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.

15/136 Private Gordon MacDonald, (16/6/1892-5/1/1918). "all his life in Timaru"

Word has been received of the death in England on the 5th instant, from wounds inflicted on 7th August at Gallipoli, of Sergeant Gordon Macdonald, of the Canterbury Divisional Headquarters. Deceased was a brother of Mr. J. W. Macdonald, solicitor to the Public Trust Office, and was twenty-three years of age. He was a law clerk, and had lived all his life in Timaru.  -Evening Post, 11/1/1916.

Gordon MacDonald was admitted to a Malta hospital with a septic wound in a knee caused by shrapnel. In September 1915 he arrived at a hospital in Devonport, England. He was there for nearly three months before he died.

Timaru Cemetery.

Nicholas Charles Edwards, (1847-1/4/1913). "the paroxysms of asthma"

SUICIDE AT SOUTH DUNEDIN

Mr C. C. Graham, district coroner, held an inquest at the Dunedin Hospital this morning touching the death of Nicholas Charles Edwards, 67 years of age, a storeman at the gasworks, who was admitted to the Hospital yesterday forenoon suffering from a self-inflicted wound in his throat, and who died a few hours later. Deceased resided with his wife, and family at 19 Atkinson street, South Dunedin. Dr Newlands. who had attended the deceased for heart disease for the past five or six years, said he was summoned to the house yesterday morning. On going out a little after 10 o'clock he found deceased with his throat cut. The wound was long, but not deep, none of the vital structures having been severed. There had been considerable veinous hemorrhage. The patient was removed to the Hospital, where he grew gradually weaker, and died at 1.30 p.m. Deceased had suffered severely for years, and especially during the last three months, and had expressed a wish for death. It was probably in one of the paroxysms of asthma that deceased in desperation had cut his throat. No doubt deceased's mind had been unhinged for the moment. He had asked witness to give him something to finish his life. The wound had been inflicted with a razor.

 Miss Edwards, a, daughter of the deceased, said that her father had suffered for a long time, and had frequently expressed a wish for death. She described his condition yesterday morning, and the discovery of the deceased with his throat cut.

Evidence was also given by William Higginson, who gave assistance at deceased's house yesterday morning, and who stated that deceased appeared to be quite collected and in possession of all his senses, and by Constable Howard.

The Coroner said there was no doubt that death was due to heart failure and exhaustion, the results of the wounds on his throat, self-inflicted while temporarily insane.  -Evening Star, 2/4/1913.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin. DCC photo.

James Alexander Hooper, (1847-20/8/1881). "almost wicked letter"

SUICIDE OF MR HOOPER, AN ACTOR.

[BY TELEGRAPH. — OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

DUNEDIN, Sunday. 

J. R. HOOPER, the actor, well-known in Auckland, Dunedin, and Christchurch, committed suicide by hanging at his residence here last evening. When the body was found life was quite extinct. It is believed that the cause was destitution and low spirits, having been out of employment several months. His wife, Miss Bessie Vivian, is at present with the dramatic company in Christchurch.  -Auckland Star, 22/8/1881.

SUICIDE.

A most distressing and determined case of suicide occurred on Saturday afternoon in Regent terrace, off Filleul street, the victim being the well-known actor James A. Hooper. The circumstances were reported to the police at about six o'clock by Joseph Charles Farquharson, who stated that the deceased (who had been living with him) had committed suicide by hanging himself. The first intimation he had of the affair was through a note in the deceased's handwriting left on the table, in which the deceased stated: "You will find me in the coal-house." Farquharson at once proceeded to the place mentioned, and there discovered Hooper suspended by a strong piece of rope placed round his neck and attached to the beam. His legs were tied with the same rope that suspended him, and his hands with a necktie, whilst his feet just touched the ground. The body was cut down by Constable Lyes, and Dr Martin summoned to attend but it was found that life had been extinct for several hours. The immediate cause of the deceased's act cannot be positively ascertained, but there can be little doubt that it is attributable to some extent to a disagreement that recently occurred between himself and his wife (who is well-known in theatrical circles as Miss Bessie Vivian). She, it appears, left here for Christchurch about a week ago as a member of the Willis-Hamilton Company. Letters passed between them, and on the morning of the event one was received by the deceased which evidently influenced him to some extent in his rash act. Mrs Wall, a neighbor living in the vicinity, states that the deceased called in to sec her in a very nervous and exciteable state at about one o'clock. He said that he had received a letter from his wife, from which he read several extracts. Amongst these passages wad one in which she said that she had received his (deceased's) cruel letter, and another that she should not be returning to Dunedin. Deceased told Mrs Wall to tell no one of the letter, and refused to take anything to eat. He left immediately afterwards, and probably went straight to the house and committed the act. The door of the shed in which deceased hung himself is open at the top, and he was seen during the morning to nail a piece of sacking over it. Deceased is said to have been in pecuniary difficulties, and to have been out of regular employment for some time, his last engagement being with Mr Leake, as Horatio, in "Hamlet." No doubt these difficulties also somewhat influenced him in his action. To-morrow has been fixed for the inquest, to allow of deceased's wife attending; if she is unable to get here so soon, it may be delayed until the following day.  -Evening Star, 22/8/1881.

INQUEST.

An inquest was held at the Douglas Hotel this morning before Mr Hocken (District Coroner) and a jury of twelve, of whom Mr Sligo was chosen foreman, on the body of James A. Hooper, who committed suicide last Saturday afternoon by hanging himself. 

