James Stirling Aitken, (1852-17/4/1878). "a young life full of promise"

 DEATH.

Aitken. — On April 17, suddenly, James Stirling Aitken, of Rockwood, Mount Eden, nephew of Mr. William Aitken. of this city, aged 20 years. The funeral will take place this afternoon, at 3 o'clock.   -NZ Herald 18/4/1878.

SUDDEN DEATH IN FORT-STREET.

Yesterday forenoon Mr. James Stirling Aitken, aged 26 years, nephew of Mr. William Aitken, fell down in Fort-street, and expired in a few minutes afterward. Mr. Aitken was on his way to Messrs. Jackson and Russell's office with some documents, when he fell in front of Messrs. Cochrane and Son's auction mart. Mr. Coglan, storeman to Messrs. Cochrane, observed his fall, and, accompanied by Mr. Keesing, Mr. Sandford, and others, went to his assistance. Mr. Aitken was then breathing heavily, but this indication of life soon ceased. Dr. Lee and Dr. Hooper speedily arrived, but the case was one beyond the power of medical aid, for life was extinct. The body was soon afterward removed to the house of Mr. William Aitken, at Mount Eden, where deceased had resided. The cause of death was apoplexy, but the existence of any tendency to such a complaint was quite unsuspected; and Dr. Philson, who has been the family physician for years, had no idea that there was any risk of an attack of the kind. The occurrence caused a painful feeling throughout the town yesterday, deceased having been well known and highly esteemed. Mr. Aitken had been studying law for five years with Messrs. Hesketh and Richmond. He had completed his articles, had passed his preliminary examinations with great credit, and was about to undergo his final examination for admission as a barrister. Mr. Aitken was a most exemplary young man, an earnest student, and one who displayed marked ability in the profession he had chosen — a young life full of promise, suddenly taken away, to the deep regret of a large number of friends. Dr. Lee having certified to the cause of death, no inquest will be necessary, it may be added that the deceased had taken the preliminary steps to insure his life in the Mutual Providence Association, and he was to have been examined by the medical officer, Dr. Goldsbro, as soon as an opportunity occurred. The father of deceased died some years ago; his mother is still alive. The funeral will take place this day (Thursday), at 3 o'clock, from the house at Mount Eden.  -NZ Herald, 18/4/1878.

The funeral of the late James Stirling Aitken, whose sudden and untimely death occurred on Wednesday, took place yesterday, from his uncle's house at Rockwood, Mount Eden. Here were gathered more than forty carriages containing persons who sympathised with the bereaved family. Before the removal of the remains, the Rev. Mr. Carrick, of St. Andrew's, delivered an appropriate and affecting prayer, and at the grave, to which the body was followed by numbers on foot and horseback, as well as in vehicles, the Rev. Mr. Bruce read the funeral service with feeling and impressiveness. The memory of the late young man, — his kindness, his intellectual ability, and his blameless life, will be long cherished by those who knew and loved him, and these were not a few.  -NZ Herald, 19/4/1878.

Symonds Street Cemetery, Auckland.

Margaret Renton Hill, (1831-12/1/1876). "held in universal respect"

DEATHS

HILL. — On January 12th, at the residence of Thomas Macky, Esq., Hepburn-street, Auckland, Margaret Renton, wife of the Rev. James Hill, of Thames.  -NZ Herald, 15/1/1876.

OBITUARY. 

We regret to have to announce the death of the wife of the Rev. James Hill, Presbyterian Minister at the Thames, which took place at the house of Mr. T. Macky on 12th January. Mr. and Mrs. Hill came to Auckland in the Christmas week, in order to enjoy a holiday amongst their friends here, but she was taken ill, and continued sinking till above date. Her complaint, we believe, was heart disease. The deceased was in the prime of life, and leaves a number of young children. Great sympathy will be felt with Mr. Hill for the loss he has just sustained. Intelligence of Mrs. Hill's death caused a profound impression in Grahamstown, Mrs. Hill being well known and as highly esteemed as her husband, not only among the Presbyterians, but by all classes in the community.  -NZ Herald,15/1/1876.

