Thomas Bain, (1816-30/12/1853). "sterling integrity"

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the charges of the Gravedigger for opening and filling in having proved insufficient to compensate for the time and labour required of him, the former regulations on this head are rescinded, and the following authorized in their stead, viz.: — 

For a grave 5 feet deep, 8s. 6 feet deep 10s. If required deeper than 6 feet, to be arranged for according to the soil, which generally passes from clay into a kind of rock. 

By order, THOMAS BAIN, Session Clerk. Dunedin, 28th June, 1852  -Otago Witness, 6/3/1852.

THE ROAD TO HEALTH! 

HOLLOWAY'S PILLS. 

CURE OF A DISORDERED LIVER AND BAD DIGESTION. 

Copy of a Letter from Mr. R. W. Kirkus, Chemist, 7, Prescot Street, Liverpool, dated 6th June, 1851. To 

Professor Holloway, Sir, — Your Pills and Ointment have stood the highest on our sale list of Proprietary Medicines for some years. A customer, to whom I can refer for any enquiries, desires me to let you know the particulars of her case. She had been troubled for years with a disordered liver, and bad digestion. On the last occasion, however, the virulence of the attack was so alarming, and the inflammation set in so severely, that doubts were entertained of her not j being able to bear up under it; fortunately she was in induced to try your Pills, and she informs me that after the first, and each succeeding dose, she had great relief. She continued to take them, and although she used only three Boxes, she is now in the enjoyment of perfect health. I could have sent you many more cases, but the above, from the severity of the attack, and the speedy cure, I think, speaks much in favour of your astonishing Pills. 

(Signed) R. W. KIRKUS. 

AN EXTRAORDINARY CURE OF RHEUMATIC FEVER IN VAN DIEMEN'S LAND.

Copy of a Letter inserted in the Hobart Town Courier of the 1st March, 1851, by Major J. Walch. 

Margaret McConnigan, nineteen years of age, residing at New Town, had been suffering from a violent rheumatic fever for upwards of two months, which had entirely deprived her of the use of her limbs; during this period she was under the care of the most eminent medical men in Hobart Town, and by them her case was considered hopeless. A friend prevailed upon her to try Holloway's celebrated Pills, which she consented to do, and in an incredible short space of time they effected a perfect cure. , 

CURE OF A PAIN AND TIGHTNESS IN THE CHEST AND STOMACH OF A PERSON 84 YEARS OF AGE. 

From Messrs. Thewson, Proprietors of the Lynn Advertiser, who can vouch for the following statement. — August 2nd, 1851.

To Professor Holloway, Sir, — I desire to bear testimony to the good effects of Holloway's Pills. For some years I suffered severely from a pain and tightness in the stomach, which was also accompanied by a shortness of breath, that prevented me from walking about. I am 84 years of age, and notwithstanding my advanced state of life, these Pills have so relieved me, that I am desirous that others should be made acquainted with their virtues. I am now rendered, by their means, comparatively active, and can take exercise without inconvenience or pain, which I could not do before. 

(Signed) H. COE, North St., Lynn, Norfolk. 

AN EXTRAORDINARY CURE OF THE GRAVEL, AND A MOST DANGEROUS LIVER COMPLAINT. 

Copy of a Letter addressed to J. K. Heydon, Esq., Sydney, New South Wales, dated Feb. 25th, 1851. 

Sir, — A Mr. Thomas Clark, a Settler at Lake George, was for a considerable time seriously afflicted with a complaint of the Liver, together with the Gravel. His medical attendants, after trying all their skill, candidly told him that his case was hopeless, and any further efforts useless. In this situation, and when expecting every day would terminate his existence, a friend recommended him to try Holloway's Pills, and as a forlorn hope he did so; the first dose gave him considerable relief, he therefore persevered in taking them according to the directions, and is now restored to perfect health. He will feel great pleasure in confirming this statement, or even make an affidavit to the same effect, should it be required. 

(Signed) Wm. JONES, Proprietor of the Goulburn Herald, New South Wales. 

WONDERFUL EFFICACY OF HOLLOWAY'S PILLS IN CASES OF DROPSY. 

Persons suffering from Dropsy, either about the turn of life, or at other times, should immediately have recourse to these Pills, as hundreds of persons are annually cured, by their use, of this direful complaint in its different stages, when all other means had failed. These celebrated Pills are wonderfully efficacious in the following complaints. 

Ague, Female Irregularities, Scrofula, or King's  Evil, Asthma, Bilious Complaints, Fevers of all kinds, Sore Throats, Blotches on the Skin, Fits, Stone, Gravel, Gout, Secondary Symptoms, Bowel Complaints, Head-ache, Colics, Indigestion, Tic Douloureux, Constipation of the Bowels, Inflammation, Tumours, Jaundice, Ulcers, Consumption, Liver Complaints, Venereal affections, Debility, Lumbago, Worms of all kinds, Dropsy, Piles, Weakness from whatever cause, Dysentry, Rheumatism, Erysipelas, Retention of Urine, &c, &c. 

