Frederick W Corkhill, (1869-22/8/1908). "hit with shoe or dog"

 INQUEST.

An inquest was held yesterday at the residence of deceased's rnother, before W. Saunders, Esq., (acting coroner), and the following jury: — Messrs Hartley (foreman), O'Brien, Stevens, Cooper, Parmenter, and Liddell. 

Mr. M. O'Byrne, secretary Sawmill Workers' Union, appeared to watch proceedings on behalf of the Union, of which deceased was a member. Mr A. McCullum, employer, was also present. 

Mrs Corkhill, mother of deceased, stated that deceased was her sole means of support. He was 39 years old, single, and a native of New Zealand. He was in good health when he left home the Sunday previous to death. 

Thomas Ward, manager Glenburn sawmill, said there was a certain amount of risk at the work of shoeman, owing chiefly to luck of caution. The shoeman had an assistant to attend to the signal wire and do any other work asked by the shoeman. J. Richards came down to the mill about 2 o'clock on Saturday and told me that Fred Corkhill was severely hurt, and had been hit with shoe or dog. Sent a man and a trolley up and came down for the doctor, who went up and met Corkhill being brought down, and spoke to him. He (witness) believed that the log had fouled some obstacle while being hauled, and the dog had sprung out and hit deceased. It might ne possible for the whistle string to foul by getting caught in a branch. He considered that deceased, who was a thoroughly competent man, must have been a little careless on the present occasion from the fact that he had got in front of the shoe, where he should not be. He never had had occasion to caution deceased for carelessness. 

In reply to questions by Mr O'Byrne, witness stated that T. Collings was driving the engine. He did not employ or believe in boy drivers. There were some knots on the original string. Splices would be better, but these took time, and the usual custom was to knot. The stoppage of a signal string at a critical moment might result in a shoeman getting killed if caught by the rope or shoe. He knew of 2 or 3 deaths from being struck by the shoe, but he considered bush falling more dangerous than shoeing. He did not consider deceased had excessive work to perform. Witness exhibited a side dog as now used, and of the most approved type. It was not even under extraordinary circumstances, necessary for a shoeman to go in front of the log while in motion. 

Dr. Baird stated that on making a post mortem examination he found the stomach and spleen had been ruptured, and death had resulted from shock and internal bleeding. Two ribs on the left side were broken. He was satisfied the accident was occasioned by a very heavy blow, and that there was no possible chance of recovery from injuries such as deceased had received. It was quite possible that the shoe or the rope might have caused the accident as well as the 'dog.' The external injury was very slight, but the internal injuries proved that the blow must have been a very violent one. 

T. Collings, certificated driver, gave evidence of the procedure followed by him in hauling in the logs, his actions being guided by signals given by the whistle boy, all of which he understood. He knew the 'dog' drew in this instance and he stopped the engine, and immediately the whistle blew. He waited for a while without receiving further signal, when the head bushman came in and said Fred Corkhill was hurt. The log was about 20 chains away. Deceased was a firstclass man at his work, and he had arranged with witness to haul three or four drags, and then pull out the slack to repair a break in a casting on the drum.

In reply to Mr O'Byrne: Deceased had never complained about defects in the signal string, which deceased had attended to himself. The whistle boy was about 7 chains away from the shoeman. 

Frank Allen, bushman, said that about 1.30 p.m. on Saturday Alex. Denniston, H. Ward and himself heard deceased singing out and rushed over, the distance was about 2 chains — and found Fred on his knees, with blood flowing from his head. Deceased said he was hurt on the side, not the head, and on placing his hand on deceased's side could feel his ribs were broken. Deceased did not appear to know what hit him as he asked repeatedly "what hit me," and apparently was in great pain. The bushmen carried him out on a stretcher to the trolly. He found deceased about three quarters of a chain from the log and about 6ft from the shoe and 'dog.' The shoe and 'dog' had sprung about threequarters of a chain after drawing. He never knew of Corkhill taking risks. He had been years at the work. 

