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

 Death of Mr. W. a. Rowe.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Otautau Old Cemetery.

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

Later,

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

DEATH.

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

Wallacetown Old Cemetery.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin. DCC photo.

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

FURTHER PARTICULARS.

TWELVE MEN DROWNED. 

TERRIBLE EXPERIENCES. 

Wellington, April 21. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The only married men drowned were Wilson and Gillon. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wreck of the Zulieka.

Arrangements for Burial.

Wellington, April 22. 

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

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

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

Port Chalmers Cemetery.

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

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

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

FOR THE EMPIRE’S CAUSE. 

DEATH. 

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

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

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

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

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

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

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

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

Ronald Robert Adamson, (1883-6/7/1913). "a fatal affray"

A FATAL "KNOCK-OUT."

A SUNDAY AFFAIR

[Per Press Association.]

Hokitika, July 7

By a fatal affray at Harihari, South Westland, yesterday, Ronald Adamson, 30, son of Hugh Adamson, lost his life. As a result of a quarrel on Friday night, deceased and Samuel Godfrey, about 25, had a stand-up fight on Sunday, during which Godfrey knocked Adamson down. He is supposed to have struck his head on a stone, rendering him unconscious. He did not regain consciousness, and when a doctor arrived from Ross he declared that Adamson had been dead some hours. The police are investigating.  -Stratford Evening Post, 7/7/1913.

Mr J. G. L. Hewitt, District Coroner, and Inspector Phair left last night, en route to Hari-Hari (South Westland), where an inquest is to be held into the circumstances surrounding the death of Ronald Adamson. -Greymouth Evening Star, 8/7/1913.

MANSLAUGHTER CHARGE

HOKITIKA, 9th July. 

An inquest was held yesterday touching the death of Ronald Adamson, who died after a quarrel at Harihari, South Westland, on Sunday. After hearing evidence the Coroner brought in the following verdict: — 

"That death resulted from concussion of the brain caused by severe force applied to the back of the head, as though caused by a fall." 

Subsequently, a young man named S. J. Godfrey was brought before the Court on a charge of manslaughter, and was remanded to appear at Hokitika on Tuesday. Bail was allowed.  -Evening Post, 10/7/1913.

The funeral of the late Ronald Adamson took place yesterday, the remains being interred in the Greymouth Cemetery. The services were conducted in a very impressive manner by the Very Rev. Dean Carew and the large concourse of mourners present at the obsequies bore testimony to the sincere sympathy felt for Mr H. Adamson and the other relatives in their bereavement, which had overtaken them under such sad and tragic circumstances.  -Greymouth Evening Star, 10/7/1913.

SETTLING A QUARREL.

SEQUEL TO A DANCE. 

A FIGHT AND A FATALITY.

At the inquest which was held at Harihari on Tuesday concerning the death of Ronald Adamson (says a Greymouth report) it transpired that there had been some unpleasantness caused during the dancing of a "set" at Harihari on the Friday night over a partner. In consequence of this and from subsequent happenings of a pugilistic nature on the same night, arrangements were entered into between the deceased and S. J. Godfrey to "fight it out" on the Sunday morning. 

From the evidence it appears that the deceased, together with about 20 others, assembled at the school grounds and sent for Godfrey, who lived four miles away, asking him to meet the deceased and have it out. On the arrival of Godfrey both men took off their coats and shook hands. Some of the onlookers, together with Godfrey, asked "How are they going to have it — in rounds or to a finish?" Deceased, who said he would '"fight to a finish, dead or alive," struck the first blow, and the fight commenced. After they had fought for about two minutes, the deceased went down on his knees. He got up again and continued the fight. A minute or two later Godfrey delivered a swinging blow, which struck deceased on the head. He fell, striking his head heavily on the ground, and became unconscious. The deceased was taken to his uncle's accommodation house, and the doctor was sent for from Ross. The doctor arrived at between 8 and 9 o'clock on the Sunday night, but found that the young fellow had been dead 15 or 20 minutes prior to his arrival. 

