2/807 Driver John Martin McDonnell, 21/7/1895-20/5/1919.

Personal

Ex-private John Martin McDonnell died on Tuesday at the residence of his father, Mr Martin McDonnell, Caversham, at the age of 23 years. He was educated at the Caversham school and then was employed by Mr A. C. Watson, wheelwright, Temuka. Later he was removed to Wellington, and joined the Artillery. On the outbreak of war, when he was 18 years old, he joined up, and left New Zealand with the Main Body. He served throughout the Peninsula campaign, and later was wounded at the battle of the Somme. Being found unfit for further service, he was invalided home about two years ago, and since then he has been ailing.  -Temuka Leader 22/5/1919.

A military funeral was accorded yesterday afternoon to the late John McDonnell, son of Mr M. McDonnell, of' College street, Caversham; a returned soldier, who died as the result of disabilities contracted on active service. The coffin was carried on a gun carriage to the Southern Cemetery, returned soldiers acting as pall-bearers, and Bugler Thomas sounded the "Last Post." Captain Dyer was present on behalf of the Defence Department.  -Otago Daily Times, 24/5/1919.

John McDonnell's Army record fleshes out the story told above. He joined the NZ Field Artillery shortly before the beginning of the war, as soon as he was old enough to be eligible. Perhaps his youth was the reason he was disciplined at Moascar in Egypt for causing a disturbance after lights out - it might also have contributed to a diagnosis of syphilis at that time.

He spent two months on the Gallipoli Peninsula and was slightly wounded in the head and suffered shell shock at the Somme, in September, 1916.  He was treated for that in England and while there began to bleed from the lungs, leading to a diagnosis of tuberculosis.  He was invalided home to New Zealand at the end of October. He was discharged as medically unfit the following February and spent time under treatment at the Pleasant Valley Sanatorium.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.

Andrew McFarlane, 1835-6/9/1904.

Personal

Mr Andrew McFarlane, late of the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders, and a Crimean veteran, died at Caversham on Wednesday. Mr McFarlane just missed the campaigning of the Indian Mutiny, his regiment arriving on the scene soon after the military resistance of Nana Sahib and the other rebel leaders had come to an end. Three of the deceased's sons took part in the Boer War. The funeral takes place to-morrow, and is to be a military one, the Caversham Rifles furnishing the firing party.   -Evening Star, 9/9/1904.

The funeral of the late Mr Andrew McFarlane, an old soldier who saw service in the Crimean war, took place on Saturday afternoon. The deceased veteran was very properly accorded a military funeral in recognition of his having been one of those to uphold the British arms in a bygone generation. The funeral procession was formed at the residence of deceased in Caversham, and was headed by the Garrison Band, under Lieutenant George. Following came the gun-carriage bearing the coffin, covered with the Union Jack and wreaths forwarded by sympathetic friends. The Caversham Rifles marched in rear of the gun-carriage, and next to them came representatives from most of the Volunteer companies in and around Dunedin, the friends and acquaintances of deceased bringing up the rear. The "Dead March" from "Saul" was played by the band as the procession moved slowly towards the Southern Cemetery. The funeral service at the grave was conducted by the Rev. R. J. Liddell, and at its conclusion a firing party from the Caversham Rifles fired three volleys over the grave of the old soldier and "The Last Post" was sounded by the bugler in attendance. A good many of the Veterans' Association also attended to pay the last tribute of respect to their departed comrade.   -Otago Witness, 14/9/1904.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.

69932 Private Ernest Percival Meenan, 3/2/1895-6/8/1920.

 

Ernest Meenan was a fisherman when he joined the Army late in the war.  He left New Zealand in February 1918 was with the Otago Regiment in France for the German Spring Offensive and then the driving back of the enemy through France.  On October 8th he was seriously wounded, with "penetrating wounds" to the scrotum, urethra and rectum.  This was during an attack on a strong German position with uncut wire and machine guns behind fortifications.

He was treated at the military hospital at Walton-on-Thames, London.  At the end of 1918 he was sent home on the Hospital Ship Marama.

Ernest died of his wounds, the actual cause of death being listed as "spinal paraplegia."

DEATH.

MEENAN — On August 6, at Dunedin Hospital (died of wounds), Ernest Percival, beloved second son of Francis and Annie Meenan, 153 Leith street; in his twentyseventh year. R.I.P.  -Otago Witness, 10/8/1920.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.

