of her left eye, which was also torn by the shot. Mr Keating himself, who was at the hospital when our reporter called at his residence to-day, had a narrow escape. He was standing on the lower level of the yard when the shot was fired, and the pellets went over his head.  -ES, 19/12/1892.

MISS Keating was accidentally shot in the face on Saturday, at Donedin, by an individual named Kobert Hagan, and her injuries are very severe, and her face very much disfigured.  -Ellesmerer Guardian, 21/12/1892.

Pitiful. — The doctors fear that Miss Keating, who was shot in the face in South Dunedin on Sunday week by a young man who was "fooling" with a gun, will be blind for life.  -Southland Times, 28/12/1892.

Messrs D. S. Jolly, J. B. Fergusson, and Dr Stenhouse waited on his Worship the Mayor on Thursday morning to consult him as to the best means of raising funds in aid of Miss Keating, who was accidentally shot lately, and will in all probability lose her sight in consequence. It was decided that the above gentlemen form a committee, with power to add to their number, and that subscription lists be sent to the various factories in the city and suburbs. The open air performance of "The Messiah" in aid of the fund will be held in the Caledonian grounds on 14th January, under the patronage of the Most Rev. Bishop Moran.  -Otago Witness, 5/1/1893.

 KEATING BENEFIT. 

Under the  patronage of His Excellence the Earl of Glasgow, KCMG

CALEDONIAN GROUNDS. 

THIS AFTERNOON, 

In the presence of His Excellency the Governor, the Countess of Glasgow, and Suite, 

Handel's Grand Oratorio, 

 THE MESSIAH 

Will be performed by a CHORUS of 300 and ORCHESTRA of 50. 

Conductor

Signor R. Squarise, R.C.M.T, 

Organist Mr W. J. Taylor, F.C.O. 

Leader of Orchestra 

 Mr E, Parker. 

Gates open at 2 o'clock. 

MESSIAH at 3. 

Choristers are requested to be in their places by 2.45. 

Musical Selections by the KAIKORAI BAND, from 2.45. 

Fund Treasurer: His Worship the Mayor of Dunedin, 

JAS. B. FERGUSSON, Hon. Secretary. 

____________________________________________

THE KEATING BENEFIT. 

MEMBERS of the CALEDONIAN SOCIETY are respectfully requested NOT TO MAKE USE of their TICKETS of MEMBERSHIP. 

JOHN GLEGG, Secretary.   -Otago Daily Times, 28/1/1893.

Dunedin, Saturday. The experiment of giving an open-air performance of "The Messiah" was tried to-day on the Caledonian Ground, and proved successful. The weather was dull, but fine, and not a breath of wind was stirring. The chorus and orchestra, numbering about 300, were in the grand stand, and most of the audience, numbering over 3000, and including the Governor and Lady Glasgow and suite, were on the ground below. Only the choruses were given. At the conclusion Signor Squarise, who conducted, was presented to his Excellency and congratulated. The performance was in aid of Miss Keating, who has lost both her eyes by being accidentally shot just before Christmas. After the "Messiah" performance the Governor inspected the local Volunteers, who mustered well.  -Hawkes Bay Herald, 30/1/1894.

 Mr J. B. Fergusson has received encouraging reports from the principal of the Jubilee Institute for the Blind, at Auckland, concerning the progress which has been made by Miss Keating, who, it will be remembered, was rendered blind by an unfortunate gun accident at South Dunedin. Miss Keating has mastered the Braille and Moor types, the theory of music, and the type-writer; also learned to wash, mangle, and iron; will shortly be taught to cook; and is at present studying the violia, organ, and piano. Miss Keating adds that she is very well and happy, and thinks she is getting on very nicely.  -ODT, 23/8/1894.

Miss Keating, who was injured by a gun accident at South Dunedin, will have been in the Jubilee Institute for the Blind two years at the end of July, and it is proposed that she shall remain there till her studies are finished. There is still £200, with £10 to be added for interest, to credit of the trust, of which Mr J. B. Fergusson is the hoc. secretary, and as showing that this fund has been economically administered we may state that the actual expenses to date come to only 15s.  -ODT, 27/2/1895.

The Keating Trust Committee are bringing their labors to a conclusion, and intend to shortly present a final report to the subscribers. We understand that, as the outcome of the public effort on behalf of Miss Keating when she lost her eyesight by a gun accident, the cost of her training at the Auckland Blind School has been defrayed, she has a pianoforte, a typewriter, and a cottage, and is now credited with £7l in the bank.  -Evening Star, 10/7/1897.

Mary Cecilia Keating died at the age of 80 in 1955, at the home of the Little Sisters of the Poor.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin. DCC photo.

Sir George Fenwick, Kt, (7/2/1847-23/9/1929). "unremitting labour"

 SIR GEORGE FENWICK, KT.

Advice has been received in Wellington of the death of Sir George Fenwick, Kt., for years managing director and editor of the "Otago Daily Times," who passed away at Dunedin this morning after a brief illness.

