William "Moody" Campbell, 1865-8/4/1895.

SPORTING INTELLIGENCE.

THE NORTH OTAGO RACES.  (abridged)

[By The Admiral.] First Day — Thursday. Though the weather was superb the attendance at the Oamaru racecourse was not up to the average of last year’s opening day of the autumn meeting, and, as the walking “totes” were allowed open play, the investments through the medium of the machine showed a decided shrinkage. All went merrily til a late hour in the day, when an unfortunate contretemps occurred in the Novel Race, which led to severe injuries being sustained by the rider of Hydroline, and the concluding event resulted in a protest for dark riding being entered, the consideration of which was held over till the following morning. 

The Novel Race, of 25 sovs, five furlongs, was considered a good thing for Langley, and so it proved to be, for, jumping off with the lead, he retained it to the finish. The dividend was £2 4s, and, on being brought under the hammer, Mr Longfellow was only able to retain his horse at a bid of £25. After a couple of furlongs had been traversed Hydroline slipped, and before Moody Campbell, her rider, had time to extricate himself he was trampled on by one of the back division. Marguerite, too, was brought down by the mishap, but Harding escaped without injury. It was found that Campbell had received concussion of the brain, and after examination by Dr Garland his removal to town was ordered.  -Evening Star, 5/4/1895.

An Injured Jockey. 

OAMARU, April 5. Campbell, who was injured at the races yesterday, is still unconscious, but slightly better. He sustained concussion of the brain and a broken collar-bone.  -South Canterbury Times, 5/4/1895.

Drs Garland and de Lautour visited the boy Moody Campbell, who was injured at the races, at the Globe Hotel last night, and reported no improvement in the unfortunate lad's condition. His collarbone was broken and he has suffered concussion of the brain, and is still unconscious.   -North Otago Times, 6/4/1895.

SPORTING INTELLIGENCE.

TURF CHIT CHAT. 

[By The Admiral.] Foresight won a double at North Canterbury on Thursday. He did the same trick at this gathering eighteen months ago, and then came out and won three races at the C.J.C. spring meeting. Foresight is engaged at Riccarton next week. An Oamaru wire states that Moody Campbell, the jockey, died at three o’clock this morning, never having regained consciousness after the accident on Thursday in the Novel Race. Campbell, it will be recollected, was riding Hydroline, when the horse fell and he was trampled on, concussion of the brain and a broken collar-bone being the injuries sustained. The deceased received a broken collar-bone when Red and Black, on whom he had the mount, fell on the Hutt racecourse a couple of months ago.  -South Canterbury Times, 8/4/1895.

The body of the deceased jockey William (" Moody") Campbell was brought to Dunedin last night by J. Loughlin, who remained with the poor fellow till his death, and the funeral will take place to-morrow. Several wreaths have been sent, including one from the North Otago Jockey Club.   -Evening Star, 9/4/1895.

FUNERAL NOTICE. 

Friends of the late Mr William J L (Moody) Campbell are respectfully invited to attend his Funeral, which will leave Hutton's Hotel, St. Kilda, for the Northern Cemetery, TO-MORROW (Wednesday), the 10th inst., at 2 p.m. 

HUGH GOURLEY, Undertaker, Clarke and Maclaggan streets.  -Evening Star, 9/4/1895.

Northern Cemetery, Dunedin.

 

411510 Squadron Leader George Christopher Nevill Johnson, 1913-17/1/1953.

George Johnson was born in Canada, lived with his parents in the UK until his teens then travelled with them to New Zealand.  He graduated from Otago University with an MA with Honours in 1935 and began a career in teaching.  He also began to explore the closer parts of New Zealand's Southern Alps.

FLIGHT ACROSS THE SOUTHERN ALPS. — Messrs A. J. Scott (Christchurch) and G. C. N. Johnson (Dunedin), who made a first ascent of Mount Fettes (left) recently with Mr R. S Russell (Dunedin) crossed the Southern Alps from Waiho Gorge to Simon's Pass on Saturday in an aeroplane flown by Mr J.C. Meuer. RIGHT (above). Mounts Sefton (left), La Perouse and Cook (right), photographed from an altitude of 11,000 ft. Below: A snapshot of Messrs Scott and Johnson at Waiho Gorge.  -Press, 15/1/1935.

EVENTFUL TRIP

MOUNTAINEERS' ORDEAL 

THREE MEN'S ADVENTURES 

ONE BLOWN INTO A CREVASSE 

Three members of the New Zealand Alpine Club arrived at Waiho Gorge last Friday from the Hermitage, after having made the first ascent of Mount Feltes, on the Hooker Range, South Westland, the first crossing of the Sierra Range from the Twin River to the Copland Valley. 

Messrs. A. J. Scott (Christchurch), R. S. Russell and G. C. N. Johnson (Dunedin) left the Hermitage for the Mueller Hut on December 23, intending to make a round trip over four passes, returning to the Hermitage three weeks later. Bad weather caused a delay, but on January 4 Mount Feltes (8092 ft.) was climbed. Next day the Douglas Pass (about 5250 ft.) was crossed, and on January 6 Mount Howitt was ascended. 