Sold at the Establishment of Professor Holloway, 244, Strand (near Temple Bar), London, and by all respectable Druggists, and Dealers in Medicines, throughout the Civilised World, at the following prices: — ls. l 1/2d., 2s. 9d., 4s. 6d., 11s., 22s., and 33s. each Box, with 25 per cent, additional to cover charges. There is a considerable saving by taking the larger sizes. 

N.B. — Directions for the guidance of Patients' are affixed to each Box. 

Agent for Otago — THOMAS BAIN, Princes St. Sub-Agents Wanted for the Country,  -Otago Witness, 4/12/1852.

Holloways Pills made Mr Thomas Holloway one of the richest men in Britain in his day.  They were used by Queen Victoria, which would have been good for sales.  After his death, they were analysed - they contained aloes, rhubarb, saffron, sodium sulphate decahydrate and pepper.  They probably had a mild laxative effect.

DUNEDIN PROPERTY INVESTMENT COMPANY. 

A PUBLIC MEETING will he held in the School-Room, Dunedin, on Tuesday, the 10th instant, at half-past 6 o'clock P.M., for the purpose of commencing the above Society, submitting the Rules, Enrolling of Shareholders, and the Election of Office-Bearers. 

By order of the Interim Committee, THOMAS BAIN.   -Otago Witness, 5/3/1853.

EX "ROYAL ALBERT." 

READY-MADE Cotton Shirts, with linen fronts; extra superfine do.; Fancy Coloured Shirts; Strong Striped do.; Silk and Cotton Pocket Handkerchiefs; Black Satin Neckerchiefs; Cotton and other Braces; Boys' Cloth Glengarry Bonnets; Glazed and Blue Cloth Caps; Black Alpaca; Black Velvet; Superfine Merino; Table Covers; Damask Table Covers; Table Napkins. &c, &c, &c. 

HOSIERY. 

Gentlemen's Shetland Socks. 

Gentlemen's Lambswool Drawers. 

Gentlemen's Lambswool Undershirts. Gentlemen's Lambswool Stockings and Socks. 

Gentlemen's Cotton Drawers & Undershirts. 

Gentlemen's Cotton Socks and Stockings. 

Ladies' Cotton Stockings, all colours. 

At THOMAS BAIN'S, Clothier.   -Otago Witness, 19/3/1853.

MEETING OF OFFICE-BEARERS OF the Church of Otago on Friday the 16th instant. 

The Kirk-Session and Deacons' Court having invited to a Conference all those in the Otago colony who had been Office-bearers in the Church at home, the meeting is to be held in Captain Cargill's house (as requested by him), to breakfast, at 1/2 past 9 a.m. 

Any of the foregoing persons who, from absence or otherwise, may have been omitted, will please to accept this notice. 

The general objects of the meeting will be found of deep interest and importance, but more especially to residents in the rural districts, for whom it is intended that a second Minister is to be specially and immediately called out and provided for. A full attendance is expected. 

THOMAS BAIN, Session-Clerk.  -Otago Witness, 2/7/1853.

JUST RECEIVED per the "MAORI" 

1 Case containing Superfine West of England Black Cloths — Ditto Blue Cloth — West of England Waterproof Beaver — Pilot Cloth — Black Doeskin — Drab Corded Doeskin — Drab Cassimere — Tweeds in variety — Corduroy and Moleskin. Also an excellent assortment of Vestings. 

1 Case containing Hosiery, comprising Children's Socks, all kinds — Women's Lambs-wool White and Coloured Hose — &c. &c. 

2 Cases containing Women and Children's Polkas — Welsh and Saxony Flannels — Cravats in variety— Guernsey Shirts — &c. &c. 

1 Case containing a Superior Assortment of Ladies' Tuscan, Dunstable, and Fancy Hats — a Choice Selection of Bonnet and Cap Ribbons — Men's and Boys' Straw Hats in variety — &c. 

Also a great variety of Children's Toys. 

THOMAS BAIN, Princes Street.  -Otago Witness, 10/9/1853.

DEATH

We have to lament the death of Mr. Thomas Bain, who departed this life on the 30th ult. He was one of the early settlers of Otago, an elder of the Church, and in that capacity was a most energetic and useful member of the Deacons' Court. To his untiring zeal we are indebted for many useful institutions. To him we owe the establishment of The Property Investment Company, and until his declining health compelled him to relinquish his many honorary and gratuitous public services, he was ever foremost in all movements for the welfare of the community. The last tribute of respect was paid to his memory on the 3rd inst., when upwards of 100 of his fellow-colonists attended the melancholy ceremony of his interment in the public cemetery.  -Otago Witness, 23/1/1854.