By direction of the Coroner the doctor made a post-mortem examination, and in his evidence stated that the cause of death had been a clot of blood on the brain, which could have been caused by a blow or a fall, although there were no external marks on the particular part of the head where the clot was found.  -Auckland Star, 15/7/1913.

HOKITIKA MAGISTRATE'S COURT

TUESDA JULY loth. 

A CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER. 

(Before Mr. J. G. Hewitt, S.M.) 

Samuel John Godfrey was charged with unlawfully killing Ronald Adamson at Hari Hari on July 6th, under circumstances amounting to manslaughter. Inspector Phair appeared for the police and Mr. Wells for the accused. 

Evidence was given as follows: 

Hawthorn Hugh Adamson, storekeeper of Hari Hari, deposed. The deceased, Ronald Adamson, was his brother. About 11 o’clock on Sunday, July 6th, saw deceased and accused near his store. About fifteen others were present. Knew they were there for a light. Told his brother when the crowd were gathering round that he had better let the matter drop. But he did not answer. They shortly afterwards went down towards the school grounds, half a mile away. 

Witness followed down later on horseback. When he arrived he saw his brother and Godfrey fighting. Did not see many blows exchanged. Could see both men were done, and soon after his arrival saw his brother drop. He fell in a heap, but he got up, and then after continuing the fight, again he fell a second time, straight back. He did not know what caused the fall or what part of the deceased first struck the ground. Witness was excited at the time. Where deceased fell was on the side of the school building facing the river. The ground was smooth but very hard. Deceased did not get up. Went to see what was the matter with him, and spoke to him but did not receive any answer. Then helped to carry him into the school and laid him down. Opened his clothes and did what they could for him for an hour and then took him in a cart to Mr. John Adamson’s house and laid him on a bed.

After arriving there, his brother, with assistance, sat up in bed and vomited and then laid back on the bed. He thought the ride in the trap had improved him but deceased did not recover and remained unconscious until he died about 8.30 that night. Rang up the doctor at Ross about 2 o’clock who arrived about ten minutes to nine that night.

Witness did not know from his own knowledge, what was the cause of the fight. There were between twenty-five and thirty present at the fight. Did not know of any ill-feeling existing between deceased and accused prior to the affair. 

To Mr. Wells: His brother was not in bad health at the time. His brother was a determined fellow, and not likely to take the advice of any one, but to go his own way. Before the last fall both men seemed to he done. 

Jens Jensen Hende, labourer, of Hari Hari, deposed: He was at the dance at Hari Hari Hall on July 4th. Deceased and accused were there. On Sunday heard there was to be a fight. Went to the school ground about 11.30 a.m. Saw Godfrey and deceased and several others there. The two men agreed to fight there and took off their coats. The crowd formed a ring. Godfrey asked what it was to be, rounds! Adamson replied: “A fight to a finish.” They then shook hands. Ronald Adamson asked someone to see fair play. After several were asked to act and refused, Charles Davey finally agreed to act as referee, after refusing six or seven times.

The men then shook hands and commenced the fight. Did not know who struck the first blow. Saw a number of blows struck. During the progress of the fight Ronald Adamson overbalanced and went down from a blow on the side of the head, not a knock-out blow. The deceased fell on his back. A couple of the onlookers helped him up. He was all right after the first fall. The fight was resumed. Several blows were struck by both men and Adamson went down again, with a blow past the right ear, a glancing blow. It was a hit heavier than the blow that caused the fall. They were square on at the time. The deceased fell slightly on the right side of his shoulder, striking the ground before his head. 

There were no stones about, but the ground was very hard and fairly dry. Heard a thud when deceased fell. He seemed to be out. They gave him air and fanned him. They left him there for a while and then carried him into the school and sat him on a form with his back against the wall. He was in the school for half an hour. He did not speak. 

After half an hour in the school they put deceased on a mattress, and worked his arms a little. Did not hear him speak during the 1 1/2 hours he was there. They then took him away in a cart. 