The next stage of the journey was over unknown country, but from data obtained it seemed that the difference in altitude between the camp in the Twain and the summit of the Sierra range above was less than 2000 ft., which the party was confident could be tackled in any weather. Rain fell during the night, but the journey had to be proceeded with in the morning, as food would be short if the cache were not reached that evening. 

Fortunate Escape For two hours the going was not difficult but when 2000 ft. had been climbed and the slopes were still grass and rock, it was realised that some serious miscalculation had been made. By this time the weather was very bad, heavy rain making poor visibility. The route taken was believed to lead to the Wicks glacier, and it was with some relief that this was eventually gained. 

All the men were soaked to the skin and an anxious party trudged hour after hour up the glacier, threading their way through a maze of crevasses which could have been avoided altogether in clear weather. In addition to the rain, a howling gale was blowing, and a gust at a critical moment blew one man into a crevasse. Fortunately he was securely anchored by the others and was hauled out with nothing more serious than a few bruises. 

Several hours of slow progress elapsed before the crest of the range was gained at an altitude of 7400 ft. From this point it was thought that another two and a-half hours easy travelling would lead to the pass descending the Copland Valley. 

Stores Not Left as Arranged Several minor peaks were skirted and others traversed by mistake. It was known that the desired pass lay just beyond Scott's Peak, and, to avoid the possibility of missing it, it was decided to keep along the tops, although this was exhausting work. Repeatedly the gale blew the men off their feet, and the heavy packs and soft snow made the trip a memorable one. 

At an altitude of 8000 ft., a summit was traversed and half an hour later it was realised that it was Scott's Peak. Having crossed the pass and losing altitude with every step, the climbers knew they were safe and pressed on eagerly for the camp site 2000 ft. below. This was reached at 6 p.m., and in a few minutes the cave was located where the stores were to have been cached. But the cave was empty. 

Fortunately some emergency rations were carried, and a hot meal was prepared in the cave, where the night was spent. The men had been wet through for nearly 12 hours and had only five dry garments among them. It had been intended to camp there for a week, this being the base for climbing Mount Sefton, but because of the non-arrival of stores it was necessary to amend the programme. 

Another Accident Occurs The descent to the valley is by a 1500 ft. scree, thence by a track through the bush. At the foot of the scree a long search failed to locate the track, and a route had to be forced down a creek, alternating with dense bush. With bulky packs this was exhausting work, and the possibility of a night out in the rain had already been mentioned when one of the party fell and sprained an ankle. The delay might have been serious, but the valley floor, was reached safely after an exciting crossing of a creek, with swirling water up to arm-pits. 

An hour later, tired out for the second day in succession, the party reached Welcome Flat Hut just as darkness fell. 

The next day was necessarily devoted to rest; an improvement in the weather enabling all clothes and gear to be dried. While plans were being discussed for the removal of the injured man, one of the others found that one of his feet had been frostbitten, and that he would be unable to walk for some days. The only food remaining was a little pemmican, but there was a quantity of flour in the hut, and "rashoos" provided sufficient nourishment. 

Next morning the third member of the expedition walked the 16 miles down the valley to Karangarua, on the Main South Road. There, arrangements were made for horses to be sent up for the others, and by evening all were safely at Karangarua, where they were met by an aeroplane. The injuries of the two men were found to be not serious.  -NZ Herald, 18/1/1935.

RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS

TWO OTAGO CANDIDATES 

MESSRS D. M. DAVIN AND G. C. K. JOHNSON   (abridged)

The University of Otago nominees for the Rhodes Scholarships are Messrs Daniel Marcus Davin, M.A. (Marist Brothers’ Invercargill, and Sacred Heart College) and George Christopher Nevill Johnson, B.A. (Fettes and Christ’s College). They were the only applicants, and the Special Committee of the Professorial Board last night approved of their applications going forward to the Selection Committee in Wellington, which meets later in the year. 

MR JOHNSON’S SCHOLASTIC RECORD. 

Mr Johnson was born at Sault-Ste-Marie, Canada, in 1913. He is a son of the Rev. W. Hardy Johnson, who was until recently vicar of All Saints’ Church. He received his primary education at the Lasswade School, Midlothian, Scotland, and at the Roslin School, where he was dux of the school in 1926, and gained a Foundation Scholarship to Fettes College, Edinburgh. From 1926 to 1928 he was a boarder at Fettes College, and then he removed to New Zealand, continuing his studies at Christ’s College, Christchurch. In 1931 he was head of the Sixth Form. He took prizes in Latin, French, English, and mathematics, and gained a University National Scholarship. He entered Otago University in 1932, taking first places in Latin, French, and Greek the first year, and in Latin and education the second year. In 1934 he graduated B.A. and took firsts in Latin and French and second in English. 

