Anstiss Dottin Silk, (1839-11/6/1899). "her characteristic shrewdness"

Mrs A. D. Silk, for many years a resident of this district, and later still well-known as the proprietress of the Leviathan Hotel, Dunedin, died at her daughter's residence at Nevada, Dunedin, on Saturday, in her 60th year. Mrs Silk came to Otago from Victoria with her husband, the late Mr George Silk, in the early sixties and settled at Wetherstones, where her husband carried on mining operations for some years. In later years she carried on business in Ross Place and subsequently removed to Dunedin, taking over the Leviathan which prospered wonderfully under her excellent business direction. In addition to the business management of her hotel, she embarked on a large scale in mining enterprises, in which, with her characteristic shrewdness and business acumen, she was very successful. She was the principal owner of mines at Nenthorn and in the Lakes district, and was largely interested in dredging on the Nevis River. She leaves a family of five daughters — Mrs Smith (Stirling), Mrs Jas. Hunter (St. Clair), Mrs Milne (Papiatua), Mrs Salvesen (Roslyn), and one unmarried, and one son; also a brother, Mr Edward Mills, Blue Spur.  -Tuapeka Times, 14/6/1899.

Northern Cemetery, Dunedin.

Bridget Gee, (1846-?). "a large blotch of blood"

TELEGRAMS

Dunedin, May 26. 

The Hairlahi's shipment of sugars were offered for sale, and a fourth only sold, the importers being disinclined to sell at the prices offered. Finest whites, £37 11s 6d, all sold; second whites, £38. An unemployed meeting was held to-day, and adopted a petition to the Council. John McLaren heads the movement. The Heart of Oak crushing for the week yielded 150 ozs. out of fifty tons of stuff. A servant girl named Bridget Gee murdered her newly-born infant. The inquest was adjourned to allow of her being present.  -Press, 27/5/1871.

INQUEST.

An inquest was held at the Glasgow Arms Hotel, yesterday afternoon, touching the manner in which a male child born of one Bridget Gee there, on the previous night, came by his death. The woman mentioned, having been confined of the child on the previous evening, was of course unable to attend the inquest. 

The Coroner, Dr Hocken, addressed the jury, telling them that they were called to inquire into a case stated to be one of infanticide, a crime almost unknown in this community; therefore it was the more important that they should diligently inquire into the matter so as to prevent recurrence of this crime. He had taken this opportunity of taking the witnesses' depositions, before any of the facts concerning the case should fade from their memories. The mother was in bed, and he was sorry that she could not attend, but it was but just and fair to her that the inquest should, on evidence being taken, be adjourned to another day so as to allow of her being present to cross-examine the witnesses and to make her statement.

Mrs Aikman deposed, my husband is a publican, and keeps the Glasgow Arms Hotel. The girl Bridget Gee came into my employment about last Christmas. My attention, about a fortnight ago, was drawn by a party to the fact that she was pregnant. I, on that account, gave her notice to leave. She was to leave next Wednesday. Yesterday afternoon, a little before five o'clock, she told me she felt quite faint, and could not prepare the tea. I told her she could go to bed, and that I would get the tea myself if she did not get better, and that if she felt better she could come and assist me in getting it. I did not take any particular notice of her appearance previously. She that day till then did her work as usual. She went upstairs to her bedroom, and I did not see her again till eight o'clock that evening, when I brought her a cup of tea. I then left the room. There was no light in the room; it was quite dark. She did not say anything when I brought her the tea, nor did she make any complaint. I went up again, in a little more than an hour afterwards. I said. "Bridget, you are in the family way." She made no reply. I again repeated this to her, and she seemed to hide her head and say "Yes." I asked her "if it was a young man," meaning a single man. She said "Yes." I then left the room, and did not see her again till one o'clock to-day. My reason for not seeing her, or for not sending for anyone to attend her, was that I had no servant in, and because Mrs Hindle came in soon after I left, and attended her. I believe the scissors produced belongs to the kitchen, but I cannot swear to it. I did not hear her make any cries indicative of approaching labour, nor did I lately see her take any medicine. She was anxious to leave before the time of notice expired. I did not give her notice to leave until last Wednesday, when she was to leave in a week from that time. She did not ask for any medical attendance.

Mrs Hindle: I live in Princes street. My husband keeps a glass and china ware shop. Mrs Aikman came for me at about ten minutes past five o'clock last evening, and told me that "Bridget" was bad, and asked me to go and see her. I came at ten minutes past six p.m. I asked what was to be done with her. She was leaning on the side of the bed in her daily working clothes. She said she did not know. I told her that she had better get into the bed. She got on the bed with her face towards the wall, and lay that way. I told her she had better go to the Hospital, or to get a doctor. She said she would not go, and she did not want one. She insisted on stopping at the hotel till morning. I was out for a few minutes, and then asked to examine her, which I did by passing my hand over her stomach, outside her clothes, and found, so far as I could judge, that the child had not come away. I was in and out with her, never leaving her for more than five or ten minutes at a time. I brought Mr Hindle in to persuade her to go to the Hospital, as I thought it was not safe to leave her here; but she would not go. She became easier about 11 or half-past 11, so I left her by herself. I said to my husband that I would go to her again. He, in reply, said he was determined to go for a doctor, and he went at once. That was about half-past 11. Dr Borrows, when he came, which was before 12 o'clock, sent for me to the hotel. When I came, I found him attending her. I never saw the child till Dr Borrows had seen her. When Dr Borrows insisted on her showing the child, she produced it from where she had it concealed, and gave it to him. I afterwards found that the child had been born before I first came, and had been hidden by her under her clothes, thus deceiving me when I passed my hand over her stomach.

