Edmund Purton, ?/5/1838-23/9/1875.

The following notice of the late Mr Edmund Purton, brother of Mr Pnrton, manager of the Scandinavian Water Race Company, St Bathan’s, we take from the New Zealand Tablet: — It is with deep regret that I have to chronicle the death of Mr Edmund Purton, of St. Bathan’s, which took place at 5 o’clock on Thursday morning, 23rd September. The late Mr Edmund Purton was born May, 1838, at Hanley Castle, Worcestershire, England, and at a very early age destined to study for the priesthood. He was first at Sedgeley Park School, near Wolverhampton; then for a few years at the English Benedictine College, Douai; and subsequently, and for many years, at St. Cuthbert's College, Ushaw, Durham; in all of which he took first honors. After the completion of his theological course, he suffered severely for some time from disease of the eyes, which resulted in the total loss of sight of one, and permanent weakness of the other, thus debarring him from attaining the dignity of priesthood. In 1870 he came to St. Bathan’s Otago, where, until within a few days of his death, he worked as a miner, and was distinguished among his fellow-workmen for his industry and persevering regards for the interests of his employers. The influence he exercised by his example and kindly warnings in the cause of temperance, morality, and religion, together with his genial disposition, will cause his death to be deeply regretted by all who came within the range of his acquaintance. The complaint of which he died was pneumonia. He was only ill a few days, and. his death took all by surprise. The deceased was interred on Saturday, September 25, and the funeral was attended by all in St. Bathan’s and by many from the surrounding districts. On Sunday, Father Walsh, in asking the congregation to pray for the repose of Mr Purton’ssoul, said: “That he (Mr Purton) had died nobly and bravely. He had banished from his mind all idea of the world. He had turned his whole thoughts to heaven, and calmly awaited the moment when he would appear before his God. ‘As a man lives, so shall he die.’ Edmund Purton had lived an exemplary life — at least, as far as he (Father Walsh) knew from what he himself had seen, and from what they all had told him; and having lived an exemplary life his death was edifying. —R.I. P. ”  -Mt Ida Chronicle, 1/10/1875.

St Bathans Catholic cemetery.

William Elkanah Turner, 1876-4/4/1903.

 

ST. BATHANS. 

OBITUARY. 

With intense regret I record the death of William Turner, of St. Bathans, who, on Saturday evening last, succumbed to the frightful accident met with on the previous Monday while engaged with other employees of the Scandinavian Water Race Co. sinking an elevator shaft. A quantity of clay dislodged itself suddenly from the embankment above, and rolling down the face of the claim to a shelf above, bounded over and fell into the shaft breaking both legs of the unfortunate man above the knees, one fracture being compound comminuted. The poor young fellow was conveyed by Mr Neil Nicolson, the manager, and others to the surface, and taken to the local Cottage Hospital, where he was promptly attended by Dr Lilly, who decided owing to the dreadful nature of the accident to send him to the Naseby Hospital that evening. He was accordingly removed there with all care and promptitude in Mr Walter Thurlow's spring van. Dr Church did all that medical skill could accomplish for the unfortunate sufferer, but at last on Saturday morning found that it was absolutely necessary to have one of the legs amputated. The result and shock to the system was however too great, and the patient gradually sank and expired the same evening.

The body was conveyed to-day to St. Bathans. Large numbers including his mother, and other relatives of the deceased forming a cortege to the R.C. Chapel. When the funeral bells were tolled, and a special service read in the Chapel. The funeral burial will take place to-morrow. Poor Mr Turner was of a most unassuming disposition, and extremely popular amongst his fellow workmen, and indeed his career was most exemplary. All St. Bathans people deeply deplore the sad bereavement of his mother, his brother, and his sister, and deeply sympathize in their loss, at the untimely death of poor Willie. Large numbers from all parts of the district were present to-day (7th) at the interment, and the customary burial service and prayers for the dead were offered up by the Rev. Father O'Dea. It appears that the claim manager had taken every precaution to ensure the safety of those working in the shaft, and consequently it is considered by the authorities unnecessary to hold an inquiry.   -Mt Ida Chronicle, 10/4/1903.

GRATITUDE. 

On behalf of the forlorn mother and brother and sisters of the unfortunate young man, William Turner, who died in the hospital from the injuries met with in the Scandinavian Water Race Co.'s claim at St. Bathans on the 30th ult., I have been asked to thank all those kind friends in Naseby, both inside and outside the hospital, for the gracious help and sympathy rendered during their sore trial.  -Mt Ida Chronicle, 17/4/1903.

