Captain Robert Tubman, 1871-11/4/1902.

On board the Moura, on the trip down the harbor, Lieutenant Tubman was the recipient of a splendid pair of extremely light field glasses, the metal parts of which were composed of aluminium, the case and strap being of khaki-colored leather. The glasses were presented by the teachers of the George street School and the Committee. Mr A. McLean made the presentation, and Mr Tubman, in replying, said that the present was most apropos, and might, for all they knew, be some day the means of saving life. 

THE BOER WAR.

FOURTH CONTINGENT LETTERS.

A number of letters from members of the fourth contingent have been received by Mr Macdonald, schoolmaster at Ravensbourne, who has. kindly permitted us to make extracts as under: —

Lieutenant Tubman describes Beira as a terrible place. Every other place is a bar, as the hotels are called, and in each bar are from three to 20 girls of every nation under the sun. These bars close at 2 a.m., and are open all Sunday, on which day the shops are also open. On the Saturday before Lieutenant Tubman's letter was penned the Governor of Beira gave a ball to the officers of the contingents.  -Otago Daily Times, 7/8/1900.

LETTERS FROM THE FRONT

A letter from Lieutenant Tubman has been received by Mr J. McPhee, of the George street School, dated August 22, from which we are permitted to make the following extracts: —

Mafeking is a miserable little place from what I saw of it. The whole business of the siege, looking at it from the point of view of the besiegers, must have been boomed and over-rated tremendously; one rush by the Boers, and all would have been over, but they are such cowardly wretches when it comes to a down right willing go. If you could only see the place you would wonder at the importance put upon it, and why it was defended so tenaciously — for no other reason, I suppose, than the principle of the thing. It was not the relief of the place so much as the relief of B. P. (Baden-Powell) and his men that roused the excitement and enthusiasm of the good people of Dunedin, I suppose. Well, we were hurried out of Mafeking in the direction of Zeerust. We have 25,000 men with us, and shortly after we crossed the border we were fired on, but no harm was done to our boys. The following day (the 16th) we got into action, and no doubt you have long ago heard the particulars of it. I was with Captain Fulton, and as soon as we reached the top of a kopje we received a volley that laid one poor chap low, and wounded three others. It was terribly warm work. As soon as they gave us the volley we took cover just on the ridge of a kopje, and settled down to business. My company had to cover Captain Fulton's retreat with the rest of the wounded who were able to get away. I had one close shave. A big Boer aimed point blank at me at about 100 yards. When I saw him aiming I thought it was winter with me, but he fired high and missed (flurried at the bayonet I suppose), the bullet going between the rim of my hat and my ear, it seemed to me by the whiz. Then my turn came, and.l laid him out on the rocks, dead as a stone. After that two of my men and I were cut off for an hour or so, and had to lie low, getting an occasional shot. We killed Snyman and seriously wounded a field cornet. A flag of truce came up in the morning and took their bodies away, and also the rest of the killed and wounded that they could not take away in their flight. Poor Harvey fell on the other side of the kopje from me — shot through the head. He never spoke a word — not even moved. I miss him very much, for he and I, as I told you before, have been chums ever since Forbury Park camp. I never witnessed anything in my life so pathetic as his burial. 

We spent two nights and a day on the kopje — no blankets and very little food. I never felt the cold so much before, and we could not sleep for fear of being surprised. We were all pretty well knocked out, but are well again. The following day we had to retire for some reason or other, leaving our dearly-won position and poor Harvey's body behind. We executed our retirement in good order, but were again fighting all day after reaching Ottoshoop. Thank God, I have not been hit, and I can tell the sight of fellows being dropped by bullets not far from you makes one feel that he don't want any more kopjes to rush, as it certainly means "winter" for some more of us. As far as my men are concerned, only one was scratched. Yesterday I went back to the border with the wounded; we were fired on, but no harm was done. Tell the children that I have not time to write to them just now, and that I got letters from several of them. Glad to say I am well. You might regard this letter as a reply to the children at school, and read it to them. All my clothes are at Mafeking, and what I stand in are almost in rags. You would not know some of us if you saw us for dirt, etc., and general uncouthness. We are on three-quarter rations just now, and when I was at leisure to-day did some naturalist work, and bagged a fowl. I am now waiting and watching it carefully till 5 p.m. I laid the specimen out with a stick. No naturalist ever guarded a unique specimen like I watch that hen. 

Mr J. Waddell Smith, of the High street School has also received a letter from Lieutenant Tubman, but it contains little beyond the news given in the above extracts. Lieutenant Tubman states that so strong was the feeling among the men at Captain Harvey's death that he pities the Boers if ever the men get within reach of them. But they cannot get near the Boers. It exasperates the men to be shot at all day from all quarters, and not see anyone. Lieutenant Tubman writes very strongly about the Boer women fighting with the men. He declares that while none of the men would willingly injure a woman, yet if the latter carry a gun and use it with the men they must expect to be treated by those fighting against them as if they were men.   -Otago Daily Times, 12/10/1900.

Lieutenant Tubman, of the Fourth Contingent, has resigned his position on the staff of the George Street School, in order to take up his permanent residence in South Africa. It is understood that he has been appointed to a lieutenancy in the Rhodesian Field Force.   -Star, 8/12/1900.

PROMOTION OF LIEUTENANT TUBMAN. 

A LETTER FROM THE FRONT. 