Dr Borrows: I was called upon about half-past 11 o'clock last evening by Mr Hindle, who wished to consult me about a case at the Glasgow Arms. He said there was a young female there whom he knew to be in the family way, and that she was threatened with premature labour. He was rather at a loss what to do. He did not ask me to go to her, but rather asked advice as to the propriety of taking her to his house or to the Hospital. I told him I could not tell him what to do until I had seen her. I went and saw her at a quarter to 12 o'clock, lying in bed with some clothing on. She was partly undressed. I sent Mr Hindle for his wife, as I rather wished that she be present when I made the examination, and partly because I wished to get him out of the way. Mrs Hindle came. The girl did not wish to be examined, seemed to be unwilling to be examined; and when Mrs Hindle came in, said she felt better, that she had had some nice sleep since she was away. I insisted upon examining her. I had not from then the least doubt that she had been delivered of a child. She made considerable resistance whilst I was making the examination, giving me much trouble. Considering her state, I did not wish to shock her too much, and asked her if she had had a child. She first denied having had a child. I told her that she must produce it. She then after some hesitation half sat up in the bed, and turned up the back part of the mattress on which she lay, and handed me a bundle covered with calico cloth, tied with a knot of the cloth, and containing the dead body of a newly-born mature male child. It was cold, and appeared as if it had been dead for four or five hours. She gave me to understand, in answer to enquiries, that the child had been born dead. On the face there was a wound from the left angle of the mouth extending to the back part of the lower jaw, and laying the mouth quite open. There was a compound comminuted fracture of the lower jaw, extending front left to right. There was much blood about those parts. It had proceeded from these injuries, not from the mother. The body had a somewhat bloodless appearance. There was a large blotch of blood on the wall, over the back of the bed, of an irregular oval shape and three or four inches in diameter, against which I conjectured the child had been hit or pressed. I searched casually for any weapon that might be in the room, but found none. I did so because I thought she might injure herself, and made as careful a search as I could without alarming her. The steel busk of a stay was afterwards, I was informed, found in the chamber. If there is any importance attached to this stay busk, she had made no efforts to put it out of the way. After giving instructions, I left her. I have this day made a post mortem examination of the body of the child. Its appearances were partly as I have described. I should consider the wound from the mouth to he an incised wound produced by a blunt instrument. I scarcely think that the scissors would cause such a wound; I am inclined to think that the steel busk would produce it. I do not think that it was caused by a sharp knife since thrown away. I think that the face was held tightly, as sundry marks upon it testify, and the busk would then have caused such a wound. I think that the fracture of the jaw was produced either by a blow or blows, or by forcibly pressing it against some hard surface. There were several bruises over and under the lower jaw, and across the nose. There was a bruise high up on the left side of the head, above the ear. Underneath the skin, corresponding to the bruise, was a fracture of the skull about three or four inches in length. Where the fracture was, there was an effusion of coagulated blood between the skull and cuticle. There was on the opposite side of the skull a slight corresponding contusion. I examined the lungs, and from them I should certainly say that the child had breathed fully and freely. They were expanded and full of air, of a pinkish grey colour, and floated high in water. If the child, too, had not breathed, so much blood, I think, would not have been forced from the body. The heart was contracted and empty, showing the want of blood in the system. I am quite convinced that the child was born alive. In my opinion the cause of the child's death was loss of blood from the injuries it received, and concussion of the brain. I do not think that, looking at the circumstances of the case, that it could have been caused accidentally. The injuries must have been caused wilfully.

The Coroner said that he thought it fair to the woman to adjourn the case, to give her an opportunity of cross-examining the witnesses on the evidence taken. 

The inquest was adjourned to the Hospital on Tuesday, the 6th June, at 3 o'clock.  -Otago Daily Times, 27/5/1871.

Inquest, — The late hour at which the proceedings terminated last evening, prevented us from giving a report of the adjoined inquiry. touching the death of a male child born of one Bridget Gee, on the 29th ult. The evidence adduced was merely a repetition of that given at the past enquiry; it being necessary to repeat it, in order that the girl might have an opportunity of cross-examining if she so desired. She did not do so, however; her friends being of opinion that there was no necessity to do so, and it was intimated that she would only obtain legal assistance at the further inquiry. The Coroner on summoning up, pointed out that the great question for the jury, was to say from the evidence, and not from theory, whether the child’s death was caused accidentally from falling, as had been suggested on the door, or whether on the other hand, the girl had deliberately killed it. The great point that did enable them to decide that question was the nature of the injuries the child had received. As Dr Borrows had said, and as their own common sense ought to tell them, such injuries could not have been caused by falling. A child’s bones are elastic, and he could not see how a fall from the mother to the door, as had been suggested, could have produced such injuries. The child could not fall on its jaw and head at the same time, producing fractures in these two places. But, besides these, there was the severe cut. Now, this could not in any way have been caused by a fall. It seemed to him, from the evidence, that there had been, on the part of the woman, a deliberate intention to destroy the child, to kill it, to get rid of it; if that was their opinion, their verdict would be one of murder against her. The case against her was clear, abundantly clear. Had the injuries been merely a fractured skull, a point might be stretched in her favor, but in this case the injuries were extensive. After half-an-hour’s deliberation, the jury returned a verdict of wilful murder against Bridget Gee, with a rider, that in their opinion “there was a want of charity shown to Bridget Gee by her employers, and that had they sent for medical assistance at an earlier period, it is probable Bridget Gee would have been saved from her present position.” The Coroner committed her to take her trial at the ensuing criminal sessions of the Supreme Court.  -Evening Star, 7/6/1871.