Scandinavian Co's claim, 1899. Elevator in the background. The excavated area is now St Bathan's Blue Lake. Hocken Library photo.

St Bathans Catholic cemetery.

Alexander Eagle, 1885-15/8/1905.

ST. BATHANS

OBITUARY. 

"With deep heartfelt regret I record the death on Saturday last of Master Alexander Eagle, second son of Mr John Eagle of this town. His age was a few months over eighteen years. About five weeks ago the unfortunate lad contracted a violent attack of influenza while pursuing his vocation at Ophir as assistant in the telegraph office. He gradually became weaker although able apparently to carry off his customary work in the office until Monday, the 3rd inst., when, on medical advice being obtained it was deemed advisable to bring him home to his parents at St. Bathans. Dr Lillie was called in on the lad's arrival here, and discovered alarming symptoms of "meningitis," and on Wednesday Dr Church, of Naseby, was telegraphed for. The doctors in consultation in the evening, held out no hopes of recovery and the poor lad slowly sank a'd passed away at 3 o'clock on the Saturday morning. Deep sympathy is expressed by all at the sad and untimely bereavement sustained by his parents, his brothers and sisters and all other relatives. Amongst the young people of the town, with whom he was always a great favourite, quite a wave of sadness was noticeable.

Alic had all along been a most studious boy, a credit to his parents; and an excellent example of goodness to his fellows. In 1897 he was the holder, at 13 years of age, of an Education Board's junior scholarship, and at the Dunedin High School, two years afterwards, was awarded a Governor's scholarship, after which he was appointed messenger in the local post post office. From here he was shortly after transferred to Invercargill, where he carried off first honours at an examination in telegraphy. He was then promoted to the Milton office, and about two years ago was sent to Ophir as cadet. A strong healthy looking young man, apt, intelligent and of a kindly disposition, everyone believed a most promising career lay before him, but such was not to be. Poor Alic was suddenly cut off amid the brightest of prospects. The funeral, which took place yesterday, was largely attended, the school children and his old classmates being included in the cortege. Four of these latter acted as pall bearers. The Rev. Mr Gellie, of the Presbyterian Church, officiated at the grave and spoke very impressively on the uncertainty of life even amongst the young and strong. Many letters and telegrams of condolence have reached the sorrowing parents, amongst them being one from the Chief Postmaster, expressive of deep regret at the loss of so capable and trustworthy an officer, and here for these little acts of kindness the parents would humbly return their deep thanks.  -Mt Ida Chronicle, 21/7/1903.

St Bathans Cemetery.

James Towers, 10/11/1823-29/8/1915.

 Some of our old sports may remember James Towers, often called "Jimmy the Baker" (says the Dunedin correspondent of "The Press"). His death is announced from St. Bathans. He followed the sport of racing in various capacities for over seventy years, and had got into the 'nineties. Of late years he was quite blind. He was personally known to Dan O'Brien and many other old-timers, and up to a recent date regularly visited the Grand National Meetings at Ricearton.   -Press, 8/9/1915.

PERSONAL

On Thursday there passed away peacefully, at his residence, St. Bathans, Mr James Towers, one of the pioneers of the Otago goldfields. He had reached the age of 92 years. When a young, robust man he left his native home near Edinburgh for the United States and was alluvial goldmining in California in 1849. From there he landed in Australia, and in Victoria followed up gold digging in various localities. Attracted by the discovery of gold in Otago, he landed in New Zealand in 1861, and followed the various rushes at Waitahuna, Duustan, Shotover, and the Dunstan Creek or St. Bathans rush in 1864. In his youth he learnt the bakery trade, and, after retiring from mining pursuits, he started business 30 years ago as a baker, and carried it on until failing health forced his retirement from active life. He was a keen supporter of the turf and the boxing ring, and a genuine clean sport, who had a thorough knowledge of racing. Latterly, his sight became so weak that his presence at the Dunedin or Christchurch races was wondered at, but when asked why he still attended, his sporting reply was, "Yes, but though I canna see the race can hear the rattle o' the hoofs.'' To the last his memory was excellent, and he revelled in recounting experiences of the early days in California, Victoria, and Otago. The late Mr Towers was unmarried, and had no relatives in New Zealand.  -North Otago Times, 4/9/1915.

St Bathans Cemetery.

9/2048 Private Robert Stanley Black, 23/8/1893-21/9/1916.

FOOTBALL.

RUGBY. 

