13113 Private Thomas Robert (16/11/1887-19/9/1916) and 25/681 Rifleman John (-19/8/1917) Steel. ""

FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE

STEEL. — Died of wounds received in action in France on September 19, 1916, Thomas Robert, dearly beloved fifth son of Jessie, and the late Alexander Steel, in his 29th year. “He did his duty,"  -Southland Times, 30/9/1916.

Private Thomas Robert Steel (died of wounds), was the fifth son of the late Mr Alex, and Mrs Jessie Steel, of West Plains, Southland, where Private Steel was born and educated. A brother was wounded in the same battle. Private T. R. Steel was employed in farming, was keenly interested in horses, and was a member of the Southland A. and P. Association.  -Press, 5/10/1916.

Thomas Steele went missing during one of the Canterbury Regiment's fights during the Battle of the Somme.  He was admitted to a Casualty Clearing Station with a gunshot wound to the shoulder. It is possible that, by the time he was admitted, he had lost so much blood that little could be done for him and he died at the Station.

RIFLEMAN JOHN STEEL. 

Rifleman Jno. Steel, killed in action on August 19th, was 32 years of age when he enlisted in the 3rd Battalion of the N.Z. Rifle Brigade. He was the son of Mrs and the late Alexander Steel, of West Plains, where he was born and educated. After leaving school he was employed at the Underwood Factory for 11 years, and for the last six years prior to enlistment, was with Messrs Wilkins Ltd., at Invercargill. While at Underwood he was a member of the Underwood Football Club. He was also a keen angler. A brother, Private Thos. Steel died of wounds received in the battle of the Somme.  -Southland Times, 11/9/1917.

John Steel was killed during the period of consolidation of ground taken during the Battle of Messines. It was a period of hard work, digging trenches and making barbed wire barriers. German artillery was very active.

Wallacetown Cemetery.

Sister Lily Lind, (13/6/1882-21/11/1916). "charm and sweetness of character"

THE MAHENO

HER ARRIVAL AT AUCKLAND,

(BY TELEGRAPH. — PRESS ASSOCIATION.) AUCKLAND, This Day. 

The Maheno has returned with 370 officers and men, many of whom were wounded in the Somme advance. They tell stirring stories of gallant work bv the New Zealanders. There are many marvels of surgery abroad, including the Maori with legs shot off and replaced by artificial ones. He is able to walk with the aid of sticks. 

The Maheno has been on cross-Channel water, the staff having many exciting experiences, including witnessing the bombarding of the South Coast by a Zeppelin and the mining of an oil ship. 

She has 95 patients for Auckland, 150 for Wellington, 70 for Port Chalmers, and 61 for Lyttelton. There are a number of very severe cases, but the health on the whole is remarkably good. 

There have been no deaths except that of Nursing Sister Lind, of the French service, who was returning invalided.  -Evening Post, 19/12/1916.

PROPOSED NURSES FUND (abridged)

TO THE EDITOR. 

Sir, — In last Saturday's Evening Post I read the totals of the contributions received by the Under-Secretary, Department of Internal Affairs, to the various war relief funds. They are: Belgian Relief Fund £243,003 13s 5d, New Zealand Red Cross Fund £524,418 15s 1d, Red Cross Fund £70,994 19s 3d, New Zealand War Relief Fund £11,910 10s 1d, British Navy Relief Fund £90,438 0s 5d; Servian Relief Fund £14,725 12s 8d, Polish Relief Fund £385 0s 5d, Overseas Club Tobacco Fund £979 19s 3d, Belgians in England Relief Fund £996 10s, Prince of Wales' Fund £3534 1s 10d, Queen Alexandra Fund £300, Belgian Children's Fund £387 4s 9d, Highlands Relief Fund £2501. Total £964,575 7s 2d. A great part of this amount, probably over half, will leave this country — a truly magnificent offering to the suffering peoples of the world through the present war. In the same paper I read the sad announcement of the death "after a long illness contracted whilst nursing in France" of Sister Lind, a delightful, alert, tactful nurse, devoted to her profession. Trained at the Wellington Hospital, she was well known by many of your readers. She and her friend (Miss Hitchcock) were in England when war broke out, and immediately volunteered for service, first in Belgium and later in France, where they endured many hardships.  -Evening Post, 30/12/1916.