SUPREME COURT

WILFUL MURDER. 

Bridget Gee was indicted for having at Dunedin, on May 20, wilfully murdered her male child. The facts of the case stated shortly are these:- The girl had been in the employ of Mr Aikman, of the Glasgow Arms Hotel, Princes street, as house maid, from Christmas last up to the time of the murder. In about the middle of May, Mrs Aikman, noticing that she was in the family way, gave her notice to leave; and her time would have been up on May 31. On the afternoon of the 25th she complained of being ill, whereupon Mrs Aikman told her to go to her bedroom, which she did. To Mrs Aikman it did not appear that much was wrong with her, and consequently she did not see her until eight o’clock at night, when she took her up some tea. The bedroom was then dark, and neither of them spoke. Half an hour afterwards she again went to the room, when she questioned her about her state; and the girl then admitted that she was in the family way by a single young man. Mrs Aikman did not see her again until 1 p. m. on the 26th; her reasons for not going to her being that she knew a Mrs Hindle was with her; and that she herself had no servant to attend to the household affairs. This Mrs Hindle, who was a next door neighbor, had been called in to see the girl at a little after eleven o’clock on the night of the 25th, and she remained for some time, never leaving her for more than ten minutes at a time. When she went into the bedroom, she was under the belief that the birth had not taken place; and, from the girl’s appearance and her statements, she thought a miscarriage had happened. She advised her to go to the hospital or send for a doctor; but she declined to do either. At about half-past eleven o'clock Mrs Hindle’s husband insisted on a doctor being sent for, and he himself went for Dr Borrowes. When the doctor came, the child was seen by Mrs Hindle for the first time. It was dead, and was wrapped up in a cloth; and was produced by the girl herself from under the bedclothes, when the Doctor told that her story of no birth having taken place was untrue. Subsequent investigations of the room led to the discovery of a pair of scissors, marked with blood, and other indications of a birth having taken place were observable in the bedroom and in an out house. The body of the child bore marks of violence, the principal of which were injuries to the skull and jaws; and these, according to the medical evidence, could not have been produced by accident. 

At the conclusion of the evidence of Dr Borrowes, Mr Stout, who defended the prisoner, said that as he was of opinion that the medical testimony did not support the charge of wilful murder, he should advise his client to plead guilty to the minor count of concealment of birth.

The Crown Prosecutor, while not prepared to admit that the medical evidence did not support the charge, thought that the ends of justice would he met by accepting a plea of guilty of the minor charge; and His Honor expressed his concurrence in the suggestion. 

The plea of guilty of concealment of birth having been recorded, the jury were discharged. Mr Stout pointed his Honor’s attention to the rider of the Coroner’s jury, imputing blame to Mrs Aikman; but his Honor appeared to think that the evidence did not justify it. 

His Honor, in passing sentence, remarked that the prisoner ought to be thankful that the more serious charge had not been proceeded with, as, in the event of conviction, she might have been subjected to a very lengthened term of imprisonment. She was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.  -Evening Star, 14/9/1871.

Bridget Gee's baby, presumably, was buried in a pauper's grave and Bridget, presumably, did her two years.

25/648 Rifleman George Kloogh, (22/3/1891-12/10/1917). "their hour of sorrow"

In Monday's casualty list, which was a fairly heavy one, we notice with regret the name of George Frederick Kloogh, son of Mr N. P. Kloogh, Millers Flat, who was reported "wounded and missing."  -Mt Benger Mail, 28/11/1917.

Fallen in Battle.

We regret to announce that all hopes for the safety of Private George Kloogh, recently reported wounded and missing, have been dispelled by official information received last week that he had been killed in action. Deceased soldier was the eldest son of Mr and Mrs N. P. Kloogh, well-known local residents of many years, and was a native of Lowburn. He was educated at Lowburn School, and his death adds another to the great roll of honor of that institution — a list which, unfortunately, probably exceeds that of any equally populated area. Following school days Priv. Kloogh took up fruit-growing and bee-keeping on his father's property at Lowburn, later establishing another property at Miller's Flat, where he was at the time of his enlistment with the Seventh Reinforcements, his period of service being just over two years. Residents deeply sympathise with the respected parents and family in their hour of sorrow.  -Cromwell Argus, 10/12/1917.

George Kloogh's Army records discloses that he was reported missing after the disastrous attack on German positions at Bellevue Spur during the Battle of Passchendaele.  An officer of a burial party reports his burial on that day but the report was not made until December 1st.  A long wait with ultimately frustrated hope for George's family.

Green Island Cemetery.

41973 Flight Sergeant Douglas Anthony Wither, (7/5/1919-23/11/1941). "somewhere in England"

DEATHS

WITHER. — On November 23, 1941, Sergeant-pilot Douglas Anthony Wither, dearly beloved younger son of Mrs Wither, 58 Howe street, Dunedin, and the late Anthony Wither, Berwick; aged 22 years. In an aircraft accident somewhere in England.  -Evening Star, 26/11/1941.

Douglas Wither joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force in May, 1940, and left the country to be trained in Canada.  He was awarded his wings on September 1st and left for Britain later that month. He trained there on single-engined planes, working towards employment as a fighter pilot.  On November 23rd he took off on an operational training flight and crashed. He was killed on impact. I have found no details as to the cause of the accident.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin

Eric Desmond Callaghan, (1920-16/12/1945). "accident at Burnside"

IN MEMORIAM.

