64399 Private Alfred William Wilson, 28/9/1887-26/9/1918.

Edward Wilson was a furnaceman for Dunedin manufacturer A & T Burt when he joined the army.  Possible because he was born in Auckland, he joined its Infantry Regiment.

In February, 1918, he was sent to an isolation hospital in England with a case of rubella, or German measles.  He was in hospital for about a month then rejoined his regiment at the front.

He was wounded in action on August 30th, suffering a gunshot wound to the right thigh.  The action in which he was wounded is described on the official History of the Auckland Infantry Regiment:

It was decided without any delay to attack the enemy in their new position on the line Frenricourt-Bancourt-Riencoutt, which they had organised on the high ground that ran in a northerly direction from Riencourt behind Bancourt to the Cambrai road. Over the whole area of the Ancre and the Somme the country was much the same. Villages scattered here and there were embowered in groves of trees, while, beyond, wide open fields stretched without a vestige of cover for thousands of yards. A succession of chalk ridges, nowhere running to any great height, ran like so many waves across the whole battlefield, and in every case formed admirable defensive positions, giving excellent observation and a splendid field for fire on advancing troops. In accordance with their usual custom, the Huns were holding in depth and relying on their machine-gun nests to hold up attacks made against them. If they had had men behind the guns of the calibre of those who manned the New Zealand guns on Chunuk Bair there would have been little chance of an advance being successful. Fortunately, however, the morale of the German troops was breaking down rapidly, and even where a group or a battalion of brave men put up a resolute resistance there were always faint-hearted ones who gave way long before their position was hopeless.

The attack, which was on a wide front, was to go forward at dawn on the 30th August. On the left the 42/Division was moving on Riencourt, and on the right 1/Wellington had Fremincourt as their objective. Just before zero Major Sinel received information from the English troops that they would be unable to move for some little time. In accordance with instructions received from Brigade, 2/Auckland were thereupon held back, although the rest of the advance continued as arranged. The German artillery opened up at once, and a heavy barrage was put down on the sunken roads in which the Aucklanders had assembled. Many casualties occurred. Major Sinel and Major McClelland were both slightly wounded, but were able to carry on. Dr. Simcox, who was with the Battalion while Dr. Harpur was on leave, was severely wounded. Padre Dobson took over the aid post and superintended the care of the wounded through the rest of the fighting. The padre was one of the few Main Body men still surviving, and had had a long war experience. He was well known for his courage and sang-froid.

When at last the Battalion did advance, the enemy were prepared for the move, and concentrated very heavy machinegun fire on the advancing troops. Bancourt fell to the 6th Company, under Captain Moncrief, a very brave and able soldier, who had left New Zealand as one of the sergeantmajors attached to the original Battalion of the Auckland Regiment. The Haurakis drew up in a long line, set their teeth and went straight for the village, which they took, very largely owing to the dashing leadership of Lieutenant Taylor. Further progress was difficult. On the ridge beyond, which ran astride of the Bancourt-Bertincourt road, were a number of Niessen huts very strongly held by the enemy. From here and from Riencourt, which was as yet untaken, a very heavy rire was poured in. On the open slope, bare of all cover, men went down in scores. Soon all was confusion. The majority simply lay flat and fired if any target presented itself. In one place a dry water-course running up the hill enabled some to creep forward and so obtain a precarious hold on the ridge. Half way up, a large chalk quarry gave cover for a number. Out on the left, which was now several hundred yards ahead of the 42/Division, the danger of a flanking attack by the Huns was a serious one. To meet any danger from this quarter the 3/Company were sent out to form a defensive flank. It was impossible to get further forward, but what ground had been gained was resolutely held against counterattacks, that continued to develop throughout the day. Under cover of darkness the position was roughly organised, and some more ground occupied, while wounded, who could not be approached by daylight, were picked up and sent back.

Two weeks after that attack, Alfred was described by the newspapers as "still seriously ill, progressing fairly."  That progress did not last and he died in the Australian General Hospital, Rouen, at 8.45am, September 26th.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin. DCC photo.

"Our Little Muriel," - Muriel Smyth - 23/12/1893-9/9/1894.