A cablegram has been received in town intimating that Lieutenant Tubman, of the fourth contingent, has been promoted to the rank of captain, with an appointment on the staff of Colonel Grey. A private letter received by Mr J. Waddell Smith from Captain Tubman, dated Vontersdorp, April 14, indicates that he had made up his mind to stay and join the seventh contingent. At the date of writing he was in charge of a number of men knocked up, and horses, which needed nursing. Ventersdorp is 32 miles distant from the railway. It is in telegraphic communication with Fotchefhstroom, but the line was cut daily by some of the Boers as soon as it was repaired. Captain Tubman had to provide the escort for the line repairers. The writer says that the aspect of affairs is unchanged. Smuts, De la Bey, and others continue to shift about, but they will not fight. There is conclusive proof that the burgher would surrender if he had a free hand, but he hasn't. The only thing keeping the war going now are the Cape Colony and Bechuanaland rebels, who know they will be punished if they surrender or are caught. The British have been successful all round lately, and the increased activity has made the Boers very shy. Referring to the glorious affair of the 24th March, the writer says it seems almost incredible that so large a capture could be made, and no one seriously hit. When the New Zealanders rode at them the Boers simply abandoned everything. Mention is made of the fact that Lieutenant J. R. Macdonald had gone for a trip to Johannesburg on a week's leave.   -Otago Daily Times, 8/6/1901.

DEATH OF AN OTAGO OFFICER.

CAPTAIN TUBMAN SUCCUMBS TO ENTERIC. 

News was received through the Premier yesterday of the death in the Transvaal on the 11th inst, of Captain R. G. Tubman, of the Seventh Contingent. 

Captain Robert G. Tnbman was the son of Mr Frank Tubman, of Owaka, formerly of Beaumont, and was born in 1871. He was educated at the Beaumont School, but received his training as a pupil teacher at Mornington School under Mr Kyle. He was a student at the Dunedin Training College, and acted for some time as relieving teacher. He was appointed head master of the Moeraki School in 1890. After five years faithful service, desiring to attend the University classes, he, in 1895, applied for and obtained the position of fourth assistant at the George street School, and that position he held when he joined the Fourth Contingent. When at Moeraki Mr Tubman took a great interest in the Maoris there, and did everything possible to assist both young and old, with the result that he wns a general favourite among them, and when he was leaving for Dunedin he wns presented with a greenstone weapon which was greatly prized by the chief who owned it. It was while at Moeraki that Mr Tubman joined the North Otago Mounted Rifles, and he took a keen interest in all that appertained to volunteering. Here also he was married to Miss Bessie Culling, daughter of Mrs Culling, of Hillgrove, but he had the misfortune. to lose his young wife very shortly after removing into town. In the George street School and the University he made many warm friends, and he was greatly esteemed for his kindly disposition and unassuming manner. When he was appointed lieutenant in the Fourth Contingent in recognition of his valuable services in Forbury camp, he was presented by the teachers of Otago with a horse and a pair of field gloves, and the Tailoresees' Union presented him with a second horse. He served with the Fourth Contingent during the whole time they were in South Africa, and was acting-captain for a period of nearly six months. Many of our readers will recall descriptions of the work of that contingent which appeared in our columns from time to time from the pen of Captain Tubman. Finding campaigning agreeing with him, and liking the climate of South Africa, he resigned his position in the George street School, which had been kept open for him and offered for service with the Seventh Contingent. He was accepted and joined the Seventh.on its arrival in South Africa as captain. Shortly after he was sent on a special mission to bring a train with specie from Capetown to Johannesburg, and his success and the attention he gave to details so impressed General Garratt that he appointed him as provost marshal to his column. The latest letters received from Captain Tubman showed that he was in Johannesburg attending the trial of some rebels captured near Klerksdorp. He was then in the best of health and spirits. On the receipt of news yesterday of the death the flag at the George street School was hoisted at half mast and general and sincere regret was felt by all who had known Captain Tubman. The sad news will be a severe blow to his parents, who lost their youngest daughter but a few months ago, and they will have the sympathy of the community generally in this second bereavement.   -Otago Daily Times, 15/4/1902.

Northern Cemetery, Dunedin.

Alice Kelman (nee Reid), 1876-23/5/1906.

The Rector’s report stated that the school (Riverton District High School) was opened on Monday last with an attendance of 257 and yesterday there were 265 present. He recommended that Miss Alice Reid be appointed pupil teacher in lieu of Miss Robinson, resigned. The report was adopted, and the Rector’s recommendation regarding Miss Reid’s appointment given effect to.   -Western Star, 28/1/1891.

In mentioning the successful pupil teachers at the recent examinations, we omitted the name of Miss Alice Reid, of Riverton District High School, who passed the II Class. She has only one more class to go through now.  -Western Star, 22/7/1893.

Another ascent of the Remarkables.