Margaret Ann Jackson, 1865-9/12/1925

MRS MARGARET ANN JACKSON. 

The death occurred on Friday morning of Mrs Margaret Ann Jackson, who was widely known as one of Dunedin’s most prominent social workers. 

Mrs Jackson was the second daughter of Mr and Mrs Richard East, of Frederick street, Dunedin, and was born in Auckland during the Maori war. She went to Great Britain with her parents in early childhood, and returned when nine years of age, settling in Dunedin, where she resided for the rest of her life. For 35 years she was connected with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, of which she was president for 27 years. She was also official prison visitor for that institution. Mrs Jackson was a member of the committee of the Royal Society of New Zealand for the Health of Women and Children. About 15 years ago she was appointed a member of the Advisorv Committee in connection with the management of the Hospital, and 12 years ago was one of the first women elected to the Otago Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, her seat on which she retained to her death. 

The deceased lady for many years had been an earnest and sincere social worker in the city, and brought to her self-imposed task of relieving those upon whom misfortune had fallen a rare energy that lost none of its zeal as the years passed. Indeed, it might be said that her comparatively early death was not unconnected with the exhausting nature of much of her work, and the severe demands that it made upon her strength. It was no uncommon experience for her to leave her home early in the day and to return at a late hour, after a day of continuous visiting, to find a message from some troubled source requesting her guidance and assistance. The official positions occupied by her would reasonably have been considered sufficient to claim the attention of a private individual, but her unflagging energy and large sympathy were of a kind that could not be confined within specified limits, and her sympathy with the destitute and unfortunate found its expression in wider activities that were known only to few of her intimate friends. Her private means were generously devoted to the work she loved, but to what extent remains a secret — no friend possessed a confidence so close as to know the extent of her giving. 

For the fallen of her sex she displayed a particularly kindly consideration, and that many have returned to respectability was due solely to the efforts of the deceased lady. In this class of rescue work she displayed a wonderful fearlessness, and fearlessly and courageously entered places of evil repute in search of some fallen one. The drunken husband or the wifebeater had no terror for her, and in some of these cases her help was called in preference to that of the police. 

Outside her social work the late Mrs Jackson could claim a large number of friends among all classes of the community in whose affections she occupied a high place by reason of her cheerful nature and kindly and humorous outlook on life. Despite her constant contact with the sordid and painful, she retained a natural geniality which made her a pleasant conversationalist. 

In the companionship of the young she took a special delight, and her home was the scene of many happy gatherings in which the kindly hostess was the leading spirit of the youthful revels. Hers was a life singularly rich in varied activities, self-denials, and work accomplished for love of her fellow-beings, and her death will leave a gap in the lives of many of the poor and lowly who had felt the shelter of her protective care.  -Otago Witness, 15/12/1925.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.  Margaret is not mentioned on the stone marking her grave but has recently been acknowledged for her work with the Belgian Relief Fund during the First World War.

Henry Temple, 1904-9/5/1927.

Inquests

DEATH FROM GAS FUMES. 

When Hilda Ward, a printer employed at tho office of the Tablet Company, Filleul street, entered the building at 7.45 a.m. yesterday, she was horrified to find behind the closed door of the lunch room the body of a fellow-employee, Henry Temple. 

Temple, a young man, 23 years of age, who resided with his mother at 76 Stafford street, was unmarried, and had been in the employ of the Tablet Company for the past nine years. 

Death was caused by the fumes of gas, and the unlighted gas stove, with the taps fully turned on, was found beside the body. 

During the morning an inquest was opened before Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M., as coroner. Sergeant Dunlop represented the police. 

John Patrick Walls, manager of the Tablet, after giving evidence of identification, said that the deceased frequently worked overtime at the office on Saturday afternoons or evenings. On Saturday morning he seemed in bright spirits and was working as usual. To the knowledge of the witness, the deceased had no worries, financial or otherwise. There was a gas stove in the room where the body was found. 

In answer to questions, witness said that the room was ventilated by a swinging window or by the door when it was open. The stove usually stood on a bench some feet above the level of the door, but when the body of the deceased was discovered the stove was on the floor. The deceased had never shown signs of drink while at work, but it was possible that he might have turned on the gas and been overcome by the fumes if he had been under the influence of liquor. He had given no indication of any intention to commit suicide. 