A year or so ago, not long after I had discovered the resource of "Papers Past" and its potential for uncovering the stories that lie behind cemetery inscriptions, I was walking the lines of my "local" - the Southern Cemetery, Dunedin - when I found the saddest inscription that I have so far seen.

As part of the process of finding and telling the stories that are inspired by words in cemeteries I had begun, I suppose, to "internalise" them.  To think of what emotions lay behind the decision to define a life and a death in a permanent inscription in stone.  

On the day I found the grave of Mary Muriel Smyth, I had spent some time walking around the graves, reading the inscriptions and trying to imagine what lay behind them.  Perhaps, being in the early stages of what has become a project which is as large as I want it to be, I was more susceptible than now to the long-gone emotions of the next of kin, now themselves gone, for some poor person whose loss was felt to be unbearable.  As it was, when I read on Muriel's stone "Thou art with the angels, Muriel, and we are left alone" my cup of borrowed emotion overflowed.  I could take no more for that day and I went home.

Searching online for Muriel proved fruitless.  Searching for "Professor John and Emma Smith" likewise.  It was only when I took a second and harder look at the inscription and realised that the missing "I" was a missing "Y" that I began to find something.

There are numerous references to Professor John Smyth's career in New Zealand and Australia.  I found him in the Australian Dictionary of Biography.  ("On Christmas Day 1891 at Christchurch he married Emma Strack; they were to have two sons.")  I was sure that the Professor John Smyth, who married Emma Strack in 1892, was the father of Muriel - or Mary Muriel, according to the local council's cemetery records.  But mention of Muriel herself there was none.

Another piece of the mystery was in the inscription itself.  The title "Professor" and the place name "Melbourne."  The title was conferred on John Smyth long after little Muriel died.  The first reference I have found to "Professor John Smyth" is in 1916 - there is a reference (see below) to him visiting Dunedin in 1925.  Would that be the time he arranged for the headstone to be erected?  If so, the persistence of the depth of sorrow through 30 years makes the epitaph all the more remarkable.  Perhaps the arrival and death of a first child imprinted itself indelibly on John and Emma Smyth.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.  Allan Steel photo.  This photo, from a few years ago, shows the spelling of "Smyth" more clearly than can be discerned today.

Mr John Smyth, of the Waikaka Valley School, left the district yesterday. He opens the school at Waihopai this morning, where it is to be hoped that his services will be as highly appreciated as they were in the Waikaka Valley. While in that district, Mr Smyth, in addition to his duties in the school room, preached along with Mr Dickie every alternate Sunday in the Church. Mr Symth's presence will therefore be missed in the church also, for his addresses were characterised by a freshness of thought and utterance which aroused every hearer. On Sunday he bade his hearers farewell, saying that he left the district where he spent a few happy months not without a sense of disappointment.  -Mataura Ensign, 22/3/1887.

Whatever John Smyth did in the teaching line after the above, it seems he also went to the University of Otago where he gained a 1st Class in Mental Science (psychology), in 1888.

MARRIAGE

Smyth — Strack — On Christmas Day, at Christchurch, by the Rev L. M. Isitt, John Smyth, of Gladstone, Invercargill, to Emma, youngest daughter of J. H. Strack Esq; late of Daylsford, Victoria. 

- Southland Times, 27/1/1892.

University Honours. — Among those who were declared at the recent meeting of the New Zealand University Senate entitled to the degree of B. A. in virtue of success in the November examinations are two esteemed Southlanders — the Rev. Hugh Kelly, of Woodlands, and Mr John Smyth, headmaster of the Waihopai school. To Mr Smith also falls the highly prized honour of a New Zealand University senior scholarship. His subject, is perhaps the most difficult of all to obtain high honours in — mental and moral science, and Mr Smyth deserves heartiest congratulations.  -Southland Times, 19/5/1892.