Archibald McAuliffe, whistle boy, stated his duties as assistant to the shoeman, and to signal to driver when to start and when to stop. He got the signal from Corkhill to start, and about one or one and a half minutes after got the signal to stop. I blew the whistle, and, at the same instant, heard the shoe and the dogs strike something, and hurried over to the track. Deceased called out but I did not catch what he said, and when I got to him Allen, Denniston and H. Ward got there at the same time. I went for sacks for a stretcher, and to get more men to carry deceased out, and to send a man for the doctor. I found deceased's pipe afterwards halfway between the log and block. 

Mr O'Byrne, in questioning witness, said he was satisfied from evidence given, that the fatality had occurred from an accident pure and simple. A shoeman's work sometimes occasioned taking risks in order to get through his duties. 

The jury, without retiring, brought in the following verdict: — That the accident was caused by the slipping of the dogs and shoe attached to a log being hauled by winding engine to the loading bank in McCallum's bush, and striking deceased on the body, breaking some of his ribs and rupturing the stomach and spleen, and that the doctor's evidence certifies that death was due to shock and internal haemorrhage. 

The funeral took place at 2.30 to-day, the remains being followed to the Otautau cemetery by a large cortege, among them being the deceased's work mates.  -Otautau Standard and Wallace County Chronicle, 25/8/1908.

For anyone who doesn't know, like me yesterday, a "dog" was the spike driven into a log so it could be hauled by a steam engine, either through the forest or over a bush tramway. The "shoe" was a metal piece that was fitted to the front of a log so it could smoothly be hauled over rough ground.

 

Otautau Old Cemetery.

William Alfred Rowe BA, (7/10/1848-21/9/1908). "faithful and efficient service"

 Death of Mr. W. a. Rowe.

Death has made many breaches in the ranks of prominent men in our midst during recent years, but in no case has the removal of one of our citizens created a wider blank than is created by the death of Mr Rowe. As Headmaster of a large public school Mr Rowe's life has touched so many points in the homes of the district. During the past ten years every home in our township and for miles around has felt the influence of his life and his teachings in the daily lives of the children of these homes As a teacher the late Mr Rowe deservedly ranked high in the estimation of those having the control of the educational affairs of Southland, and his decease is a distinct loss from the ranks of the teachers under the Southland Board. 

Mr William Alfred Rowe was born at Devonport, England, in 1848, and, at the age of six years entered the Nelson House school, Plymouth, as a board scholar, a pupil, and subsequently as a teacher, he remained in the Nelson House school till 1872, and during that time gained distinction in both departments. On leaving at the end of 17 years in connection with that great educational institution, Mr Rowe was the recipient of a handsome present from the teachers, accompanied by a letter expressive of their admiration of his worth, and conveying their best wishes for his future welfare. Mr Rowe subsequently had a very brilliant scholastic career at the University of Cambridge, also being the holder of an Exhibition of the London University, in which he was placed in the first division in his term. In 1868 he was Gold Medallist and King's Prizeman of South Kensington Science Department of the University, from which he completed his University career and took Holy Orders, being inducted into the charge of Oldbury parish in 1872. After a short time his health broke down, and he was recommended to take a long sea voyage. He came out to New Zealand in 1874, landing in Wellington, where he was the guest of the Bishop of Wellington. Mr Rowe was accompanied by a gentleman friend, the only other passenger being a medico. Shortly after landing Mr Rowe's friend was offered a position as tutor to Mr R. W. Aitken's children, Mr Aitken then being the owner of Clifden station. His friend, however, decided to return to England, and Mr Rowe took up his duties, remaining with Mr Aitken's family for a little over two years. On the Otautau school being opened in 1877, Mr Rowe was offered the headmastership, but declined, and was immediately afterwards appointed to Waianiwa. The Southland Education District was then a part of the Otago District, and it was not till the following year, 1878, that it became a distinct Educational District, so that Mr Rowe's connection with education in Southland predates the separate identity of the province as an educational distrit. Mr Rowe remained in Waianiwa till July, 1888, when he accepted the position in Otautau, which he held till his death, actually being in harness till within a few hours of his demise, and never having had, during his 31 years of service, leave of absence or been absent from duty when school was open. 