Hilda Ward stated that she had entered the lunch room ns usual on her arrival at the office. The door was shut, but not locked, and on entering she saw deceased lying on the floor beneath the window. The window was slightly open, and the young man was lying on his back with a chair close to his head. The gas stove was on the floor beside him, and the gas was turned fully on. There was no signs of any struggle. 

The inquest was adjourned sine die.    -Otago Daily Times, 10/5/1927.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.

2/211 Lieutenant Reginald William Dancey, 17/11/1887-12/6/1919.

Reginald Dancey was an Englishman who was living in New Zealand when war came.  He volunteered immediately, possibly entering the Artillery because his father was a veteran of that service back Home.  A rugby player, he captained the Anzac team - already British Army champions - which won the "Somme Cup" in 1917, beating the French team 40-0.

ON SERVICE 

NEWS OF SOME NEW ZEALANDERS.

Mr. Harry Dancey, organist at All Saints' Church, Putney, has four sons; all of whom are with the colours. The eldest is in the New Zealand Force (with the artillery), the second with the Honorable Artillery Company (the premier volunteer company of London), the third with the Field Artillery (Territorials), and the fourth with the 24th County of London Battalion. Mr. Dancey himself served for four years with the London Territorial Artillery.   -Evening Post, 12/1/1915.

LA COUPE DE LA SOMME.

HISTORIC FOOTBALL THROUGH FRENCH EYES. 

NEW ZEALANDERS IN PARIS. 

For British people French football has still a little of the interest of novelty. How interesting, therefore, is a French account of a war match played in Paris, in which the players on one side were New Zealanders from the firing-line and on the other warworn French Poilus. We have had the match described from the English point of view; the following is from two issues of the Journal that have been lent to a member of the Star staff by a French lady in Auckland. The Journal promoted the match, giving for a prize “La Coupe de la Somme," only the cup was not like so many cups, an ugly uninteresting trophy, but a bronze figure of a French soldier in the act of throwing a bomb. The accounts in the Journal of the match and the preparations for it are interesting for, among other things, their finely-phrased tributes to our men, enthusiasm for the game, and proof of the extent to which our football terms are being used in France. We give these extracts feeling sure that many lovers of the great game will like to know how, set in the frame of the sterner game of war, Rugby appeals to the mind of our great ally. 

ATHLETES WHO ARE ALSO HEROES. “This afternoon at three o’clock, on the Vincennes ground, will be played the great Rugby football match (le grand match de football rugby), organised by the Journal and the Union of French Athletic Societies, between teams representing the French Army and the New Zealand Army, champion of the British Armies — Poilus against Anzacs, to use the popular expressions. 

“This match of ours has had for some days the importance of a great popular event. The public of Paris, with its sure instinct, has at once realised that, together with the sporting interest of the wonderful spectacle offered by the World’s Champions in Rugby football, the finest, the most perfect, the most fiery of games (du plus beau, du plus complet, et du plus passionnant des sports; is ‘fiery’ right for 'passionnant’?) — it has realised that there is in this contest the profound symbol of the mighty and sublime alliance of the peoples of the whole world, leagued for the defence of humanity. See how Fate works. New Zealand is the exact Antipodes of France, and its people are the most remote from us, but they are one of those peoples whose hearts beat with ours, whose blood has mingled with the blood of France’s sons to free our sacred land.

“Our team of Poilus arrived in Paris yesterday. The first man we met wore the Croix de Guerre with three bars (citations; translated “bars,” from the English practice). Since our army is widely distributed and has been getting hard knocks for so long, it has not been able to form a team of players who have lived together, like the Anzacs. Our men come from trenches all along the front, and have had in common only danger and glory. They are exceptionally fine players, but they will be a team for the first time on the ground itself. This will tell against them a little (handicapera un peu) in meeting their opponents, but they are less concerned with setting their hearts on winning than in being comrades in effort, thought and will. People of Paris, you will crowd to applaud these athletes who are also heroes.” The New Zealanders, said the Journal, would salute the French people by dancing a Maori dance and by uttering the old Maori war cry, which had become the cry of sport, and afterwards the new war cry of the Anzacs — “le terrible Komati—Komati—Ka-ou-rah!”