OTAGO PROPERTY INVESTMENT COMPANY.  (excerpt)

Having left the Chair, he (the Chairman) made a few remarks upon the character of the late Treasurer, and the loss which his demise had occasioned to the Society, and begged to propose the following resolution: — "That this Society desires to record its deep sense of obligation to the late Mr. Thomas Bain, as the founder and indefatigable labourer in furtherance of this institution — its sympathy with his bereft widow and family, and its sense of the great loss sustained by the community in having been deprived of one whose honesty of purpose, sterling integrity, and persevering activity, had constituted him one of the most useful and valuable members of the community. 

"That the Chairman be requested to communicate this resolution to Mrs. Bain." 

The resolution was seconded by Mr. W. Young, and carried unanimously  -Otago Witness, 11/2/1854.

MARRIED.

At Princes Street, Dunedin, on the 10th inst., by the Rev. Thomas Burns, Mr. James Paterson, Merchant, to Christina S. Stewart, relict of the late Mr. Thomas Bain, Clothier.  -Otago Witness, 14/6/1956,

Edward John (Immyns) Abbott, (1823-4/10/1849). "of musical and artistic accomplishments"

I have often been asked where was Dunedin's oldest cemetery.  I know what people want to hear as an answer, but what they are told is that I don't know.  The oldest cemetery in the Dunedin area will be a long-forgotten (or possibly not) one made by the people of Waitaha, Kati Mamoe or Kai Tahu.  Apart from the Kai Tahu urupa at Otakou, I know of none.

Dunedin's oldest European cemetery is on the corner of Rattray and Arthur streets.  I have read that many of the grave markers were of wood and the cemetery was neglected during the boom of Otago's gold rush. When it was decided to clean it up, many of the markers were no longer present or readable and the names on the memorial on the site are those of people who are known to be buried there - it is likely there are more.  The current memorial, containing the names of those known to lie there, was raised in 1880.

From an alphabetical list, I intend to tell the stories I can find of those remembered on the memorial.

Arthur St cemetery, 1879. Burton Brothers photo, held by the Hocken Library.

Edward Abbott was a surveyor, sent to the Dunedin site with Charles Kettle in 1846, in advance of the first Scottish settlers.  A valuable skill for a surveyor was the ability to sketch a scene.  He painted, shortly before his death, the scene below, titled "Dunedin from Little Paisley," viewed roughly from where South and Eglinton Roads meet today.  Abbots Creek and nearby Abbotsford are named after him.

There exists some confusion around Edward Abbott.  The painting of Little Paisley is attributed to "Edward Immyns Abbot."  I cannot think that there would be two men named Edward Abbott in the Dunedin area at the time.

Married — August 18, at the Court House, Dunedin, Otago, by the Rev. C. Creed, Captain Gay, of the whaling ship Offtey, from Hobart Town, to Miss Sinclair, of Pigeon Bay, Banks' Peninsula. Died — At Otago, on the 4th instant, Edward I Abbott, Esq., (late of Wellington,) deeply regretted.  -Wellington Independent, 24/10/1849.

MR CHARLES HENRY KETTLE

CONTROLLER OF THE FIRST OTAGO SURVEY. 

CENTENARY OF HIS BIRTH.   (excerpt)

the fourth contract, the Taieri Plain, was entrusted to Mews Scroggs and Abbott. Svdney M. Scrogg was the son of an English colonel, and Edwards Immyns Abbott was a young man of musical and artistic accomplishments, his name now preserved in Abbotsford.  -Evening Star, 4/6/1920.

Dunedin from Little Paisley. Hocken Library image.

16041 Sergeant-Major Alexander Ledingham, (1/5/1876-9/1/1917). ""

Sergeant-Major Alexander Ledingham, who was reported killed in action in the casualty list published yesterday morning, was the fifth son of Mr George Ledingham, of Awamoa, one of the district's pioneer settlers. Sergeant-Major Ledingham was born at Maheno, and was about forty years of age. He was educated at the Maheno and Kakanui schools. He engaged in dredgebuilding and building contract-work for some years, and then moved to Hastings, where he spent six years, transferring from there to Wellington, at which place he enlisted in the Fifteenth Reinforcements. He saw service with the New Zealand forces in Sinai, being killed in action there, on the 9th January. Sergeant-Major Ledingham was intensely interested in military matters. He saw two years' service in the South African war, enlisting with the Fifth Contingent, and stayed in South Africa, joining the Sevenths as quartermaster. In connection with the present war Sergeant-Major Ledingham did good service, in the training camps, being engaged for several months instructing recruits. Messrs George Ledingham, mill-owner, Georgetown, Robert Ledingham, contractor, Georgetown, and Patrick Ledingham, South Oamaru, are brothers of the late Sergeant-Major. Sergeant-Major Ledingham's wife resides in Wellington.  -North Otago Times, 25/1/1917.

Alexander Ledingham was killed in the Battle of Rafa, the last Great War battle in Egypt, and the beginning of the taking of Palestine from the Turkish Empire.

NOTICES. 