Mr J. A. Reid and bis sister, Miss Alice Reid, of this town, accomplished the ascent of the Remarkabhs on February 28th. Time from Peterson's ferry, Kawarau Falls, to summit, six hours. They had a splendid view from the summit, well repaying the long climb. To the N. E. and west were numerous snow-clad ranges and peaks showing out, prominently especially being the Earnslaw and Mounts Aspiring and Cook. Lake Wanaka was plainly visible — Queenstown, Arrowtown, Lakes Wakatipu and Hayes, the Shotover and Kawarau rivers and surrounding flats forming a pretty foreground, the view to the south was more open — the plains of Southland stretching away to the horizon. Lake Wakatipu lay far below, presenting a continuous view from Kingston to the Greenstone river — a distance of nearly 50 miles. By the aid of a powerful telescope Cromwell and other townships further down the river towards the east could be discerned. The dangers and difficulties of the ascent have been exaggerated, as there is nothing to prevent any ordinarily active person in a fair state of health making the ascent — the only real difficulty being over the last 300 or 400 yards, which is pretty steep rock work, necessitating the use of both hands and feet. The journey from Queenstown occupies 14 or 15 hours. We would advise any parties intending to try tins ascent to get a good description of the route to be followed, as it would save them a lot of time and useless climbing. There are five or six small lakes about an hour's climb from the summit, the largest of them being a quarter of a mile in diameter with deep blue water right to the edge.  -Lake Wakatipu Mail, 15/3/1895.

There were four applications for the position of pupil teacher to the Queenstown School, and the Committee unanimously decided to recommend the appointment of Miss Alice Reid.   -Lake Wakatip Mail, 5/4/1895.

Cantanta and Social (excerpt)

On this occasion too, there was some new local talent in the persons of Miss Alice Reid, who possesses a nice voice, which, with cultivation, will no doubt still further improve.  -Lake Wakatip Mail, 4/9/1896.

EDUCATION BOARD (excerpt)

Miss Alice Reid was appointed mistress of the Round Hill School.    -Western Star, 10/11/1897.

Local and general

An interesting ceremony in connection with the marriage of Miss Alice Reid, eldest daughter of the late Mr George Reid, of Riverton, to Mr William Hay Kelman, of Geraldine, took place on the 5th inst. at Knox Church, Dunedin. A large number of the friends of the bride and bridegroom assembled to witness the ceremony. The bride, attended by her sister and two little cousins carrying bouquets, was given away by her brother. At the close of the ceremony, which was conducted by the Rev. Thos. Neave, formerly of Riverton and now of Kurow, a hymn was sung. Mr Lilly played a march from Lohengrin and Mendelsohn's Wedding March as the bridal party entered and left the church. A number of guests assembled at the house of the bride's mother to greet the newly-wedded couple. The health of the bride and bridegroom was proposed by Mr Neave and responded to by the bridegroom. Other toasts followed. The bride was the recipient of many useful and beautiful gifts. In the course of the afternoon the happy couple left the bride's residence amidst showers of confetti, accompanied by the proverbial old shoes and the heartiest expressions of the good-will and best wishes of all present.  -Western Star, 15/4/1904.

Miss Alice Reid, who has had charge of the public school at Athol for the past two years, was recently made a presentation by the residents on the occasion of her severing her connection with that institution. It took the form of a suitably-inscribed gold bangle and a gold necklet and pearl pendant, which were handed to her at a social given in her honor as a mark of the esteem in which she was held by the donors. We understand that Miss Reid has decided to relinquish school teaching, which being the case, a great loss will be occasioned the Board as Miss Reid had proved herself to be a painstaking and capable teacher.   -Lake Wakatip Mail, 22/7/1904.

In this issue we announce the death of Alice Reid, the beloved wife of Mr W. H. Kelman, of Geraldine. Deceased, who was a daughter of the late Mr George Reid, was a native of Riverton, and taught in the Riverton and Round Hill schools, being a most successful teacher. She had, on account of her health, to give up the profession, and went to live in Dunedin with her mother. Sorrow will be expressed at the demise of one who was held in the highest esteem by residents of this district.  -Western Star, 25/9/1906.

The departure of Alice from Athol in 1904 and her death at her mother's place in 1906 seems to indicate a long illness being the reason for her leaving the school.  My best guess is tuberculosis, the scourge of its day.

Northern Cemetery, Dunedin.

Mary Ann Sinclair, 1896-14/1/1910.

Mary Ann Sinclair, 13 years of age, who lived with her parents in St. David street, Dunedin, complained of a headache about 3 o’clock on Friday afternoon, and lay down on a sofa. Presently she went to her bedroom, where she lay upon her bed without undressing, and, after some time, she was seized with what appeared to be a fit. Her mother, who was attending to her, tried unsuccessfully to get her to swallow some brandy, and sent for Dr Martin, who came at half-past 6 o’clock. By this time, however, the girl was dead. On Saturday morning Mr C. C. Graham conducted an inquest at the house. Dr Martin stated that he had examined the body of the girl, and he had noticed marks indicating an old operation for hydatis. It was ascertained that deceased had suffered from that disease two years ago, and had been operated upon in the Dunedin Hospital. He considered that death was clue to embolism, resulting upon the bursting of a hydatid, of which the condition and situation were such as to cause great trouble at any moment. He considered a post mortem examination unnecessary, and believed that an operation would have done little to relieve the sufferer. The coroner recorded a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.   -Otago Witness, 19/1/1910.

IN MEMORIAM.

SINCLAIR. — In loving remembrance r)! my dear sister, Mary Ann Sinclair who departed this life on January 11, 1910. Inserted by her loving sister, Lizzie, Mrs A. Doyle, 81, Kingsley Street, Sydenham.  -Lyttelton Times, 14/1/1918.

Northern Cemetery, Dunedin.

John Harbour, 1870-19/2/1904.

CASUALTIES

A youth named John Harbour, aged about 16 years, and residing in Upper Woodhaugh Valley, had one of his hands caught in some of the machinery at the Woodhaugh Paper Mills, where he is employed, on Friday. Upon his being admitted to theHospital it was found that the hand was somewhat severely crushed, and it will be some time before he will regain the use of it.  -Evening Star, 5/2/1904.