“LE MATCH.” But let us get to the match. M. Georges Prade describes it in the Journal with a noble enthusiasm. This opening has the trumpet note. “Paris gave yesterday to those splendid soldiers, those wonderful athletes representing the two great Allied armies that are reconquering side by side the soil of France, the triumphal welcome which it reserves for the champions of noble causes and fine thoughts.” And the afternoon exquisitely mild, this deep feeling of fellowship inspired the great crowd of 60,000 spectators that filled to overflowing the great stands at Vincennes, and applauded wildly in a dull roaring like the noise of the sea, this superb orgy of will and effort. One felt besides that something graver and loftier mingled itself yet again with this supreme emotion. We know that those who played there before us had come from over there, from the struggle with death, and that they would return there. And when on two occasions, on the arrival of French Ministers and generals, and then our team, the clear and wild notes of the Marseillaise took wing; and when twice also, on the arrival of the British Ambassador, and afterwards of the New Zealand team, the grave notes of ‘God Save the King’ made the resounding arches of the stands ring, at the same time as the national flags were hoisted; when, on the arrival of Mr. Muhr, the American referee, the star-spangled banner of our latest ally rose the length of the halliards, in the midst of a hurricane of cheers — when all this happened, and the spectators looked on those men who had crossed the world to come and fight by the side of ours, on seeing our fine sturdy lads of France by their side, a tremour passed through the crowd ...”

The New Zealanders lined up before the stand of honour, and their captain (le Capitaine Dancey) “a very gentle giant” (colosse tres doux; Dansey’s family ought to treasure that description), stood in front of them. “It is the time for giving the famous war cry. With a strange rhythm, which he punctuates with an expressive mimicry, beating with his hands and feet, Dancey utters quickly a series of sharp and eager cries, which his men repeat in chorus. The crowd applaud our guests, who, without losing time, gave their terrible ‘Komati—Komati—Ka-ou-rah,’ before the popular stands, where numerous cheers greeted them.”

40 POINTS A 0. The Journal says it is difficult to summarise in a few lines this strenuous and quick game. “Slow to get going (lents a se mettre en action) the New Zealanders secured only a slight advantage in the first half — two tries, one goal, and one goal from a free kick to 0 (3 essais, 1 but, 1 but sur coup franc a 0). But in the second half their clearly superior form, helped by the want of training of our men, told, and seven new tries, of which four were converted, all admirably executed, were scored by them. In the end the victory is to the New Zealanders by 40 points a 0, when the referee signals the end of this historic match, amid applause which goes as much to the glorious conquered as to the victors." 

The match, says the Journal in another place, was “an authoritative lesson in athletics,” or to put it colloquially, a “regular demonstration" (une magistrale lecon). “Our men, disunited by three years of war, had to bow before the champions of the world, who have beaten the Irish Army by 49 to 3, the Welsh team by 22 to 0; the British Aviation Corps by 12 to 0. Yesterday's result, 40 to 0, is quite honourable. Besides, before all, sport as a school of sincerity and loyalty.” 

Many Aucklanders will appreciate this touch, “And as we congratulated Colonel Plugge, the New Zealander, on having revealed to Paris and France his illustrious team of athletes, he made a sweeping gesture (il eut un geste large), taking in the crowd, and replied: ‘You have done more still; you have enabled us, who have come from a distant country, to hear beating the noble heart of Paris and France.’” Clearly Colonel Plugge is a diplomat as well as a soldier.  -Taranaki Herald, 30/7/1917.

LATE TELEGRAMS

Monday ifiih There have been three deaths of Returned Soldiers in Dunedin within 38 hours from Heart Disease accelerated by gassing. One of the victims was Lieutenant Dancey, a traveller tor Butterworth Brothers.  -Dunstan Times, 16/6/1919.

The military funeral of the late Lieutenant Dancey took place yesterday afternoon from St. Matthew's Church. A large growd was present at the funeral service in the church, which was most impressive, and which was conducted by Canon Curzon-Siggers, who also took the service at the graveside at the Southern Cemetery. The Rev. C. J. Bush-King read the lessons at the church service. Lieutenant McCarthy represented the local Defence Department, and the firing party was composed of returned soldiers who are employed by Messrs Butterworth Bros, and Sargood, Son, and Ewen. The Last Post was sounded at the conclusion of the church service and also at the grave. Before the Dunedin Choral Society commenced practice last night, the Hon. G. M. Thomson, M.L.C. (president), referred to the sudden death of Lieutenant Dancey, a member of the society. The deceased was the first hon. secretary when the society was re-formed, early in 1914. He showed initiative, with painstaking zeal, in the reconstruction. Shortly after the regular weekly practices were commenced war with Germany was declared, and Lieutenant Dancey was one of the first to volunteer, going into Tahuna Park camp, and later leaving with the Artillery. While on active service he retained his interest in the society. Returning in October last he at once visited the society, and on obtaining his discharge resumed his place in the chorus, and later on the committee. Men who served with him in the artillery speak of him as being "white all through." and one of the finest officers on the western front. He maintained discipline, got unpleasant work done without trouble, and was never known to swear at the men. Indeed, he was nicknamed "Cheerful." Those associated with him in his work at St. Matthew's Churoh speak of him in the highest terms as to his character. The members, standing in silence, expressed their sympathy with the young widow. Some of the society showed their respect to the memory of their late fellow-member by being present at the service yesterday afternoon.  -Otago Daily Times, 18/6/1919.