MRS. A. Ledingham wishes to express her sincere thanks to her many friends for condolences in the sad loss of her husband, Sergt.-Major Alex. Ledingham, killed in action (late of Hastings).  -Hawkes Bay Tribune, 3/2/1917.

Oamaru Cemetery.

2/649 Driver Ernest Cecil Farr, (6/4/1893-16/2/1921). "an interesting collection"

Driver Cecil Ernest Farr left with the Main and owing to the landing of horses on Gallipoli being impracticable he spent six weeks within sight of Gallipoli. Like Private Guthrie he was confined in Pont de Koubbeh Hospital, suffering firstly from enteritis and then paratyphoid. He could not speak too well of his treatment in the hospital by the sisters. Driver Fair has brought home an interesting collection of curios as mementoes of his experiences,  -Otago Daily Times, 16/3/1916.

Stomach problems of varying severity — diarrhea to deadly typhoid — were common during the Gallipoli campaign but it seems unlucky that Ernest Farr, who remained aboard ship with daily access to fresh water should have contracted it.  The reason for his staying aboard was that he was a driver for the artillery and the terrain of Gallipoli was too rough and vertical for horses to be any use.

He was admitted to hospital in Egypt in November, 1915, and invalided home three months later.  He died of "apoplexy" which doesn't seem to be related to his illness.  For many years, apoplexy was used to describe any sudden death which began with unconsciousness.

DEATH.

FARR. — On February 16, at his residence, 11 Farley street, Kaikorai, Cecil Ernest (late 2/649 N.Z.F.A.), the beloved husband of Dorothy Farr, and eldest son of Ernest and Isabella Farr, Oamaru; aged 28 years. Deeply mourned. Interment at Oamaru. — Hope and Kinaston, undertakers.  -Otago Daily Times, 17/2/1921.

Oamaru Cemetery

22/108 Staff Nurse Isabell Clark, (28/4/1885-23/10/1915). "in splendid health"

 

WOMAN'S WORLD

by Imogen.

Nurse Clark, till recently on the nursing staff of the Wellington Hospital, is instructing the orderlies who will be attached to the New Zealand Base Hospital in the duties attendant on their work at the front.  -Dominion, 5/5/1915.

The transport SS Marquette was torpedoed in the Aegean Sea by the German submarine U-35.  Although viewed in New Zealand as a war crime at the time, the ship was a legitimate target, carrying soldiers and not flagged as a hospital ship.  The person actually responsible for the deaths of New Zealand medical staff, the British officer who put them on the Marquette instead of the hospital ship sailing the same route at the same time, was never named.

The Marquette sank fast, and in the confusion many people were drowned through mistakes made in lowering lifeboats - one was dropped onto another which was full and in the water.

The loss of those in the Marquette would have come hard on the heels of the many friends and family members lost at Gallipoli.

Nurse Isabel Clark (missing, probably drowned) left New Zealand with the Maheno contingent of doctors and nurses, and on arrival at Port Said immediately entered one of the hospitals there. She received her training at the Oamaru Hospital, which institution she left three years ago in order to enter a private hospital at Dunedin. Subsequently Nurse Clark joined the staff of an Auckland private hospital, from which she resigned in order to volunteer for service abroad.  -Otago Daily Times, 4/11/1915.

Nurse Isabel Clark (drowned in the Marquette disaster) was the youngest daughter of the late Mr and Mrs Hugh Clark, Ardgowan. She was born in Oamaru, and spent most of her life in and around there. She was four years a pupil of the Waitaki Girls’ High School, and almost immediately on leaving entered the Waimate Hospital as probationer. After two years in Waimate her health gave way, and necessitated her resting for a year, after which she joined the staff of the Oamaru Hospital, where she remained three years, and left on passing her final examination. In this examination she headed the list for Otago. Nurse Clark later joined the staff of the Stafford Hospital Dunedin, where she remained another year, and gained much valuable experience in surgical nursing. From Dunedin she went to Auckland, and took up private nursing. From Auckland she volunteered for active service, and not being accepted with the first contingent of nurses, she had made arrangements to proceed to England at her own expense and offer her services to the Imperial Government when she received the call to join the Maheno and had been at Port Said Stationary Hospital until the disaster. Late letters received by friends from Nurse Clark state that she was in splendid health and looking forward with enthusiasm to the move nearer the front, for which they were waiting at the time of writing. Nurse Clark mentioned that the cause of the delay in embarking for the new field (they were waiting with trunks packed for several days) was rumoured to be submarines lurking about. Nurse Clark’s sisters and brothers, Misses M. and C. Clark, and Mr A. D. and J. Clark, reside at Ardgowan, while a married sister, Mrs R. Buchanan (formerly Nurse Elsie Clark), resides at Tahatika.  -Otago Witness, 22/11/1915.