Information is to hand from Nyasaland that D. D. Dobson has died of injuries received in an encounter with a hippopotamus. Dobson was a fine Rugby football forward. Educated at Cheltenham and Keble College, Oxford, he played for the Dark Blues against Cambridge in 1899-1900-1901. He gained six international caps for England, appearing against Scotland, Ireland, and Wales in 1902 and 1903. He was also an invaluable member of the Devon County pack. In 1904 he was a member of the Rugby Union team that visited Australia and New Zealand under the leadership of D. R. Bedel-Sivright. 

Footballers generally throughout New Zealand will regret to learn that amongst those reported missing at the front is Trooper R. S. Black, of this city, whose name on the football field was almost a household word in the seasons just prior to the outbreak of war. Bobby Black (says a Dunedin writer) was one of the few brilliant five-eighths which Otago produced after the retirement of Jimmy Duncan. He played for Pirates and subsequently for University, representing Otago, South Island, and New Zealand. A clever and brainy five-eighth, he was also the gamest of the game, but how unlucky! Bobby received more injuries on the football field than usually falls to the lot of most players. He was rarely unbandaged, but nothing seemed to hamper his game, and he afforded us many fine exhibitions. Black won his representative cap in 1911, and in 1912 was selected as one of Otago's representatives in the South Island team against North Island. The other Otago representative was Alexander, the University three-quarter. The two Otago men played an important part in the South Island victory. Black was injured in the game, and had to be carried off the field. Alexander was killed at Gallipoli, and now Bobby Black is reported missing in France. By the way, Black was a member of the New Zealand team which toured Australia in 1914, and was the fastest player in that combination.  -Auckland Star, 11/11/1916.

Bobby Black died on a day which was a tough one for his Regiment in the Battle of the Somme.  They had successfully taken an area of German trenches and held it against a strong counter-attack.  The next day, the day on which a Court of Enquiry concluded that he died, there was another:

There was no rest for the garrison, however, as much hard digging was required to fit the position for defence. Nor was the enemy content to leave the trench in our hands; for at 5.30 p.m. on the 21st he made a most determined counter-attack. Altogether about two hundred of his men worked up Goose Alley on the right flank, and up Flers Support and Flers Trench in the centre and on the left. The enemy bombers were well organized, bold and expert, and were much fresher than our men, who had been fighting all night and digging all day. The attack penetrated our line in several places; but the rest of the line stood firm, in spite of heavy fighting. Finally, led again by Captain Starnes, our men got out of the trenches, and from the open bombed the enemy parties which were still holding out in our trenches. Taking advantage of the confusion caused by this unexpected attack, our men charged with the bayonet, and cleared the trenches. During the fighting, a party from the 2nd Auckland Battalion, led by a private, without orders came overland from the North road to assist our right flank.

PAGE 117

Besides the captures mentioned above, the battalion had counted three hundred enemy dead in and about Goose Alley in the morning; and at a very moderate estimate it had killed another hundred in repulsing the counter-attack on the evening of the 21st. For his gallantry in the operations, Captain Starnes was recommended for the V.C., and received the "immediate award" of the D.S.O. The cost to the battalion had been very heavy. Out of eighteen officers and five hundred and twenty-three other ranks engaged, the casualties were:—

	Officers.	Other Ranks.
Killed	8	32
Wounded	4	156
Missing		49
	12	237

Bobby Black's name was inscribed on the Caterpillar Valley Memorial which commemorates 1200 New Zealand soldiers with no known grave.  His remains were found, however, and they lie in the Longueval Cemetery in France.

Naseby Cemetery.

James Alexander Brown, 1863-15/1/1891.

 INQUEST.

An inquest on the body of James Brown, fanner, of Gimmerburn, who died at Naseby on Thursday last, was held at the Courthouse yesterday afternoon before N. P. Hjorsing, Esq., J.P., and a jury of whom Mr. B. Gordon was foreman. 

The first witness called was Neil Brown, who deposed that the deceased was his brother, and was 28 years of age. Witness last saw him at Eweburn on Wednesday, wheu he said he was going to Naseby. 

G. A. Chapman, farmer, Eweburn, deposed that he was in deceased's company at intervals on the evening of Wednesday, 14th inst. At six or seven minutes past 10 witness accompanied the deceased to Mr. Inder's stable, where his horse was, and advised him not to attempt going home that night but to wait till next morning, as it was very dark and wet. Brown, however, answered to the effect that he was well used to travelling in such weather, and bidding witness "Good night" rode off. In witness's opinion the deceased was perfectly capable of taking care of himself. 