CALLAGHAN. — In loving memory of my dear husband, Erie, who passed away December 16, 1945. 

As I loved you, so I miss you, in my memory you are dear. 

Loved, remembered, longed for always, As it dawns this first sad year. 

— Inserted by his loving wife, Runa. 

CALLAGHAN. — In loving memory of Eric, who passed away December 16, 1945. 

We have only your memory, dear Eric, To remember our whole life through, 

But your goodness will linger forever, As we treasure the image of you.

— Inserted by Myra and Jack.

CALLAGHAN. — In loving memory of our dear brother, Eric Desmond, who passed away December 16, 1945. 

You left behind some aching hearts That loved you most sincere — 

That never can, nor never will, Forget you, Eric, dear. 

— Inserted by Addie and Ina. 

CALLAGHAN. — In loving memory of our dear brother, Eric, who passed away at Dunedin, December 16, 1945. “Ever remembered.” — Inserted by his loving brother and sister-in-law, Lionel and Eunice, and Dick. 

CALLAGHAN. — In loving memory of Eric, who passed away December 16, 1945. 

Pals in life, pals in death, A beautiful memory is all we have left; 

Pals we were in sunshine and rain, And pals we will be when we meet again. 

A nature you couldn’t help loving, A heart that was purer than gold;

To those who knew him and loved him, His memory will never grow old. 

— Hyde and Bill.  -Evening Star, 16/5/1946.

COMPENSATION CLAIM

“LEGISLATURE AT FAULT”

An apportionment of compensation money in respect to the death of Eric Desmond Callaghan was sought on behalf of the widow and children in the Compensation Court at Dunedin yesterday. Judge Ongley presided. The plaintiff, Runa Florence Callaghan, widow, of Green Island, was represented by Mr G. M. Lloyd, and the defendant, the Public Trust, by Mr C. N. Irvine. Mr J. S. Sinclair represented the first child, James Eric Callaghan, and the second child, Barry Rugby Callaghan, was represented by Mr A. N. Haggitt. 

The plaintiff sought such lump sum or other relief as the court deemed fit, together with the costs of the proceedings. The defendant has already paid £225 in respect of liability under the Workers Compensation Act, 1922. 

Meaning of “Dependent” Mr Lloyd explained that Callaghan met with an accident at Burnside on March 29, 1943, and underwent an operation on November 4, 1944. From October 20, 1944, to March 23, 1945, he had been totally incapacitated and he had died on December 16, 1945, as a result of his injuries and a disease which intervened. The second child had been born 18 months after the date of the accident and 15 months before the date of death of the father. The court was asked to determine if this child was a dependent within the meaning of the Workers’ Compensation Act. 

Seeking a liberal interpretation of the Act, Mr Lloyd said that if a child were born to a worker after the worker’s death, such child was deemed to be dependent as if born in the worker’s lifetime. 

Mr Sinclair contended that the Act implied that a child was a dependent if born after an accident to the father, but before the father’s death. There was a clear presumption, he said, that the wife and all children living at the date of the fathers death were dependents. If they were dependent on a worker they should be his dependents. 

His Honor: Not within the definition of the Act. 

Mr Sinclair submitted that the words “in the same manner as if born in his father’s lifetime” assumed that a child living at the time of its father’s death was a dependent. 

Definition in Act Mr Haggitt said that it would be "monstrous” if children born after their father suffered an accident, but before his death, were not deemed his dependents while a child born after the father’s death was, under the Act, a dependent. Mr Haggitt quoted references to support his submission that dependency was purely a question of fact and not of law. 

“According to the definition in the Act,” his Honor remarked, "total dependency does not make persons total dependents.” 

Mr Haggitt: I ask his Honor to disregard the definition in the Act. 

“To do justice, I would require to disregard the definition,” his Honor said. "I am not entitled to suppose that the Legislature intended to deal unjustly with the children. I cannot amend the law, but I can endeavour to read an interpretation into it. I will certainly try to do this, and will, take the matter up with the Legislature.” 

Mr Haggitt said that it was a great pity there was no fund from which the cost of such actions as the one before the court could be met. The Legislature was at fault and not the plaintiff. His Honor reserved his decision.  -Otago Daily Times, 16/10/1947.

CHILD CLASSED AS DEPENDANT

BOY BORN 18 MONTHS AFTER FATHER’S ACCIDENT 

(PA-) DUNEDIN; May. 26. 

Whether a child born 18 months after an accident to his father was a dependant within the meaning of the Workers’ Compensation Act was decided in a reserved judgment given by Judge Ongley in the Compensation Court to-day. The effect of the judgment was to answer the question in the affirmative.

The father, Eric Desmond Callaghan, an employee of the New Zealand Refrigerating Company, Ltd., met with an accident on March 29, 1943. He had then one son aged about one year. Another son was born on September 29, 1944. The father died on December 16, 1945, as a result of the accident.

“Barry Rugby Callaghan,” the judgment stated, “as a son of the deceased worker, is a near relative, but the question is whether he was a dependant. — whether he was (1) domiciled or resident in New Zealand at the time of the accident, and (2) wholly or partly dependent upon the earnings of the deceased worker at the time of the accident.”

After quoting a section of the Act which stated that the children of a deceased worker “shall be conclusively presumed to have been dependent on the earnings of that worker at the time of the accident which caused his death,” the judgment held that the Court must presume that Barry Rugby Callaghan was so dependent. The judgment added that it must be presumed that Barry Rugby Callaghan was in existence at the time of the accident. “Existence nowhere would be a contradiction,”' the Judge continued. “It seems to follow that I must give his presumed existence location and domicile.”

