Frederick Oliver Harding, 20/9/1891-17/7/1926.

Frederick Harding was working as a draughtsman when he joined the army in 1916.  He was posted as a Signaller and  detached to a number of formations during his period of service.  He was discharged at the end of the war.

MARRIAGES.

HARDING — McCOLL. — On January 20, 1920, at the Baptist Church, Mornington, by the Rev. S. B. Maiden, Frederick Oliver, youngest son of Mia Harding, Bishopscourt, Dunedin, to Agnes Beryl, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs H. W. McColl, Dunedin.  -Otago Daily Times, 13/3/1920.

DEATHS.

HARDING (By Cable). — On the 17th July, at Detroit (U.S.A.), Frederick Oliver, aged 34 years, dearly beloved husband of Agnes Beryl, of 24 Prestwick street, Dunedin (late of Napier), youngest son of Mrs Harding, late of Highgate, Roslyn, and son-in-law of Agnes and the late Hugh Williams McColl.   -Evening Star, 22/7/1926.

Frederick's death is described in the "Necrology" section of Volume 3 of "Refrigeration Engineering" as being "after a very short illness."  He had graduated from the Siebel Institute of Technology, a brewing technology school in Chicago.

Northern Cemetery, Dunedn.

19/205 Private William Olsen, 8/10/1874-2/7/1920

William Olson was a wharf labourer, married but childless, when he enlisted in January, 1915.  As an older man, he was sent to Samoa with the force which relieved that which had successfully invaded the first German territory of the Great War.  He was discharged for medical reasons (tuberculosis) in April, 1916, and underwent treatment at Pleasant Point sanatorium near Palmerston.

Personal

Mr William Olson, a well-known athlete of a few years back, passed away at his residence, Bay View road, yesterday, at the early age of 43 years. Mr Olson was a member of the old Caversham Football Club, and later of the Southern Club, and represented Otago as a forward on several occasions. He was also a prominent oarsman of the Dunedin Boating Club, and was a member of many winning crews. He served his country at Samoa during the war, but developed lung trouble. On his return to Dunedin he was employed as a letter-carrier at the Dunedin Post Office, but had to leave his employment on two occasions to recuperate his health at sanatoriums in the north. About nine days ago he had again to leave his employment, and finally fell a victim to pneumonia.   -Otago Daily Times, 3/7/1920.

The Friends of the late WILLIAM OLSON (and Family) are respectfully invited to attend his Funeral, which will leave his late Residence, 119 Bay View road, St. Kilda, TO-MORROW (SUNDAY), July 4, at 2 p.m., for the Northern Cemetery. 

HUGH GOURLEY, Undertaker.    -Otago Daily Times, 3/7/1920.

Northern Cemetery, Dunedin.

Walter Barclay Hall, 1899-14/5/1924.

It is with very great regret that we have to record the death of a young native born resident of the district, Mr Walter Barclay Hall, the second son of Mr and Mrs Thomas Hall, of Patearoa, passing away at the hospital on Wednesday after a short illness. He was in his usual health three weeks ago and out mustering on the hills. During the evening after his return home he complained of not feeling well. Septic pneumonia set in and it was soon apparent that very little hope could be entertained of his recovery. Desspite all skill and attention he got worse and, although he brightened up a little a day or two before his death, the end came rather quickly on Wednesday evening. He will be buried in the Ranfurly cemetery to-day, at 2.30 pm. Great sympathy is felt for the bereaved parents, who are thus bereft of a son in the full vigour of his manhood, and whose right hand he was. The deceased was a capable and energetic youth, and also took his part in the sports and amusements of the young people of the district, and a large circle of relatives and friends will long regret the departure of one so early called away by tbe grim reaper with all his powers of manhood unexpended and hopes and prospects cut off almost as they have begun to bloom.  -Mt Ida Chronicle, 16/5/1924.

DEATHS

HALL. — At Naseby Hospital, on May 14, Walter Barclay, dearly beloved second son of Thomas and Mary Hall, Patearoa; in his twenty-sixth year. Deeply mourned.   -Otago Witness, 20/5/1924.

Ranfurly Cemetery.