The passing of Sir George Fenwick removes from New Zealand journalism one of its ablest exponents, a pioneer who triumphed over many apparently insurmountable difficulties, and achieved great things; a forceful writer and a wise administrator whose heart was filled with human kindness and a man for whom all his associates had the highest esteem. But his life's work was not restricted to journalism alone. A true lover of his adopted country, he served in public life in many spheres; no good cause ever had to complain of his lack of active and wholehearted support; he was specially notable for his many years of unremitting labour, quietly and unostentatiously, as a member of the Prisons Board, in which capacity he helped many a fallen man to rehabilitate himself. 

The late Sir George, who was in his 82nd year, was born in Sunderland, England, and in 1852 accompanied his parents to Melbourne, where they resided for three or four years. The family then removed to Dunedin, and as a lad of 12 years of age he was apprenticed to the proprietor of the "Otago Witness," then a very small sheet, published weekly, and the only newspaper in the province. He remained in the office for about seven years, learning his trade as a printer, and during this period he also served on the "Otago Daily Times," which commenced publication on 15th November, 1861, in conjunction with the "Otago Witness." In 1866, when 19 years of age, he went to Sydney, and while there received an appointment on the ''Cleveland Bay Express," Townsville, North Queensland. He had only been there for a few months, however, when, owing to the death of his mother, he returned to Dunedin. He re-entered the employment of the "Otago Daily Times" Company, and twelve months later joined Mr. James Matthews, an old office colleague, in the proprietorship of the "Tuapeka Press." 

In October, 1869, the partners sold out of this venture to the proprietors of their contemporary at Lawrence, and then moved to Cromwell, where they decided to start another paper. The first issue of this journal, in an endeavour to forestall opposition that was threatened, was printed in Lawrence after the last sheets of the filial issue of the "Tuapeka Press" had been run off the machine, and at 6 o'clock on a Saturday night Mr. Fenwick started on one of the horses of the firm on a ride of 90 miles to Cromwell with 500 copies of the first issue of the "Cromwell Argus" strapped at the front of his saddle. After a few hours' rest at Miller's Flat, he resumed his journey early on the Sunday morning, and reached Cromwell at 9 o'clock that night. On the following morning, before breakfast, he had distributed the papers throughout the township and over parts of the district. Opposition came, however, but against such enterprise was successfully overcome. Then, Mr. Fenwick came to the conclusion that the "field" was too small, and he returned to Dunedin, where, in partnership with the late Mr. John Mackay (subsequently Government Printer), he commenced business as a general printer in Princess street. While thus engaged he was appointed manager of the "Otago Guardian,'' a morning newspaper. He had not held the position many months when he came to the conclusion that there was but little hope of the company ever making headway against their powerful and old-established rival, the "Otago Daily Times," and he recommended the directors to sell out, if possible, and, if not, to cease the publication of their papers, the "Guardian" and "Southern Mercury.'' The company, taking his advice, succeeded in disposing of its property to the late Mr. G. M. Reed (father of Mr. Justice Reed), who had formerly been in partnership with Mr. Henry Brett in the proprietorship of the "Auckland Star." Mr. Reed, who was a trenchant writer, and believed that he could bring the "Guardian" into a successful position through his writings, induced Mr. Fenwick to join him. 

The capital of the firm, however, was far top limited to compete with a business owned by a powerful company, and the prospects of the property were looking gloomy when Mr. Fenwick startled his partner one day by suggesting that they should make an effort to buy the "Times," and he soon convinced Mr. Reed that he was thoroughly in earnest in his proposal. It being absolutely necessary to secure the good offices of some prominent citizen as negotiator, who would keep the identity of his principals undisclosed, Mr. Fenwick secured those of the late Hon. W. H. Reynolds, and, obtaining promises of the necessary capital from his own friends, negotiations proceeded which resulted in Messrs. Reed and Fenwick entering into possession of the "Otago Daily Times" and "Otago "Witness,'' with Mr. Reed as editor, and Mr. Fenwick as manager. The "Guardian," shortly afterwards, was merged in the "Times," and then the unexpected happened. Mr. Fenwick made an effort to pick a mechanical staff in fair proportions from the respective staffs of the "Times'' and '' Guardian," but the "Times" hands would not accept work under the new proprietors, unless they were all engaged. This condition the firm promptly declined to accede to, and the result was that the "Times" hands started an opposition paper — the "Morning Herald" —the price of which was one penny, as against threepence charged for the "Times." There were many sympathisers with the men, and the former directors of the "Times" Company and their friends gave the new venture all the help they possibly could. The "Herald," at its cheap price, made great headway, and the circulation of the "Times" within a short time suffered materially. Hampered with very serious financial responsibilities, for it had cost something like £30,000 to secure the "Times" property, Mr. Fenwick urged his partner to consent to the floating of a company to take over the property, and, this course being agreed upon, the result was the founding of the present "Otago Daily Times" and "Witness" Newspapers Co., Ltd., the articles of association providing that Mr. Fenwick should become managing director of the company and Mr. Reed editor of the "Times." The price of the "Times" was reduced to one penny, and finally ousted the opposition. 