Woodhaugh paper mill, Hocken Library photo.

Paper mill interior, 1913.  Hocken Library photo.

INQUEST.

An inquest was held at the hospital this afternoon touching the death of John Harbour, who died last night from tetanus, following on an injury received at the Woodhaugh Paper Mills on the 5th inst. Mr C. C. Graham, coroner, conducted the inquest, and the foreman of the jury was Mr A. Yates.

Mr W. L. Moore appeared for the relatives of the deceased, and Mr J. B. Lindsay (inspector of factories) watched the case for the department. 

Henry Harbour, father of deceased, gave evidence as to his son, who was thirty-four years of age, having left his home on the morning of the accident, in good health. Deceased had not told witness anything as to the circumstances of the accident.

Dr Hall, house surgeon at the hospital, deposed that on the day in question deceased was brought in suffering from extensive injuries to the forearm and hands. Dr Closs treated the case at once, and the patient made a satisfactory progress fcr the following ten days, when symptoms of lockjaw set in. The forearm was amputated to remove the source of the poison, against which, however, the patient made no headway. He died at 11.30 pm. on the 19th. The cause of death was tetanus, the result of wounds received. 

To Mr Moore: A consultation was held on the morning following the appearance of the symptoms of tetanus, and the arm was removed on the day after that. It would have made no difference had the arm been amputated the same day. It was necessary to watch the case during the period of incubation. 

Michael O'Brien, laborer, Woodhaugh, employed at the mills, deposed thai he knew the deceased, who was also an employee there, his duties being general, but in no way connected with the machinery. Witness saw deceased a few moments after the accident, and held his arm till the engineer arrived and bandaged it, after which deceased was taken to the hospital. Witness did not see how the accident happened, but understood that deceased was cleaning some of the machinery in the vicinity of the rollers. It was part of deceased's duties to wash down the rollers. The machinery was going slow, as it always was at cleaning times. As a rule, deceased was a very careful man, and very steady. 

John Hunter McLaren, engineer and acting manager at the Woodhaugh Paper Mills, said that he was called by one of the workmen on the day in question. The engine had been stopped before he got inside the mill. The rollers were going at about a sixth of their ordinary pace at the time of the accident. Witness rendered first aid to deceased. Deceased told witness that as he was wiping the rollers the rag he was using got caught. He grabbed it, and the arm was dragged in. Had he been cleaning the rollers on the "running out" side nothing could have caught. As it was he risked too much, and cleaned on the "running in" side.

To Mr Moore: They looked upon deceased as a good and careful workman. Mr Lindsay said that there was no reason to suppose that the machinery was left in an unguarded condition. After the coroner had reviewed the evidence, the jury brought in a verdict that death was due to tetanus, the result of injuries accidentally received, no blame being attachable to anyone.  -Evening Star, 20/2/1904.

Northern Cemetery, Dunedin.

Thomas (1879-3/8/1911) and Agnes (1883-3/8/1911) Colehan.

SAD TRAGEDY.

MAN AND WIFE FOUND DEAD. 

RESULT OF GUN-SHOTS. 

(By Telegraph: — Press Association.) Dunedin, August 4. A very sad tragedy occurred at Tuapeka West last evening, between 5 and half-past 5o'clock. It happened in a house belonging to Thomas Colehan, situated on what is known as the Balclutha Borough Endowment, towards the lower end of Tuapeka West Settlement, and a short distance from the Kononi Post Office. About half-past 5 one of Colehan's employees named Cowie came to the house for tea, and not noticing any signs of life had a look round, and discovered Colehan and his wife lying dead in the sitting-room. Mrs. Colehan was lying on her back on the floor with her head on the sofa, and a wound in her left temple, while Colehan was lying alongside with his head resting on his wife's breast, with a pea-rifle between his legs, his right hand on, tho trigger, and a wound on his right temple.

So far as can be ascertained the last to see the couple alive was a neighbour named Mrs. Johnston, who was in the house with them from 3 till 5 o'clock, She says she had no suspicion of anything being wrong, as both Colehan and his wife were, so far as she knew, on the best of terms. 

Colehan was about 31 or 32 years of age, and his wife, who was formerly Miss Ritchie, was about 25 years. They were married about a year ago. Colehan came from Waitati before settling at Tuapeka West, his mother having been for some years proprietress of the wellknown Saratoga Hotel.

It is alleged that Colehan, when the worse of liquor, was given to fits of temper, and it is feared that when in one of these fits he committed the deed.  -Dominion, 5/8/1911.

THE TUAPEKA WEST TRAGEDY.

THE INQUEST. 

The inquest held at Tuapeka West on Saturday to inquire into the circumstances attending the death of Thomas Patrick Colehan and his wife Agnes Colehan was conducted by Mr T. Pilling, J.P., acting coroner, and a jury of six, of whom Mr H. Cameron, J.P., was foreman. Evidence was first taken in regard to the 

— Death of Mrs Colehan, — 

and evidence of identification was called by Sergeant Higgins, who had charge of the inquiry. 

Dr Sutherland, on examining the body of Mrs Colehan, found a wound on the left side of the head in front of the upper part of the ear. The wound was such as would be caused by a .22 bore rifle, which must have been 2yds or 3yds away from deceased when fired, as there were no powder marks around the wound. The wound penetrated through the skull into the brain cavity, the bullet traversing in a horizontal direction along the base of the skull. Death must have ensued in a very short time — if not instantaneously. There were no other visible marks of injury to the body. There was no probability, from the peculiar nature of the wound and the absence of powder-marking in the locality of the wound, that the wound had been self-inflicted. 