The Coroner said: This is the case of James A. Hooper, an actor, who committed suicide last Saturday by hanging himself in the coalshed of a house off Filleul street. I have purposely postponed holding the inquiry until today, so that the deceased's wife might be present. She has telegraphed to a friend to take charge of the funeral, and from that it appears evident that she does not intend to come. It is for you to decide whether the deceased was in a sound state of mind when he hung himself. Evidence will be called to show that there was trouble in the family, and though I do not think it wise at an inquiry of this kind to enter fully into family matters, sufficient evidence will be given to enable you to come to a decision.

Joseph Charles Farquharson: I am a fishmonger in Maclaggan street. I used to stay with the deceased — whom I have known for for three or four years — of a night. He was about thirty-four years of age, an actor, and of the Church of England persuasion. I believe he was married. On the Friday night before deceased committed suicide I slept with him. He appeared to be in good spirits. He had been low spirited and depressed often previously. This I ascribed to a disagreement that had occurred between himself and his wife, and to his being out of employment. About a week ago, at the time deceased's wife went to Christchurch, he said to me that it would soon be over. He put a rope with which he was tying up a box over his head and drew it tight round his neck. I took the rope from his hand. I believe that he did it to frighten his wife. The deceased did not appear to be low-spirited on the Saturday morning. He was waiting for a letter from his wife. When he got it he said to me: "The wife has left me." I went with him tp the Athenian, where I parted from him to go to the Port. On my leaving he asked me to call and see him in the evening. I did so, and on getting into the house found the note produced, which is in the deceased's handwriting. The note is as follows: —

Good-bye. My death at your door. Let my sisters know. I am in the coal-shed. Sad end. You have played well and gained your point. J. A. Hooper.

I went into the coal-house on getting the note, and there I found the deceased. He was suspended by the neck from a beam with a strong rope. His hands and feet were tied, and he was just touching the ground. I noticed that a cloth had been nailed over an aperture in the coal-house door. I gave information to the police, by whom he was cut down. 

Cecilia Vale: I live in a right-of-way off Filleul street, and have known the deceased for about seven years. On Saturday last at about noon he came to my house in a very excited state, and showed me a letter received by him that morning from his wife. He said "Oh, my God, my wife has left me," and read me some extracts from the letter. He was not intoxicated; but I thought that he was suffering from the results of drink. 

Mary Gibb: I live in a house adjoining the deceased's, and saw him in the right-of-way coming home about a quarter-past twelve last Saturday. I left my house on seeing him, and when I returned — about an hour afterwards — I notified that he had nailed a piece of cloth across the upper part of the door of his coal-shed. 

Constable John Dwyer: At about five o'clock last Saturday I was called to the deceased's house, and on arriving there found him hanging from the cross-beam of the coal-shed. I cut him down at once, but found him to be quite dead. I searched him and found the letter produced in his trousers pocket. It is as follows:

Mr Hooper.

Sir, After the manner in which you have behaved to me for the last three or four years, and the last three or four months in particular, you surely could not be astonished at my being glad to leave you. I have received your cruel, bitter, and almost wicked letter since I arrived in Christchurch. I received only your beautifully insulting telegram in Timaru. Did you think to expose me to the ridicule of all the office boys? You way say you did not know what you were saying. That is no redress to me. You seem to think you can insult me as you think proper, and I should not murmur, but forgive you in a moment. That I cannot and will not do. Even your letter of pleading is not free from contemptuous insult. You ask me now we are to manage? Don't count upon my assistance in the future in any undertaking whatever, as I really don't know what I am going to do. You say you have asked Willis, and he can give you no hope; nor can I. I do not know what I am going to do yet; but this I know, that I will not come to Dunedin to live in that house again with you; and as for writing to say I did not intend leaving you, I will do nothing of the kind, for I told you so myself. I could not do it, and I would not, if had to starve. [Then followed some private matters.] I shall keep your telegrams and letters as a sample of what you could write, and also to show anyone that it may concern, and to ask their opinion of a man who could write such a letter to a woman he professes to love. I have had to pay 1s for the telegram, l0d for the brooches, and 4d for the first-written insulting letter, making in all 2s 2d — a her dear for a showirg up through the telegraph office and a bullying in a letter. However, I don't mind, as it has shown me what your real feelings are. How about all your friends that were so eager to assist you when I had gone? It is, as I told you, all talk, my boy; and as for people saying I had two men — one fair and one dark — to see me off, how should I have gone but for them? You were not there to see to my things, so I think it was very kind of them to help me. You also say Mrs Golden will not give you a thing. That I cannot help. I did not think you would ask her, when I left you L1 & 3 in the drawer. I had better to have kept it. I could have made a proper use of it. I don't expect to be engaged with Pomeroy; therefore I should not be able to send you any more money, as I can't leave myself and Etta without, especially as you don't know how to spend it, and I can't afford to pay for your drinks any longer. I daresay you will say I am rather hard, but I mean it. You have rubbed me in the dirt long enough, and I will stand it no longer; so I hope you fully understand me. And now I must conclude by saying I do not care for people's reports. In future I shall care for myself and my child, and no one else. You asked me not to write to you; but I could not help this time, but will not offend again. So to conclude by using your own words — I remain, yours truly,

Lizzie. 

I found no other effects upon the deceased. 

The Coroner (to the jury): I think there can be no doubt that the deceased committed suicide and it will be for you to decide whether the letter received by him from his wife, and the other circumstances connected with the case, did not produce a state of temporary insanity that occasioned him to do so. It is not for you to judge as to the quarrel between the deceased and his wife, which is private, and the circumstances of which we do not know. The letter written by the wife may appear a cruel one; but if all the facts in connection with it were known a very different color might be given to it. It is, therefore, not for you to pass any opinion on this matter. The jury found a verdict that the deceased committed suicide by hanging himself whilst in a temporary state of insanity.  -Evening Star, 23/8/1881.

James Hooper occupies an unmarked pauper's grave in Dunedin's Southern Cemetery.