He has held a number of executive positions on various University societies and clubs. In 1934 he was secretary of the Arts Faculty Debating Society, and a member of the committee of the Otago University Debating Union and the University Defence Rifle Club. In 1935 he was vice-president of the Arts Faculty, president of the Arts Debating Society, a member of the Debating Union, club captain of the Rifle Club, and a member of the Critic staff. On the athletic side Mr Johnson’s chief interests have been shooting, tramping, mountaineering, and rowing. As a mountaineer he has made a number of important ascents. In 1933 he made the first crossing of Surveyor’s Col, a pass over the Main Divide of the Southern Alps, and the following year made a solo traverse of Mounts Blimit, Temple, and Phipps. He also made first ascents of Mount Jackson (8,400ft), Barron Peak (8,200ft), Mount Simpson (8,200ft), and Mount Hickson (8,000 ft). In 1934 he made the first ascent of Mount Baker (8,000ft), and the first traverse of Mount Ward (8,68lft). During the present year he has made first ascent of Mount Fettes (8,092ft), Dent Noire (7,500ft), and other peaks, and made the first crossing of the Douglas Pass to a West Coast habitation. He has been elected a member of the New Zealand Alpine Club. All these climbs were made without guides. Mr Johnson has also been interested in Scouting.  -Evening Star, 23/8/1935.

-Evening Star, 23/8/1935.

JOHN McGLASHAN COLLEGE

BOARD MEETING   (abridged)

The headmaster reported that one of the masters Mr J H Kempthorne had been appointed second-lieutenant in the Rifle Brigade and was to take up his duties almost immediately Mr G C. N. Johnson was appointed to take his place on the staff and efforts were being made to secure the services of another junior master The board’s attention was drawn to the large number of old boys who had volunteered for military service It was decided that a scholarship and free place be advertised as available for next year, the examination for which was to take place in November. A favourable report had been received regarding the Inspection recently of the primary and infant departments.  -Otago Daily Times, 23/9/1939.

JOHN McGLASHAN COLLEGE

BOARD OF GOVERNORS   (excerpt)

The vacancy caused by Mr G. C. N. Johnson having left to join the Air Force has been filled by Mr C. Warburton, a graduate of Otago University.   -Evening Star, 22/2/1941.

Johnson's Air Force career is difficult to find.  He passed out at Wigram in August 1941, was injured in a training crash in the UK in January 1942.  In July, 1943, he was promoted to the rank of Pilot Officer.  As stated below, he completed a tour of operations and was then made Education Officer.

Personal Items

Flight Lieutenant G. C. N. Johnson, of Dunedin, has been appointed to command No. 4 (Otago) Squadron of the Royal New Zealand Air Force with the rank of squadron leader. He replaces Squadron Leader J. R. Day, M.B.E., one of the original members of the squadron, whose term expired on November 30. — (P.A.)  -Press, 6/12/1952.

PLANE CRASHES IN MOUNTAINS

Observer Killed; Pilot Injured 

SEARCH FOR TRAMPERS

(New Zealand Press Association) DUNEDIN, January 18. Squadron Leader G. C. N. Johnson, of Dunedin, died from injuries received in an aircraft crash on Saturday morning while searching for two missing Wellington trampers in the Matukituki Valley. 

The Harvard aircraft, in which Squadron Leader Johnson was travelling as observer, was piloted by Flight Lieutenant A. A. D. Bills, of Dunedin, who injured a leg. The aircraft left Taieri about 6 a.m. on Saturday. It was posted missing later in the morning. The Harvard crashed into the side of Mount Aspiring, it is believed before 8 a.m. It was found with its nose pointing towards the valley under a huge rock. The wing was torn off and lay beside the aircraft. The machine did not catch fire.

Flight Lieutenant Bills made Squadron Leader Johnson as comfortable as possible and set out for Aspiring Hut to obtain help. With a severe gash in the leg and suffering from shock, Flight Lieutenant Bills clambered up steep rocky faces on Mount Aspiring and through heavy bush for help. It seems that the sacrifice may have been in vain. The two Wellington trampers, Messrs Frank Siddle, aged 27, and Charles R. Roskett, aged 19, have now been missing for 12 days and little hope is held for their rescue. Search parties looking for the trampers and the Harvard aircraft were stationed at the Aspiring Hut when Flight Lieutenant Bills staggered into their view. Shots were fired to bring back members of the party scouring the mountain faces. A party immediately set out to assist Squadron Leader Johnson, but when it arrived at the wrecked Harvard about 5 p.m. he was dead. 

When Flight Lieutenant Bills arrived at Wanaka today he was still wearing his flying kit. It was torn and he was covered with blood from cuts and scratches suffered in his gallant dash for help. He was examined by a doctor and rushed to the Cromwell Hospital suffering from shock and the leg injury. His condition tonight was satisfactory. 

Prominent Mountaineer Squadron Leader Johnson died on a mountainside in a district where he had himself climbed many times. He was searching for the two missing trampers in an area where he himself would never have been lost. His activities in the mountaineering field were not only physical, but also administrative, as he had long been associated with tramping clubs and edited the “New Zealand Alpine Journal” from 1947 to 1951. 