In 1877 Mr. Fenwick was appointed editor, as well as managing director, and he soon succeeded in elevating it into a leading position among New Zealand daily newspapers. Under his control the "Otago Daily Times," always maintaining the highest standard of British journalism, steadily increased its prestige and circulation, and spoke as a powerful voice in both national and local affairs.

Many years ago Mr. Fenwick was appointed a Justice of the Peace, and in 1919, in recognition of his many public services, both as a journalist and a citizen, he had the well-deserved honour of knighthood conferred upon him. He ceased from active journalism some years ago, but still continued to exercise a controlling influence in the affairs of the journal. 

He was one of the founders of the first Press Association of New Zealand, and later of the United Press Association (the present organisation), being chairman of both bodies for many years. He made several trips to England and participating in various Press conferences there, and from its inception he was chairman of the New Zealand branch of the Empire Press Union. He was, as previously stated, a great lover of his adopted country, of its flora and fauna, and was a vice-president of the New Zealand Native Birds Protection Society. He was the founder of the Otago Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and for many years served as a member of the Prisoners' Aid Society and of the Prisons Board. 

The late Sir George Fenwick is survived by his wife and two sons and four daughters — Dr. D. Eardley Fenwick (of Wellington, who returns from Sydney to-morrow), Dr. Fenwick (of Auckland), Mrs. James (wife of the Rev. Canon James, of St. Paul's Pro-Cathedral, Wellington), Mrs. White (Timaru), Mrs. E. Haslett (Dunedin), and Miss Fenwick (Dunedin). There are several grand-children. Deep sympathy will be felt with Lady Fenwick and family in their sad bereavement. 

The funeral will take place in Dunedin to-morrow.  -Evening Post, 23/9/1929.

LARGE CROWD ATTENDS FUNERAL OF THE LATE SIR GEORGE FENWICK.

(Special to the “Star.”) DUNEDIN, September 24. A large concourse of leading citizens and of employees of the Otago Daily Times and Witness Company followed the remains of Sir George Fenwick to their last resting place in the Southern cemetery this morning, and but for the fact that the funeral was a private one there would have been something in the nature of a record gathering.

The service at St Paul’s Cathedral was conducted by Canon Nevill, who was assisted by the Rev W. Hardy Johnson. Mr E. Heywood was at the organ, and during the service played the “Dead March” in “Saul.”

The service at the graveside in the Southern cemetery was conducted by Canon Nevill.  -Manawatu Standard, 25/9/1929.

 

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.

Thomas Bath Hopcroft, (1/7/1863-2/1/1877). "could not swim"

We learn by telegram from Riverton that a lad named Hopcroft, son of Mr Hopcroft, of Gummie's Bush, was drowned on Tuesday, while bathing in a mill dam.  -Otago Daily Times, 4/1/1877.

DEATH BY DROWNING.

It is our melancholy duty to record a fatal accident which occurred to a promising young lad named Thomas Bath Hopcroft, son of Mr William Hopcroft, settler, Gummie's Bush, whilst bathing in a mill-dam. We supply the following particulars of the sad occurrence, which were elicited at the inquest held on Wednesday last, at Gummie's Bush, before Dr Monckton, District Coroner, and a jury of thirteen, of which Mr A. McNaughton was elected foreman. 

William Walker deposed: I am a settler residing at Gummie's Bush. I have seen the body and I identify it as Thomas Bath Hopcroft, aged 14 next birthday. I last saw him alive on the evening of the 2nd of January instant. I then saw him in company with George Knight and George Crisp. 

George Knight deposed: I am a labouring man, and am temporarily residing with Mr Hopcroft, of Gummie's Bush. About half-past six on the evening of the 2nd I was in company with Crisp and the deceased, and after some conversation we all three went to the mill dam. The other two then left me, and proceeded to bathe a little further up the dam. I saw Crisp in the water first. He swam across and came back again. When I got up to them, the deceased was standing on the bank with his trousers on. I saw him strip and slide his feet in the water holding on by the tussocks. I told him to come out lest he caught cold. He said all right. I then left him, and went down in the gully out of sight of him to throw a stone at a bird. In about five minutes I went up the bank again, and called to the boy. I did not see him, but Crisp was swimming to the bank, and called out to know where Tom was. I did not see him again till I helped to take the body out of the water, about 6 o'clock the following morning. When we missed the boy, I told Crisp to search for him, as I could not swim, and I went to the mill for assistance. When I last saw him alive, Crisp was swimming about fifty yards away from where he was. I don't think I was more than five minutes away. Thomas, the deceased, could not swim. I last saw him in three feet of water, but a few feet further out there is a very deep hole. 