Did not hear any attempt to stop the fight after the first time that Adamson went down. The fight lasted for about 4 1/2 minutes. Heard a groan when deceased fell the second time, a sound as if he was trying to get his breath.

To Mr Wells — He did not think the blow that knocked Adamson down tire second time was hard enough to do so unless he was off his balance. The fight was a perfectly fair one. The men appeared to he friendly on the way down to the school. The deceased did not look to be in good health before the fight. 

Alexander Jamieson, settler of Hari Kari deposed — On Sunday, July 6th, Mr Davey came to witness and said that as he was coming past Adamson’s store some men called out to him to tell Mr Godfrey that Mr Adamson was waiting for him at Adamson’s store. Witness then went into the house and told Godfrey. Godfrey said he did not want to go down as he did not want to have any more to do with the row. Godfrey then said if he did not go down they would call him a coward. Godfrey was in bed at the time. He then got up and after dressing went to the store. Witness also went down. After some time he saw Godfrey and deceased talking together and the latter asked Godfrey — “Are you ready.” Did not hear Godfrey reply. Heard deceased propose to go down the road. They all went together. They did not pick any place to go to till they got to the school when Adamson said we will go in here and they all went in after the two men. They chose a place so that the school obscured the view from the main road. The ground was pretty hard. Witness suggested some one to see fair play be appointed. Several were asked to act, but declined, and ultimately Charles Davey said he would see fair play. They shook hands and shaped up. The deceased struck the first blow, hitting Godfrey on the cheek. They exchanged blows and had only been fighting a few moments when Adamson fell on his knees. He thought the fall was caused by want of condition. He did not notice any particular blow to send Adamson to his knees. He got up again and they had a rally and a clinch and Mr Davey separated them. They then continued when Godfrey hit Adamson on the side of the right cheek. The latter appeared To give way at the knees and fell heavily on his back with his head down hill, the body and head striking about the same time. The ground was gravelly and hard. Adamson did not get up and some present lifted him and tried to bring him to, afterwards carrying him into the school. They bathed his face and head with water and loosened his clothing. He seemed to got a little better, but did not speak, breathing very heavily. A little later he was taken in a cart to J. Adamson's. 

To Mr Wells — On the Saturday before the fight Adamson and witness I were talking during dinner at the protection works, when deceased referred to the trouble between him and Godfrey. Witness told him had better settle it, but deceased replied no, he would fight him to a finish. Godfrey walked 3 1/2 miles from witness’ house to where the fight took place. The last blow of the fight did not strike hard enough to knock a man down. The deceased seemed exhausted and out of form. At the beginning of the tight Adamson had the best of it and punished Godfrey, hut later became exhausted.

AFTERNOON SITTING. 

The Court resumed at 2.30 p.m. 

Alexander Askew, labourer at Hari Hari, deposed — On Sunday, July 6th, at Jamieson's boarding house, he was present when Davey came with a message that Godfrey was wanted at Adamson’s store. Witness gave the message to Godfrey who was just up. He said at first, "I won’t go,” and then he said he had better go or they would call him a cur. Witness told him to please himself, but he would not fight unless it was compulsory. Went with Godfrey to the store. When there heard Adamson ask Godfrey where he was going to have it. Godfrey replied: “Just as you like.” They then decided to go down the road. Witness corroborated the evidence as to the procedure before the fight, stating that in reply to an enquiry as to how the fight was to take place. Adamson replied— To a finish, dead or alive. Godfrey did not say anything. Witness thought that the fall was occasioned partly by slipping and partly by a blow. When deceased first fell he went down on his knees and hands. Did not think Adamson was assisted up. Shortly afterwards deceased again fell. About two minutes had elapsed since the first fall. Could not say what caused the second fall. A blow had been delivered on accused’s face and immediately after the latter fell. Do not think the force was sufficient. Adamson appeared to collapse, his knees giving way and his head went straight back. Witness thought that as far as he could see, that deceased’s head struck the ground first. Deceased fell very heavily and made no attempt to get up. The formation of the ground was very hard. Heard accused groan after he fell. Witness then endeavoured to retsore animation by moving Adamson’s arm. Spoke to deceased but received no answer. Adamson then appeared to be unconscious. There seemed to be little strength in his arms. Continued moving the arms without any good results. Adamson was then carried to the verandah of the school. At that time he was breathing heavily. No attempt was made to stop the fight on Friday night prior to the fatality when deceased had hit Godfrey. This occurred outside the Public Hall on the road. Did not know of any reason why Adamson should have hit accused. Deceased had offered to fight Godfrey for L5 or L50 any time the latter liked. At the time Adamson made the statement both men were a little the worse for drink. Witness was satisfied that ill-feeling existed on Adamson’s part right up to the time of the fatal fight. Did not think that such was the case as far as Godfrey was concerned. On the day before the Sunday witness had asked Adamson to let the matter drop, but deceased refused. The two men were quite sober on the Sunday morning when the fight took place. 