ABOUT PEOPLE

The British Journal of Nursing for 3rd February has the following paragraph: — "We deeply regret to report the death at sea, on November 21st, of Sister Lind, a bright young life sacrificed to duty. Sister Lind, a member of the Registered Nurses Society, went to France in October, 1914, where she did splendid service for the Corps, working with the utmost devotion through the terrible epidemic of typhoid at Bergues and elsewhere. She developed phthisis, and, was most tenderly cared for by Sister Hitchcock at Grasse for many months, where the French authorities treated them both with the utmost kindness. Recovering slightly, she was brought to England, and both Sisters left for their home in New Zealand in a troopship last October. About a week before she reached Colombo Sister Lind became suddenly much worse and died about twenty-four hours after leaving Ceylon, and was buried at sea. When we remember the charm and sweetness of character, and gay, courageous spirit of this young Sister we realise how deep must be the sorrow of her bereaved family. If only she could have lived to see all her dear ones again. They have our sincere sympathy.” The late Nurse Lind was a Southland girl and lived here until she left for Wellington Hospital to train as a nurse. Her many Southland friends will learn of her death with deep regret.  -Southland Times, 17/4/1917.

Wallacetown Cemetery.

Sydney George Glover, (1895-13/12/1912). "gradually sank and died"

DEATHS

GLOVER. — At Invercargill, on Friday, 13th December. 1912 (the result of an accident), Sydney George, dearly beloved son of William George and Agnes Glover, of “Taramoa,” aged 17 years. 

The funeral will leave the parents’ residence on Sunday, 15th inst., at 1 p.m., for the Wallacetown Cemetery. Friends please accept this (the only) intimation. J. FRASER & CO„ Undertakers.  -Southland Times, 14/12/1912.

INQUESTS

TWO ENQUIRIES AT HOSPITAL, A PEA RIFLE CASE. 

Two inquests were hold by the District Coroner, Mr G. Cruickshank, S.M., in the hospital yesterday afternoon. Sergeant Bingham conducted the cases for the police. 

In the case of Sydney George Glover, a youth who died in the hospital from the effects of a wound in the abdomen, evidence was given by William George Glover, farmer at Taramoa, and father of the deceased, deposed that his son would have been 18 years old in January. For some time he had had a pea rifle. On the day in question the deceased was working with the engine cutting wood, and during the afternoon; while the witness was in the house he saw the deceased coming towards the house without some buckets which he had told him to bring. On enquiry the deceased told the witness that he had a bullet in him. When asked how it happened, and he said that his hat got in the road. The witness did not ask any more questions, but took him to the hospital at once. 

Dr. Barclay, Medical Superintendent at the Southland Hospital, deposed that on examining the deceased at the hospital he found a bullet wound in front of the abdomen. The deceased was collapsed, and was in great pain. An operation was decided upon and carried out at 6.30 p.m. It was found that the bullet had passed into the substance of the liver. It was impossible to find or remove the bullet from the liver. The prospects of recovery were recognised as very slight, and septic peritonitis developed very rapidly. The patient gradually sank and died on December 3 3th.

Sergeant Bingham gave evidence to the effect that the deceased told him that on December 6th he and some others had been using a 22 Winchester rifle. The rifle was put away, and after some time the deceased took it out again to shoot sparrows. He was, he said, resting the rifle against the barn doorpost when his hat obstructed his view, and he then let go of the rifle with his right hand to push his hat back, and as he did so the butt of the rifle dropped to the floor. The shock of the butt striking the floor and the cartridge exploded, the bullet entering his body. The deceased was alone at the time. Witness had tested the rifle, and found that it would go off in the manner described by the deceased. The Coroner brought in a verdict that the deceased was accidentally shot.  -Southland Times, 18/12/1912.

Wallacetown Cemetery.

Robert John Fraser, (1897-14/1/1929). "heroic father"

HEROIC FATHER

DASH INTO FLAMES 

LIFE LOST FOR SON 

OVERCOME BY SMOKE 

FIREMEN SAVE CHILD 

[by telegraph — own correspondent] INVERCARGILL, Sunday. 

Dashing into his burning home early yesterday morning in an attempt to save his four-year-old son, Mr. Robert John Fraser, aged 33, was overcome by smoke and was found by firemen lying near the back door unconscious. Although badly burned about the shoulders and face he was still breathing. Artificial respiration failed, however, and he died while being taken to hospital in an ambulance. 

The child was found unconscious evidently just in time, but he responded to treatment and is reported to be making good progress in hospital. 

The brigade was called at 4.37 a.m. by a man who was passing the house, which is situated on the corner of Lewis and Ramrig Streets, Gladstone. The front of the house, a six-roomed brick structure, was burning fiercely with flames shooting through the roof. 

A lead of hose had to be played on the building before the men could fight their way in. A door was opened and the draught partly cleared away the smoke, which was stifling in its density.