The judgment declared that the widow, Runa Florence Callaghan, and the sons, James Eric Callaghan and Barry Rugby Callaghan, were the sole dependants of the deceased worker.  -AG, 27/5/1948.

Green Island Cemetery.

Octavius Harwood (Robert) Wilson, (1873-15/5/1915). "at the foot of a cliff"

A SIGNALMAN’S DEATH

AT TAIAROA HEAD. 

FOUND AT BOTTOM OF CLIFF. 

It was reported to the police yesterday afternoon that Robert Wilson, assistant signalman at Taiaroa Head, was missing, and although a search party was immediately organised and sent out to scour the beach and country, no trace of the missing man could be found. 

Just as we go to press the Superintendent of Police has been advised that the search party under Constable Hodgson, of Portobello, discovered the body this afternoon lying at the foot of a cliff close to the lighthouse. The body was fearfully mangled. 

The circumstances surrounding the death are as yet unknown, but will be investigated at an inquest to be held at Port Chalmers to-morrow by the acting coroner (Mr H. Y. Widdowson. S.M.). Deceased was a married man, 40 years of age, and had several children.  -Evening Star, 14/5/1915.

SIGNALMAN’S TRAGIC DEATH

The body of Robert Wilson, assistant signalman at Taiaroa Heads, was found lying at the foot of the cliff near the lighthouse on Friday afternoon in a fearfully mangled condition. So far as can be learned the deceased was missing on Thursday afternoon, and the police were informed, but although a search party was immediately organised to scour the vicinity, no trace of Wilson could be found until Friday afternoon, when his remains were found as stated above. The deceased was a married man about 40 years of age, and had been employed at the Heads for about 11 years.

INQUEST AT PORT CHALMERS

Mr H. Y. Widdowson, S.M., held an inquest at Port Chalmers on Saturday afternoon. Mr Stephens watched the proceedings on behalf of the Harbour Board. 

Charles Noble Trainer, lighthouse keeper at Taiaroa Heads, said he knew the deceased, who was a signalman for the Otago Harbour Board. Deceased lived with his wife and family at the Heads. Witness last saw deceased alive about 4.30 p.m. on Wednesday, outside his own house. The next time he saw him he was lying at the foot of a cliff below the lighthouse on Friday. He was then quite dead, and was lying face downwards, below high-water mark, just in the break of the waves. The cliff had a sheer drop of over 150ft at the spot where the body was found, and deceased had apparently lain there from the time he fell. Witness frequently conversed with deceased, but did not notice anything peculiar in his manner. In fact, he seemed quite normal in his mind.

To Mr Stephens: There was a track leading from the lighthouse to the signal gun platform, and beyond that there was a protective fence with two gaps, through which the men often went down to fish off the rocks. The track was a dangerous one to negotiate at any time, and it appeared to witness that deceased was in the act of going down this track and missed his footing, his body being found at a spot which suggested that deceased had slipped and fallen over the cliff near a gap in the fence leading down to the rocks below. Witness was strongly of opinion that the stout picket fence, with a gate leading to the cliff track, should be erected by the Government without delay, in order to safeguard the lives of those living in the vicinity. 

Dr Borrie stated that he had attended the deceased, who suffered from muscular rheumatism and petit mal, the latter causing choking sensations on two occasions. He saw hin on Wednesday, when he seemed to be in good health, and quite rational. 

James Harwood Wilson, a brother of the deceased, stated that he had been building houses at the Heads for two months, and during that time he resided with the deceased, whom he last saw alive about 7 a.m. on Thursday, when he appeared to be quite well. The deceased suffered from muscular rheumatism of which he complained at times; but there were no signs of depression in his manner. 

To Sergeant Dougan: Witness know of nothing to suggest that the deceased intended to commit suicide. In witness's opinion, the fence referred to did not afford proper protection. 

Hannah Wilson, wife of the deceased, said the latter had resided at the Heads for over 13 years. He complained at times of a sore throat and rheumatic pains. Twice he complained of giddiness, the last occasion being a few days before the accident. He went on duty at 5 p.m. on Wednesday until midnight, when he returned home and went to bed. He got up about 6.30 a.m. on Thursday and, after having breakfast, went on duty about 8.15 a.m. He returned home about 930 a.m., and remained about the house until 11.15 a.m., when he went out, and did not return. Witness never noticed anything wrong with her husband mentally, but latterly he had eaten very little. Otherwise he was always punctual in his habits. He was a loving father and husband. 

Further evidence regarding deceased's duties was given by Kenneth McDonald, chief signalman at the Heads, who stated that deceased relieved him from 8 a.m. till 9 a.m. on Thursday for breakfast, and should have come on again from 12 o’clock till 1 pm. Witness last saw him a few minutes after 9 a.m. on Thursday, when he seemed to be in his usual state of mind. He always performed his duties very satisfactorily, and never complained to witness about his health. 

In reply to a question by the coroner, witness said the track down the cliff was formed a few years ago by the Defence Department, and it had nothing whatever to do with the lighthouse. The track led to a lookout signal box erected about 20ft above the water level by the Defence Department, and was about 3ft wide in places. The fence along the track comprised a couple of wires placed on standards, and was quite inadequate to ensure safety. 

To Mr Stephens: The Harbour Board had nothing whatever to do with this track or the signal box. 