It is with great satisfaction we ('News') learn that the honorable distinction of winning the N.Z. University scholarship has fallen to Mr John Smyth. It is very creditable to Mr Smyth as well as encouraging to all our young teachers and students that he was able to conduct a large public school with thorough efficiency and at the same time to carry on his private studios as to equip him for gaining the senior scholarship in mental science — a subject, as every student who has tried it knows, of immense difficulty. It is pleasing to know that Mr Smyth is teaching that subject in connection with the collegiate classes. Of course the B.A. degree goes with the scholarship.  -Mataura Ensign, 20/5/1892.

TEMUKA SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

A special meeting of the committee of the above school was held on Tuesday evening. Present —Messrs W. Storey (chairman), A. Russell, C Bates, T. F. Hooper, A. W. Surridge, G. Levens, and J. W. Salmond.

The chairman, in stating the business of the meeting, viz., the appointment of first and second masters, drew attention to the importance of a good selection being made. During some fourteen years that he had sat on the school committee there never had been such an important occasion. He trusted that the committee in considering the applications before them would throw aside all outside prejudices, and vote in an unbiassed way. He regretted that both at the distribution of prizes and also about the district generally, attempts had been made to dictate, or at all events bias, the committee as to their choice. He felt confident the committee needed in no way to be dictated to, and he personally resented such action as unwarrantable and ungentlemanly.

Some little conversation then ensued as to the order in which applications should be taken, after which those for the appointment of second master were considered. For this position there were six applicants, and, on the motion of Mr Bates, seconded by Mr T. F. Hooper, it was resolved to recommend Mr B. H. Low for the appointment. For the position of first teacher there were ten applications, all of which were considered apart from the inspector's recommendation. Mr Russell moved — "That Mr John Smyth, B.A., be recommended to the board for the position of head master, and, failing his acceptance of the same, that the board be asked to appoint Mr D. Ferguson, M.A., of Pukeuri." The motion was carried.

Mr Smyth is at present head master of the Gladstone school, Invercargill, a position he has held for nearly six years.  -Temuka Leader, 5/1/1893.

We learn from the Waimate Times that Mr John Smyth, of Invercargill, has been recommended by the Waimate School Committee for appointment as headmaster of the school, and that Mr Daniel Ferguson, of Pukeuri, is their second choice. This is precisely the same decision as was arrived at by the Temuka School Committee; and it is understood that Mr Smyth will accept the position at Waimate, whilst we are able to state that Mr Ferguson has now been definitely offered and has accepted the Temuka Headmastership. We shall all be sorry to lose so excellent a man and teacher; but his career at Pukeuri proves that he is fairly entitled to promotion to the position he has secured.  -Oamaru Mail, 7/1/1893.

Presentations.

The Gladstone schoolhouse was the scene of a pleasing ceremony yesterday, when Mr John Smyth, who has been master of the school for nearly six years, bade farewell to the teachers and scholars. When it became known that Mr Smyth had accepted the head mastership of the Waimate District High School, his fellow teachers and pupils determined that he should not leave without some token of the good feeling that existed between them. Accordingly yesterday afternoon Mr T. S. Royds (chairman of committee) after a few appropriate remarks, speaking highly of Mr Smyth's abilities as a teacher, and of the good relations existing between him and the school committee, presented him with a very handsome tea and coffee service. Mr Smyth, in replying to Mr Royds' remarks seemed to feel very much the severing of his connection with the school, and said he would always remember the happy time he had spent with the girls and boys of Waihopai school. Three hearty cheers (such as only children can give) were then given for Mr and Mrs Smyth and the scholars allowed to disperse for the rest of the day. Several members of the committee were present. 

A social gathering was held in the hall of the First Church yesterday evening, the occasion being to bid farewell to Mr and Mrs Smyth. The meeting was, at once, of an enjoyable and at the same time regrettable nature — enjoyable, because of Mr Smyth's promotion, and tinged with regret at losing so estimable a gentleman. During the evening Mr Smyth was presented with a handsome family Bible, suitably inscribed, this being the form in which his friends and co-workers in church affairs expressed their admiration and friendship for the recipient. Mr J. E. Watson, who presided, in warm and complimentary terms set forth the feelings of the meeting to Mr Smyth, and that gentleman suitably responded, paying a high tribute of praise to the institutions, minister, and workers in the church, and thanking them on behalf of Mrs Smyth and himself for their very handsome present. Speeches, — humourous and eulogistic — capital songs and readings were given and a plentiful supply of choice fruit was handed round, These made up what was pronounced by all to have been a thoroughly enjoyable evening, and the memory of which, Mr Smyth stated, he would treasure up so long as he lived. The gathering dispersed after heartily singing Auld Lang Syne and warmly shaking hands with Mr and Mrs Smyth and wishing them God speed.  -Southland Times, 9/2/1893.