The Chairman (Mr W. H. Rose), speaking at the meeting of the Hospital Trustees on Tuesday night, said that so many nurses had been trained in the Oamaru Hospital that it would show a kindly spirit if the Trustees kept in touch with them from time to time. The last he had heard of Nurse Samson was that she was in a hospital in Cairo. Nurse Miller was in Serbia. Of the two nurses who were in the Marquette tragedy, Nurse Walker was well again and had been heard from at Lemnos, while Nurse Clark had shared the tragic fate of the ten nurses out of thirty-six aboard who were drowned. On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr T. H. Milligan, it was decided to send a letter of deep sympathy to the relatives of Nurse Clark.  -North Otago Times, 20/1/1916.

A meeting of the Waitaki High School Old Girls' Association was held in Bartrum's tea rooms last evening. There was a good attendance, The chief business before the meeting was the discussion of the most suitable and tangible manner in which to commemorate the heroism and self sacrifice of Nurse Clarke, an old Waitaki girl, who lost her life in the sinking of the illfated Marquette. It was proposed that a memorial should be established and several suggestions were advanced by the members. It was finally decided that a portrait of Nurse Clark together with an inscribed bronze tablet be hung in the school and that the presentation of an annual prize be instituted. .  -North Otago Times, 15/2/1916.

Oamaru Cemetery.

10/2300 Private Donald William (4/7/1891-16/9/1916), and 22372 Private Robert Hunter, (21/2/1895-16/8/1917) Rosie. "no respite"

FALLEN AND WOUNDED.

KILLED IN ACTION. 

Private D. W. Rosie. 

News was privately received yesterday morning that Private .Donald William Rosie, son of the late James Rosie, of Oamaru, had been killed in action in France. Private Rosie was born in Oamaru, and attended the South School. He was employed in the Union Steamship Company's Office, and then as purser on several of the Company's vessels. He enlisted in Wellington with the Fifth Reinforcements, and was wounded in the Suvla Bay landing. He returned from England, and took part in the evacuation of the Peninsula. He went to France with the first body of New Zealanders. He was a keen cricketer and footballer, captaining the Union and Excelsior Clubs. Private Rosie was twenty-five years of age. A brother, Private L. Rosie, was wounded in France on September 15th, and another sailed with the Seventeenth Reinforcements, and two are in camp with the Nineteenths.  North Otago Times, 7/10/1916.

Donald Rosie died at the height of his Battalion's (1st Wellington) effort in the Battle of the Somme.  In its confusion, with ground taken and lost, it is no surprise that he has no known grave.

ROLL OF HONOR.

ROSIE. — On August 16th, killed in action in France, Private Robert Hunter Rosie, 16th Reinforcements, aged 22 years.   -Oamaru Mail, 30/8/1917.

Mr George Rosie has received a cable stating that his brother Robert had been killed at the Front on the 16th instant. Robert Hunter Rosie left with the 16th Reinforcements, was wounded in the Messines battle, but on recovery must have rejoined his regiment, a letter received by his brother indicating that he intended going back. The deceased enlisted on completion of his apprenticeship with Mr George Procter, chemist, at the age of 21, and had been in France for a considerable time. This is the second of the five Rosie boys who went to the front to make the supreme sacrifice. Leonard, who was wounded, has rejoined his regiment, and Alexander, who was seriously wounded in the Messines battle, is still in hospital. Jim, who was also wounded, was convalescent at the date of the mail leaving London. It may be mentioned as an incident of the Messines battle that of 16 men in the trench in which Alexander Rosie was fighting, 10 were wounded by the explosion of a single shell.   -Oamaru Mail, 30/8/1917.

Robert's Battalion (2nd Canterbury) was in the front line between battles but had a hard time during the period of his death.  The Regiment's Official History describes it: "In the middle of the spell in the line the enemy's artillery fire slackened considerably on the 1st Battalion's area; but the 2nd Battalion had no respite, and it was the general opinion that this period in the line was the worst in its experience on an inactive front. For the twelve days in the line the casualties were one officer (Captain M. J. Morrison, MC) and thirty-three other ranks killed, one officer and one hundred and thirteen other ranks wounded, and thirty-five other ranks evacuated to hospital."

Oamaru Cemetery.

Hui Shing Tsoch aka "Sin Tack," the "Chinese Leper," (?-7/1907). "the melancholy distinction"

Murphys Flat is an area near Macraes Flat which was worked for gold in the late 19th century.  As often happened, it was worked by European miners who moved on to the next (hopefully) rich area and then mined by Chinese miners, who were more methodical and prepared to work harder for the gold they found.

According to Heritage New Zealand, local tradition is that a Chinese miner lived there alone for many years, confined to his hut, before dying of leprosy.

PALMERSTON SOUTH LEPER

TO THE EDITOR.
Sir, Would you kindly allow me space in your columns to correct a statement which you have published regarding the case or leprosy. I may state that it happens to be at Murphy's Flat, some two or three miles from Macraes Flat. I also fail to see that the patient is isolated, as he has, as far as I can see, a free hand to go where he pleases, having been in the township once or twice since the health officer's visit. If every precaution has been taken, I don't think he would he visiting the township — probably buying provisions from our local storekeepers. I think instructions should have been left to have his provisions taken to within a reasonable distance of his hut. Hoping measures will at once be taken by the authorities to have him taken away for the benefit of the health of the residents of Macraes,

— I am, etc., A RESIDENT.