Margaret Johnston (housekeeper to Mr John Stanton, one of the nearest neighbors) paid Mrs Colehan a visit about 3.30 o'clock in the afternoon of the tragedy, leaving about 5 o'clock. She stayed in the kitchen while in the house with Mrs Colehan. Colehan was in the front roum, reading a newspaper, when witness entered the house, and he remained there all the time. She saw nothing unusual or peculiar about either Colehan or his wife. Mrs Colehan was cheerful and in good spirits, and she and her husband appeared to be on the very best terms. Witness saw no signs of drink about Colehan while she was in the house. She knew that Colehan had a rifle, but did not see him handling it during her stay in the house. 

To a juror: There was no disagreement between Colehan and his wife while witness was in the house. Mrs Golehan made afternoon tea and asked her husband if he would have a cup, but he declined.

John Thomas Cowie, a farm hand in Colehan's employ, deposed that on the morning of the day on which the tragedy occurred he was at work on a fence not far from the house, and was assisted by Colehan. They went for dinner about noon. Witness had his dinner in the kitchen with Mrs Colehan. Colehan stayed in the front room, and came into the kitchen for his dinner just as witness was leaving the table. It was about quarter to one when witness left the house, and he did not return till about quarter to six for his tea. When he came to the kitchen to get a towel for a wash he found the door was partly open. Looking round he caught sight of Colehan's and Mrs Colehan's body on the floor. He called to his fellow farm servant (Michael Fahey) to strike a light. There was no life in either body. Mrs Colehan was lying on her back, with her head partly on the sofa, and there was a wound, from which blood was oozing, on the left temple. Colehan's body was lying on its back alongside that of his wife, with his head on her breast, and between his legs there was a pea rifle, with the muzzle upward towards the seat, and the right hand over the breech part of the rifle, with the thumb pressing on the trigger. Deceased's left hand was resting on his chest. There was a wound, from which blood flowed, on the right temple. When at work at the fence in the morning he noticed nothing unusual about Colehan, who was cheerful and in good health, and there was on sign of liquor about him. Colehan kept liquor in the house, and took a drop occasionally. He was a very quiet man, and appeared to get on well with his wife. Replying to the acting coroner, witness said that when Colehan came into the kitchen for his dinner he said nothing to his wife, nor did witness think anything arose between them to cause strained relationship. 

Constable Coppell, who reached the scene of the tragedy on the Thursday night about 10 o'clock, deposed that there was a newspaper on the kitchen table, on which there were a number of blood spots, from which he judged that Mrs Colehan was leaning over the table reading the paper when she was shot from the doorway of the front room leading into the kitchen. Witness examined the breech of the rifle taken from between the. legs of the deceased Thomas Colehan, and found that it contained an empty cartridge shell, and another empty cartridge shell was picked up in the front room. In deceased's waistcoat pocket witness found two loaded cartridges, and on the mantle-piece in the front room was a box containing several .22 cartridges. Witness searched the house carefully, but could find no notes or writing of any kind in explanation of the committal of the tragedy. He found jug and glass on the table in the sitting room; the jug contained about a teaspoonful of whisky. There was also a quantity of whisky in a jar in the bedroom off the sitting room. There was nothing to indicate a struggle on the part of either of the deceased. From the position of the bodies and the surrounding circumstances it looked to witness as if Colehan had first shot his wife and then lain beside her and ended his own life. At the close of the evidence bearing upon Mrs Colehan's death, the jury agreed to defer their finding until the conclusion of the evidence bearing upon the 

—Death of Thomas Colehan.— 

It was further agreed, as there had been proof of the identification of the body, only to hear one witness— viz., Dr Sutherland — accepting as material, where applicable, the depositions which had been tendered in Mrs Colehan's inquiry. Dr Sutherland deposed that in his examination of Thomas Colohan's body he found a small wound in front of the upper part of the ear on the right side. The size of the wound corresponded with that which would be produced by a rifle bullet of .22 calibre. Death must have been instantaneous. If the rifle (as stated by the witness Cowie) was found enclosed in Colehan's right hand, with the thumb on the trigger, then he (Dr Sutherland) was quite satisfied, from the position and appearance of the wound, that the wound was self-inflicted with a rifle bullet. He had heard the opinion expressed by Constable Coppell that it was very probable Mrs Colehan was leaning over the table reading a paper at the time she was shot, and it was manifest to witness that the entrance mark of the bullet on the skull and the line it traversed would justify the assumption that the shot was fired from the doorway of the front room. 

After the acting coroner had briefly reviewed the evidence the jury deliberated for a few minutes, and then returned a verdict in the case of Agnes Colehan (as indicated in our Saturday's issue) that she met her death from a rifle shot inflicted by her husband when apparently in a state of unsound mind; and in the case of Thomas Colehan that he met his death by a rifle shot self-inflicted when he was apparently in a state of unsound mind.  -Evening Star, 7/8/1911.

Northern Cemetery, Dunedin.

8/1360 Private William John Willis, 26/8/1875-9/1/1916.

ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES

A SOLDIER'S SUICIDE. 