About 30 members of the Presbyterian congregation of the Thames and brethren of the Masonic Lodge Sir Walter Scott proceeded to Auckland by the 'Hauraki' yesterday morning to attend the funeral of Mrs Hill, wife of the Rev James Hill. The deceased lady was held in universal respect, and many others would have put themselves to considerable inconvenience to pay the last tribute of respect to her remains and testify their sympathy for the Rev James Hill and his bereaved family, only that their business pursuits prevented them from doing so. Too much credit cannot be accorded to the proprietors and agents of the steamer 'Hauraki' for their ready acquiescence in the wish expressed for the alteration of the time table to suit the convenience of those who wished to attend the funeral as well as in making a reduction in the customary fares for the occasion.  -Thames Advertiser, 15/1/1876.

We noticed in the grounds of the neatly-kept Presbyterian part of the cemetery a chaste and seemly monument over the grave of the wife of the Rev James Hill, formerly of Auckland and the Thames, but now minister of St. James', Christchurch. The monument is formed of durable Aberdeen grey granite and Tasmanian coping stone. There is nothing gaudy in the talent memorial, but all is in keeping with the character which the deceased lady bore in her conduct of life. The monument is ten feet in height, surmounted by the chiselled form of the urn of mourning, and underneath, carved in the pediment of the cap, is the emblematic thistle of "Scotia, stern and wild," the land of Mrs Hill's birth. The monument was executed by Mr Wm. Thomas, mason, of Lorne and Victoria streets, and is creditable to his skill and taste. The inscription runs thus: "sacred to the memory of Margaret Renton, the beloved wife of the Rev James Hill, who died 12th January, 1876, aged 45 years. Erected by the Thames Presbyterian congregation."   -Auckland Star, 28/10/1878.

Symonds Street Cemetery, Auckland.

Dr Richard Day, MD, (1805-23/10/1879). "a high reputation for skill"

The funeral of the late Dr. Richard Day took place on the 26th October, and was attended by a considerable number of the deceased gentleman's friends and acquaintances. The Rev. T. Buddie, assisted by the Rev. J. Wallis, conducted the service, the first part of which took place in the Wesleyan Church, Pitt-street, where a number of friends had assembled to participate in the last obsequies. As the coffin was borne out of the church the grand organ pealed forth the solemn strains of the "Dead March in Saul." The funeral cortege then wended its way to the last resting-place of the dead, where the remaining portion of the service was gone through. The pall-bearers were Drs. Philson, Hooper, Kennedy, Dawson, and Mr. Graves Aickin. The chief mourners were the Rev. John Hobbs, Messrs. R. and E. Hobbs, G. Jakins, E. Wilcox, J. Bloomefield, and Thomas Buddie. Amongst those present we noticed the Rev. R. Burrows, Rev. Alexander Macdonald, Captain Wing, and a number of old settlers who had known the deceased for a long period. 

We regret to record in our obituary column the decease of an old and well-known colonist, Dr. Day. The deceased gentleman was one of the early settlors in the Hokianga district in 1840. From thence he removed to Auckland on the outbreak of the Heke war. For many years he filled the appointment, under the Provincial and General Governments, of public vaccinator, and bore a high reputation for skill and scientific attainments in the practice of his profession. Of late years the growing infirmities of age caused him to retire from practice and from taking an active part in the management of the public institutions of the city with which his name had been so long identified. He passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, having more than fulfilled the allotted span of three score and ten, at the residence of his friend, the Rev. John Hobbs, of whose family he had been an esteemed member for nearly half a century.  -NZ Herald, 10/11/1879.

Symonds Street Cemetery, Auckland.

Robert Allen (1848-8/7/1878). "died suddenly"

DEATH.

ALLEN. — On the 8th July, Robert Allen, aged 30 years, died suddenly on board s.s. Rotorua. The funeral will leave the Wharf at 10 a.m. on Wednesday.  -Auckland Star, 9/7/1878.