Last December Squadron Leader Johnson took over command of No. 4 Territorial Air Force Squadron from Squadron Leader J. R. Pay, M.B.E. He had been a war-time pilot with the Royal New Zealand Air Force, his service extending from December, 1940, until March, 1945. After completing a tour of operations he was appointed an education officer with the Royal Air Force in 1943. 

After graduating Master of Arts and attending the Dunedin Teachers Training College, Squadron Leader Johnson taught at various primary schools until 1940, when he joined the Air Force. When he returned he joined the staff of the King Edward Technical College, where he taught English, social studies and mathematics. During the last two years he was careers' teacher and also had a general oversight of all examination pupils. One of his activities was editing the college magazine. He was 39 years old and is survived by a wife and three young children.

PLANES SENT FROM WIGRAM

Three twin-engined Devon aircraft and three Harvards took off from the R.N.Z.A.F. station, Wigram, at 1 p.m. on Saturday to assist in the search for the Harvard which crashed while searching for two trampers. They were to have flown to Taieri for their instructions and were over Ashburton when they were recalled.  -Press, 19/1/1953.

DEATHS OF TWO TRAMPERS

MATUKITUKI VALLEY TRAGEDY 

‘THREE LIVES NEEDLESSLY LOST’ 

(New Zealand Press Association) DUNEDIN, March 18.

“These deaths are all related. Ones hopes that they will act as a deterrent; to others embarking on tramping expeditions when insufficient numerically,” said the Coroner (Mr J. D. Willis) at inquests today into the deaths of Francis Edward Siddle, aged 28, a wool spinner, of Wellington, Charles Richard Foskett, aged 19, a student, of Wellington; and George Christopher Nevill Johnson, aged 39, a school teacher and squadron leader in the Territorial Air Force. 

Siddle and Foskett were members of the Tararua Tramping Club, and they had gone on an expedition to the Matukituki valley. It is believed that they died on December 30. Johnson died of injuries when a Harvard aircraft in which he was the observer crashed in the Upper West Matukituki valley when a search was being carried out by the Royal New Zealand Air Force on January 17 for the missing trampers.

“Three lives have been needlessly lost, and the cost to the country has been enormous,” the Coroner said. It was futile to enter on such an expedition as the two trampers had done, when their numbers were insufficient.

The Coroner said he thought something might be done when lost trampers were found to make them pay something towards the cost of a search.

The Coroner found that Johnson had died as the result of a depressed fracture of the left frontal region of the skull, with associated injuries; and that the two trampers had died on December 30 while mountaineering in the Matukituki valley, but that the precise nature of their injuries was not known. 

Plane Crash Described In the inquest into Johnson’s Heath Flight Lieutenant Bills said in evidence that, after an aircraft of which he was the pilot had searched the Plunket dome, a forced landing had been found necessary on the side of a ridge. Johnson was in the cockpit, with the safety harness secure. After making a sweep around the Plunket dome, they decided to have a closer look. 

Witness said that when he straightened up the plane he was unable to control it. He was flying at 4500 feet before the plane crashed, and visibility was good. 

Evidence about the two trampers was given by R. R. Edwards, a shipping clerk. He said he was the leader of a party which included a member named Feasey. Feasey reported on January 18 that he had found an ice axe. On January 23 the party climbed the Ernie Smith route, and Feasey pointed out approximately where he had found the axe. Through binoculars, a green pack was seen below the place where the axe was found. The missing trampers’ bodies were seen by another member of the party, C. M. Todd.

Evidence of finding the bodies was given by Todd, a lecturer at the University of Otago. “After 30 feet of dangerous scrambling, I reached a point level with the place where the bodies were lying,” he said. He was able to retrieve some papers, but it was too dangerous to attempt to get out the pack. The dead trampers had not been roped together.  -Press, 19/3/1953.

In 2013, the engine of the Harvard plane was found in the Matukituki Valley by a man fossicking for gold.  Aubrey Bills was still alive at 91 and remembered the crash vividly, the plane hitting a downdraft and stalling onto the mountainside. "When I came to we were hanging upside down in our straps and I could hear trickling, and I thought it was petrol and we were done for." he said when interviewed by the NZ Herald. "It was pretty upsetting. They gave me the Queen's Commendation for brave conduct, but I didn't accept it. In those days, and even today, I've got this thing 'was it my fault?' I don't believe it was, but you have that doubt in the back of your mind and I couldn't talk about it for a long time, although it doesn't worry me like it used to."

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

413145 Flight Lieutenant Kenneth William Stewart DFC, 7/10/1915-3/8/1960.

Kenneth Stewart studied law and was admitted to the Bar in June, 1939.  He enlisted in the Air Force in 1941 and underwent basic flying training at Wigram in Christchurch.  In 1942 he was transferred to the UK for further training and then a course which led to postings as an instructor.  Eventually, in May 1944, he was posted to No. 54 Operational Training Unit to begin his career as a night-fighter pilot.