George Crisp deposed: I am a labouring man, and reside at Mr Hopcroft's, Gummie's Bush. I remember the 2nd instant. Knight, Thomas Hopcroft, and myself went to the mill-dam. It was about twenty minutes to eight when we were there. I stript and went in first and had a swim, and left the other two on the bank. I afterwards saw the deceased in three feet of water, holding on to the bank, talking to Knight. I then swam out again, and on returning I lost sight of him and Knight both. When I got out I saw Knight come up the bank in sight, and we both asked one another at the same instant where the boy was. Knight said he was not on shore, and so we supposed he must be under water. Knight then ran for assistance, while I searched in the dam. I did not see him again alive, nor did I see his body found. The boy could not swim. The bank runs down into deep water a short distance from where he stood. I heard no cry and saw no bubbles. I am not a good swimmer. I made every effort in my power to find the body by trying to dive. 

Thomas Griffiths deposed: I am a police constable stationed at Riverton. On the 2nd inst., about 9 p.m., I was informed of the loss of the boy Thomas Bath Hopcroft. I obtained a drag, went to the mill-dam, and used it for some time. I then found a boat was necessary, and sent to Riverton for one. I continued the search till 6 the following morning, when the body was found in my presence by the father and mother. It was naked, and bore no marks of violence, except a scratch from the drag-hook. 

The Coroner having addressed the jury, they, after a short consultation, returned the following verdict; — "That the said Thomas Bath Hopcroft was accidentally drowned whilst bathing in the mill-dam near Gummie's Bush, on the 2nd January, 1877."  -Western Star, 6/1/1877.

Riverton Cemetery. Photo from "findagrave."

Seaward Downs - those who fell - World War 1.

8/195 Private Henry William Bennett Edwards, (1/9/1883-6/7/1917). ""

Henry Edwards was a cheesemaker when he enlisted and was wounded on Gallipoli, his left leg being broken by a bullet. He was invalided to England later in 1915. He died of a kidney stone in 1917.

8/3905 Private Percival Clooney Geary, (22/6/1895-27/9/1916). "reported missing"

Percival Geary was working as a farmhand at Seaward Downs when he enlisted. He was with the 1st Battalion of the Otago Infantry Regiment when it went into action on the 27th of September at the Somme.  They ran into a "withering blast of fire" from German positions. Two of the attacking companies suffered 100% casualties.

Percival was reported missing and his death was the verdict of a Court of Enquiry convened the following month.

24/526 Sergeant Malcolm McKenzie, (3/2/1895-7/6/1917). "a magnificent stamp"

Malcolm McKenzie was working as a carpenter when he enlisted. He was wounded in the ankle with shrapnel during the Battle of the Somme. Rejoining his unit after three days, he was soon made Sergeant when a previous Sergeant was wounded. He was killed in action shortly before the Battle of Messines.

SERGT. M. McKENZIE. 

Another gallant New Zealander went West when Sergt, Malcolm McKenzie, son of Mr and Mrs R. McKenzie, of Bay road and formerly of Seaward Downs, fell in action. Mr McKenzie yesterday learned the sad tidings through a cable from his son Donald, also in France. The late Sergt. McKenzie was born in the Wyndham Valley 22 years ago and attended the Seaward Downs school. Prior to enlisting with his twin brother, Donald, in the Second Battalion of the Rifle Brigade he followed the carpentering trade. The fallen Southlander was a magnificent stamp of a young colonial and a splendid athlete. Two of his favourite branches were wrestling and bicycle racing, and as a speedy wheeler he was known all over the province.  -Southland Times, 20/6/1917.

24/545 Rifleman Donald McKenzie, (3/2/1895-9/9/1917). "a fine stamp"

Killed in Action.

Coporal Donald McKenzie, who was killed on 9th. Sept., was a son of Mr and Mrs McKenzie, Bay Road, Invercargill, and was born at Waikawa twenty three years ago. His twin brother, Sergt. Malcolm McKenzie, was killed in the battle of Messines a few months ago. Both young men were of a fine stamp, physically and mentally.   -Southern Cross, 29/9/1917.

34901 William Christie McCorkindale, (5/2/1888-10/5/1917). "appendicitis"

PRIVATE W. C. McCORKINDALE. 

Private William Christie McCorkindale, who died on May 10 after an operation for appendicitis, was a son of Mr and Mrs John McCorkindale, of Seaward Downs. He was born and educated at Otakia, being 20 years of age at the time of his death. Private McCorkindale, who was a splendid rifle shot and an active member of the Henley National Reserve Rifle Club, besides a good all-round athlete, was farming and contracting when he enlisted in the Twentieth.  -Southland Times, 18/5/1917.

61363 Private James Winton Noble, (6/2/1897-26/8/1918). "sleep on"

1/Auckland for the third time running found themselves actively employed in patrol work, so as to maintain a constant pressure and to be prepared to exploit without loss of time any retirement of the enemy. They took over the position won by 2/Auckland, and held on during the 25th under heavy shelling from 5.9 and eight-inch howitzers. Rain fell through the night, and the next day was showery. At mid-day the 15th Company were ordered to support 2/Wellington in an operation to the right of Grevillers, which had for its object penetration to the south of Bapaume and the crossing of the Bapaume-Albert road, 2/Wellington made no progress, but a patrol of the North Aucklanders, Lieutenant O'Gorman, Sergeant Judson and four others, bombed for two hundred yards up a sap until they reached the road, taking three machine-guns and a couple of prisoners. It was here that Sergeant Judson, who had already distinguished himself in the patrol operations at Hebuterne and Puisieux, was awarded the Victoria Cross for "most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty, when in an attack on enemy positions he led a small bombing party under heavy fire and captured an enemy machine-gun. He then proceeded up a sap alone, bombing three machine-gun crews before him. Jumping out of the trench he ran ahead of the enemy. Then standing on the parapet he ordered the party, consisting of two officers and ten men to surrender. They instantly fired on him, but he threw a bomb and jumped down amongst them, killed two, put the rest to flight, and so captured two machine-guns. This prompt and gallant action not only saved many lives but enabled the advance to continue unopposed."