Our Waimate correspondent sends us the following: — The annual harvest festival in connection with the Waimate Salvation Army was held on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday last, but owing to the wet weather of Sunday the attendance was not so largo as usual. The services throughout were conducted by Staff Captain and Mrs Alderton On Monday the tea meeting and sale goods took place, and again the weather was boisterous and prevented many from attending. At the tea about 100 were present, and when that important part of the proceedings was concluded, addresses were delivered by Staff Captain and Mrs Alderton, Mr John Smyth, and Mrs Captain Burton. The sale of goods then took place, and the articles which had been given were speedily disposed of at fair prices. The hall was tastefully decorated, and reflected great credit on those who had assisted in the work, the large supply of vegetables and grain showing up well amidst the evergreens and flowers which surrounded the walls and stage of the barracks.  -Oamaru Mail, 25/4/1894.

Mr John Smyth, headmaster of the Waimate school, has resigned his position, owing to his leaving the colony for a time. The committee have not accepted the resignation. -South Canterbury Times, 8/3/1895.

During the furlough of Professor Salmond the mental science classes will be conducted by Mr John Smyth, M.A., who happened fortunately to be available for the purpose. Mr Smyth is a distinguished graduate of the university, was facile princeps his year in mental science, and gained the senior scholarship in that subject. Giving himself to teaching, he rapidly rose in his profession, and became head master of the Waimate High School. It has often been made a matter of reflection and reproach that so few of our graduates prosecute their studies in later life, or show any enthusiasm for the higher branches of knowledge for their own sake. Mr Smyth is not exposed to this charge; for, never having abated his interest in philosophy, he resigned his office at Waimate (to the surprise of many) for no reason but to proceed to Germany and devote himself entirely to its study. He has been absent from the colony for the last year and a half prosecuting his studies at Heidelberg under the celebrated Kuno Fischer; and therefore now enters on his temporary duties in a condition of thorough equipment and proficiency. Mr Smyth's case may be taken as a happy premonition that the colony will soon be able to supply its own professors.  -Otago Daily Times, 8/4/1897.

The Waimate Knox Church Sunday School was crowded last evening, when Mr John Smyth, M. A., gave a lecture entitled "Some Reminiscences of my stay in Germany." The Rev. H. Kelly occupied the chair, and Mr Smyth spoke for two hours, giving a graphic and pleasing description of lift) and habits in Germany. The speaker was listened to with the upmost attention, and his humorous sketches of incidents in Germany were greeted with rounds of applause. Mrs Smyth also contributed some vocal items in very good style. At the close a hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr and Mrs Smyth for their pleasing entertainment.   -Oamaru Mail, 29/7/1897.

The friends of Mr John Smyth, M.A., formerly headmaster of Waimate High School, will be glad to hear of his welfare at Home. The Outlook learns from a private letter that he was duly admitted a research student in connection with Edinburgh University. He has chosen for his thesis for his D Ph. degree “Psychology of the Religious Consciousness,” and is busy now working up his subject. He is allowed two years, if he pleases, to prepare it. Among other points Mr Smyth will deal with the difficult but profoundly important one, “The Criterion of Certainty in Religious Knowledge.” -South Canterbury Times, 8/12/1898.

A DISTINGUISHED OTAGO STUDENT.