Of Mr Rowe as a teacher, the annals of the Southland Education Board record no better evidences of faithful and efficient service than those set opposite his name. From his earliest connection his work came under the favourable notice of the Inspectors, and years of service only marked him out as one of the most successful teachers who have done noble service in the training of the young of the dominion. In 1883 Mr Goyen, Inspector in Southland, wrote: "During the four years I was in charge of the Southland Education district Mr Rowe was under my supervision, and discharged his duties with conspicuous success. He has great tact with children; is a man of refinement and culture, has a firstclass knowledge of his profession, is a most earnest and enthusiastic teacher, and his moral character is unimpeachable." The revolving years confirmed, in the estimation of subsequent Inspectors, the opinion formed by Mr Goyen at the beginning. In 1896 Mr John Gammell, B. A, wrote: "During my five years as Inspector of the Southland Education Board I annually examined Mr Rowe's school, and as often found it highly efficient, indeed, in positives results, as tested by standard passes, it habitually took the lead of all schools in the district. The characteristics of the school were thoroughness in study, intelligence, and neatness in written work. A spirit of refinement and gentleness seemed to distlnguish the scholars, a spirit due, I believe, to the same qualities being possessed by the teacher." So it has been that every year has marked an equally satisfactory record. The committee of the Otautau School, right up to the most recent examination, having the pleasure yearly of congratulating Mr Rowe on the uniformally satisfactory nature of his reports. 

In his dealings with the executive officers of the Board his returns were so minutely and carefully prepared in every detail as to afford those officers the highest gratification, and no teacher in the service stands higher in their esteem than our late townsman. Among his fellow teachers also none won more respect and esteem, the wideness of his sympathy with young teachers, the breadth of his teaching knowledge and refinement and culture of his mind endeared him to all who had dealings with him. Under Mr Rowe's tuition some of the most successful present day teachers received their training, amongst many others being Mr A. E. Fertherstone, headmaster Kennington School, Mr F. Blue, Headmnster Knapdale School, Mr A. G. McLeod, who left the service for a University training, Miss Johnston, formerly Mistress at Nightcaps, and one of the latest, Mr L. D. McKay, now of Milton District High School, while Miss Donnan, present second assistant in Otautau School, was also for several years| a pupil of Mr Rowe's. 

Mr Rowe was married in 1884 to Miss J. J. M. Tait, of Waianiwa, who, throughou their married life, baa been an enthusiastic aid in all her husband's scholastic undertakings, and with cheery and tactful manner, has in a marked degree assisted in making the whole school surroundings as a place where boys and girls have delighted to be pupils. Mr Rowe is survived by his widow, four daughters and two sons, while his eldest son, Charles, predeceased him since the family removed to Otautau. Mrs Alfred Rowe is pupil teacher in the North Invercargill school, while Miss Lily Rowe occupies a similar position in the South school, the other members of the family being at home with their mother. 

The deepest sympathy of the district goes out to Mrs Rowe and her children in their sudden bereavement. 

The scholars who assembled as usual this morning were met by Miss Adams and Miss Donnan (teachers), and the chairman and various members of the school committee and were informed of the sad event. They were than dismissed from school for the rest of the week, but will assemble in the school grounds tomorrow at 12.45, and attend the funeral of their late loved master to the cemetery.  -Otautau Standard and Wallace County Chronicle, 22/9/1908.

"To live in the memory of those who loved us is not to die." Old pupils and other friends of the late Mr W. A. Howe, M.A., in the Waiahiwa district recently subscribed a substantial amount to erect a concrete and iron railing round their old master's grave in the Otautau Cemetery. The work was entrusted to Messrs Kingsland and Ferguson, who have carried out the order very satisfactorily. Inserted in the railing is a marble tablet bearing the following inscription: "In loving memory of William Alfred Rowe. Died 21st September, 1908. Erected by former Waiamwa pupils and other friends." Before taking charge at Otautau Mr Rowe had conducted the Waianiwa school for 23 years.  -Southern Cross, 28/8/1909.