After OTU, he was posted to 488 Squadron, flying De Havilland Mosquitos.  He proved an exceptional night-fighter pilot, his exploits including what can only be called a nocturnal dogfight between Stewart and a German pilot, both flying radar-equipped planes.  This combat and much more of his career, including photos, can be found in an excellent story by Andrew Thomas, here.

AWARDS TO AIRMEN

D.F.C. FOR DUNEDIN OFFICER 

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, June 28. The Distinguished Flying Cross has been awarded to the following four New Zealand airmen: — 

Flight Lieut. N. J. Ingram D.F.M.; father, Mr N. A. Ingram, Wellington. 

Flight Lieut. Kenneth William Stewart; father. Mr W. Stewart, Dunedin. 

Flying Officer H. E. Brumby; mother, Mrs R. G. Brumby, Auckland. 

Flying Officer M. A. Barry; mother, Mrs R. G. Barry, Wellington.

Flight Lieutenant Stewart, who is a son of Mr and Mrs W. Stewart, of Highgate, Roslyn, was educated at the Kaikorai School and the Otago Boys’ High School. A graduate of the University of Otago with the degree of LLB, he was prior to his enlistment a member of the staff of Messrs Brent and Anderson, solicitors. He gained his commission before leaving the Dominion in November, 1941, and was for a time engaged in instructional duties in the United Kingdom. He was then posted to a night fighter squadron and he also took part in operational flights over Germany. He was with a squadron operating from a base in Holland at the time hostilities ceased.  -Otago Daily Times, 29/6/1945.

GALLANTRY IN AIR

NEW ZEALAND AIRMEN

CITATIONS TO-DECORATIONS

Echoes of the air war in Europe are contained in citations to Distinguished Flying Crosses won recently by New Zealand pilots and navigators. The citations have now been received by the Air Department from the Air Ministry, London.

A long record of operational flying stretching from sorties flown from France in 1939 until he returned to New Zealand recently is reviewed in the citation to the award to Flight Lieutenant Norman J. Ingram, D.F.M., son of Mr. N. A. Ingram, 12 Eden Street, Island Bay, Wellington. In May, 1941, Flight Lieutenant Ingram was shot down while attacking shipping at St. Nazaire, but evaded capture and returned to England. "He has at all times displayed great keenness and a fine fighting spirit," concludes the citation. "Both in the air and on the ground he has set a fine example by his devotion to duty." 

Flight Lieutenant Kenneth William Stewart, son of Mr. W. Stewart, 354 Highgate Street, Roslyn, Dunedin, is credited with having destroyed at least four enemy aircraft in air combat within a period of three months. "In December, 1944, he destroyed two Junkers 88's within 45 minutes after an exceedingly arduous chase," his citation states. "In February, 1945, he destroyed another Junkers 88 and a month later he destroyed a Messerschmitt 110 and probably destroyed a Heinkel 111." Flight Lieutenant Stewart is described as having shown superb skill and enterprise in his work.  -Evening Post, 2/8/1945.

DEATHS

STEWART, Kenneth William — On August 3, 1960, at his residence 48 Earls road, Dunedin, dearly loved husband of Vi Stewart; aged 44 years. Much loved. Late Flight Lieutenant, R.N.Z.A.F. D.F.C. (Suddenly.) The Funeral will leave Knox Church. Tomorrow (Saturday), August 6, 1960, at the conclusion of a Service, commencing at 11 a.m.. for the Andersons Bay Crematorium. Hope and Sons. Ltd.  -Press, 5/8/1960.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

8/2670 L/Corporal George Thomas McCleery, 22/11/1889-28/7/1919.

SOLDIER'S SUDDEN DEATH

THE INQUEST.

An inquest on the body of George Thomas McCleery, who died suddenly at Upper Junction on Monday afternoon, was held before Mr. H. Y. Widdowson, S.M., sitting as coroner, at the morgue yesterday afternoon. Deceased was 31 years of age, and had returned to the Dominion only three weeks ago. Sergeant McKenzie represented the police. 

Hugh McCleery, father of deceased, said his son's name was George Thomas Alley McCleery. Before going to the war with the 6th Reinforcements the deceased had been a mill hand. He enlisted in Dunedin. The deceased returned by the Prinzessin about three weeks ago, and obtained his discharge. He was a lancecorporal, and was away three years and 352 days. He seemed to be in good health when he returned. Witness had been told by deceased's wife that be had complained of a pain in the left side, and had complained of the same thing in England. He married in England. He had written, saying he had been gassed, and had said he had been wounded in the right side. Witness was very much surprised to hear of his death. He never hoard of heart trouble in the family. Deceased was born at Outram.

Dr Evans, in reply to the coroner, said he had not yet made a post-mortem. The Coroner said he would later adjourn the inquest. 