[The health officer informs us that if what is stated by our correspondent is correct it is evident that his instructions are not being carried out. He intends to inquire into the matter, and, if necessary, the unfortunate Chinaman will be removed to some place where he can be property isolated. — Ed. O. D. T.]  -Otago Daily Times, 12/12/1901.

WAIHEMO COUNTY COUNCIL  (excerpt)

The Chief Health Officer, Wellington, wrote stating that, with Dr Ogston, he visited the Chinese leper at Macraes, and expressed the opinion as to there being no doubt about the disease, but there was no great risk of infection at present. Bearing in mind the awful nature of the disease, it behoved all to join hands in securing the absolute safety of the general public. He pointed out that under section 37 of "The Public Health Act, 1900," the responsibility of providing a suitable house or hospital for all cases of infectious diseases was cast upon the local authority in whose district the infected person resided. He suggested that the council should erect a building in which the leper could be isolated and treated until it was decided what were the best steps to be taken for a final solution of the difficulty. He recommended the council to make arrangements with some storekeeper to supply the leper patient with food, left at a gate leading to the paddock in which the hut was. He had warned the leper to hold no communication with any one, Chinese or English, and that he must not pass beyond the gate in question. This he agreed to. — The clerk was instructed to write to the district health officer, pointing out to him the desirability of removing the leper to some place where there would exist less danger of the infection spreading.  -Otago Daily Times, 21/1/1902.

The District Health Officer (Dr Ogston, Dunedin) wrote referring to the fact that the council were not isolating the Chinaman at Macraes Flat, and that a .motion had been carried at the last meeting lo the effect that the leper should be removed, as it was impossible to prevent his countrymen from having access to him. Having thus failed to carry out their duty, the council wished to throw the onus on him, as district health officer. Had they read and studied the Public Health Act? In section 37 and onwards the council could see their duty in such cases; and, if they wished it, and could face the expense, he would, on his part, have no objection to ask the Chief Health Officer, to act on that first section, ordering the council to provide and equip a special hospital for this special case. This, meantime, only way in which the department could help. — After considerable discussion, the council resolved to erect a sod hut covered with an iron roof, and to put up a notice that any person seen communicating with the leper in any shape or form would be prosecuted.  -Otago Daily Times, 22/4/1902. 

Some comment was made at the meeting of the Waihemo Comity Council on Saturday with reference to the account received for supplying provisions to the Chinese leper who is isolated at Macraes. The cost of providing him with the necessaries of life from January 11 to May 12 — a period of four months — amounted to £8 3s 3d, and councillors were almost unanimous in expressing the opinion that the amount was exceedingly large. Rice figured prominently in the items, 3s 6d worth of that commodity having been supplied almost every week. The fact that the cost of keeping the Chinaman has been saddled on the council was also commented on, the opinion being expressed that that duty should devolve on the Charitable Aid Board, to which body the council contributed.  -Otago Daily Times, 19/5/1902.

THE MACRAES LEPROSY CASE.

DISCUSSION AT WAIHEMO COUNTY COUNCIL. 

At the meeting of the Waihemo County Council on Saturday some discussion arose regarding the case of a Chinaman, at Macraes, supposed to be suffering from leprosy. 

A letter was read from the Rev. C. Anderson Fraer, stating that having occasion, in the round of his parochial duties, to be in Macraes on July 6. When returning, on July 7, he had done so by way of Murphy's Flat, where the Chinaman reported to have leprosy had been isolated. He had done this thati he might discover the truth of certain reports concerning the habitation of the unfortunate man. What he saw more than confirmed the rumours he had heard. The hut in which the Chinaman lived was distinctly not fit for human habitation, and it was, he would say further, a reflection on common humanity that better accommodation was not provided before winter. The hut was dilapidated, one wall — that most exposed to the wind — had been blown in, and the roof was partly open. The Chinaman had vainly attempted to shelter himself from the weather by hanging bags round the wall. A comfortable, or at least weather-proof habitation, was imperatively necessary. 

Councillor Griffin had accompanied him (the writer) upon his visit. Cr Griffen said the Rev. C. A. Fraer's teller bore out what he (Cr Griffin) had said at the previous council meeting. The statements in the letter were true, and he moved that the council should take steps to provide the Chinaman with a more comfortable habitation. 

The motion was not seconded.

Cr D. Ross said the Chinaman was now in his own hut, but at the time of the previous meeting he had been in the other hut. On Wednesday and Thursday last he had been nowhere to be found. Two other Chinamen were digging near by, and they knew nothing about him. He (Cr Ross) did not believe the case was one of leprosy at all. 