Sergeant Judson joined 2/Auckland with the Ninth Reinforcement, and served with them through the trench spell at Armentieres until he was badly wounded in the storming of the Switch Line on September 15th, 1916. He rejoined the Regiment after the Hun offensive, and was sent to the 1/Battalion, then holding the line in and about Hebuterne. His feat of winning the D.C.M., the M.M. and the V.C., all in the space of six weeks, is a record probably unequalled by any other British soldier.

The ground gained by the gallant sergeant and his companions was, however, not held, as the Division on the right retired, and, in consequence, the New Zealanders had also to draw back to avoid exposing their flank to attack. Later in the afternoon 1/Auckland were ordered to be ready to follow up in case of an enemy retirement after a short bombardment by the trench mortars. The enemy, however, showed no signs of retiring, and became exceedingly hostile, whereupon the Battalion received orders to "stand fast." Later, orders came to relieve 2/Wellington, and this move was carried out before the dawn of the 27th. -Official History of the Auckland Regiment.

PRIVATE J. W. NOBLE. 

James Winton Noble enlisted in the 30th Reinforcements at the age of 21 years. On reaching the trenches he received wounds from which he died. Born at Millers Flat he received his education at Tisbury, and his mother, Mrs J. W. Noble, resides at Seaward Downs. Previous to enlistment he was in partnership with his brother, Alexander, in a dairy farm at Seaward Downs.  -Southland Times, 9/9/1918.

James Noble served with the Auckland Regiment. He died from a gunshot wound to his spine.

FOR THE EMPIRE’S CAUSE.

NOBLE. — On August 26, 1918 (died of wounds), somewhere in France, Private .lames Winton Noble, 30th Reinforcements, youngest son of Mrs J. W. Noble, and the late James Winton Noble; aged 21 years. “Sleep on beloved until the day dawns.”  -Southland Times, 9/9/1918.

8/3902 Private David Arthur Frew, (25/10/1894-11/6/1916). "casualties were inevitable"

When the 1st Battalion of the Regiment on June 7th, in relief of the 2nd Battalion of Auckland, entered into possession of L'Epinette Salient, which was our closest point to the enemy's line, it involved an increase of the front formerly held by the 1st Infantry Brigade of approximately 1,000 yards. Otago continued to hold the line there until June 21st, which represented an inordinately long spell in the trenches without relief. Raids on the right and left of the sector resulted in the Salient receiving the back-wash of the enemy's artillery retaliation, and casualties were inevitable.  -Official History of the Otago Regiment.

An "inevitable" casualty of the retaliation was David Frew, who suffered a broken thigh and penetrating wound of the abdomen.

DEATHS.

FREW. — Died of wounds in France, on June 11th, in his 22nd year, David Arthur Frew, son of Mrs O. W. Frew, South Riverton. — Deeply regretted. For Christ and Humanity in the Empire's cause.  -Western Star, 4/7/1916.

L. Ballantyne

There is no L Ballantyne connected to Seaward Downs in the "Online Cenotaph." It might have been 8/2838 Private Alexander Stuart Ballantyne (12/7/1893-13/7/1916) of the Otago Infantry, whose father lived in Edendale.

PRIVATE A. S. BALLANTYNE. 

Private Alexander Stuart Ballantyne, whose death from wounds is reported, was the son of Mr and Mrs Peter Ballantyne, and was born at Edendale in 1893. After going through the primary school there he was a pupil of the Southland High School. He left with the 7th Reinforcements, and was employed on the railways, being stationed at Waimahaka when he enlisted. The late Private Ballantyne was born and bred on the Edendale estate, with which his father has been associated for close on a quarter of a century.  -Southland Times, 27/7/1916.

23490 Corporal Duncan Alexander Horne, (19/7/1896-27/9/1916). "three shattered companies"

CARPENTERS AND JOINERS. 

A SPLENDID RESPONSE. 