16328 Trooper Robert Henry McSkimming, 2/7/1893-27/11/1917.

On Monday evening Mr R. H. McSkimming, on tho eve of his departure from Patearoa for training with the Fifteenth Reinforcements, was entertained at a social by a large number of friends. Since the declaration of war Mr McSkimming has been eager to get away, but not until now has he found the way free. He is the son of the local postmaster. Mr McAtamney (chairman of the Patearoa Patriotic Association) was in the chair, and on behalf of the public he presented Mr McSkimming with a purse of sovereigns, to which he added a speech of warm commendation. Mr J. Wilson, on behalf of the Cricket Club, presented Mr McSkimming with a handsome gold medal watch pendant, with appropriate inscription, and Mr F. Bleach, on behalf of the Football Club, presented a sum of money and a tobacco pouch. During the evening Mr Miller, a son of Mr Peter Miller, of Dunedin, was presented with a sum of money in recognition of his action in joining the Fifteenth Reinforcements. Mr Miller has been at Patearoa only a short time, but has won many friends.  -Otago Daily Times, 5/4/1916.

Patearoa.

Our hall was filled on Monday night at the social given in honour of Mr R. H. McSkimming on his departure to join the Fifteenth Reinforcements. Mr McAtamney (President Patearoa Patriotic Association) was in the chair, and he expressed his great pleasure at the presence of so many people from all the district around who had come to show the respect in which they held the young soldier. In asking Mr McSkimming to accept from the public a bulging purse, Mr McAtamney paid a high and well deserved tribute to young "Bob's" character as a man and as an athlete, and expressed his decided opinion that whatever fell to his lot to do in the war would be well done. Mr J. Wilson (captain of C.C.) then presented to our young friend a handsome gold medal watch pendant having the inscription; "Presented to R. H. McSkimming by the Patearoa Cricket Club (with best wishes from his clubmates) on his enlistment for the Great War, April 3rd, 1916." Mr Wilson said that the Cricket Club couldn't possibly let Bob go without some recognition of his services to the club and of his ability as a player. The winner on different occasions of the batting and of the bowling averages, it was not his skill as a cricketer that appealed to him (Mr .Wilson) as captain as the sportsman like manner in which he played the game. Bob was also always ready to help in the fixing of the pitch, the carrying of water, and so on, and, whatever part of the field he was sent to, and whether he was taken off or put on bowling, every order was obeyed with the most cheerful readiness. Mr F. Bleach (capt. of F.C.) followed with a sum of money and a tobacco pouch from the football club, of which Bob was the most efficient local product. Mr Bleach's remarks met with much approval but, owing to his quiet speaking voice and to my badly placed position for hearing, his words were unfortunately inaudible to me. Mr Crerar was the only other speaker, and, as one who had known Bob since the latter was a week old, he corroborated every word uttered by the previous speakers, and added some of his own. As regards Bob's truthfulness and straightforwardness, the speaker instanced an occasion, years ago when our schoolboy cricketers, captained by young Bob, won a well played and rather decisive victory against the Naseby juniors. The young skipper asked him, when the game was over, what he ought to say. The advice was "Oh! just say that you ve beaten them, of course, but, just to give them a little encouragement, you know, Bobby, you might suggest that possibly the position might be reversed next time." The victorious leader took two steps to the front and said: "Well chaps. I'm very glad we've beaten you, and I hope we'll give you a bigger thumping next time." Among other things, the speaker said that Bob was afraid of nothing, at least, nothing in trousers. He had been much astonished to hear that Bob had been more than once observed to turn pale and to tremble at the knees when he saw a girl approaching. The only conclusion he could come to was that in this case the theory of heredity didn't fit the facts. Mr McSkimming, in a few manly words, returned thanks to all for their kindness to him, and his father, on behalf of himself and Mrs McSkimming, spoke most fittingly in thanking the public for the honours heaped upon their boy. Songs and dances, mixed with refreshments, carried the night well on. During the evening, the chairman handed to Private Miller (who is joining the 15th) a sum of money scribed by his friends here. Mr McAtamney said that, although Mr Miller had been only a short time here, he was of the opinion that all soldiers, whether native or comparative strangers, were worthy of equal honour, and, from that point of view, he had much pleasure in wishing Mr Miller every success. Mr McSkimming, sen., as old friend of the young soldier's father (Mr Peter Miller, saddler, Dunedin), also spoke some words of appreciation. Last week, private Ed. Griffiths (of whom I wrote before), of the 12th Reinforcements, was presented, during his final leave, with a substantial purse of sovereigns by Mr McAtamney, on behalf of the large number of Mr Griffiths' friends who attended the social given in his honour. Messrs Crerar and McSkimming also spoke appropriately, and a long list of songs and dances was gone through.  -Mt Ida Chronicle, 7/4/1916.