Cross examined by Mr. Wells: Did not think that the second fall was occasioned by the blow. Adamson urged on the fight all the time. Godfrey did not do so. Adamson was a hot headed and determined man.

Doctor deposed, he was called to Hari Hart on Sunday 6th inst. Deceived the message in the afternoon between 2.30 and 3 o’clock. Arrived at Hari Hari at 8.45 and made a superficial examination of the body of deceased. There were small abrasions on the face; one on the chin and another on the right cheek, also one on the neck. The abrasions may have been the result of some force applied to the face. Witness saw no swelling or colouring round the abrasions. These were the only injuries he observed. Held a postmortem examination on Tuesday 8th July. Deceased’s lungs and heart were found to he healthy, the liver was flabby and the other organs normal. On opening the skull cap on the right side witness found a clot of blood under the coverings of the brain. There was no fracture of the skull, which was of normal thickness. Hemmorhage under the coverings of the brain caused compression of the brain. The conditions were caused by a blow on the exterior. Could have been caused by a fall. It was manifest that the injury had been recent and could not have been the result of natural causes.

Cross examined by Mr. Wells: Witness was of opinion that the life of deceased could not have been saved if a medical man had been in attendance from the outset. Considered that the abrasions were not caused by heavy blows, but was of opinion that these were sufficient to knock a man off his legs according to the way he was standing. Do not think the result would have been the same if some force had not been used. 

Constable Cruickshank deposed, he arrived at Hari Hari between 6 and 7 a.m. on the 7th inst. After giving corroborative evidence witness here detailed the circumstances which led up to the arrest of Godfrey. On going into the bedroom where accused was in bed the latter said, “I suppose you have come to take me.” Witness replied. “Yes, I must take charge of you. I suppose you know what for.” Accused replied, “Yes I expected it; I know all about it.” Witness then asked Godfrey to get up and get dressed. After accused had had breakfast witness took him to Adamson’s. Accused asked witness how he stood and witness replied that he was charged with manslaughter in the meantime and that he would be detained until further inquiries were made and the inquest was over. 

Cross examined by Mr. Wells: Godfrey appeared to be very much cut up about the affair.

This closed the case for the prosecution. 

Mr. Wells submitted that there was no case against the accused and he asked his Worship to dismiss the case. He that if the case were sent to the higher court the jury would throw it out.

His Worship: “That may be so, but what I have to do is to decide whether there is a prima facie case of manslaughter.” Under the circumstances he was very sorry for the young man but like grand juries and common juries he had his duty to perform and said that there was nothing for him to do but to commit accused for trial. 

Accused pleaded “not guilty” in answer to the charge and said he had nothing to say. He was committed to take his trial at the next sessions of the Supreme Court at Hokitika. Bail was fixed at £300. Accused in £100 and two sureties, Messrs Jones and McIntosh, £100 each.  -West Coast Times, 15/7/1913.

At his trial Godfrey was found not guilty of manslaughter.

Karoro Cemetery, Greymouth. {Photo from "findagrave."