The members of the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners throughout the dominion have responded well to the call for men for the front, and it is worthy of mention that Mr Ivor Hazell, the dominion secretary of the Society, has no less than five sons at the front, four of whom are married men. The Invercargill branch of the Society has a membership of upwards of 400, and of these 46 have gone to the front or are in training at Trentham. Following are the names of the men who have volunteered: — George Kay, Chas. English, H. Huffadine, John Harper, T. Hartley, S. C. Calder, H. Nicholson, Jack Gough, James Walker, F. N. Margin, W. J, Whyte, Geo. Davidson, R. Buchanan, A. Lawton, E. Cook, Bert. Barton, Ernest Morris, W. A. Cook, Peter Fraser, Thos. H. Baty, Alex. Stirrat, Albert Smart, H. Broad, Geo. McKechnie, J. B. Sexton, E. Campbell, Chas. Sheed, C. H. Green, H. R. Goss, P. Carter, William Sheed, Hugh Winter, Fred. Murray, J. F. Malton, R. Crowther, Wm. Eunson, H. Donald, J. Doyle, J. O. Wilson, J. C. Kidder, Alf. Chatterton, Milton Green, Ewan Campbell, Stanley G. Compton, Wm. Laidlaw, and Duncan Horne. 

Of those who have gone to the front the following have been killed: — R. Buchanan, Bert. Barton, and E. Campbell. 

The following have been wounded; — Geo. Kay, W. A. Cook, Albert Smart, and C. H. Green.

The following have been invalided home; — Geo. McKechnie and Peter Fraser.  -Southland Times, 15/2/1916.

Punctually to time and in good order the Battalion advanced to the attack, and with only a moderate number of casualties crossed the line of Factory Corner-Eaucourt L'Abbaye Road, From this stage the ground fell away abruptly and the attacking troops almost immediately came under a withering blast of fire from enemy rifles and machine guns posted along Gird Trench and Gird Support. The two leading Companies, 14th and 4th, valiantly endeavoured to press on against this hail of fire; but it was only a question of distance when they were literally swept away by it. Every officer and almost every man became a casualty. The 8th Company, (Duncan Horne's) following in rear, now advanced into the breach. With equal gallantry the endeavour to reach Gird Trench was renewed, only to find that the protecting wire in the low lying ground was uncut. Here the attack withered away, and the few survivors, the remnant of three shattered Companies, took refuge in the shell-holes. A few of our men, joining up with the 1st Battalion of Auckland on the right, had succeeded in reaching Gird Trench.  -Official History of the Otago Regiment.

Corporal Duncan Alexander Horne, missing since February 27, is a son of Mr and Mrs A. Horne, of Morton Mains, at which place he completed his primary education. He is a native of Canterbury and an old boy of the Southland Technical College, and was in the employ of Mr Robert Blue, builder, of Invercargill, when he joined the 13th at the age of 20. Corporal Horne was a particularly fine shot and also a keen bandsman, serving under the Hibernian banner in local band circles. A brother, Sergeant R. H. Horne, went with the Main Body.  -Evening Star, 1/11/1916.

FOR THE EMPIRE’S CAUSE.

HORNE. — Killed while in action in France, on September 27, 1916, Duncan Alexander Horne; dearly beloved second son of Mr and Mrs A. Horne, of Morton Mains; aged 21 years. “He died for his King and Country.”  -Southland Times, 18/12/1916.

FOR THE EMPIRE’S CAUSE. 

IN MEMORIAM. 

HORNE. — In loving memory of Corporal Duncan Alexander Horne, Morton Mains (23490, 13th Reinforcements), killed in action in the Somme battle on September 27, 1916. 

No one knows how much we miss him, Friends may think the wound is healed, 

But they little know the sorrow Deep within our hearts concealed. 

— Inserted by his loving father, mother, sister, and, brother.  -Otago Daily Times, 29/9/1921.

68487 Private John Henry Sutherland, (12/5/1897-21/12/1918). "at rest" 

PVT J. H. SUTHERLAND. 

Private John Henry Sutherland, who was wounded on September 30th, is a son of Mr and Mrs W. Sutherland, of Seaward Downs. Private Sutherland, who left with the 37th Reinforcements, was previously engaged in farming. He was born at Brunswick, Kennington, 21 years ago, and educated at the Kennington school. He is a follower of all sports and is a very good gun and rifle shot.  -Southland Times, 24/10/1918.

The Regiment accordingly remained comparatively inactive throughout the 27th; but on the morning of the 28th, a dull and stormy day, the two Battalions advanced to a point of rendezvous in the neighbourhood of Havrincourt Wood.

The New Zealand Division received orders to take over the front held by the 42nd Division and part of that held by the 5th Division, preparatory to a resumption of the general attack on the 29th. At 5.30 p.m. the two Battalions commenced their approach march, but the congested state of traffic on all roads forward, which preceded every attack, made progress slow and difficult. When the head of the 2nd Battalion reached Beaucamp, the enemy commenced to shell the village and roads, but fortunately the straffing was of brief duration. -Official History of the Otago Regiment.

John Sutherland's Army record contains, for the day that he was wounded, the note "GSW mult." - gunshot wounds, multiple. Those few letters contain a world of suffering for the month and a half between John's wounding and his death.

FOR THE EMPIRE’S CAUSE. 

SUTHERLAND. — Died of wounds at 16th General Hospital, Le Treport, France, December 11, 1918, John Henry, the fourth son of Mr and Mrs William Sutherland, of Seaward Downs, in his 21st year. He was loved by all who knew him. At Rest.  -Southland Times, 2/1/1919.