Advices by the last San Francisco mail state that Mr John Smyth, M.A., has been recommended to the Senate of the Edinburgh University for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Mr Smyth is well known in Otago scholastic circles. Some twelve years ago he was head-master of the Gladstone School, Invercargill, and during this period attended the winter sessions of the Otago University qualifying for his B.A. degree. His favorite study was mental science, and he easily swept the board in a large class of over thirty students, coming out first in each examination, and being prize-man for the year. Later he took the £60 scholarship in this subject, and also gained first class honors therein for his M.A. degree. He left Gladstone School to assume the head-mastership of the Waimate High School, where he gained much repute and popularity. But the true student spirit was strong within him, and one day he surprised his friends — that is, those who did not know him — by resigning £400 a year and a home, selling up his household goods, and departing with his young wife and child for Germany with absolutely no means beyond what he had saved. He studied for nearly two years at Heidelberg under the most renowned professor, and then returned to Dunedin to take the place of Professor Salmond during the absence of the latter in Europe, in the session of 1897. The work for the year was barely over ere he was once more on his way to Edinburgh to continue his studies, travelling by the Nord Deutscher Lloyd in order to keep up his German. After two years in the modern Athens he presented his thesis, consisting of some 400 pages, to the Faculty of his University, with the above result.

His subject, he informs a correspondent, was 'Truth and Reality, with Special Reference to Religion,' and therein he endeavored to get at such a view of Reason as would enable him to understand human progress, the relation between thought and action, and reconcile the views of truth held by Natural Science, Art, Morality, and Religion. The forms of truth in the three latter vary. Is this true of Science also? If it be true of all theories which endeavor to give man a comprehension of the nature of things, wherein does the permanence of Truth manifest itself? Or, putting it more simply, if a movement or belief has sprung from man's mind for centuries; if it has been submitted to criticism both from within and without; if throughout it has shown a progressive movement towards an ideal in whose light alone it can be understood; can such a belief be called extra rational, or is it not an offspring of reason itself, and in its root as truly objectively real and enduring as is the institution of mind or matter? My work is over for the meantime. The special examiner's report was very good. I shall give you an extract: 'Mr Smyth has read much and reflected more. His handling of his theme — more especially, when he expounds his personal views, is marked by real freshness and insight, there are passages which reach a very considerable level of power and impressiveness; and the whole is pervaded by a philosophic interest both enlightened and sincere. I consider the thesis an independent, careful, and meritorious one, entitling its writer to the distinction he seeks. The thesis cost me some thought, and I used up much of the experience life has taught me. For after all life is not an abstract philosophical formula or barren religious creed, but each person is a living spirit having wants and needs, and these, in my opinion, can he satisfied only in accordance with the constitution of that spirit, and through a living communion with God. Our mission here, if we read life aright, is to achieve a character to form ourselves according to Absolute ends. As we grow we have to shake off the worn-out and scanty beliefs we once held, and reshape for ourselves a new form and dress of belief in which to think and to act. But what was true in the past still survive - nay, will ever survive. We are one with all the heroes of the past when we strive for the same ideals as they strove. We are to link ourselves to every holy influence and every thing that makes for good, assured that at bottom prophesy and truth are one. But no more philophosising. I am now studying Theology, Christian Ethics, and Advanced Political Economy. After the session is over I shall probably visit some of the schools here and then return to New Zealand."  -Evening Star, 20/3/1900.

The Interviewer.

MUNICIPAL ACTIVITY IN GLASGOW. 

ITS TRAMS, PARKS, and MODEL LODGING HOUSES. 

Mr John Smyth, formerly master of the Waihopai school, and afterwards rector of the Waimate High School, returned to Invercargill a few weeks ago after a very successful scholastic career in Germany and Scotland, ending in his gaining the degree of Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Edinburgh. He is, we believe, the first New Zealand student to gain that distinction. In the course of conversation, Dr John Smyth, for so we must now call him, mentioned that he had been struck by the changes noticeable in Glasgow and Edinburgh since his departure for New Zealand in 1882, and with characteristic geniality he gave some of his impressions and experiences on being assured that they would be of interest to readers of the Southern Cross.  -Southern Cross, 17/11/1900.