Boy Unconscious 

When the firemen got inside they found Mr. Fraser lying huddled in the hall near the back door. Continuing through the building the firemen, by the light of an electric torch, found the boy unconscious in the bathroom passage. He had apparently been trying to find a way out of the burning house. Artificial respiration was applied and he was taken to the hospital. 

The occupants of the house were aroused by the fire, and the housekeeper, Mrs. White, woke four children, the youngest of whom is a girl aged two years, and with Mr. and Mrs. Fraser they rushed outside. It was then discovered that one of the boys was missing. 

Mr. Fraser tried to go back into the house, the front by this time being a blazing inferno. Mrs. Fraser tried to restrain him, but he was determined to save the child. Overcome by smoke he fell unconscious in the hall where he was found by the firemen. 

The boy, by good fortune, was in a passageway off the hall, where there was a small current of air, and the smoke was not so thick. This, it is considered, saved his life. 

Serious Damage

The blaze was so strong when the brigade arrived that no one could enter the house until the flames were controlled. The fire was quickly subdued, but the front of the house, where the outbreak apparently originated, was seriously damaged, even the roof being burned through. The rear portion escaped comparatively lightly, the main damage being done by smoke, water and heat. Every window was broken by heat. 

Even at that early hour of the morning a number of people gathered at the scene before the brigade arrived. It is stated that some of the bystanders wanted to break the windows, but were rightly advised not to do so as the draught would only fan the flames.

Mr. Fraser. who was employed as a motor lorry driver, was a member of a well-known Wallacetown family, and was formerly proprietor of the Invercargill-Wallacetown bus service. -NZ Herald, 16/1/1939.

FIRE BRIGADE’S WORK IN PAST MONTH

18 CALLS ATTENDED 

Eighteen calls have been received by the Invercargill Fire Brigade since December 12, 1938, according to a report made by the deputy-superintendent (Mr R. A. Robertson) to the monthly meeting of the Invercargill Fire Board yesterday. Included in this total were calls to four dwellings and eight chimney fires. 

Discussing a fire at 147 Lewis street on January 14, the report stated that after the fire was under control, Robert John Fraser and his son John Stewart Fraser, aged four, were found in the house. Both were unconscious and first aid was applied while the arrival of the ambulance was awaited. Mr Fraser, however, had died on the way to the hospital. 

The chairman (Mr W. G. Tait) said that this fire had been most unfortunate, but the brigade had done splendid work in subduing the outbreak. 

There were present at the meeting: Mr. W. G. Tait (chairman) and Messrs R. R. Binney, A. Dix and A. Sharp.  -Southland Times, 26/1/1939.

MAN’S DEATH IN FIRE

Evidence At Inquest

ATTEMPT TO SAVE LIFE OF SON

“It is probably only fair for me to comment that it is sometimes hard to live well and hard to die well. The family of this man can, at least, be proud of the fact that he died trying to save his son.” These remarks were made by the Coroner, Mr R. C. Abernethy, S.M., at the inquest yesterday into the death of Robert John Fraser, aged 33, a motor-driver. He returned a verdict that Fraser died of asphyxiation during a fire at his home, 147 Lewis street, in the early morning of Saturday, January 14. 

Maurice Holmes Thomson, a labourer, of 144 Lewis street, gave evidence that he was in bed in a house practically opposite Fraser’s early on January 14 when he heard glass cracking and saw flames coming from the north end of Fraser’s house. He called his brother to ring for the fire brigade and he dressed hurriedly and ran across the road. He was met by Mrs Fraser and two of her children on the footpath in Ramrig street on the east side of the building. He asked Mrs Fraser if everybody was out of the building and she replied: “No, Peter is still inside.” He went to the back door and saw Mrs Fraser’s’ daughter, who was about six years of age, and asked her where Peter was. She replied: “He is on the other side of the house,” meaning the west side. The witness went to this side of the house and found all the windows shut. He then pushed a window and broke it in. He saw a bed near the window and pulled the blankets out through the window, but could not see the boy. He could not enter the room because it was full of smoke and flame. He broke another window, but still could not see the boy. The fire brigade then arrived and he informed them that there was someone inside, but he did not know where. Mrs Fraser did not tell him that Mr Fraser had gone into the house. 