Captain Thomson, harbour master, said it was extremely difficult to keep one’s feet when negotiating the cliff track under ordinary circumstances, and it was the usual practice for those using it to step a little to one side, in order to got a better view of the coastline, in which case there was nothing to prevent anyone from falling over. 

This completed the evidence, and the Coroner returned a verdict that “Deceased died from injuries received through falling over a cliff at Taiaroa Heads on the 13th inst."  -Otago Witness, 19/5/1915.

Port Chalmers Cemetery. DCC photo.

The McLarens of Kenmore. "his lums are reeking briskly"

It was only recently that I discovered the the Dunedin City Council's series of 1947 aerial photos was available as one large image and accessible on my phone. Even better, it could be made to go split-screen, with one half the latest photo. My first find on this image was in the grounds of the St Clair Golf Course.  The pro was more than happy to give me directions to the storage shed they still call "Kenmore."

THE PRIZE COMPETITION.

In the competition for the Book Prize of the value of £2, to the writer of the best article suitable for the "Ladies' Column," nine contributions have been received. Of these that of Grace McLaren, Kenmore, Caversham, has been decided, upon as being the best; and the second Book Prize, value £1, has been awarded to Mrs L O Chappell, Alexandra. The first Prize article, which is entitled "Daily Life," will appear in our next.  -Otago Witness, 19/1/1878.

RURAL RAMBLES  (excerpt)

Passing onwards, the next farm of any note is that of Mr Peter McLaren, one of the original settlers of Otago, and who has, by steady honest toil, brought his land into a high state of cultivation, and secured a competent portion of this world's gear for his latter years. It is not often I pass the door of my old frien' without speerin' for him, but this morning, although his lums are reeking briskly, I must defer a call.  -Otago Witness, 26/8/1882.

MARRIAGES.

On the 26th October, at the residence of the bride's parents, Constitution street, by the Rev. Dr Stuart, Peter, eldest son of Peter McLaren, farmer, Kenmore, Caversham, to Isabeella, second daughter of Alexander Wood.  -Otago Witness, 26/11/1886.

OLD IDENTIANA.

MR PETER McLAREN.

There are in the experiences of most of the early settlers of Otago incidents and episodes which if collated would form a volume equal in interest to any romance published. These were not confined to men alone, but were often shared in by the female portion of the community, who were not constitutionally so fitted to pass through them. Very few of our present residents would undertake the risks which had to be undergone, and in fact they can scarcely form a correct idea of their serious character. The subject of this notice, as well as his better half, experienced a fair share of adventures in the early days.

Mr McLaren was born in 1824 in the parish of Kenmore, Perthshire, very near the spot where the celebrated Black Watch, or the 42nd Highlanders, was first formed. In early life he was accustomed to farm work, and was afterwards engaged in railway construction; but as his prospects of improving his position in life were not of the brightest he made up his mind to emigrate to Otago, induced thereto by the conditions on which the settlement was formed and a firm resolution to make the best of the chance. Prudently considering that in the prosecution of his design he would be materially assisted by a helpmeet for the position, before sailing he wedded Janet, daughter of Corporal James McGregor, of the 75th Highlanders, a Waterloo veteran who was seriously wounded in that famous battle. The young couple sailed in the Mariner from London, along with a considerable number of other emigrants, a small number of whom are still to the fore and in good positions, and arrived on 5th June 1849. Not being a moneyed man, he first applied for work under the company on the roads at 3s a day wages, but was not fortunate enough to be employed. He had not long to wait, however, as the late Mr Lloyd, of Green Island, engaged him at 3s 6d a day and find himself. It was rather hard lines to keep himself and his wife in town on such small allowance, but a few days afterwards he was sent for from Dunedin, as Mr Lee, of the Taieri, wanted a man and his wife for the station. Arrangements completed, he had to make the journey to his new home on foot, and bring a pack horse back to Scroggs' creek to meet his wife, who had to be taken round by sea in an open boat along with Mr Lee's friend Mr Buchanan. Favoured by the weather, the party was landed safely at the Taieri Mouth, but were grievously disappointed to find that the boat to convey them up the river had not reached that place. Wending their way along the bank they came on a camp of four stalwart Maoris, with rather fiercelooking dogs who were engaged pig hunting. This was not at all a pleasant position for a young wife to find herself in, particularly as tales the reverse of favourable to the natives had been previously current. However, the party proved themselves to be hospitably inclined, and offered the strangers a share of their food of potatoes and pork baked in the ashes, which were very acceptable, as the only food they had with them was a 6mall loaf. As night closed in the Maoris crept into their whare and the travellers formed a couch of fern leaves on which Mrs McLaren lay down, but not to sleep. At length morning broke, and after partaking of the same fare as supper, washed down with a mouthful of clear water from the river, the lonely wayfarers were gladdened by the sight of the canoe which was to convey them onwards, and after giving the Maoris the small loaf in exchange for their meals, they were soon on board gliding swiftly up the stream. They arrived safely the same evening at their destination, where 13 weeks were passed, the great want being flour, and for days together no other food was partaken of but potatoes and wild pork, with a dish of tea.

On leaving Mr Lee the next experience our friends had was with Mr Valpy, first at Dunedin and latterly at the Forbury. A friend of this gentleman's, Mr Forbes, having become home sick determined on returning to his native land, and his baggage had to come round from the Horse-shoe Beach station by boat, which was unfortunately detained at the Taieri Mouth by adverse winds.