One of the saloon passengers for Dunedin by the Rotorua, named Robert Allen, died from inflammation of the bowels, while the steamer was coaling at Russell yesterday. He was formerly a commercial traveller in the employ of Messrs. Sargood, Son, and Ewen, Dunedin, and Jacob, Joseph, & Co., Wellington.  -Auckland Star, 9/7/1878.Mr. Robert Allen, who expired on Monday, on board the s.s. Rotorua while she was at the Bay of Islands, was interred on Wednesday afternoon at the Church of England Cemetery. Several commercial gentlemen who were casually acquainted with Mr. Allen, followed his remains to their last resting-place. Mr. Brown, of Messrs. A. Clark and Sons, and Mr. Finlayson, of Messrs. Sargood and Co., with others, generously stepped forward, and saw that the funeral obsequies were befitting to the station in life poor Allen had formerly occupied.  -NZ Herald, 12/7/1878.

The friends of the late Mr. Robert Allen, who it will be remembered died at the Bay of Islands on board of the steamer Rotorua daring her last passage from Sydney, are subscribing amongst themselves to erect a tombstone for the deceased. Mr. Allen was formerly a traveller in the employment of Mr. Jacob Joseph of this city. It is principally commercial travellers who are interesting themselves in obtaining subscriptions. Mr. James Wheeler, proprietor of the Princess Hotel, Tory-street, will receive donations.  -NZ Times, 27/7/1878.

Symonds Street Cemetery, Auckland.

John Hancock, (1842-13/12/1885). "years of patient suffering"

DEATHS.

Hancock. — On 13th inst., at his residence, Manukau Road, Epsom, after years of patient suffering, John Hancock, aged 43, deeply regretted. 

The funeral will leave above address for the Church of England Cemetery, Symonds-street this day (Monday), at three o'clock. Friends will kindly accept this intimation.   -NZ Herald, 14/12/1885.

It will be seen from our obituary column that an old Auckland resident has passed away in the person of Mr. John Hancock, formerly of the United Service Hotel, Auckland, which he built, and of which he remained the proprietor. He had retired from business for many years, being a great sufferer from gout, for which he had tried every possible remedy, including visits to the Hot Lakes and to the baths in the old country. About three weeks ago he slipped on a stone in his garden, and never recovered from the effects of the fall.  -NZ Herald, 14/12/1885.

The mortal remains of Mr John Hancock, owner and first licensee of the United Service Hotel, were interred yesterday in the Church of England Cemetery, the Ven. Archdeacon Dudley being the officiating clergyman. There was a large cortege of mourners, of whom the chief were Mr Percy, Mr Lee, and Master Hadley. The deceased was an old resident, and was very highly respected. He is survived by his wife.  -Auckland Star, 15/12/1885.

Captain George Johnathan Dormer, (7/2/1839-22/4/1914). "an eventful and distinguished career"

THE LAST POST.

DEATH OF A VETERAN,

CAPTAIN GEORGE DORMER.

A figure well known in local military circles. Captain George Jonathan Dormer, died at his residence in Wynyard Road, Mount Eden, on Wednesday night, at the age of 76 years. Born in London, the late captain had an eventful and distinguished career in the Empire's service. 

As a boy of 12 years of age he joined the Royal Navy, served on H.M.S. Rattler, and afterwards was transferred into the Hastings, a Queen's ship. It was while on H.M.S. Hastings that the deceased went through the Burmese War of 1852-53, for which he received the medal and clasp for Pegu. When the Crimean War was declared, Captain Dormer was serving on H.M.S. Sidon, and during a night attack on the forts of Sevastopol, June 17, 1855, he was wounded. Subsequently, he was invalided home, and discharged with a temporary pension. He received the medal and clasp for Sebastopol, and the Turkish medal. 