At a meeting of the Wanganui Education Board this morning John Smyth, M.A. (New Zealand), D.P. (Edinburgh), was appointed chief inspector in place of Mr Bindon, resigned. Dr Smyth is thirty-six years of age, and was trained as a teacher in the North Island. He began his teaching career in Southland, New Zealand, in 1882. In 1886-88 he was prizeman in mathematics and mental science in the Otago University, second in English and political economy, and fourth in Latin. In 1891 he gained his B. A. degree and the senior scholarship in mental science. In 1892 he gained his M.A. degree with honors in mental science. In February, 1893, he was appointed rector of the Waimate District High School, with 500 scholars. In 1895 he resigned to pursue his studies in Germany, and returned to the colony in 1897 to conduct Professor Salmond's classes at the Otago University. In 1900 he gained his doctorship of philosophy at Edinburgh, and in the same year spent some time at the University of Jena, in Germany, and both in Scotland and Germany studied their educational systems. Last month he returned to the colony.  -Evening Star, 18/12/1900.

Southland News Notes

Dr John Smyth, M.A., Ph.D.. inspector of schools at Wanganui, who has been appointed principal of the Training College for teachers, Melbourne, entered the service of the Southland Education Board over 20 years ago at Longbush. He was head master of the Gladstone School from 1887 to 1893, when he became rector of the Waimate High School. Subsequently he studied in English and German universities, and became chief inspector under the Wanganui Education Board. His present appointment is worth about £600 a year.   -Otago Witness, 9/7/1902.

BIRTH.

SMYTH. — By cable: At the Training College, Carlton, Melbourne, Victoria, on Saturday, the 6th December, 1902, the wife of Dr. John Smyth, of a son. Both well.

The Right Man in the Right Place — Dr John Smyth (recently chief inspector of schools at Wanganui) has just been appointed lecturer on pedagogy at Melbourne University.  -Evening Star, 9/1/1903.

ABOUT PEOPLE

Dr. John Smyth, formerly of the Gladstone school and now head of the Melbourne Teachers’ Training Institute, with Mrs Smyth and children were passengers by the Wimmera on Monday for a holiday tour among their New Zealand friends.  -Southland Times, 27/12/1906.

Second Edition. GENERAL WAR NEWS.

Dr John Smyth's opinion of the Victorian State School teachers and children. Over £47,000 for the War Funds. — Dr John Smyth, Principal of. the Victorian Teachers' Training College, who is a New Zealander, serving the State here (New Zealand), first as a teacher, then as Inspector in the Wanganui district, leaving in the interim for English University training, then spending three periods of his life in Germany, finishing with an extended course at the University of Jena, has been appointed the first Professor of Education to the Melbourne University. 

It is poetic justice that Mr Frank Tate, M.A., I.S.O, the Victorian Director of Education, who was the prime mover in stealing Dr. Smyth from New Zealand, should now, as a member of the University Council, aid in robbing his own department of one of its most distinguished ornaments, in order that the doctor, as one of the leading educationists of the age, may wield an even greater influence on Australian life. Having studied Germany first hand, and being a trained observer, Dr. Smyth has been able to warn Australians of the enormous proposition which the Empire had to face, and of the necessity for each individual straining every possible nerve to assure ultimate victory. 

The Work of the Children, and Teachers. — Dr. Smyth was particularly pleased with the action of the teachers in voluntarily surrendering portion of their salaries for the period of the war and was delighted with the self-denying patriotism of the children. School children and their organisers pour money and warm clothing into the Department's depot at Montague for soldier boys in trench or hospital. Speaking of this wonderful success, Dr. Smyth said to one of the organisers "what a pity it is that there should be wrangles and disputes between parties, and between masters and men at the present time, and what a pity it is that the parties cannot sink their differences for the present, and unite in one solid phalanx with one determination, viz., to bring this great war to a successful issue at the earliest possible moment." After stressing the point that among children there are neither Liberals nor Conservatives, neither Laborites, nor Socialist, nor Socialists, nor antiSocialists, the Doctor continued, "All are sons and daughters of the same great Empire, whose elder brothers are holding the trenches, and giving their lives for the safety of the Empire."