Photo courtesy of the Imperial War Museum.

The military authorities now report that Robt. Henry. McSkimming (Patearoa) of the Camel Corps was killed in action. He was previously reported missing.  -Mt Ida Chronicle, 14/12/1917.

The Official History of New Zealanders in the Imperial Camel Corps, "With the Cameleers in Palestine," describes the activity on the day that Robert McSkimming died:

On November 25 the Fourth Battalion I.C.C., left its quarters near Richon le Zion at 2.30 a.m., and moved across the Plain of Sharon (but no "dewy roses" were apparent) to a position eight miles north-east of Jaffa, known to us as Bald Hill, or Hill 265, where it relieved the Second Battalion. Some Scottish Cameliers whom we relieved told us it was "a good possie," as there was a village a short distance ahead where eggs, milk and oranges could be bought. One of our patrols did visit the place without noticing anything unusual, but it was found afterwards that an advance party of the Turks must have been concealed there while the patrol was passing through.

At this time the British front line, with its left flank resting on the Mediterranean Sea, swung round in a curve, and then ran south-east across the foothills until it faced east in the higher country, where the 52nd and 75th Divisions were forcing the Turks eastwards towards the Jerusalem-Nablus road. Bald Hill was on an exposed part of the curve facing north-east across low ridges running down to a level plain, two or three miles wide, and extending away to the north. This portion of the front line was held by two Brigades of the Anzac Mounted Division, the 161st Brigade of the Infantry and the Imperial Camel Brigade. There was no continuous line, outposts being placed at suitable positions sometimes not within sight of each other. All troops that could be spared were needed for the more difficult task of forcing the enemy up the gorges and steep ridges leading to the plateau on which Jerusalem was situated. The day after (November 26) we entrenched ourselves at Bald Hill, signs of activity could be seen in the enemy’s country. Down the level plain between us and the foothills, reinforcements, artillery, and transport vehicles could be seen advancing from the north for the greater part of the day. They would have made a splendid target for our artillery, but we evidently had none in support of us. Our own guns of the Hong Kong and Singapore Battery were away in support of our forces in the mountain country, so the Turks advanced unmolested. That night was a bright moonlight one and till well on in the morning we were kept awake by a continual howling of jackals in the gullies round about us. Whether it was the moon or the Turks that caused such an outcry we could not tell by further observation as on the following night there was quite a different kind of a disturbance to keep us awake.

When we took over our sector of the line there were no trenches in the position, so we dug in on selected spots on the neighbouring ridges, but dug trenches only long enough to accommodate the small parties into which we were divided. Next morning (November 27) the Turks began to shell our position. Their guns could be seen across the level flat near the foothills in front of us. At first it was interesting to watch for the flash and then duck down and wait for the arrival of the shell, but a whizz-bang or two soon stopped that practice. The bombardment with shrapnel and high explosives was kept on for several hours, and on our left enemy troops could be seen working their way up towards our line. The attack was so fierce that a company on our left flank was compelled to retire. The Turks entered these trenches and began to enfilade the trench next to it which was occupied by a section of the 16th Company. This section put up a stout resistance, but soon their casualties were so heavy that they were ordered to retire to the next ridge, and to keep the line intact; our other two sections on the extreme right in the afternoon were ordered to fall back also. As we were retiring the Sergeant in charge of our section was wounded and had to be assisted back. He was a general favourite with all ranks, being the leader in all the physical activities of the company. He had a considerable sum of money in his belt, and this was known to the men of his section. One of his comrades, evidently wishing to do something to help his wounded Sergeant, innocently asked if he could carry the latter’s money-belt for him. The Sergeant’s sense of humour and knowledge of his man refused to see any selfish motive in the offer. During the retirement another member of the section heard that his Sergeant had been wounded, and returned to the trench to see if he could give any assistance, but finding the trench empty, evidently climbed out again to rejoin his party, when he was struck by a bullet, and fell just behind the trench. He was not missed until later on in the day, but his body was found in the evening untouched by the Turks.