By Telegraph — Press Association, Dunedin, January 9. At an early hour this morning in Dunedin Hospital, a returned soldier named William John Willis was found by one of the nurses with his throat cut, and a razor in his hand. He had been brought back to New Zealand on the Maheno, and when admitted to the hospital was suffering from dysentery. Deceased was a widower, and resided in Dunedin.  -Dominion, 10/1/1916.

FUNERAL NOTICE. 

The Friends of the late Private WILLIAM JOHN WILLIS (and Family) are respectfully invited to attend his Funeral, which will leave the Hospital (Cumberland street entrance) THIS DAY (TUESDAY), 11th inst., at 2.30 p.m., for the Northern Cemetery. 

HUGH GOURLEY, Undertaker, Clarke and Maclaggan streets.   -Otago Daily Tmes, 11/1/1916.

SAD CASE OF SUICIDE

A SOLDIER'S UNFORTUNATE END. 

An inquest was held by Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M., at the Hospital yesterday afternoon, as to the death of William John Willis, one of the men who returned from the front by the Maheno on the 5th inst. Willis, after being wounded in his country's service, and practically recovering from his wounds, was attacked with dysentery, and was admitted to the Hospital on the 6th inst., more for observation purposes than anything else, as he was apparently then on the road to recovery. Shortly after midnight on the 9th inst. a nurse heard a noise, and going to the ward where Willis was, she found that the unfortunate man had cut his throat with a razor. 

Harry Willis, joiner, residing in High street, Dunedin, said he identified the body as that of his brother, William John Willis. Deceased was a widower, aged 40 years, and had a daughter 16 years of age. He left with the Second Reinforcements, and returned by the Maheno on the 5th inst. He was admitted to the Hospital next day. Witness saw him on Thursday evening, and he then seemed to be a bit low, but looked forward to getting well again. He complained that he did not seem to be able to sleep. He said he was well able to carry out his military duties until he was wounded. He had no financial worries of any sort, and gave no indication that he was likely to injure himself. 

Florence Josephine Holden, nurse at the Hospital, said the deceased had been a patient of hers. Witness saw him just after midnight on the 9th inst., when she gave him tea. He said he was quite comfortable. There were no other patients in that ward. Shortly afterwards witness heard a noise and went to see what it was. On going into the ward she saw deceased lying back in his bed with his throat cut. Witness rang for the night sister — Sister Douglas — and she called Dr Martin, who arrived on the scene in a few minutes. Deceased was not alive when the doctor arrived. Deceased was always very cheerful in his way. A razor was afterwards found under deceased's arm. The razor was usually kept in deceased's soap bag, in a locker beside the bed. Witness believed it was usual to keep razors there. Deceased's mental condition seemed to be quite ordinary. He slept fairly well on the whole, but not always all night. 

Jessie Panton Douglas, night sister in the Hospital, said that she was called to Batchelor Ward in the morning of the 9th inst. Nurse Holden told her that deceased had cut his throat. Witness went into the ward and saw the man was dead. She called the doctor, who came immediately. It was the custom for patients to be allowed to have their razors in the lockers close to the bed. 

Dr Douglas Martin, house surgeon, stated that he last saw deceased alive at 9.30 on Saturday night. He was then almost asleep, and said he was all right. Witness saw him again at a quarter to 1 o'clock next morning. He was dead, but the body was quite warm. There was a very deep incision in the throat, which had severed the carotid artery, and deceased had bled to death. Death would result very quickly. As far as witness knew it was the custom in all hospitals to allow patients to have their razors in the lockers. Deceased was convalescent when admitted, but was suffering from dysentery. He was not mentally affected in any way. 

Margaret Gordon, nurse in the Hospital, said that she had attended on deceased. She spoke to him every day. He never complained of anything special, and said he was recovering from dysentery. He seemed a bright, cheerful patient, and was not at all depressed. 

Dr Falconer, medical superintendent at the Hospital, stated that he saw deceased on the Maheno on the 5th inst., and went into the case. Deceased had had a severe attack of dysentery, and was convalescent. He was recommended for admission to the Hospital for further observation for dysentery, and was allowed 24 hours' leave before being admitted, as his case was not serious. He was admitted on Thursday, between 11 and 12 o'clock. He then said his dysentery was much improved. He was diffident about being admitted to the Hospital. On Friday deceased seemed all right, and cheerful, and at no time did he show any sign of mental weakness It was the practice in all hospitals to have all personal toilet equipment in the locker, except when patients showed mental aberration, when they were removed and put under the charge of a special attendant in a ward on the ground floor. Deceased was admitted for dysentery, with a previous history for a gunshot wound. 

Mr Bartholomew said that the evidence as to deceased's mental condition, at any rate immediately prior to the commission of this fatal act, was that it was normal, and he could not qualify the verdict. The verdict would be that of suicide by cutting the throat with a razor. There was one point to be commented upon, and that was as to the razor being left in a locker by the bedside. Dr Falconer had assured him that it was customary for toilet requisites to be left beside the bed. That would seem to be the general practice, but he (Mr Bartholomew) thought this case had shown the necessity for that practice being altered to some extent. In the present case the patient had shown no mental symptoms, so there had been no negligence on the part of the Hospital staff in leaving a dangerous article within reach of the deceased. He thought that after the use of razors they should be removed from the patients, which would certainly prove a safeguard. Of course if a patient had decided upon doing away with himself there was no safeguard in the matter, but in the Hospital what he had suggested would prove a safeguard. During temporary aberration and a low physical state such a course might be taken. If the opportunity did not present itself a patient might not be tempted to attempt an act of the kind. He could not blame the Hospital authorities in this particular case, but he was making these comments with a view to hospital authorities seriously considering whether they should not be acted upon in future.  -Otago Daily Times, 11/1/1916.