McLaren was despatched with a horse to bring in as many of the young gentleman's belongings as he possibly could, and which after considerable difficulty he succeeded in doing, reaching Dunedin on a Sunday, much to the indignation and surprise of the inhabitants in daring to commit such a breach of the sixth commandment.

About this time there was a complete dearth of salt in the settlement, so the tedious operation of boiling sea water to produce this indispensable requisite had to be undertaken, and this may therefore be counted one of our first industries.

Finding his employment at Mr Valpy's scarcely to his mind, Mr McLaren accepted an engagement from Mr E. McGlashan, and did the first ploughing in the Upper Kaikorai, and afterwards wrought for Mr Anderson, at Bellview, and Messrs Ross and Kilgour. The regulation passed by the Provincial Council reducing the price of land to 10s an acre, enabled him to secure about 60 acres in the Ocean Beach district, which he took possession of at the end of 1856, and he has continuously resided there from that date up to the present time, the only alteration being the purchase, several years ago, of some 10 additional acres, which cost him close on £20 an acre. The fact of his becoming a freeholder did not, however, bring lighter work. On the contrary, it increased the daily toil seven fold, as the farm is about the highest level on the whole Green Island range, and was very difficult of access. These struggles are, however, comparatively forgotten now, as by dint of steady persevering industry he has made a comfortable home for himself and family. Kindly sympathy and generous assistance were characteristics of farmers in the olden times, and from many of them he received a helping hand. The late Messrs David Howden and William Barr were among his staunchest friends, and gave a hand in breaking up and sledging fencing until Mr McLaren could obtain bullocks of his own to do the work. The products of the farm have been confined altogether to hay, root crops, and butter, the locality not being suitable for grain growing, although sufficient was always raised for keeping the house, stable, and poultry. As a butter-maker, Mrs McLaren has always occupied a high position, as may be judged from the fact that for over 20 years Mr and Mrs Murphy, of the Shamrock and City Hotels, have had the supplies uninterruptedly from her dairy, and the connection still continues with their successor.

Mr McLaren works his farm systematically and neatly, a regular rotation being observed, and the live fences kept closely trimmed. Nor has the garden been overlooked, and in spite of the windy situation, vegetables, fruit, and flowers are grown in profusion. The worthy couple have had a family of 11 children — eight sons and three daughters — and all are alive except one son, a number of them being married. Although the site of the house is a very exposed one, still, being built of stone and now pretty well surrounded with trees, it is as snug and cosy within as could be desired. So attached to it has the gude wife become that she assured us that she would not change for the best spot in Dunedin. In spite of early hardships and unremitting toil, husband and wife are still strong, active, and industrious — fine specimens of an old race not often met with nowadays, and the wish that long life and prosperity may be their Jot is a unanimous one from a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

I. M. I.  -Otago Witness, 13/7/1888.

Deaths.

McLaren. — On the 26th September, at his residence, Kenmore, Caversham, Peter, the beloved husband of Jessie McLaren; aged 65 years. Deeply regretted. His end was peace.   -Evening Star, 27/9/1889.

OBITUARY.

The large majority of the male residents of the locality, together with a considerable number of friends and acquaintances from Dunedin and the surrounding districts, who attended the funeral of Mr Peter McLaren yesterday, abundantly testified to the esteem in which he was held by the community. Green Island Cemetery holds the dust of many of the original occupiers and cultivators of the district (Howden, Dempster, Kirkland, and others), who in their day and generation did the slavish part of the work in subduing the wild, uncultivated waste into a prosperous and profitable food-producing locality. 

Mr McLaren, who arrived with his young wife in the province by the ship Mariner on 5th June, 1849, was a native of Kenmore, in Perthshire, near the spot where the renowned 42nd Regiment, or “Black Watch,” was first organised. In his own person he was a fitting representative of what one may suppose to have been the characteristics of that famed body of troops. Of middle stature, an erect bearing, intelligent countenance, broad shoulders and thick chest, supported on nether limbs of rigid tension, his tread on the ground indicated the intent “Forward, my brave men, forward,” and his career in the province showed not only that he possessed strength and determination of purpose, but also that he exercised these grand qualifications. Landing at Dunedin, he had nothing to rely on but what he could earn with his hands. Accordingly, not to lose any time, he engaged at 3s 6d a day with Mr Lloyd, at Green Island, his wife remaining in town, both to be supported from this small income, with provisions and rent twice the cost they now are. Where there is a will there is a way; so, by prudential management, both ends were made to meet, aye, and overlap a bit. Then a better position offered itself with Mr Lee at West Taieri, in whose employ husband and wife would be together. This was one comfort; it was attained, however, after privation and difficulty as to reaching the West Taieri. Mrs McLaren had to take passage in an open whaleboat from Dunedin round to the mouth of the Taieri, where her husband had arranged to meet her and convey her by canoe and pack-saddle to their destination. Arriving safely at the Taieri, with Mr Buchanan, a friend of Mr Lee’s, the party were greatly mortified to find that the promised canoe had not reached the spot; so nothing remained but to camp in the open for the night. It was not long before a party of four stalwart half-clad Maoris, who were pig hunting, came on their halting place, and although the stories of man-eating propensities had been freely attributed to the Natives among the residents of Dunedin, a little experience showed they were hospitably inclined, inviting the lone wanderers to join in their repast of wild pork and potatoes roasted in the ashes. A quiet undisturbed night’s repose among the ferns found the party refreshed and ready for a start, this time no delay occurring, as the canoe, with the husband on board, arrived as the fast of the morning was being broken. After a few months’ residence at West Taieri, revelling on unchangeable meals of wild pork, nothing else being obtainable, and potatoes or damper, with sometimes tea without sugar or milk, the resolution was formed to return to Dunedin, where, after periods of service with Messrs Valpy, E. McGlashan, A. Anderson, Ross and Kilgour, and others, the purse contained sufficient money to warrant Mr McLaren in buying land for himself, which he did in the upper lands of the Ocean Beach district at 10s an acre, which was the price in 1856, sixty acres being the size of the farm. It was at that time an out-of-the-way place — no roads, at a high elevation, ill to get at, and not first-class land by any means. However, contentment was a dominant principle, and after hard work, patient endurance, and many disappointments the industrious, careful couple made their way in the world, rearing a family of eleven children, keeping clear of debt, and commanding the esteem and respect of all who knew them. 