SUDDEN DEATH OF SOLDIER

ALONE IN HIS HOUSE. 

The coroner (Mr Widdowson, S.M.) held held an inquest the other day on the body of Reginald Wm. Dancey, who was found dead by his wife on Saturday evening, reclining on the pillows with the book he had been reading still in his hands. Deceased was a returned soldier, 31 years of age, and employed as a department manager by Butterworth Bros., Ltd. He was married on March 4th last, and he and his wife had only taken up residence in Coney Hill road, St. Clair, a few weeks ago.

Sergeant Hodgson appeared for the police. Frances Josephine Dancey, the widow, said they were married on March 4, 1919. Deceased was invalided home from the front on six months’ furlough. He had taken a heart turn in her company in the street, falling down flat. He told her it was heart trouble, originating in his having been gassed. She understood that he had had turns before marriage. On Monday morning last he went away for what was to be a ten-days’ trip for the firm, and it was decided, that she should go down to her sister’s, near Clinton. On Tuesday evening she received a wire, despatched from Oamaru, stating that his trip was cancelled, and he was returning home, but she was not to hurry home. On Wednesday she rang him up, and he told her to return when she felt fit (she was suffering from influenza). It was arranged that she should return on Saturday night. On Friday night she received letters from him stating that he did not feel too well. On Saturday evening she returned by the south express, got off at Caversham, and reached home about 7 p.m. The house was in darkness, and when she entered their bedroom she found deceased in bed, reclining against his pillows, with a book open in his hands. She ran out and down the steps, and must have screamed, for a lady came in from the street. She sent a little girl for Dr Carswell, who pronounced him dead. The latest of the letters she received from him was dated about 1 p.m., Thursday. Thursday and Friday issues of the Evening Star were lying outside the front door, and two letters were lying under the back door.

Henry Garland Ford, reader of gas, and electric light, meters lor the corporation, stated that he called at deceased’s house just, after noon on Thursday and read the meters. He saw deceased and spoke with him, noticing nothing amiss with him. 

Alfred Hugh Crawley, director of the firm of Butterworth Bros., Ltd., stated that deceased was manager of the company’s fancy department. He had complained of heart trouble. For some weeks he had been travelling for his own department. On Tuesday night last, he returned from the country, and reported for business on Wednesday morning. He was also at work on Thursday morning. About 11.30 that morning witness received a telephone call from deceased that he had had a heart turn, and an answer to witness 's query what he could do, deceased said he had kind neighbours and would need no assistance. Deceased’s voice, however, was agitated, and witness got his car and went out in the afternoon. He failed to get any response to summons, and went all round the house. Looking in the window of what appeared to be the best bedroom, be saw that the bed was undisturbed; and as he also saw in the kitchen indication that a meal had been taken, he thought deceased was probably resting at a neighbour’s. 

Dr Drennan, pathologist at Dunedin Hospital, stated that his post mortem examination disclosed that the heart was enlarged; there were fibrous thickenings along its vessels and over the apex; the walls were thin . . . there was well-marked patchy thickening, with degeneration, in the arteries of the heart, and similar but less marked change in the great arteries of the neck and in the aorta. He was of opinion that deceased died from heart failure, the result of deceased's heart vessels and muscle. The condition of some of the vessels might in some casees have developed in a matter of monthe, but in others the period would be measurable in years. It was quite possible that the heart trouble might have occurred since he went away with the Main Body. It would certainly be difficult to diagnose the trouble. 