Another letter was read from Dr Ogston, health officer, saying that he had sent on the council's communication to Wellington, but had had no reply so far. He therefore concluded the council would have to manage the affair for themselves. The Chinaman, when he (Dr Ogston) had seen him last, had said the loss of the fingers and toss was due to leprosy, but he (Dr Ogston) had seen too many eases of leprosy in Norway to be mistaken in his diagnosis, besides which he had sent the photographs taken by Dr Mason to an authority at Home, who had pronounced it undoubtedly true leprosy. If the proprietor of the ground made any further objection, he (the health officer) could, under the Public Health Act, authorise the council to appropriate it for the purpose in question.

The Chairman said he had written to Dr Ogston for authority to erect a hut, but the letter before the council was the only satisfaction received. He was not going to rush into extreme measures with the proprietor of the land on a letter like that. It was curious that Dr Ogston should send to Wellington if he had authority to deal with the matter.

Cr Griffin said it was not necessity to apply to anyone as the ground was Crown land, and the occupier had only leased it. He moved that steps should be taken to obtain accommodation for the leper at once.

Cr D. Ross thought the chairman should visit the place. It was also necessary to inquire what was becoming of all the provisions sent to the Chinaman, as the provision box had disappeared. It was apparent that the Rev. Mr Fraer had been led round the place by Cr Griffin in order to back up his statements at the previous meeting. 

Cr Griffin indignantly denied this, and said the Rev. Mr Fraer had requested him (Cr Griffin) to accompany him. 

Cr J. Ross: I don't think either Mr Fraer or you had any right to go there. 

The Chairman said there was something curious about Dr Ogston's letter. How could a man at Home pronounce a case to be leprosy from a photograph. 

Cr J. Ross thought the Benevolent Trustees should be approached with a view to getting them to take charge of the case. 

The Chairman said he did not believe it was a case of leprosy. It was more like frostbite.

Cr D. Ross said the Chinaman was quite capable of earning his own living. There was no open sore to be seen, and the skin had grown over the fingers. The Chinaman had himself said it was frost-bite.

Cr Stewart said there was a motion on the book to the effect that the council should provide a hut. He would give notice to move at nest meeting that the motion should be rescinded.

The Chairman said he believed this was a case of frost-bite, and that the Chinaman had been in the same condition at Naseby six years ago. This was current rumour, and if it were true he did not see how it could be leprosy. If he went out now and worked at digging for gold there could not be so very much wrong with him. The council had been authorised to receive any gold the Chinaman was getting, but there had been none forthcoming, and it was not known what became of it.

It was finally decided, on Cr Isbister's motion, that both letters should be received. At the conclusion of the meeting, Cr Griffin moved that tenders should be called for the erection of a hut for the Chinaman, but the motion, finding no seconder, lapsed.  -Otago Daily Times, 21/7/1902.

THE CASE OF A LEPER. 

Last year the Waihemo County Council was (says the “Otago Daily Times”) informed by the Health Department that a Chinaman at Macraes had developed leprosy and therefore the infected man must be confined to a certain area and provided with suitable quarters and provisions, such being a charge on the county. Considerable correspondence passed between the Department and the Council, and at last the Council gave in and duly isolated the supposed leper, provided him with a comfortable hut, and has since supplied provisions. On Saturday it was reported to the Council that the Chinaman, evidently suffering from ennui as well ns leprosy, had crossed the boundary of the forbidden territory and paid a fraternal visit to some brother Celestials, presumably for a little recreation at fan-tan. or sing-ti-loo. It is generally well known that Chinamen give a leper a very wide berth, and cannot be induced on any account to associate with one suffering from the dread disease, so that it would seem the Celestials at Macraes are lees careful of their personal safety than their kindred in other parts of the world, or are sceptical as to the case being one of leprosy. The patient is receiving weekly about treble the quantity he is able to consume, and he generously distributes a share amongst other Chinamen who are not so kindly provisioned. It is alleged that the leper’s sores are healing up, and if this is the case it is a rather notable feature in a leprosy case. The Waihcmo Council considered various suggestions, one member proposing to build defence lines of interlaced “pig” barb-wire, and at last resolved to erect notice boards in English and Chinese, warning anyone, Chinese or otherwise, against entering the infected area or enticing or permitting the leper beyond it, etc.  -Lyttelton Times,  24/6/1903.

WAIHEMO COUNTY COUNCIL  (excerpt)

The District Health Officer wrote that he could see no good in wasting the time and money of the Government in visiting the leper at Macraes, and could not therefore promise to do so by special visit. Should he, however, be in the district he would have a look at him. Meantime it was the duty of the council to provide the patient with medical attendance, etc., at their cost, if the man required it. — An opinion was expressed that it was not a case of leprosy, and the council protested against the tone of the health officer's communication. — It was resolved that copies of the correspondence covering the matter be forwarded to the Minister of Public Health, together with the council's protest.   -Otago Daily Times, 21/3/1904.