Samuel G. Inder, butcher, deposed: About half-past six or seven o'clock on Thursday morning he was driving cattle to the show ground, which was known as the racecourse reserve, and when near the upper corner of the paddock he saw a man lying on the gronnd on the other side of the fence, face downward. On reaching the body he found it to be that of the deceased, who was breathing but was unconscious. With the assistance of his man the body was placed in a spring cart which was going along the road, aud conveyed to Dr. Jeffrey's private residence. The doctor advised witness to take the deceased to the Hospital. This he did, and waited there for about 20 minutes or half-an-hour, when he left. He shortly afterwards met the doctor on his way to the Hospital, and he agreed that it would be advisable to send for the deceased's relatives, although he did not think it would prove serious. Witness's opinion of the manner in which the accident was met with was as follows: Deceased was probably riding along the road when the horse turned on to the old road without his knowledge, the night being extremely dark. The animal on reaching the barb wire fence, which crossed the old road about two chains from the main road, most likely made a bound and got over the fence, throwing the deceased to the ground. He afterwards saw the horse inside the paddock. Witness considered the matter purely an accident. He had known the deceased for eight years. 

James Graham Jeffreys, a duly qualified and registered medical practitioner residing at Naseby, deposed: The deceased, James Brown, was brought to his residence about half-past seven o'clock on Thursday morning, loth inst. He was unconscious, and witness recommended his removal to the Hospital. He then dressed and went over to the Hospital and examined the deceased. He found no marks on the body, with the exception of a bruise over the left eye, which could have been caused by a fall from a horse. The deceased was suffering from concussion of the brain, and remained quite unconscious until his death, which took place about 6 p.m. It was impossible to say how long the deceased had been unconscious, but judging from tlie state of his clothes, which were not wet through but merely moist, witness thought he had not lain outside all night. 

Sergeant Conn stated that he had been unable to find any person who had seen deceased after he left the town, and there could be no doubt that he had ridden straight on till the time of the accident. 

The verdict of the jury was to the effect that deceased died from concussion of the brain, caused by falling from his horse. They added the following rider: That the Comity Council be requested to erect a wall of scrub or other material at the junction of the old and new roads, to prevent future accidents.  -Mount Ida Chronicle, 17/1/1891.

Local and General

The funeral of the late Mr James Brown, of Gimmerburn, took place on Sunday last and was numerously attended, settlers from all parts of the district being present, wishing to testify to the esteem in, which the unfortunate young man was held. The Rev. J. McCosh Smith conducted the burial service in an impressive manner, and referred to the fact that the widowed mother has now lost six sons.   -Mt Ida Chronicle, 22/1/1891.

Naseby Cemetery.

Christopher Fleming, 1838-10/5/1881.

 NASEBY, May 9

On Saturday evening Christopher Fleming, a well-known miner, who was in the district before Naseby was rushed, was dangerously hurt by a fall in his claim, near Naseby. The earth fell on the lower part of his body and seriously injured him in the spine and internally, He now lies in a precarious state.  -Evening Star, 9/5/1881.

FATAL MINING ACCIDENT.

On Saturday last, about 3 p.m., a wellknown Naseby miner named,Christopher Fleming, was hurt in his claim at Spec Gully. Fleming was working by himself underneath the face, the hose being at work at the same time. While there he saw a fall coming, and he endeavored to throw himself out of the way. He only partially succeeded in this, for a portion of the dirt struck him on his side, and covered the lower part of his body. He lay some time where he was struck down, feeling he was seriously hurt, and ultimately the water loosened the earth, and he dragged himself free. He then shouted for assistance, and fortunately, though there was no one working close at hand, he was heard, and assistance immediately came. A number of miners were assembled, Dr Whitton was brought, and Fleming was carried in a sluice-box to his home in Naseby. On the road he expressed himself, we believe, to the effect that he should not recover. He was found to have sustained injuries to his spine and to be much bruised internally. He continued tolerably strong until Monday night when he began to sink, and on Tuesday he died. The funeral took place on Wednesday, and was attended by a large number of persons. Fleming was an old identity, though comparatively a young man, being only forty-one years of age. He was mining at Kyeburn before Naseby — or Hogburn, as it was for a long time called — was rushed, which was, we think, in 1863. He was a hard-working, intelligent, steady, and carerul man. He had amassed a considerable sum of money, and was in a very good position, He was married, but he leaves no children. His widow is not unprovided for.  -Mount Ida Chronicle, 14/5/1881.

Naseby Cemetery.