Otautau Old Cemetery.

Euphemia Moffat Kilpatrick, (?/3/1872-14/11/1884). "lightning struck the house"

Later,

The rumors re the deaths from lightning, telegraphed last night, were well founded, although the details were incorrect. It appears that when the storm was at its height, Turnbull, a farmer, and two girls named Kilpatrick, a farmer's daughters on the way home from school, and Fraser, a farmer, took refuge in the barn of the latter on Forest Hill. They had not been long there when the lightning struck the house, killing the eldest girl, aged 12, and paralysing Fraser's lower extremities, and prostrating the other two. About three miles further east a son of Mr Alex. McGregor, a farmer, went to the door about the same time with a hammer in his band, and was struck dead. He was a youth of 14 years of age. Several persons in town state that they felt a scorching sensation while exposed to the storm.  -Timaru Herald, 6/12/1883.

DEATH.

Kilpatrick. — Killed by lightning, at Forest Hill, Soutland, New Zealand, on 14th November, 1883, Euphemia Moffatt Kilpatrick, aged 11 years. 8 months, eldest daughter of James Kilpatrick, and granddaughter of Charles Laurie, Esq., late of Leith, Edinburgh. Scotsman please copy. -Southland Times, 29/11/1883.

Wallacetown Old Cemetery.

Alexander Stewart, (1830-24/4/1871). "mortification set in"

Accident. — A painful accident occurred at the Universal Bond this afternoon. Mr Stewart, the warehouse-keeper, was standing on the water-lift, engaged in conversation, when the lift was raised; his right foot caught in one of the cross beams, and before his position was noticed it was most severely crushed.  -Evening Star, 10/3/1871.

Of the cases in the Hospital we may mention that Mr Stewart, the Custom House officer at the Universal Bond, where he met with the accident from which he is suffering, is now doing well; and it is hoped that there will be no occasion to amputate part of the injured leg.  -Otago Daily Times, 8/4/1871.

Accident at the Universal Bond. — It is with regret that we have to state that the accident which occurred about a month ago to Mr. Stewart, locker at the Universal Bond, has had a fatal termination. Up to within a week ago it was thought he was progressing favourably, and there was some reason to hope that amputation would not be necessary, but mortification set in, and Mr. Stewart gradually sank, his death occurring at half-past one o’clock this morning. The deceased, who has been in the Customs department for about eight years, leaves a wife and four children to deplore his loss.  -Evening Star, 24/4/1871.

THE Friends of the late Alexander Stewart, H.M. Customs, are respectfully invited to follow his remains from the Hospital to the Southern Cemetery on Wednesday, leaving the Hospital punctually at 3 p.m.

D.TAYLOR, Undertaker, Hope street.  -Otago Daily Times, 25/4/1871.

The funeral of the late Mr Alexander Stewart took place yesterday. Besides the mourners, it was attended by Volunteers in uniform, chiefly members of the Naval Brigade, and by members of the Masonic body, his fellow Custom House officers, and other gentlemen. In all, the procession consisted of about 200 persons. The band, preceding the hearse, played the Dead March in "Saul" along the line of route. As the grave prayer was offered up by the Rev D. M. Stuart, and the coffin being lowered, the firing party, composed of members of the Naval Brigade, to which the deceased belonged, fired a farewell volley over his grave.  -Otago Daily Times, 27/4/1871.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin. DCC photo.

Alexander MacKay, (1877-17/4/1897). "disappointed in his hope"

FURTHER PARTICULARS.

TWELVE MEN DROWNED. 

TERRIBLE EXPERIENCES. 

Wellington, April 21. 