MILITARY FUNERALS

Two troopers who died in the Duneclin Hospital last week were buried with military honours on the 11th. The first was that of Private William John Willis, which left the Hospital at half-past 2 for the Northern Cemetery. The coffin was carried on a gun carriage, provided by the Central Battery, and in it were placed several pretty wreaths, one of which was forwarded by the members of the Anzac Olub. The firing party consisted of returned troopers, under Sergeant-major Tustain, and in the cortege was a batch of soldiers who recently came back from the front, in charge of Sergeant Banwell. Lieutenant Keligher represented the Defence Department.   -Otago Witness, 19/1/1916.

Northern Cemetery, Dunedin.

Patrick John Jager, 1884-26/6/1944.

TERRIBLE TRAGEDY

MAN MURDERED AT DUNEDIN. 

ALLEGED CONFESSION. 

Per Press Association. DUNEDIN, May 3. At about 7 o’clock this morning a man named Patrick John Jager accosted Constable Watkins at the South Dunedin Police Station and said that he had murdered his mate, Arthur Creagh, who lived with him in the same room in a private boarding house in Cargill road. Sergeant Murray went to the house and found Creagh lying on the bed with his throat cut, the head being almost severed.

Jager said: “I did the right thing. If I hadn’t killed him he would have killed me to-night. He’s after me for my money. There’s a gang watching me. I’m not worrying about it as I did the right thing.” Both men had been mates since boyhood and had worked together for about 20 years as machinists at a rope works.

Both are aged about 40 and were always considered the best of pals. It is stated that Jager has been behaving peculiarly lately. He told the police he tried to drown himself yesterday. The theory is that the murdered man was first hit on the head with a bottle as when the police arrived parts of a broken blue peter were found on the bed and floor.

Prior to giving himself up, Jager threw £93 in notes into the front of a house adjoining.  -Manawatu Standard, 3/5/1926.

A GHASTLY DEED.

MAN MURDERS HIS FRIEND. 

AN INEXPLICABLE CRIME. 

THROAT CUT WHILE SLEEPING 

Arthur Creagh, aged about 45 years, was murdered in his bed in the Railway Workshops hotel in Cargill road early yesterday morning. While the landlady was preparing breakfast a little before seven o’clock, Patrick John Jager, the unfortunate man’s room mate, climbed out of the bed and struck Creagh a desperate blow on the head with a bottle, completing the deed by cutting his throat with a razor. Creagh’s head was almost severed. 

FRIENDS FROM BOYHOOD. It was an inexplicable crime, for the two men had been friends from boyhood and they had worked together as machinists in Donaghy’s rope works for the past 20 years. For the past two years they had occupied the same room. 

JAGER GIVES HIMSELF UP. Almost immediately after the crime Jager went to the Police Station at South Dunedin and gave himself up to Constable Watkins, who took him to Sergeant Murray’s residence at the rear of the station. Jager told the sergeant that he had killed Arty Creagh, adding: ‘‘I did the right thing. If I hadn’t killed him he would have killed me to-night. He’s after me for my money. There’s a gang waiting for me. I’m not worrying, sergeant, as I did the right thing.”

TRAGEDY UNSUSPECTED. Even then the tragedy was unknown to anyone else, for when the police went to the boarding-house to inquire for Creagh, the landlady told them that he would be down in a minute or two, as breakfast was just ready. 

JAGER ACTS STRANGELY. The boarding-house is conducted by two sisters, and they say that Jager complained frequently of “frightful headaches.” It is said, too, that on the previous night Jager attempted to commit suicide by drowning, as his clothes were found to be soaking wet. He had been acting queerly of late. From statements he had made, Jager seemed to have the idea that Creagh was spying on him and had been trying to get his money. He was a saving man and had a bank balance of £300. He told Sergeant Murray that he had thrown about £93 over the fence of a resident in Cutten street, and this money was subsequently recovered by the police. It is said that neither of the men drank very much, though on Saturday evenings they would usually lay in a small store of beer. Creagh spent Sunday evening with a friend and returned home about 9.30. 

ARRESTED FOR MURDER. When the central station was communicated with Detectives Beer and Farquharson went out to take charge of the case, and Jager was arrested on a charge of murder and brought in about 10 o’clock. The inquest on the victim of the tragedy was opened at the morgue before Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M., in the afternoon. After evidence of identification had been heard, the inquiry was adjourned. Jager will appear at the City Police Court this morning charged with murder.  -Otago Daily Times, 4/5/1926.

HAUNTED BY TERROR OF MURDER MENACE

STRANGE FEAR OF MYSTERIOUS GANG DROVE JAGER TO SLAY HIS LIFE-LONG FRIEND AFTER FUTILE SUICIDE ATTEMPT 

"THERE IS ALWAYS SOMEONE WATCHING ME WHEREVER I GO!" 

(From "Truth's" Special Dunedin representative)

WHEN Patrick John John Jager killed his life-long friend, Arthur Greagh, he was insane. This was the verdict of the jury at the trial of Jager at the Dunedin Supreme Court last week.

WITHOUT retiring they acquitted him on the grounds that at the time of the crime he was insane and did not realize the physical nature or quality of his act.

JAGER and Creagh had been friends for years, and it was on Creagh's suggestion that Jager went to live with him at the Railway Hotel, South Dunedin. They both worked together and were exceedingly happy in each other's company. 