In April, 1858, he left the navy and joined the 2nd Battalion of the 10th Regiment, and was afterwards transferred to the 2nd Battalion 14th Prince of Wales' Own Regiment. As a rifle shot, Captain Dormer distinguished himself early, and it was while he served in the army he passed the qualifying examination for sergeant-instructor at the Hythe School of Musketry. Seeing service in the New Zealand War, Captain Dormer afterwards went to Australia, where he served until 1870, when he returned Home. In 1875, he was promoted to quartermaster-sergeant, and served in various parts of Great Britain. He obtained his discharge in 1878, and received the long service and good conduct medal, and a gratuity. Later on, the deceased was quartermaster-sergeant in the Dorset Militia, and servant-instructor of musketry in the 1st Dorset Rifle Volunteers.

Obtaining his discharge in 1883, Quarter-master-Sergeant Dormer, and Mrs. Dormer, whom he married in New Zealand in 1863, returned to New Zealand, and in 1884 he joined the Auckland City Guards. Elected lieutenant in the following year, he finally became a captain when the 1st Battalion of Auckland Infantry was organised. 

Captain Dormer always took a keen and active interest in rifle shooting, and he shot with distinction at the Dominion Rifle Association meetings at Trentham up till within the last two years. He was a participator in the Auckland district meeting last January, and as the oldest member of the association, he presented the prizes. Though the veteran of the Trentham range, Captain Dormer had a firm and steady hand and a true aim, and he put many a young shooting enthusiast to shame by his performances. 

Captain Dormer leaves a family of five daughters and three sons, and there are 12 grandchildren. The deceased is to be accorded a military funeral to-morrow afternoon.  -NZ Herald, 24/4/1914.

SIXTY YEARS A SOLDIER

FUNERAL OF CAPTAIN DORMER.

A military funeral was accorded the late Captain George Jonathan Dormer on Saturday afternoon. Captain Dormer, who died at his residence in Wynyard Road, Mount Eden, on Wednesday night, at the age of 76 years, had a distinguished career in the Empire's service, having served both in the naval and land forces since the age of 12 years.

Practically every unit of the Auckland district was represented, while, in addition, there were many mourners to be seen on the route to the Symonds Street cemetery. Colonel C. T. Major, D.S.O., was in command, while other officers present were: Colonel Stevenson, representing the Coast Defence Detachment; Colonel Cumming, representing the West Yorkshire Regiment, to which the deceased once belonged; Major Sherson, Auckland Field Artillery Brigade, A Battery; Captain Hawkins, representing Colonel Logan, Officer in Command of the Auckland District; Chaplain LieutenantColonel Gillam, several officers of the 3rd (Auckland) Regiment, and four surviving members of the old Auckland City Guard, of which Captain Dormer was a member. The 88th (Mount Eden) Company of Senior Cadets paraded under Lieutenant Morgan as a firing party, while there was also a large muster of the members of the Akarana Rifle Club, under President W. S. Moore. 

Captains Dawson, Shera, Shepherd, McGuelph, Derrom, and Gibb acted as pallbearers, while the Rev. A. Richards conducted the, funeral service. Innumerable wreaths were received.  -NZ Herald, 27/4/1914.

Symonds Street Cemetery, Auckland.

William Walters, (1835-29/5/1861). "all his ribs were broken"

Coroners’ Inquest. — On Tuesday the 30th inst., an inquest was held on board of H.M.S. “Pelorus,” on view of the body of William Walters, one of the crew, who on the proceeding day was so unfortunate as to fall from the foretop to the deck, a height of about 100 feet, and was killed on the spot. Deceased had been sent aloft to adjust some part of the rigging which was foul, and inadvertently rested his weight on what seamen call “Jacob’s ladder,” the top of which was not made fast. His fall was broken by his striking against various ropes in his descent, but on examination by Dr. Bowden, the surgeon of the ship who saw him immediately, it was found that nearly all his ribs were broken, and the lungs, liver, and spleen lacerated. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death. Deceased was 26 years of age and an able seaman. He was perfectly sober at the time of the accident.  -New Zealander, 1/6/1861.

Symonds Street Cemetery, Auckland