MRS FRASER’S EVIDENCE 

Margaret Grace Stuart Fraser, widow of Robert John Fraser, said that they had had visitors at the house on the evening before the fire and they had spent the time sitting in front of the fire in the front room. The visitors left about 11.30 p.m. The children had been put to bed about 7 p.m. and her husband went to bed immediately after the visitors left. The next morning she was awakened about 4.30 a.m. by her son, Geoffrey, aged 7 years, who came into the room and said there was a fire. She could then smell smoke. She immediately woke her husband and they rushed from the house, her husband taking the baby from a cot in the same room as he went out. She could not remember if the other boy went out before them or with them. When they were outside they discovered that Stewart Fraser, aged three years, was still in the house. Her husband rushed back into the house through the kitchen door and did not come out. She was standing at the back door with the other three children. The house was partly destroyed and most of the contents were burned. When the fire was first noticed it appeared to be mainly in the front room. When they went to bed there was not a great deal of fire in the grate and she put a fire-screen in front of it. They were not absent from the house during the evening. 

Alice White, a widow, of Clyde street, Winton said that she was employed by Mrs Fraser as housekeeper for two months before the fire. She occupied a room at the rear of the house. About 5 a.m. on the morning of the fire she awakened and discovered that the house was on fire She heard a noise in the kitchen, but thought it was Mrs Fraser making a cup of tea. She heard something fall in the front room and, on getting out of bed, noticed smoke in the house and a smell similar to burning rags. She went into the room where the children were sleeping and got them out of bed. The two eldest children followed her out to the back door, but the youngest walked towards the bathroom where, she understood, the firemen found him. She then went into Mr and Mrs Fraser’s bedroom and roused them with considerable difficulty. She had to go back a second time before they got up. Mr and Mrs Fraser were out of the house before the brigade arrived, but Mr Fraser must have gone back into the house again. Mr Fraser was in his pyjamas when he came out of the house. She did not know why he went back. Mrs Fraser, the two children and she went to a neighbour’s house and were given beds there. She did not know what time the visitors left the evening before or what time Mr and Mrs Fraser went to bed. She could not say if any liquor was consumed during the evening. She had gone to bed at 10 p.m. 

Dr J. D. Thomson, house surgeon at the Southland Hospital, Kew, gave evidence of examining Fraser at the hospital. He found that Fraser was dead. The body had numerous superficial burns and also exhibited signs of asphyxiation. In his opinion death was due to asphyxiation. 

ARRIVAL OF BRIGADE 

The deputy-superintendent of the Invercargill Fire Brigade, Robert Alexander Robertson, said that the call was received at the station by telephone at 4.37 a.m. He was on duty at the fire at 147 Lewis street. On the arrival of the brigade the fire was coming through the front windows and door and it had a strong hold. After the fire was under control Fraser was found, unconscious, in the hall near the kitchen door, which was closed. Artificial respiration was carried out by the brigade until the ambulance arrived. On a further search being made John Stewart Fraser, aged three years, was found in the bathroom passage. He was also unconscious and artificial respiration was carried out on him until the ambulance attendant arrived and took charge of both cases. This concluded the evidence and the Coroner found a verdict as stated above.  -Southland Times, 25/3/1939.

Wallacetown Cemetery.

John Nelson, (1889-3/4/1912). "contracted a chill"

WALLACETOWN

Quite a gloom was cast over the district last week; when it became known that Mr John Nelson, third son of Mr Adam Nelson, had passed away on Wednesday last. The end came quite unexpectedly, as the young man was but a few days ill; he was only 23 years of age. While playing in a cricket match at Underwood, rain set in, and he received a chill, from which he never recovered, as it turned to pneumonia. The deceased was very popular, and made quite a number of friends. He started his career, after leaving school about eight years ago, in the Underwood Factory, and remained there as fireman up to the time of his death. He was a very enthusiastic sportsman, and a member of the Underwood Cricket Club, of which he was one of the best players. He will be very much missed by the club. He was also a prominent member of the newly-formed tennis club, which was his favourite pastime in the summer evenings. He was a good angler, and made some good bags in the rivers in the district. Deceased was well and favourably known, of a quiet disposition, and was a great favourite with his fellow-workmen at Underwood. The funeral, which took, place on Saturday afternoon, was about the largest that has ever been seen in the district for some years. The most noticeable feature was the number of young men who followed the remains to the cemetery. The Rev. Mr Kirkland of Waianiwa officiated at the grave, in the absence of the Rev. A. Begg. A large number of wreaths and floral tributes were sent, which showed the respect in which the deceased was held. Among the wreaths sent were three large floral wreaths from the Underwood employees, one also from the Ladies' Hockey Club (Underwood) and one from the Wallacetown Tennis Club. Great sympathy is felt for the parents and relatives of the deceased. 

At the Presbyterian church on Sunday morning the Rev. A. Begg took for his text Acts 11, verse XI : "We do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God," and referred to the Chapman-Alexander Mission, which was being held in Dunedin, where their meetings had been crowned with great success, and the number of young people who took Christ as their Saviour. He emphasised the strong need for prayer, and referred to the death of the late Mr John Nelson as an example to the young men of Wallacetown to be prepared to meet their God, for they know not at what hour the Son of Man cometh. -Southern Cross, 13/4/1912.