12597 L/corporal Hugh William Graham, (8/11/1895-30/3/1918). "improving the line"

LANCE-CORPL. H. W. GRAHAM. 

Lance-corporal Hugh W. Graham, relented to have made the supreme sacrifice on March 30, was 22 years of age and a son of Mrs J. Graham, of Mataura Island. He was a native of Brighton, Otago, and received his education at Seaward Downs and the Southland Boys’ High School. Lance-corporal Graham was working on his mother’s farm at the Island up till his enlistment in the mounted section of the Eleventh Reinforcement. He was always a keen territorial, and was leader of the Boys’ Bible class and superintendent of the Sunday school at the Island. A brother, Trooper Jim Graham, of the Thirtieth Reinforcement, is also in Palestine, where he met Hugh a month before the latter’s death.  -Southland Times, 10/4/1918.

At two o'clock on the afternoon of the 30th a minor operation was carried out by troops of the 1st Infantry Brigade, one Battalion of the 3rd Brigade co-operating, with a view to improving the line and gaining better observation. The objective aimed at was the line of the hedge from near the Serre Road on the right to a point about 1,000 yards to the left, which was also the line of the ridge overlooking La Signy Farm. The flanking Battalions were to conform to the movement. The main attack met with instant success; and it was only over a short stretch on the left that the enemy held his ground behind heavy machine gun fire. This pocket page 283was cleared on the following morning, and the new front, affording good observation over a wide stretch of country, was consolidated. The captures in this highly successful operation were 290 prisoners, five light minenwerfer guns, and the extraordinary total of 110 machine guns. Over 200 enemy dead were counted on the front attacked. Our casualties amounted to 43 killed and 100 wounded.  -Official History of the Otago Regiment.

72265 Rifleman David Morton, (13/11/1895-31/10/1918). "thy will be done"

The NZ Rifle Brigade's Official History reports that, on the day of David Morton's death, a number of successful raids were carried out against German positions opposite them.  No New Zealand casualties resulted so David's death might have been due to a sniper.

FOR THE EMPIRE’S CAUSE.

MORTON. — “Killed in action,’’ October 31, 1918, Pte. David Morton, dearly loved and only son of David and the late Elizabeth Morton, of Morton Mains; aged 22 years. “Thy will be done.”  -Southland Times 2/12/1918.

FOR THE EMPIRE’S CAUSE.

IN MEMORIAM. 

MORTON. — In loving memory of Rifleman David Morton, who was killed in action at Le Quesnoy, on October 31, 1918. “So loved; so mourned.’’ — Inserted by his loving father and sisters.  -Southland Times, 31/10/1919.

Rawiri Te Maire Teaohikuraki, (1808-16/8/1899). "a serious loss"

A PAGE FROM MAORI HISTORY. 

Rawiri Te Maire, whose death is announced, was (says the "Otago Daily Times") one of the last of the old Maoris. It may be said that Maoris are growing old every day, but this old man was one of the old school. Being over eighty years of age, he was a grown man before Christianity was introduced. He was, perhaps, the last survivor of those who had lived in the interior of Otago. In 1836, when Rauparaha's raids were nearly spent, one of his captains, named Te Puoho, crossed the Haast Pass and entered Central Otago by Lake Wanaka with a considerable band of men. They captured or killed the whole of the Wanaka Natives, and would have served those of Hawea in the same way, but a lad escaped and got away to Hawea, where he warned his tribe, all of whom fled down the Waitaki to the coast. Te Maire was one of these fugitives, and neither he nor any of his tribe ever returned. Te Puoho carried his captives right down through Central crossing the Remarkables to the present site of Kingston, and passing down the Mataura Valley to Tuturau, where he was shot in an encounter with the Foveaux Strait Maoris. The man who shot him, Topi of Ruapuke, is still living at a great age. Ten of the prisoners survived, some of whose descendants are well known in Otago. Rawiri leaves a family of several generations.  -Lyttelton Times, 23/8/1899.

FUNERAL OF A PROMINENT MAORI CHIEF.