Further particulars of the wreck of the Zuleika show that shortly after 11 o'clock on Friday night land was sighted on the port bow near Palliser Bay. A strong gale was blowing. The captain, seeing the vessel in danger, gave orders to wear the ship, and she was m the act of wearing when she struck. A grating sound was heard as if of scraping the bottom, and in a few minutes she was hard and fast. A tremendous sea was running into the bay, and the waves dashed over the ship, sweeping everything moveable on deck overboard. Officers, men and apprentices (21 in all) recognised that it was a matter of life and death with them, but no panic occurred. 

Life belts were served out and an attempt was made to launch the boats, but the effort was not successful, the boats being knocked about so much that in a few minutes they were unfit for use, and all then took to the mizzen rigging. The seas at that time were breaking up as far as the mizzen-top. 

After remaining aloft for over an hour, the unfortunate fellows, thinking that the vessel would hold together, came on to the deck again and made their way to the forecastle, and remained in it until half past 2 a.m., protected from the seas and blinding rain which had chilled them to the bones. 

About two o'clock the ship began to take a list to starboard, and in half an hour or so she was canted over so much that her rail was under water, allowing the sea to break into the forecastle and almost wash out the shivering crowd which had taken refuge in it. 

The whole of the men and boys, with the exception of the Captain, who clambered on to the jibboom, then sought refuge in the fore rigging, and they remained there for about half an hour. 

About 3 o'clock the mizzen mast went and there was every appearance of the foremast going. The crew returned on deck and joined Captain Brenner on the jibboom. 

Shortly after, the vessel lurched into the sea, and every one was launched into the water. Many of the men were able to swim, and at once struck out for the shore, on which the sea was breaking with a deafening roar. Those unable to swim clung to pieces of wreckage, but were soon washed away and several of them drowned. Others who could swim were stunned by cases which were being tossed about, and were washed ashore dead, battered and bruised almost beyond recognition. 

Twelve men were drowned, viz.: — Herbert Graham, first mate, aged 28; George Petitite, steward, 28; Geo. Wilson A.B., 56; Wm. Swanson, A.B., 33; Chas. Lawson, A.B., 26; Blake, A.B., 30; Jones, A.B., 52; Walter Sumners, apprentice, 17; McKay, A.B., 20 (shipped at Port Chalmers, where his parents reside); Gillon, A. B., 54; Williams, cook. 27; and David Sturock, apprentice, 18. 

All the bodies with the exception of the three last named were washed ashore. 

The only married men drowned were Wilson and Gillon. 

Those who escaped are nine in number, namely: — Captain Brenner, William Lane (second mate), Adolphe Haverke (carpenter), William Lisson, Eugene Malven, Peter Anderson, and William Kincen (A.B's.), Archibald Bilbett and Thomas Carson (apprentices). 

The wreck occurred in Palliser Bay, about four miles from the lighthouse. There is a large flat for several miles above the beach, running out from which are numerous rocks that are submerged at high tide. 

The ship struck stern first, and all that remains above water is a piece of the forecastle, the iron plates of which are twisted out of shape. One of the yards is floating close by. 

The beach is strewn for two miles with battered kerosene tins, wooden cases, churns, mangles, axe handles, cases of axes, American lamps, spokes, and a few hundred tins filled with kerosene. 

The Tutanekai came back to Wellington this afternoon for the purpose of getting coffins and taking down clergymen. 

It brought up the carpenter of the Zulieka, who had several of his ribs broken. This man has been shipwrecked four times. 

The men who survived are loud in their praise of the pluck displayed by one of the apprentices, Herbert Bellit (son of Captain Bellitt, of the ship Corelli, trading out of Liverpool), who, after being washed back three times, went to the rescue of one of the sailors and pulled him out of the water.  -Marlborough Express, 22/4/1897.

Wreck of the Zulieka.

Arrangements for Burial.

Wellington, April 22. 