WALLACETOW.

The air is full of farewells to the dying; 

And murmurings for the dead; 

The heart of Rachel for her children crying 

Will not be comforted. 

Let us be patient: these severe afflictions 

Not from the ground arise, 

But oftentimes celestial benedictions 

Assume this dark disguise. 

April 8. — The sublime sentiment lying behind these words at the great poet was keenly felt here last week. The most popular of our young men, Mr John Nelson, familiarly known as "Jock," passed away at his father's residence after a few days' illness. Although a few knew that he was ill, no one dreamt that his end was near; so that quite a gloom was cast over the village when the sad news was known. A few days previous to his death, "Jock," who was a keen cricketer, was playing on a wet day; and from the wetting he contracted a chill which led to serious complications. The funeral on Saturday was a large one, friends and relations coming from distant parts of Otago and Southland. The cortege was mainly composed of young men. The employees of Underwood Factory, where "Jock" had been employed for many years and a great favourite, sent two large wreaths, and though the day was a busy one in the factory, attended the funeral in large numbers. The Wallacetown Tennis Club, of which he was a member and popular player, also sent one; the Hockey Club also sent another; so that with those sent by other sympathisers, the grave was covered with flowers. In the absence of Rev. A. Begg, the Rev. A. D. Kirkland officiated at both house and grave. All were deeply impressed with the solemn service, and the sudden death of a promising young man. 

We see but dimly through the mists and vapours 

Amid these earthly damps; 

What seem to us but sad, funereal tapers 

May be heaven's distant lamps. 

He is not dead — the lad of our affection, 

But gone unto that school 

Where he no longer needs our poor protection, 

And Christ Himself doth rule.  -Otago Witness, 17/4/1912.

Wallacetown Cemetery.

Corporal Robert Ellis Stevenson, (21/10/1890-25/11/1916). "to do his duty"

FOR THE EMPIRE’S CAUSE.

STEVENSON. — At Somerset Hospital, Capetown, on November 25, 1916, from hemorrhage of the lungs, Corporal Robert Ellis, the third beloved son of John and the late Eliza Stevenson, Waianiwa; aged 26 years. "For King and Country.”  -Southland Times, 29/11/1916.

CORPORAL E. E. STEVENSON. 

Cable news has been received by relations of Corporal Robert Ellis Stevenson that he had passed away at Somerset Hospital on the 25th inst., at Capetown. He was the third son of John and the late Eliza Stevenson, Waianiwa, and was 26 years of age. He was born at Waianiwa, and was educated at the local school, and passed the 7th Standard before he was 13. He also attended the Southland Boys’ High School for three years. He was not intended to take up the trade of his father, but he worked in the shop and became a good tradesman. He had the shop leased from his father for a term of years, but he enlisted, as he said, to do his duty to King and country. He was a great favourite with all who knew him.  -Southland Times, 1/12/1916.

Robert Stevenson's Army record shows that he died of tuberculosis of the lungs. He is buried in Maitland Cemetery, Cape Town.

Wallacetown Cemetery.

42696 Rifleman John McLeod, (26/5/1893-7/4/1918). "fresh ground was gained"

On the morning of the 6th, while the two company commanders were reconnoitring the position with a view to a more definite attack on the machine-gun positions and the clearing of the salient, Lieut. Buchler was killed by a shot from a sniper, the same bullet also accounting for a sentry stationed in the shallow trench near him. Later in the day a strong enemy counter-attack developed in this locality. The Germans were particularly bold and enterprising, and there was long-continued hand-to-hand fighting in practically every sap held by the 3rd Battalion. Our artillery action, however, prevented enemy reinforcements from coming up, and not only were the attackers everywhere forced back, but fresh ground was gained at all points.  -Official History of the NZ Rifle Brigade.

PRIVATE J. McLEOD. 

Died of wounds on the 7th of this month. Private John McLeod is a son of George and the late Marion McLeod, of Waianiwa. He was born 33 years ago at Taramoa, and educated at the Waianiwa School. A member of the 23rds, he was a farmer before enlisting. Bicycle racing and football interested him, and he was also a member of the Rechabite Lodge.  -Southland Times, 22/4/1918.

John McLeod's Army record shows that he was admitted on April 6 to the 1st NZ Field Ambulance suffering from: "SW elbow leg forehead buttock pen abdomen;" which translates as: "shrapnel wounds elbow, leg, forehead buttock pentrated abdomen."

Wallacetown Cemetery.