Charles Hume, a returned soldier, said he met deceased for the first time on Monday morning. The two had been to the Repatriation Board to get a job on the Westmoreland. Finding that they could not get a train to Port till evening, they arrranged to go to Normanby by tram and walk over the hill. They left town at 1 o'clock. They had one drink at the hotel at Normanby. After the tramcar and going about 200 yards up the hill deceased said: "Don't go so fast. I've got a pain in my chest." He seemed to be short of breath, he said his heart had never troubled him. He also said he had not been gassed. They took matters very steadily, and took several rests. Deceased seemed to get better, if anything. Just after passing the school near the Junction, deceased said: "Come into the side of the road. I feel bad." He fell down into the water channel. He groaned slightly, and his breath was labored for a few seconds, but he never spoke. A man came along in a vehicle, and witness got his assistance, to prop deceased up against a bank. Deceased became quite still. Somebody on foot came along and felt deceased's pulse, and tried his head, and said: "You can do nothing. The man's dead." Witness had been to a house to see if he could get some spirits to revive deceased, but no one was in. Two men in an express waggon came along, and they brought the body down to Normanby, where the local constable took charge. Deceased was quite cheerful, and in good spirits on the way.

The inquest was adjourned till 3.15 this afternoon at the courrthouse.

The Coroner, speaking to Mr Hume, said: "We wish to thank you for your attention to this man at the time, afterwards, and all the way through."  -Evening Star, 30/7/1919.

The eventual verdict of the Coroner was that George McCreery had died of "syncope" - or passing out, due to enlargement of his heart.

The funeral of Lance-corporal George Thomas McCleery, who died on Monday, took place to-day. The remains were interred at Anderson Bay Cemetery, Chaplain R. Fairmaid, assisted by Chaplains R. F. Watson and Hopper, conducted the service at the home and the graveside. Lancecorporal McCleery left with the 6th Reinforcements, and after serving three years and 352 days, returned to New Zealand three weeks ago.  -Evening Star, 31/7/1919.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

42601 Private Arthur William Tuffen, 21/1/1878-29/12/1919.

INQUEST

DEATH UNDER PECULIAR CIRCUMSTANCES.

An inquest on the body of Arthur Tuffen, a returned soldier, who was charged with drunkenness at the Police Court on Saturday last, and was remanded for a week for medical treatment, and who died in the Hospital on Monday evening, was held at the Hospital yesterday before Mr H. Y. Widdowson, S.M. (coroner). Subinspector Mathieson represented the police. 

John Raffills, hairdresser, said that he had known deceased for about 12 years. He was a wharf labourer, and went away with the 23rd Reinforcements, returning by the Port Hacking about five months ago. He had been wounded twice, but did not complain about his health until about four weeks ago, when he said he had a oough and a pain in his right side. He was looking ill, and witness advised him to see a doctor at once. He was a pretty heavy drinker. Witness saw him at the Hospital on Saturday night, and again yesterday, when he was unconscious. Deceased had no relatives in New Zealand. He told witness that he had a married sister in London. 

Constable Todd, night watch-house keeper at the police station, said that at about 9.30 p.m. on Friday last he received a ring on the telephone from Dr Fitzgerald, assistant medical officer at the Hospital, stating that a man in a very drunken condition had been brought there. Witness sent Constable Melville to the Hospital, and he brought deceased in a taxi to the police station. Deceased was very drunk — so much so that he could scarcely stand. He was put in a cell and made comfortable. He was visited every half-hour, and given cups of tea during the night. He improved as the night went on. He was given plenty of blankets. At 5 o'clock on Saturday morning he was bright and cheery. Witness asked him several times if he wanted a doctor, and he said "No." Witness would have sent for a doctor at once if he had thought that the man needed medical attention. Deceased had been previously locked up for drunkenness, and was remanded in 1912 for a week for medical treatment. 

Constable Melville said that he had gone to the Hospital to remove the deceased to the police station. Deceased was sitting in a chair and was helplessly drunk. Witness took him in a taxi to the police station. He assisted Constable Todd in making him comfortable in the cell. Deceased was very groggy on his legs — he could not stand. Witness considered that the deceased was helplessly drunk. He saw the deceased on the following morning at 10 o'clook. Deceased looked very bad and could not stand up. He appeared to suffer pain in his legs when he was being taken in the taxi cab from the Hospital. 

Constable Munro, assistant gaoler, said he first saw deceased about half-past 10 on Saturday last. Witness saw he was in a very weak condition, and immediately rang up Dr Evans. Dr Evans arrived about five minutes past 11. Deceased was quite comfortable. He was examined by Dr Evans, who ordered his removal to the Hospital, and he was taken there by the horse ambulance at about half-past 11. 

Dr Drennan said that he had conducted a post-mortem examination on the body, which was well nourished. There was no evidence of alcoholism — that deceased was a chronic drinker. In witness's opinion the cause of death was pneumonia, complicated by endocarditis and terminal meningitis. Probably the meningitis had been on the deceased for the previous two or three days only. 

In answer to a question by the coroner, witness said he considered the deceased had got as good treatment in the police station as anywhere. He did not think that if deceased had received the best treatment in the Hospital the result would have been any different. 