Dr Fitzgerald said the deceased reported first as an out-patient on return by the Remuera. He was discharged on December 11. He was invalided out for disordered action of the heart, and the origin of the trouble was supposed to have been July, 1917. Copies of the English medical files showed that he had been doing instructional duty in an artillery depot since 1917. The feature of the case was that he had been examined by five different boards in England, on ship, and here, and no valvular disease was found. His chief complaint was breathlessness after exertion and rapid heart action. These conditions varied, and when he was discharged he had improved very much. The symptoms spoken of not being in evidence. There was nothing in the files to show that the deceased had been gassed; but there was evidently a hiatus in these files the French reports not being available. The condition of the blood vessels as described by Dr Drennan was a condition of old age: it would be produced in cases by disordered action. 

The Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the evidence of Dr Drennan. “Heart-failure, the result of diseased heart vessels and muscle.”  -Nelson Evening Mail, 24/6/1919.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.

The men of the Dunedin Volunteer Fire Brigade's stone.

In 1874 the Dunedin Volunteer Fire Brigade erected a stone of "a very handsome design" in the southern Cemetery under which to bury its members.  Not all those named on the stone are buried beneath it.  Here are the lifes of (most of) those commemorated on the stone.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.  DCC photo.

Robert ______, ?-24/1/?

Robert's is the second name on the now rather worn Brigade stone.  I have search extensively for his surname and, so far, have had no luck.

Charles Ackers, 1826-?/1/1865.

This funeral of Mr Charles Ackers, late a member of the Dunein Volunteer Fire Brigade, took place yesterday afternoon. It was attended by a large proportion of the members of the Brigade, and also by members of the Naval Brigade, under Captain Paterson, and of the City Guards, under Captain Fisher. At the head of the cortege was the cadet band of the Naval Brigade, under M. Fleury, and they played the "Dead March" from "Saul," during its slow passage from the Hospital to the Cemetery. A large number of spectators were attracted; and some of the shops were temporarily closed. The deceased was on duty at the fire which took place on the night of Saturday week, in Stafford street. He was of a consumptive habit, and was at the time rallying from an attack of illness; but the exposure during the fire brought on a severe attack, which led to his entering the Hospital on the l6th inst.; and he died there early on Tuesday morning.  -Otago Daily Times, 27/1/1865.

The flag on the Bell Tower was on Tuesday forenoon hoisted half-mast high, and this being correctly interpreted as an intimation that a member of the Fire Brigade had died, it was construed into a statement, and generally believed, that one of the members had lost his life through injuries at the fire. Such was not the case. The flag was so hoisted because of the death in the hospital, early Tuesday morning, of Charles Ackers, formerly a member of the Brigade, who has been for some time suffering from consumption, but who was present at the fire which commenced in the Stafford Arms on Saturday night, the 14th instant, and whose death was no doubt accelerated by the exposure to which he was then subjected. The deceased was 39 years of age. The Fire Brigade and tne City Guards Company of Volunteers, in uniform, attended the funeral, which took place on Thursday.  -Otago Witness, 28/1/1865.

James Burns, 1840-3/11/1864.

DUNEDIN VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE. 

SPECIAL NOTICE. 

MEMBERS of the above Brigade are requested to meet at the Engine House, on Sunday, the 6th inst. at 2 o'clock sharp, in full uniform, to follow the remains of the late member, James Burns. 

By order, C. A. JEFFERSON, Hon. Sec.   -Otago Daily Times, 4/11/1864.

The funeral of the late Mr James Burns, who was a member of the Volunteer Fire Brigade, took place yesterday afternoon. The procession was a long and striking one. About 50 members of the Brigade were present, some preceding and others following the hearse; there were numerous private friends or relatives of the deceased; and the procession was closed by 30 members of the Police Force, in command of Inspector Morton. The police attended voluntarily, from a desire to show respect for the deceased, and also with a view to testify the cordial goodwill with which the two bodies have always acted together when on duty at fires.   -Otago Daily Times, 7/11/1864.

Edwin Butler, 1847-31/7/1888.

The members of the Dunedin and Suburban Fire Brigades mustered yesterday afternoon to pay a last mark of respect to the remains of Edwin Butler, who has been a member of the Dunedin Brigade for the past 10 years. The coffin was placed upon one of the Fire Brigade carriages, and was followed by the full strength of the Dunedin Brigade (under Superintendent Robinson), and detachments from the South Dunedin Brigade (under Captain Osborne), and Caversham, Roslyn, and Railway Brigades, as well as from the Salvage Corps (under Superintendent Jacobs), besides a number of civilians. The deceased, who was 41 years of age, leaves a widow and a family of five children in rather straightened circumstances. An attempt to raise funds on their behalf is likely to be made and will no doubt be liberally responded to.  -Otago Daily Times, 3/8/1888.