A Lesson from our Despised Enemy, Germany. — "I think we might," proceeded the doctor, "at the present juncture learn a lesson with great profit, from our despised Germany. All the trades of that country and all the manufactories are organised under one central committee, and all the men and women have willingly agreed to a coarser kind of bread in order that the flour will be shared by all, and will last the longer. The whole country from top to bottom, through all classes, is organised and knit together, so that victory to her arms may be the result. Surely, we who claim a higher freedom than the Germans have known and who believe we have a more righteous cause, should be able to manifest a greater unity, and a finer organisation than the Germans possess. In the meantime the children's department of the work is not troubled with any differences. May the work continue to grow, and may it achieve all the objects, which all the workers have in view."  -Stratford Evening Post, 13/1/1916.

ABOUT PEOPLE

The Wanganui Chronicle announces that Dr John Smyth, principal of the Victorian Teachers' Training College, has been appointed the first professor of education to the Melbourne University. Dr Smyth is a New Zealander, and a distinguished Otago University graduate. He served the State in New Zealand, first as a teacher, then as inspector in the Wanganui district, leaving in the interim for English university training. He spent three periods of his life in Germany, finishing with an extended course at the University of Jena. Dr Smyth was, at an early stage in his career, headmaster of the Waihopai school, Invercargill, and for a time acted as Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy at Otago University.   -Southland Times, 26/1/1916.

EDUCATIONAL PROBLEMS

PROGRESS IN VICTORIA. 

RECENT NOTABLE DEVELOPMENTS. 

INTERVIEW WITH DR JOHN SMYTH. 

A distinguished and most interesting visitor to Dunedin at the present time is Dr Smyth, an old student of Otago University, who now holds the two onerous positions of Principal of the Teachers’ College in Melbourne and professor of education in Melbourne University. Dr Smyth is spending a vacation in New Zealand visiting friends and relatives, and is at present residing with his brother-in-law, Mr C. A. Strack, of 10 Falcon street, Roslyn. Many old students of Otago University will remember that Dr Smyth carried on Professor Salmond’s duties while the professor was away from New Zealand in 1897. He afterwards studied philosophy, history, and education in Germany at the Universities of Heidelberg and Jena, and studied in Edinburgh, where he took the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Returning to New Zealand he became senior inspector of the Wanganui district, and was appointed to be principal of the Teachers’ College in Melbourne in 1902. Immediately afterwards he was made lecturer in education for Melbourne University, and when the School of Education in the University developed, partly owing to the operation of the Registration of Schools and Teachers Act, he was made professor of education. He is still principal of the Teachers’ College, in entire charge of its work, though he has the assistance of vice-principals. The Victorian education system, Dr Smyth informed an Otago Daily Times interviewer yesterday, is very highly centralised, and consequently reforms can be much more quickly effected there than under some other British systems. All matters relating to curricula, training of teachers, inspection, and so on are entirely in the hands of the director of education, and he, if he is a vigorous man of initiative and keeping abreast of modern development, can very quickly bring about any reform he chooses. During the 22 years Dr Smyth has been in Victoria he has seen a great many developments in education, partly due to the initiative and vision and knowledge of the director of education, Mr Frank Tate. Mr Tate, it may be mentioned, is expected in New Zealand early next month to act on the Commission on Education. -Otago Daily Times, 14/1/1925. (excerpt)

PERSONAL

News has reached New Zealand from Tokio of the death of Dr John Smyth, M.A., which occurred in Japan a short time ago. He was born in Scotland in 1864, received his education as a teacher in Ireland, and came to New Zealand in 1882, and taught in primary schools. In his University days he won the senior scholarship in mental science. He was headmaster of Waimate District High School, South Canterbury, for some time, took his degree as doctor of philosophy at Edinburgh University, and travelled extensively in Europe to study educational problems. At one time he was tutor to the mental science class at Otago University, and in 1906 was chief inspector of schools in Wanganui district. He was then appointed lecturer in pedagogy at Melbourne University. That lectureship expanded into a chair of education, and Dr Smyth became Professor of Education. It was owing to the ill-health of his wife that Dr and Mrs Smyth made the trip to Japan, where he himself was taken ill and passed away as stated.  -Northern Advocate, 13/9/1927.