The Government steamer Tutanekai left for Palliser Bay with coffins in which to place the victims of the Zulieka wreck. The Rev H. E. Tuckey was a passenger, having consented to go and read the funeral service. Mr Morley from the firm of Bristoe, Macneil & Co., and Mr Carter of H.M. Customs also went away in her for the purpose of arranging for the recovery of some of the cargo. Mr Eraia, the Maori who owns the land in the vicinity of the wreck, has given sufficient ground for the burial of the dead, and has undertaken to erect a tombstone if one is sent down. Later. The steamer Tutanekai took coffins to the scene of the the wreck of the Zulieka today, and eight bodies were buried in one grave. The ninth body, that of Alexander McKay, will be forwarded to Port Chalmers.  -Colonist 23/4/1897.

Alexander McKay, the Port Chalmers lad who lost his life by the wreck of the Zulieka off storm-swept Cape Palliser, was until immediately before his departure employed in the office of Mr Platts, solicitor, and had passed the junior and senior Civil Service examination, but, being disappointed in his hope of obtaining a Government situation which he thought within his reach, he went to sea in preference to waiting any longer.  -Evening Star, 23/4/1897.

The funeral of the late Alexander McKay, who was drowned in the wreck of the Zuleika, took place yesterday afternoon in the Port Chalmers new cemetery. The cortege left his parents’ residence, Carey Bay, at 2 p.m., headed by the boys of the fifth and sixth standards of the District High School. The procession was one of the largest ever seen in Port Chalmers, nearly the whole of the business places being closed. The services at the grave were conducted by the Rev. Mr Tennant.  -Evening Star, 28/4/1897.

Port Chalmers Cemetery.

8/3953 Private David Alexander Moir, (29/8/1884-4/12/1923). "at rest"

David Moir was a wood carver when joined the Otago Infantry Regiment in late 1915. He was not a good solder. His health and discipline were not very acceptable and he spent some time attached to the Entrenching Battalion - ditch diggers who were not fit for front line service.  

He arrived back home with tuberculosis and was in and out of hospital until his death in 1923.

FOR THE EMPIRE’S CAUSE. 

DEATH. 

MOIR. — On December 4, 1923, at Dunedin, 8/3953 Private David Alexander Moir (late N.Z.E.F.), beloved eldest son of Louisa and the late William Moir, 1 Plunket street, St. Kilda; aged 40 years. “At rest.” Private interment. — E. McLean and Son, undertakers.  -Otago Daily Times, 5/12/1923.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

8/4055 Private Herbert Williamson, (4/8/1879-1920). "formed two lines"

On the 22nd (of May, 1917) the 1st Battalion moved to Hill 63, and the 2nd Battalion relieved the 1st Battalion of the 3rd (Rifle) Brigade in the front line between Currie Avenue and Medicine Hat Trail, with headquarters at McBride's Mansions. With the 1st Battalion fatigues continued to be the order of the day and night, cutting new trenches and improving others. The assembly trenches, although their construction involved a vast amount of labour, were only intended for disposing troops for a few hours prior to the commencement of attack.  -Official History of the Otago Regiment.

Herbert Williamson served with the 2nd Battalion of the Otago Regiment and was in the front line on May 25th when he received a gunshot wound to his left eye. He spent time in hospitals in Boulogne, France, and Walton, England. He was repatriated to New Zealand at the end of the year.

In 1920 he died, of tuberculosis, at the Wakari Sanatorium.

A military funeral was accorded the remains of Herbert Williamson, a soldier who took part in the late war, and died m the Wakari Hospital on the 13th inst. The funeral procession moved off from the residence of his wife in Harrow street, the military authorities being represented by Lieutenant Brooke, and Bugler Napier was included with those who followed the soldier's remains to the grave, and sounded the 'Last Post.' Captain Cahill, of the Salvation Army, officiated at the grave. While the procession was passing down Princes street south, on the way to the Anderson Bay Cemetery, when opposite Messrs Ross and Glendining's boot factory, the workers formed two lines, through which the gun carriage with the body passed. Many of those who attended the funeral were moved by the kindly thought of those in charge, who allowed those with whom the deceased had been associated to pay their last tribute to their fellow-worker.  -Evening Star, 17/6/1920.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.