MRS EDWIN BUTLER begs to return her sincere thanks to the members of the Otago Rugby Union, Dunedin City Fire Brigade, Ordnance Band, and all Friends who so kindly subscribed to the Butler Fund. Mrs E. Butler.  -Evening star, 4/10/1888.

James Galbraith, 1840-4/3/1872. 

Sudden Death. — A painfully sudden death occurred in Princes street a little before half-past nine o’clock this morning. Mr James Galbraith, painter, in the employ of Messrs Fish and Son, as he was about to enage in his work at the Oriental Hotel, was observed to cross the street rapidly, as if making for Dowling street. On one of his fellow workmen going over to see what was the matter with him, he found blood issuing from his mouth. Before the poor fellow could be conveyed across the street he was a corpse, rupture of a blood vessel being the cause of death. A few minutes before he was apparently in the best of health; and his case is another terrible instance of the proverb, “In the midst of life we are in death.” The deceased was a member of the fire brigade, 32 years of age, born at the Water of Leith, near Edinburgh; and had some sisters residing in Ballarat, Victoria.   -Evening Star, 4/3/1872.

An inquest was held at the Oriental Hotel yesterday, before Jas. Murison, Esq., on the body of Mr James Galbraith, who died suddenly on the previous day. It appeared that Thomas Robinson, a fellow-workman of the deceased, and who was engaged with him in painting the Oriental Hotel, went with him about ten o'clock that morning to bring trestles from the premises of Messrs Scanlar. On leaning them against the wall of the Oriental, the deceased turned away and ran across Dowling street. A boy remarked to Robinson, "Your mate is sick." and on going to his assistance he found him stooping, and blood oozing from his mouth and nostrils. Robinson asked him what was wrong with him. He appeared to be conscious, but did not reply. Constable Coffey was soon on the spot, and believed deceased to be then dead. He got water and washed his face, and removed him into the Hotel. Dr Reimer, on being examined, gave it as his opinion that the cause of death was the rupture of a blood vessel in the chest. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony. The deceased, it appeared, had been in this Province for at least the past six or seven years, was a native of Scotland, was about 28 or 29 years old, unmarried, and generally seemed to enjoy good health. He has relatives in Ballarat, Victoria.   -Otago Daily Times, 6/3/1872.

DUNEDIN VOL. FIRE BRIGADE. 

FUNERAL NOTICE. MEMBERS are requested to meet at the Fire Engine Station, To-morrow, THURSDAY, at 3.30 p.m. sharp, in full Working Uniform, to follow the remains of their late Brother Fireman, James Galbraith, to the place of interment. By order, ISAAC SOARES, Hon. Sec. 

Honorary Members and Friends are respectfully invited to attend.   -Evening Star, 6/3/1872.

Funeral. — The funeral of the late James Galbraith took place to-day, and was largely attended by the fire brigade, of which deceased was a member. The coffin was exposed to view in the hearse, and was covered with the Union Jack, the deceased’s working uniform being placed on top.   -Evening Star, 7/3/1872.

Peter Scrymgeour, 1848-25/12/1871.

Peter is commemorated on the Brigade's stone but is buried in the family grave nearby.  He died in a boating accident a few years before the memorial was erected.