FOR some time Jager had been saving money. He had been prompted to this step by his sister and had about £300 in the bank. Subsequently this money became an obsession with him. He became suspicious that people were after him and his money, that a gang of men were watching him, spying over him and trying to find out where he hid his money.

In fact, he became so afraid that he carried his wages for the past six months (amounting to £93) about with him. Unfortunately, this served to increase his delusion. His apprehension became incensed and then to his clogged reason came the belief that Creagh was the chief spy — Creagh, the man who slept in his room, and who was planning to find out where he hid his money and then the gang would swoop down and murder him. 

WITH BOTTLE AND RAZOR So he decided to end it all. Either he had to end it or they would end him, he thought. 

After a futile attempt at suicide on May 2 he woke the following morning and m a moment of madness struck Creagh with a bottle over the temple. 

Creagh moaned and gasped. The glitter of steel then attracted Jager. On the washstand lay his razor, which he seized and with one fierce slash practically severed Creagh's head from his body. 

Practically every word of this story had been told to the doctors who examined Jager. It practically amounted to an eye-witness's view of Jager's life for some months leading up to the very scene of the tragedy, which occurred about 6.40 a.m. on May 3. 

About 7 o'clock Jager called at the police station and confessed to the murder.

At first his story was not credited. Later the police visited the hotel. On a single bed Creagh lay with his head almost severed. A blood-stained razor lay on the floor in a pool of blood. 

Further features of the tragedy revealed that in the second drawer of the duchesse was found a suit, neatly folded but soaking and covered with white beach sand, which was also in the pockets. 

It was in this suit that Jager had tried to drown himself at Lawyer's Head on the day prior to the murder. 

The strange workings of a demented mind were revealed when the doctor gave evidence of the story Jager had told them and how he had come to kill Creagh.

To Dr. William Evans, who had seen him on the morning he had given himself up at the police station, Jager had said: I have been worried by fellows watching and slinging off at me. 

Creagh used to sing every night: "What I will do when you are gone!" and he said several times: "I'll be jake-a-1oo soon, plenty of money and clothes."

"I have been hearing voices for the past fortnight. They have kept me awake. There is always someone watching me wherever I go." 

Jager had then recounted how he felt that he must end everything. The gang was after him and his money. He had tried to end himself by going to Lawyer's Head, where he had filled his pockets with stones and had thrown himself into the water, but he was washed ashore. 

"Last night" (the night before the tragedy), said Jager, "Creagh lay awake with his eyelids closed. He was trying to see where my money was, like the rest of them. I knew he was awake as he made no noise. I could not sleep for worry of it." 

ALLEGED MURDER THREAT On the fateful morning Jager said he got up about 6.40 a.m. Creagh was making out that he was asleep. So he decided to put an end to it, and picking up a bottle smashed it over Creagh's head. The latter had called out and moaned. Jager then picked up his razor which was lying on the washstand nearby, and cut Creagh's throat. 

"The worry forced me to do it. I am certain I would have been done for myself if I had not taken action. I guarantee if I had gone to the hotel to-night I would have been murdered." 

Jager had further said: "Billy Deuchress told me on Friday night that Tommy Wilson was going to murder me. I said: 'Surely he is not going to take that course?' and he said: 'Yes, he will murder you the first time he sees you.'" 

"I see nothing else but the rope; I do not think life is worth living with the worry I have gone through this last month." 

This concluded the remarkable story Jager told Dr. Evans, who held that he was insane through the delusion of persecution of being robbed, and watched and thinking he heard voices. 

A TERRIBLE NIGHTMARE It seems probable that some of the remarks Jager alleged were made against him may have occurred, but in his low state of mentality he had misconstrued them. 

To Lawyer Hanlon (for Jager), Dr. Evans said he believed the accused was incapable of realizing at the time the nature of the crimes he was actually committing. 

His Honor: "He would understand he was cutting a man's throat?" 

Dr. Evans: "Well, I don't think he did."

The final phase was described by Dr. St. Leger H. Gribbon, medical superintendent of Seacliff Mental Hospital, who stated that Jager had been under his observation since his admission on May 16.

"Jager was emotional and agitated," said Dr. Gribbon. "That condition became more marked until recently he attempted to strangle himself." 

Dr. Gribbon held that Jager was suffering from chronic systematized delusional insanity. He had so come under the influence of the delusion of persecution and of being robbed and spied upon that he felt life was not worth living.

Jager did not remember the actual crime, but supposed he must have done it when he saw Creagh lying there and saw the blood on his own hands. Jager had never got beyond the third standard. 

QUESTIONS FOR JURY His Honor submitted two questions to the jury: 1: "Do the jury find that accused was insane when he killed Arthur Creagh?" 2: "Do the jury declare that accused should be acquitted on account of his insanity?"

Without retiring from the box the jury answered both questions in the affirmative. Throughout the whole trial Jager, who was allowed to be seated, appeared to take no interest m the proceedings. Occasionally he raised his head, but his sunken features and narrow eyes conveyed nothing and sometimes his head would slowly fall forward. 

His Honor ordered Jager to be kept in strict custody in the mental hospital at Seacliff until the pleasure of the Minister of Justice is known.   -NZ Truth, 12/8/1926.

Arthur Creagh is buried in a family plot in Dunedin's Northern Cemetery.  Patrick Jager died in Seacliff asylum in 1944.  He is buried in an unmarked grave in the Southern Cemetery.