Dr G. P. Fitzgerald, assistant medical officer at the Hospital, said the deceased was brought to the Hospital in an intoxicated condition. Witness examined him and could find no trace of illness. His temperature and pulse and reflexes were normal. Deceased smelt strongly of drink, and appeared to be helplessly drunk. Witness rang up the police to remove him. 

Dr W. Cr. Scannell, first assistant medical officer at the Hospital, said he saw the deceased on the Saturday. Witness came to the conclusion then that deceased could not last. Deceased was treated for pneumonia and heart failure. He never regained consciousness. 

Peter Reilly, proprietor of the Glasgow Restaurant, said the deceased had boarded with him since July. He seemed to be in good health when he returned from the war. About a week ago deceased was ill, and witness advised him to see a doctor, but he said he was not bad enough. He was a very heavy drinker. Witness produced deceased's discharge as a soldier. 

The Coroner said that, according to the discharge, deceased had been two years and 137 days abroad. He would be about 41 years of age. Witness, continuing, said that so far as he knew deceased had no relatives in the dominion. He believed he had a sister in London and a brother in Canada. The night porter had drawn his attention to the condition of deceased on the Friday night. He had been lying on the sofa all day, and one of the boarders advised witness to get a doctor. He rang up Dr Evans, and said he thought Tuffen was pretty bad, and the doctor told him to take the man to the Hospital. Witness took the deceased in a motor car to the Hospital. He had to carry him down the stairs — he had no legs at all. Witness put it down to the fact that the man was dying then. They had to wheel the deceased from the car into the Hospital. He informed them that Dr Evans had told him to take the deceased to the Hospital. He understood that the man had been in the smoke room all day — he did not see how he could have had any drink all day. As soon as witness reached home he was rung up from the Hospital by a doctor and told that the deceased was drunk. He did not see how he could be — the other boarders in the house said that the deceased had not been out of the room all day. Witness told the doctor that, so far as he knew, deceased was not drunk. He considered that tho man was dying when he was being taken from the smoking room to the Hospital — he was gasping for breath. Witness said this doctor who rang him up from the Hospital appeared to be very excited — that he appeared to think that witness had had no right to take the deceased to the Hospital. Deceased could have had drink without witness knowing, but the boarders said that he had not had any. Deceased had come down for his three meals on the Thursday (Christmas Day). Deceased had become very weak the last week or two — he had fallen away to a shadow. Witness could not explain how the had smelt strongly of drink when he was admitted to the Hospital. 

Constable Pratt, relieving watchhousekeeper, stated that he took charge of the watchhouse at 5 a.m. on the Saturday morning. Deceased was then lying on his bunk with a pillow and covered with blankets. Witness went into the cell and asked deceased how he was feeling. He replied, " Oh, all right." He did not ask for anything nor make any complaint. Witness visited the cell three times between 5 and 9 o'clock. Each time witness asked the same question, and each time he made the same reply. From witness's observations he thought deceased was recovering from the effects of drink. At 10 minutes to 10 witness went to the cell to prepare the deceased for the court, and he then noticed a decided change in the man. He appeared to be ill then. Witness asked him if he thought he could manage to get up. Deceased said he thought he could, but although he tried he was not able to get on his feet. Deceased appeared to get much worse after 9 o'clock. Porridge, bread and butter, and tea was brought for deceased's breakfast, but he did not eat any of it. That, however, was not an unusual thing. Sergeant Scandrett said he saw Tuffen lying in the cell at 8.30 a.m. on the Saturday. Witness saw him a little after 9 o'clock and again at 9.30. He saw him again about 10 minutes to 10. He said they would go over to the court. Deceased did not look so well then. Deceased made an attempt to get up, and witness saw he was ill — that he could not use his lower limbs very well. He was made comfortable. At the court witness applied for a remand for seven days for medical treatment. On witness's return from the court he noticed a marked change in the deceased. 

The Coroner, in summing up, traversed the evidence. He said the question arose whether Dr Fitzgerald, when he first saw the deceased in the Hospital on the Friday, was justified in believing that he was helplessly drunk, or whether he ought to have known that there was something more than that; secondly, whether he was taken proper care of at the Police Station on the Friday night; and, thirdly, whether his removal to the Police Station and back again to the Hospital had any serous effect on him.