A correspondent writes: — As was noted in your paper recently, the old chief Rawiri Te Maire, aged 91 years, died at his late residence, Waihao (South Canterbury) on August 16. It is the custom amongst Maoris when a death occurs for the nearest of kin to the deceased to communicate at once with all the pas interested, especially so if the death be that of a chief. Great difficulty is often experienced in deciding upon the place of burial, as it is necessary to trace back and find out the place of interment of his elders (Tepunas). Such was the case with the late chief. Messrs Teone Parata, Tiemi Hipi, Hoani Matiu, and Ephia Maaka were deputed to proceed to Waihao to bring the body of the chief to Karitane for interment at Tehaukapakapa (name of the cemetery), the place in which several other chiefs are buried, including Kahuti and Matiu. The body arrived at Puketiraki on Saturday, 19th inst., by the 6 p.m. train from Oamaru. With it came Mr and Mrs H. D. Maire, Reihana Maire, Mrs Hoani Kahu, and grand-children, chief mourners, and others from various kaingas. The funeral took place on Monday, 21st, and the remains were followed by close on 200 persons. The pall-bearers were Messrs Teone Parata, Hoani Matiu, Teohi Taiaroa (Karitane), and Tikou Wira (Temuka), all dressed in Native costume — viz., kahahu, or Maori mats, over their shoulders. The remains were laid alongside those of deceased's elder people, which were consigned to their last resting place many years ago in Tehaukapahapa. The late chief was a descendant of Putauaho, Awanuiaraki, Rakaihautu, Ru of the hapu Huirapa, Tuahauriri, Rakiamoa Hateatea. Friends and others from all parts of the South Island and Chatham Island were present at the tangi, including the Hon. H. K. Taiaroa (Southbridge), Mrs Apa Taiaroa (Chatham Islands), John Connor (Henley, Taieri), Harry Kahu, Hoani Kahu, Eruera Waak and others (Temuka), Hoani Maaka, Pohipi Tehua, G. P. Mutu and others (Kaiapoi), G. Robertson, Hoani Taupoki, and others (Little River), Mrs and Miss S. Rikus (Timaru), Teone Teururaka (Waitaki North), Tare Te Kahu (Waitaki South), Thomas Edwards and others (Otakou), John Milliar and others (Purakanui). Rawiri Te Maire had been a Wesleyan local preacher since 1840, and in 1888, when the serious trouble at Omarama arose, he was chief in saving bloodshed. His death is a serious loss to his people. The Rev. M. Vanes, of Waikouaiti, conducted the funeral services.  -Otago Witness, 31/8/1899.

A NOTABLE CENTENARY

SUGGESTED MEMORIAL AT WAIKOUAITI 

The Rev. M. A. Rugby Pratt, at last nights quarterly meeting of Trinity Church officers, referred to the forthcoming centenary of the work of the Methodist Church in New Zealand. He said that, whilst the honour of introducing Christianity to the North Island of New Zealand belonged to the Anglican Church, that honour so far as the South Island was concerned fell to the Wesleyan Methodists. Next year the Methodists would complete their first century in the north, and were proposing to erect a memorial on the site of their first mission station. It was not until 1840, however, that any organised Christian effort was made for the South Island. The first mission m this island was established by the Wesleyans at Waikouaiti on May 17 1840 in response to the request of Mr "Johnny" Jones. Mr Pratt holds the original letter of Mr Jones applying for a missionary to the Mission Committee in Sydney. To mark the work of Mr Watkin, the pioneer missionary, the name of the old mountain Hikororoa had been changed to Mount Watkin on the initiative of the Maori converts of the mission. The mission house was on the peninsula that then bore the name Huriawa, but is now known as Karitane Peninsula. Many guesses have been made at the meaning of the word "Karitane," and Mr W. H. & Roberts, in his volume on the "Place Names of Otago" hazards several conjectures. The name Huriawa, was changed to "Karitane" on the suggestion of a Wesleyan lay preacher the chief Rawiri Temaire, who at a korero on Hautekapa Hill, on the peninsula, said that the work of Mr Creed ("Karita") should be marked as had the work of his predecessor Mr Watkin. He suggested altering the name of the peninsula, but as "Karita" did not satisfy the Native sense of euphony, he said to the assembly: "Let us ad 'tane' (man). The assembly acclaimed the suggestion, and Karitane it since has been. There lives at Waikouaiti a half-caste lady who was baptised by Mr Watkin, and who remembers distinctly the circumstances of the renaming of old Huriawa Peninsula. Mrs Creed, the missionary's wife, took great interest in the Native women. She taught the women the nurture of babies and taught the girls to sew, and her name was affectionately associated with that of her husband when their name was thus geographically commemorated. It is fitting, too, that a name given in such circumstances should be borne by the homes established by Dr Truby King in the interests of motherhood and child life. Mr Pratt suggested that in connection with the coming centenary celebrations that, although the work at Waikouaiti had been begun only 80 years ago, it was fitting that the historic spot where Christianity made its first efforts in the South Island should have a monolith or other monument to commemorate the event and those associated with it. The Marsden memorial in the North Island was off the beaten track, but a monument such as he suggested, standing on the site of the old mission house on the Native reserve, would be visited as a sacred shrine by people of all religious denominations. It would be visible alike from sea and land. He had no doubt that people of all creeds would gladly unite in making the spot where Christianity began in this island a spot, moreover, that had associated with it many Maori traditions of great interest. It may be added that Mr Pratt has at present the baptismal, marriage, and burial registers of the Waikouaiti Mission from 1840 to 1859. Amongst those baptised by the Wesleyan missionaries are 22 of the 25 chiefs who signed the document for the sale of the Otago block. It was the missionaries who first taught the Natives to read and write. Mr Watkin's successor, the Rev. Charles Creed, as early as December, 1845, preached to Natives at Otepoti, which, is now part of Dunedin.  -Otago Daily Times. 13/10/1920.

Karitane Cemetery.