The soldier mentioned above is the only New Zealander reported in the Official History as having died on that day.  It is reasonable to suppose that the soldier was Robert McSkimming.

FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE

DEATHS

McSKIMMING. — On November 28, 1917, killed while in action in Palestine, Robert Henry (Imperial Camel Corps), eldest son of Robert and Ellen McSkimming, Patearoa; aged 26 years. 

'Twas fitting that the young and brave should die 

To build a nation's name;

That strong young hands should mould her destiny 

In an undying fame.   -Otago Daily Times, 23/1/1918.

IN MEMORIAM.

FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE.

McSKIMMING — In loving memory of Corporal R. H. McSkimming, killed in action "Somewhere in Palestine:" November 28, 1917. 

He died as he lived — Noble and brave His life for Freedom's Cause he gave. 

— Inserted by his loving parents, brothers, and sisters. 

McSKIMMING. — In loving memory of Corporal R. H. McSkimming (16th N.Z. Reinforcements), killed in action near Palestine, November 28, 1917. 

The gamest of soldiers are the first to fall. A pal so true and brave 

The fondest, cheeriest, best of all Has found a hero's grave. 

— Sent as a tribute from Palestine by Vincent Bleach and other comrades.  -Otago Witness, 4/12/1918. 

Ramleh War Cemetery, Israel.

Ranfurly Cemetery.

2/1194 Bombardier William Thomas Ridland, 26/10/1889-5/11/1915.

Biographical Sketches

Bombardier William Thomas Ridland, who died of dysentery on hospital ship Somla, on November 5, was the oldest son of Mrs Ridland and the late William Ridland, schoolmaster, Patearoa. Deceased, who was 26 years of age, was born at Patearoa and educated at the local school. For some time he was employed by the Otago Farmers’ Cooperative Association, Dunedin, and of late years he was engaged in farming pursuits at the Styx, from which place he left with the Fourth Reinforcements, N.Z.F.A. Deceased, who was a keen soldier and a good shot, was at one time a non-commissioned officer in the Engineer Cadets, Dunedin, afterwards being transferred to the Battery, and later a member of the Mounted Territorials, Fifth Regiment.  -Otago Witness, 24/11/1915.

Paerau.

Much sorrow was felt here when the sad news of Bombardier W. T. Ridland's death was reported. He left here last December for training at Trentham and joined the 4th Battery N.Z.F.A., which left N.Z. for Egypt in April; he then joined the 5th Battery. After spending a few months there, he left for the Dardanelles in August, and while there he sent news to his relatives saying that he was quite well. He must have been taken very suddenly ill for before the postcards arrived from him cable messages were sent stating that he had died of dysentery on the hospital ship and was buried at sea on November 5th. Bombardier Ridland was born at Patearoa and spent most of his youth there, also some time in Dunedin, then for three years he settled on land in this district. During that time he made many friends by his kindliness of manner. When war broke out, knowing the need for men, he volunteered his services and gallantly did his duty towards the honour and freedom of our country. He leaves a mother, sister and brother (his father having died when he was a child) to mourn his loss and for whom much sympathy is felt by all.

Farm work is well advanced and the crops are looking very well and forward just now and given a good season there should be a good harvest. Lambing is just about over now and most people expect a fairly good percentage.  -Mount Ida Chronicle, 26/11/1915.

FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE. 

IN MEMORIAM. 

RIDLAND. — In loving memory of Bombardier William Thomas Ridland (5th Battery), who died at sea on November 5, 1915; aged 25 years. 

Too far away his grave to see, But not too far to think of thee

 — Inserted by his loving mother, brother, and sister.   -Otago Daily Times, 4/11/1916.