From the ovidence it was quite clear that he must have been drinking on the Friday. Taking the whole of the history together, he did not think that any blame was attachable to Dr Fitzgerald. As regards the statement by Dr Fitzgerald that deceased had no temperature — that was, no rising temperature — when he saw him at the Hospital, he (the coroner) had since seen Dr Drennan, and he had stated that this was not an uncommon thing, so that he thought Dr Fitzgerald was not to blame in coming to the conclusion he did — that the man was puffering from a severe form o£ drunkenness. In regard to the man's removal to the Police Station, from the whole of the evidence and from the statement of Dr Drennan, it did not appear that that would have had any effect upon him. At the station he appeared to have been as well looked after as possible. Of course, speaking in tho light of after events — and only in that light — he wanted to make this very clear: that it would have been better for the man had he been put to bed as soon as he got to the Hospital — in fact, some days previously — but the removal to the Police Station had no effect upon him, nor had his removal back again to the Hospital. It was very questionable whether, if he had been put to bed in the Hospital, the result would have been very different from what it was. There was no blame attachable to either Dr Fitzgerald or to the police or the gaol officials. He thought, in regard to the latter, that they had done all that it was possible to do for a man who was in a state of drunkenness, and also afterwards. His verdict would be in accordance with Dr Drennan's evidence: that deceased's death was due to pneumonia, complicated by endocarditis and terminal meningitis.  -Otago Daily Times, 31/12/1919.

PROPERTY SALE. 

Messrs Alex. Harris and Co. report having offered at auction yesterday, in the estate of the late Arthur William Tuffen, a freehold section located in St James Park, NorthEast Valley, and containing 28 poles (more or lees). This section was knocked down to Mr Laing for £40.   -Otago Daily Times, 25/11/1920.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

13206 Private Cuthbert Richard Mathews, 6/3/1890-8/1/1923.

FUNERAL NOTICE. 

The Friends of the late No. 15206 Private CUTHBERT RICHARD MATHEWS (and Family) are respectfully invited to attend his Funeral, which will leave St. Matthew’s Church, Stafford street, TO-DAY (TUESDAY), the 9th inst., at 11 a.m., for the Anderson’s Bay Cemetery. 

HOPE & KINASTON, Undertakers, 36 St. Andrew street.  -Otago Daily Times, 9/1/1923.

OBITUARY

MR. CUTHBERT MATHEWS. 

The death occurred at Wakari on Monday morning of Mr Cuthbert Richard Mathews, eldest son of the Rev. R. T. Mathews, Suva, Fiji, and administrator of the diocese of Polynesia, who, with his wife, is at present on furlough in Dunedin. Deceased, who was thirty years of age, was born at Mount Lofty, South Australia, and when just a child he came to New Zealand with his parents, and was placed at Christ’s College, Christchurch, where he received his education. Subsequently he was trained as a cable operator at Nelson, whence he was transferred to Singapore, and then Adelaide, South Australia. Later he went to Fiji, and was placed in charge of the wireless station at Taviuni. Shortly after the war broke out he came to Queenstown, New Zealand, and enlisted, going across to France in D Company (15th Reinforcements). At Messines he was severely gassed, and this, combined with exposure, set up pulmonary trouble, which necessitated his going into Cambridge Sanatorium on his return to New Zealand in 1918. From that time on up to the present, with the exception of a short spell when he went to his parents at Suva, and suffered badly in the influenza epidemic of November, 1918, he had been under treatment in the sanatoria of the dominion, finally succumbing to the fell disease and to heart trouble, resultant from his war experiences. Deceased was a brother of Mrs P. Mackenzie (Walter Peak, Lake Wakatipu), Nurse J. Mathews (of the Children's Rest Home, Mornington), and Mr E. Wilfred Mathews (post master at Lautoka, Fiji).  -Evening Star, 10/1/1923.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

8/555 2nd Lieutenant William Sarsfield Clancy, MM, 14/5/1885-29/10/1934.

William Clancy was a Dunedin tram driver when he enlisted in the Army.  He was a Lance-corporal on Gallipoli when he was wounded for the first time.  He was made Sergeant and then Second Lieutenant "for good service in the field."

Personal Items

News has been received by Mr L. Clancy, of Caversham, that his son, Lieutenant William Sarsfield Clancy, has been awarded the Military Medal and received his commission for conspicuous services on the Somme battlefield. Lieutenant Clancy left with the Main Body, was all through the Gallipoli campaign (during which, he was wounded slightly), and has been in France since the New Zealand troops first went there.   -Press, 19/1/1917.

On June 13, 1917, the Otagos were ordered to advance over no-man's-land in the dark and progressively occupy the advanced German positions opposite theirs.  As the Otago Regiment's Official History puts it: "It was calculated that the undertaking was a comparatively simple one; that it was merely a question of dribbling forward small parties unobserved by the enemy and seizing successive objectives on the way, each objective affording support and covering fire for the capture of the next. It was further presumed that the enemy had withdrawn his main strength. The task, however, was really beset with many difficulties, and was by no means as easy of accomplishment as was anticipated."

In the dark, with no artillery support and German guns firing as the result of earlier aerial reconnaisance, the night attack was a failure.  William Clancy was wounded with a bullet in the spine.  He never walked again.

Many returned men yesterday attended the funeral of the late Lieutenant William Sarsfield Clancy, who left with the Main Body of the N.Z.E.F.; in 1914, and the special R.S.A. service was read over the grave at the Anderson’s Bay cemetery. Deceased, who was well known, was severely injured as a result of his war service, but bore his suffering lightly.   -Evening Star, 1/11/1934.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.