RECOVERY OF THE BODIES

The bodies of five of the young men drowned by the upsetting of a boat on Monday last were recovered yesterday. It may be mentioned that on Tuesday evening Mr Webb lifted one of the bodies to the top of the water, when it broke off the hook and sank again. A buoy was then placed there to mark the spot. The first body was lifted between 11 and 12 o'clock yesterday, by a dredge worked from the boats of Mr Webb and Mr White, of the Peninsula, and was that of Alfred Prictor. Soon after, that of James Drew, the younger of the two brothers lost, was lifted by the Police boat. The drag worked from Messrs Webb's and White's boats was the next to bring up a body, which proved to be that of the youngest Scrymgeour. The Police boat's dredge next raised Bruce's body, and the last body recovered — that of the elder Drew — was lifted at about one o'clock by Messrs Webb and White's boats. As a gale rose shortly afterwards, operations had to be suspended for a time. The space within which the whole of the bodies were recovered was not more than 20 yards square, and was round the buoy laid down on the previous night. On this buoy being lifted and the bottom under it being dragged, there was found the body of the elder Drew, in the trousers of which was the hook that came off Mr Webb's drag on the night before. The bodies, as fast as they were lifted, were taken ashore. The eyes were eaten out by crabs, and much blood ran from the sockets, but, otherwise, the features were easily recognisable. On the Peninsula's downward trip to Port Chalmers, Sub-Inspector Thomson informed the master of the finding of the bodies, and requested him to call for them at Macandrew's Jetty on the steamer coming back, which he did. The bodies were placed on board, and brought to town — the steamer arriving at 6.30 p.m., and having her flag hoisted half-mast high. The police had conveyances in waiting for them, and they were sent to their friend's houses. It may here be remarked that Bruce has no relations here, but has a widowed mother residing in Edinburgh. The bodies that have yet to be got are those of John and Peter Scrymgeour. We have heard from one of their acquaintances that both of them could swim, and from another that one was a particularly good swimmer. The boat sank at about 150 yards from highwater mark, and it was high tide at the time of the accident. Two swimmers — most likely those two brothers — were seen by Mr Edwards as near as 30 or 40 yards off the shore. They were then swimming across the tidal current, and making for the nearest point. When they left the boat they were not more than ten feet from one another, and all the time they were observed they kept as close as that, or closer, to each other. Mr Edwards lost sight of them in running for the boat, and on again looking at where he had last seen them they had disappeared. It has been supposed that on one coming to the assistance of the other on his getting exhausted, both were drowned. All the movable articles belonging to the boat — the rudder, pump, side seats, and two ash paddles — have been picked up on a point about half-a-mile below where the accident occurred.  -North Otago Times, 29/12/1871.

The Late Accident — The police boat this afternoon recovered the body of Peter Scrymgeour. It was very much decomposed, and was found within a few yards of the spot where the boat went down.   -Evening Star, 3/1/1872.

Funeral —The remains of Mr Peter Scrymgeour, who was drowned by the upsetting of a boat in the harbor on Christmas Day, were interred in the Southern Cemetery to-day. The funeral started from Fire brigade Station a little after three p.m., the bell tolling every minute. First there was the hearse, the pall-bearers being six members of the Hook and Ladder Carriage Company, of  which the deceased was a member, then the relatives, the Fire Brigade, the members of the Battalion Band, and the private friends of the deceased. The Rev. Mr Stuart officiated at the grave.   -Evening Star, 4/1/1872.

Thomas Weekes, 1837-20/2/1884.

FUNERAL NOTICE. 

Dunedin Volunteer Fire Brigade. MEMBERS of Port Chalmers and Suburban Fire Brigades, Salvage Corps, and honorary Members are respectfully invited to attend the funeral of Mr Thomas Weekes, late Member of the Dunedin Volunteer Fire Brigade. Muster at Main Station, Octagon, 1.30 p.m. Full Working Uniform. 

By order, ROBT. ROBERTSON, Hon. Secretary.   -Evening Star, 22/2/1884.

The funeral of Mr Thomas Weekes, late member of the Dunedin Volunteer Fire Brigade, took place yesterday afternoon. The helmet, axe, and belt of deceased, together with his Forester's regalia, were placed upon the coffin, also several wreaths of flowers; and a long procession followed the remains of the deceased to the Southern Cemetery. The order was as follows: — North Dunedin Rifles' Band; the manual engine, bearing the coffin; members of Dunedin Volunteer Fire Brigade, under Captain Murphy; the Port Chalmers Volunteer Fire Brigade, under Captain Mitchell; United Volunteer Fire Brigade, under Captain Mathie; Roslyn Volunteer Fire Brigade, under Captain Washer; Salvage Corps, under Superintendent Carmalt; Caversham fire inspecors (three); life and honorary members of Dunedin Fire Brigade, total 65; mourning-coach and immediate friends of deceased; the Foresters' Lodge, of which the deceased was a member, numbering 55. Previous to the procession leaving the deceased's residence Mr Torrance read the burial service and offered up a most impressive prayer. At the grave Chief Ranger Morgan read the usual prayers in connection with Forestry. The deceased was buried in the ground belonging to the Dunedin Volunteer Fire Brigade.  -Otago Daily Times, 25/2/1884.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.