Ranfurly Cemetery.

Allan Johnston, 1914-27/4/1931.

 PATEAROA NOTES.

(From Our Own Correspondent). 

Obituary: A very promising yotmg life passed from our midst in the early morning of Monday, 27th. ult., in the person of young Allan Johnston, aged 16 years, youngest son of Mr and Mrs Thomas Johnston. Allan was born at Patearoa, as were also his parents. Never of a robust constitution, he was always very bright and active, and was a promising young cricketer, more than once putting up a good score. He was a gifted violist, and for the past two years went regularly once weekly to Ranfurly for music lessons. He frequently assisted in playing for dances and other social functions. His cheery and kind disposition endeared him to all, and he will be greatly missed by a large circle of chums and friends. He was apparently quite well on the Sunday, but about midnight he complained of not feeling well, and asked his father for a glass of water. Shortly afterwards he collapsed in a faint, and was immediately motored to Ranfurly to Dr. Watson, but he did not regain consciousness and expired within a few minutes. Goitre of the heart was the complaint. The sympathy of the whole district has been extended to his sorrowing parents and relatives. 

The funeral left the residence of his parents on Wednesday for Ranforly. Fully 30 ears followed the hearse,'and quite a hundred people were at the graveside. The Bev. Baird officiated at the graveside.  -Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 6/5/1931.

Ranfurly Cemetery.

William Vivian Carson, 1920-4/6/1943.

William Carson had joined the Army in 1940 but had not been formally enlisted when he boarded the Dunedin train at Ranfurly on June 4, 1943.  Only minutes later he died in the wreckage of the train when it left the rails in a cutting to the south of Hyde.  He was 23 years old.

The Hyde train crash was New Zealand's worst rail accident, with 17 dead, only eclipsed by the Waitangi disaster ten years later.  The driver was found guilty of manslaughter, having driven the train too fast down the track and onto the corner.

IN MEMORIAM

CARSON. — In loving memory of William Vivian (Buck), accidentally killed at Hyde, June 4, 1943. 

“Ever remembered. — Inserted by Grandma, Auntie Gladys, and Uncle Alf. 

CARSON — In loving memory of our cousin, William Vivian (Buck), who was accidentally killed in the Hyde disaster. June 4 1943 “To know him was to love him.”

— Inserted by Bert (overseas), Gladys and wee Bert. 

CARSON — In loving memory of William Vivian (Buck), who was killed in the Hyde train accident, June 4, 1943. 

In the bloom of his life, death claimed him:  In the pride of his manhood days. 

None knew him but to love him: None mentioned his name but with praise.

"Ever remembered.” — Inserted by the Lanham family.   -Otago Daily Times, 3/6/1944.

IN MEMORIAM

CARSON. — In loving memory of our dear son, William Vivian (Buck), who died at Hyde, June 4, 1943. "Sadly missed.” 

As we loved, so we miss you, In our memory you are dear; 

Loved, remembered, longed for always As it dawns this first sad year. 

— Inserted by his loving parents. 

CARSON.— In loving memory of William Vivian (Buck), who died at Hyde on June 4, 1943. 

We are thinking of you to-day, dear Buck, 

Picturing In our memory 

Just as we saw you last. 

— Inserted by his brother Andrew and Jean and family.

CARSON. — In loving memory of our dear brother, William Vivian (Buck), who died at Hyde, June 4, 1943. 

We often sit and think of you, And all the things you used to do, 

And wonder why you had to die Without a chance to say good-bye. 

— Inserted by his brother and sister-in-law, Hughie and Jean. 

CARSON. — In loving memory of our dear brother, William Vivian (Buck), who died at Hyde on June 4, 1943. 

A silent thought brings many a tear Of a brother we lost and loved so dear, 

To those who knew him all will know Just what we lost one year ago. 

— Inserted by his loving sisters, Morwyn, Betty, and Elaine. 

CARSON. — In loving memory of our dear nephew, William Vivian (Buck), who died at Hyde, June 4, 1943. 

To memory ever dear. — Inserted by his loving- Aunty Audrey and Uncle Hughie. 