On only one occasion did Mr McLaren become encumbered, and it was in this wise: A small stripe of nine acres of unsurveyed land, which could not on that account be purchased with his original sixty acres, lay between his land and the ocean cliffs, of no use to anyone else. It was some years later surveyed, declared open for sale, purchased by some land-grabbers as a speculation at L1 an acre, and our friend was compelled to pay L20 an acre for it, for which he had to borrow.

Mr McLaren never aspired to be a public man, as the phrase is generally accepted. To very many of the Dunedin residents for the past thirty years Mr McLaren was well known and invariably held in the highest esteem. The dairy and farm produce were for years successively delivered to the same customers with every approbation; and seldom was there cause for a change, unless occasioned by the retirement of a principal. 

His death has not been a sudden one, as for five months past he has lain on a bed of suffering and languishing, borne with a fortitude that showed there was the true spirit of a man at his heart. Whilst anticipating his own dissolution he tried to cheer the devoted wife at his bedside with the hope that he would yet recover; still the hope, deferred daily, became less with a lessening and departing strength, and on Thursday night last he resigned his spirit to the God who gave it. It is hard to part — to sever friendships whose roots spread a long way back around one’s memory. Still the severance must take place, and when it does occur may those left behind be able to join in saying — 

Still o’er these scenes my memory wakes, 

And loudly broods with miser care; 

Time but the impression deeper makes,

 As streams their channels deeper wear. 

J. M‘I.  -Evening Star, 13/9/1889.

A well-attended meeting of ratepayers of Kaikorai riding was held at noon on Wednesday, at Kenmore, the residence of Mrs Peter McLaren, to consider the matter of closing a road line leading through application 13, block XIII, Dunedin and East Taieri district. Mr Thomson (member for the riding) acted as chairman. The following resolution was unanimously carried: — "That the road line as stated above be not closed." The closing of this road was some time ago suggested to the Taieri County Council, on the ground of its being of no use to the district. The council did not, however, view the matter in this light, and, to give those interested an opportunity of expressing their opinion on the matter, resolved to advertise the closing of the road line in the legal way. The meeting was most emphatic in its protest against the road being closed, chiefly as it was the only road leading to the sea beach in the neighbourhood.  -Otago Daily Times, 20/2/1891.

IN MEMORIAM.

McLaren. — In loving remembrance of my dear departed husband, Peter McLaren, who died at his residence, Kenmore, Caversham, on September 27th, 1889.

When all around his soul gave way, 

His Saviour dear was all his stay. 

— Inserted by his sorrowing widow.  -Otago Witness, 1/10/1891.

RIFLE CONTEST.

A shooting contest between six members of the Caversham Rifles and six of the McLaren family of “Kenmore” took place at the Caversham Rifles’ range on Thursday evening. The conditions were seven shots and a sighter at 500 yds and 200 yds. The wind was somewhat uncertain, at times blowing strong, and at others dying away to a calm. After an interesting match victory rested with the members of the Rifles by 13 points. Following are the scores: 

Caversham rifles. 

500 200 yds. Totall. 

Sergeant Bremner 24 24 48

Corporal Waugh 21 25 46 

Lieutenant Hume 15 22 37 

Sergeant Searle 12 24 36 

Private Leith 12 22 34 

Corporal Coxon 7 23 30 

Total ... 231 

Mclaren family. 

Peter McLarcn 22 23 43 

George McLaren 20 25 

Duncan McLaren 12 25 37

James McLaren 17 18 

Alexander McLaren 12 17 29 

Donald McLaren 0 27 27 

Total ...218  -Evening Star, 19/1/1901.

On Saturday the V.M.C.A. Harriers were the guests of Mrs McLaren, Kenmore, St. Clair. Owing to the hills being covered with snow, hares were dispensed with, and those present, under the leadership of T. R. Gordon, set out towards Green Island Beach, coming back close to the sea. After the run the club were generously entertained by the hostess and Mr G. McLaren (a vice-president of the club).  -ES, 17/6/1907.

DEATHS

McLAREN. - On 15th June, at her late residence, Kenmore, Caversham, Janet, relict of Peter McLaren, farmer; aged 82 years. Deeply mourned.  -Evening Star, 15/6/1909.

The Friends of the late JANET McLAREN (and Family) are respectfully invited to attend her Funeral, which will leave her late Residence, "Kenmore," Caversham, TO-MORROW (THURSDAY), the 17th inst., at 1 p.m., for the Green Island Cemetery 

CHARLES J. THORN, Undertaker, David and Marion streets.  -Otago Daily Times, 16/6/1909.

Below: The walls of Kenmore's barn survive.  I went to the St Clair Golf Club and talked to the pro who was happy for me to take a walk and find what is left of the place.  House long gone, barn roof replaced, the barn walls made from local stone are all that remain - above ground, at least.