WAIHEMO COUNTY COUNCIL  (excerpt)

The Rev. A. Don wrote stating that he had forwarded a parcel of clothing to the Chinese leper at Macraes, but the man still required a thick jersey. The writer also stated that he had received a letter from the leper. — This aroused some discussion. The Chairman wanted to know how it was that if the leper was confined and isolated he could forward letters through the public post office. So far as clothing was concerned, he (the chairman) would forward a quantity if Cr Griffin would take it up. —Cr Matheson said the opinion of people who knew what leprosy was, and had seen the patients at leper stations, was that the Chinaman at Macraes was not suffering from leprosy. The sores had healed, and such a thing was never known in leprosy — The letter was received.   -Otago Daily Times, 17/4/1905.

THE MACRAES LEPER. 

Sir, I would like, through the columns of your paper, to draw the attention of the public to the state of things existing in connection with the Macraes' leper. The Waihemo Council allows a storekeeper 10s per week for his food, but leaves the poor Celestial to rummage for miles round the country in search of fuel. Now, wood is scarce and hard to find in that barren wilderness; hence the leper, bereft of his health, sans fingers sans toes, plods, or rather drags, along his miserable body, touching objects which shepherds and musterers must also touch, until he finds a few sticks wherewith to warm his hut. I trust that the Waihemo Council will remedy this matter by supplying the Chinaman in question with firewood, and thus mitigate the danger of spreading the disease through other people handling gates, etc., which have been handled by him in his search for fuel. Trusting this matter will be remedied and the unfortunate man supplied with the wherewithal to warm his dwelling through the long, cold, bleak winter,

— I am, etc., Macraes, February 3. Justus, 

Exposure to cold and damp causes rheumatism. The skin cannot give off the excess uric acid, and it becomes deposited in the blood. Rheumo will quickly cure the trouble. All chemists and stores, 2s 6d and 4s 6d.   -Otago Daily Times, 9/2/1907.

The infectious diseases hospital inquiry to be held at the Magistrate's Court on March 22, at which representatives from all the local contributing authorities are summoned to be present, has a special interest for Waihemo, inasmuch as the district has the melancholy distinction of owning a leper. At a meeting of the Waihemo County Council on Saturday, the Chairman (Mr J. Ross) expressed the hope that, in the event of Palmerston being called upon to contribute towards the new hospital, the leper, who had been a source of expense for some years, would be removed to Dunedin. It was decided to ask Dr Hislop and the clerk (Mr W. B. Galloway) to attend the inquiry to watch the interests of the council.  -Otago Witness, 20/4/1907.

The Chinese leper, Sin Tack, who has been isolated for some years at Macraes, died on Sunday week last. He had been supplied with provisions from time to time by Mr W. E. Griffin, storekeeper at Macraes, and on the usual supply being taken out on the day mentioned it was found that the previous week's food had not been removed from the box in which it had been placed. Search was then made, and Sin Tack was found lying near an adjacent creek. As he had a cup and a bucket beside him it is surmised that he went there for water. He was then very feeble, and the young man, Griffin, who found him, finding that he could not unaided help, went to the township for assistance. Help being obtained the Chinaman was conveyed to his hut, and on Monday morning following Mr Griffin himself found him dead in the hut, he having seemingly never stirred from where he was left.  -Nelson Evening Mail, 20/7/1907.

Particulars of the circumstances surrounding the death of Sin Tack, the Chinese leper at Macraes, were communicated to the District Health Officer, who decided that an inquest was unnecessary. Dr Ogston, who has visited the leper on several occasions, states that the man had gradually grown weaker, and that his death was not unexpected. The health officer at once gave authority for the hut and all its contents to be consumed by fire and the body of the leper to be buried in quicklime. This was done.   -Otago Witness, 24/7/1907.

WAIHEMO COUNTY COUNCIL

T. Mackenzie, M.H.R.. under date August 20, wrote intimating that he would make representations to the Minister with a view to obtaining a refund of £86 8s 6d expended by the council in connection with the Chinese leper at Macraes. A further letter from Mr Mackenzie, under date 2nd inst., enclosed a reply from the Minister of Public Health, stating that he would place on the Supplementary Estimates the sum required to pay the council for its outlay. The Chief Health Officer (Dr Mason) also wrote on the same subject, and stated that payment would be made when the amount was voted by Parliament. — The Chairman said the county clerk (Mr Galloway) deserved the thanks of the council for the trouble and pains he had taken in securing the refund, and, on the motion of Cr Matheson, a motion to that effect was minuted.   -Otago Witness, 25/9/1907.

Hui Shing Tsoch spent six years in what could be called "solitary confinement" for the "crime" of contracting leprosy - or possibly losing his fingers to frostbite.  I can only wonder how he might have been treated if he had come from the same nation as those who complained about the amount of rice he ate.

His grave is unmarked.  According to traditional Chinese belief, his spirit wanders the Macraes area, lonely and unhappy.