CARSON. — In fond remembrance of our dear friend, Buck, who died at Hyde, June 4, 1943. 

A little thought, so true and tender. Just to show we still remember. 

— Ever remembered by his friends, Dave and Jack (overseas). 

CARSON. — In loving memory of our dear brother and uncle (Buck), killed in Hyde railway accident, June 4, 1943. 

Gone is the face we loved so dear, Silent is the voice we loved to hear. 

In all the world we shall not find A heart more loyal, true, and kind. 

— Inserted by the Petherick family, Goodwood.

CARSON. — In fond memory of William Vivian (Buck), who died at Hyde, June 4, 1943. 

Ever remembered. — Inserted by Mr and Mrs Rumble, Naseby.  -Otago Daily Times, 5/6/1944.

IN MEMORIAM

CARSON. — In loving memory of our dear son and brother, William Vivian (Buck), who was accidentally killed in Hyde railway accident on June 4, 1943. 

We have lost, and-heaven has gained, One of the best the world contained. 

— Inserted by his loving father and sisters, Betty and Elaine. 

CARSON. — In loving memory of my brother, William Vivian (Buck), accidentally killed at Hyde, June 4, 1943. 

Always friendly, unselfish, and kind, Few in this world his equal to find; 

We miss his help and cheery way, And the thoughtful brother right to the end. 

— Inserted by his loving brother, Andrew, wife and family. 

CARSON. — In loving memory of our brother, William Vivian (Buck), who died at Hyde, June 4, 1943. 

Always friendly, unselfish, and kind. Few in this world his equal to find; 

We miss his help and cheery way, And the thoughtful brother right to the end. 

— Inserted by his brother and sister-in-law. Hugh and Jean. 

CARSON. — In loving memory of our dear brother and brother-in-law, William Vivian (Buck), who was killed in the railway accident at Hyde, June 4, 1943. 

No one knows how much we miss him; Friends may think the wound is healed. 

But they little know the sorrow Deep within our hearts concealed. 

Ever remembered. — Inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-law, Morwyn and Morton. 

CARSON.—In loving memory of our dear brother and uncle .(Buck), accidentally killed in Hyde disaster, June 4, 1943. 

Time brings much that is altered, And life brings much that is new; 

But one thing that time never alters Is remembrance, dear Buck, of you. 

— Inserted by Gwen, Bert, and family, Goodwocd. 

CARSON. — In loving memory of our dear nephew, William Vivian (Buck), accidentally killed at Hyde, June 4, 1943. 

"To memory ever dear.” — inserted by his loving Aunt Audrey and Uncle Hughie. 

CARSON. — In loving memory of our dear friend, William Vivian (Buck), who was killed in the railway accident at Hyde, June 4, 1943. 

Good was his heart, his friendship sound: Loved and respected by all around.

— Inserted by his friends, Dave and Jack (overseas). 

CARSON. — In fond and loving memory of William Vivian (Buck), who was accidentally killed at Hyde, June 4, 1943. 

“Ever remembered.” — Inserted by the Lanham family.   -Otago Daily Times, 4/6/1945.

CARSON. — In loving memory of our dear brother, Buck, who died June 4, 1943. 

“Treasured memories.” — Inserted by Andy, Jean, and family.

CARSON. — In loving memory of our dear brother and uncle, William Vivian (Buck) who died at Hyde, June 4, 1943. 

“So dearly loved, so sadly missed.” — Inserted by Gwen, Bert and family, Goodwood.

CARSON. — In loving memory of our dear brother, William Vivian (Buck), who died June 4, 1943. 

“Ever remembered." — Inserted by Hugh, Jean, and family. 

CARSON. — In loving memory of our dear brother, William Vivian (Buck), who died at Hyde, June 4, 1943. 

“Too dearly loved ever to be forgotten.” — Inserted by Morwyn and Morton, Goodwood. 

CARSON. — In loving memory of our nephew, William Vivian (Buck) who died June 4, 1943. 

“To memory ever dear.” — Inserted by his loving Uncle Hui and Auntie Audrey.   -Otago Daily Times, 4/6/1946.

Ranfurly Cemetery.