Miss Janet Graham (Havelock North) is travelling with her aunt, Mrs. John Smyth (widow of Dr. John Smyth, of Melbourne), and her two cousins — Miss Isobel Macalister (Napier) and Miss Lila Malloch (Perth), states our London correspondent. They have returned to London after a month spent in Germany. They found everything very quiet and peaceful in that country, where the people seem to be quickly adopting Hitler's standard. He has a marvellous influence over them, and is quickly welding them into one strong party. Some time was spent in Heidelberg, Frankfurt, Homburg and Wiesbaden. Miss Graham visited several kindergartens, intermediate and high schools, where she spoke. Some of the schools have renamed "Adolph Hitler School." In one place she saw a group of tiny kindergarten children being taken for a walk, and as she passed she waved and smiled to them, and each tiny child hold up her hand, giving the Hitler salute with a smile. From Mainz the New Zealanders took a Dutch steamer on the Rhino and sailed down the 450 German miles to Rotterdam.  -NZ Herald, 18/7/1933.


Liberal Education 
"The Strife of Tongues" (Melbourne University Press, ls 6d) is the title of the tenth John Smyth memorial lecture, which was delivered at the Melbourne Town Hall by Dr I. L. Kandel, professor of education in the Teachers' College of Columbia University. Dr Kandel pays tribute to Smyth's influence in Australian education, and then proceeds to expound the necessity for maintaining a liberal policy in educational matters. Education, he declares, cannot thrive amid the "strife of tongues" of the totalitarian State, and it is for the free societies of the world to meet the challenge in common agreement, common social faith, and common values as a foundation for that freedom upon which true education is based.  -Otago Daily Times, 6/11/1937.

Police Commissioner St John Branigan 1823/4-10/9/1873, Otago Armed Constabulary

In Dunedin's Southern cemetery one of the more impressive memorials, carved with the martial symbols of a soldier, is that of Police Commissioner St John Branigan.  Branigan was an Irishman, an ex-soldier, a policeman on the goldfields of Victoria, Australia, when the Otago gold rush began and, mindful of some of the less disciplined miners of the Victoria rush, the Otago Provincial Council decided to organise an armed constabulary to keep order.

The Otago gold rush was the sixth most lucrative in world history.  The almost completely alluvial nature of the gold meant that, in the first years, Otago was known as a "diggers' field" - a place where men with simple equipment could make a fortune.  It is estimate that, in just the first two years of the Otago Rush, 42 tons of gold was won from the gravel.  At time of writing, the value of that amount of gold is a shade under NZ$2744 000 000.  I feel I need to repeat that it was just for the first two years.

The experience of the nearest rush to Otago, in Victoria, Australia, showed the need of a force to keep order on the fields.  Thus the Otago Armed Constabulary was formed, with Victorian policeman St John Branigan at its head.

Local Intelligence.

Mr. St. John Branigan, the Inspector of Police, has arrived by the Oscar. The Herald thus notices that gentleman's departure from Australia: —

"To-day we shall lose one of our most active and zealous officers of the police of this colony. Mr. St. John Branigan, who during the last three years has been stationed in Melbourne in charge of the force, takes his departure in the 'Oscar,' for New Zealand, having received an appointment to organise and take charge of the police force at the Gold Field at Otago. During the time that Mr. Branigan has been amongst us he has won the good opinion of all with whom he was acquainted by his gentlemanly conduct and urbanity. He was also held in great esteem by the men under his command, who have testified their regard for their officer by presenting him with a very handsome gold watch and chain. His own friends have likewise shown their regard for him by the presentation of a testimonial in the shape of a handsome clock, bearing a suitable inscription, accompanied by a complimentary letter signed by the Mayor, the Police Magistrates, and nearly all the Solicitors practising in the City Court. While we express our regret at losing Mr. Branigan, we may at the same time congratulate the colony upon the fortunate circumstance that at present, thanks to his exertions and those of other intelligent officers, there is little scope for one of his professional ability. We wish Mr. Branigan every success in his new career, and we feel sure that New Zealand will gain by his services."  -Otago Witness, 31/8/1861.

THE ESCORT.

The escort from the Dunstan and older fields arrived in town yesterday afternoon, with, the following quantities of gold: —  

               ozs:   dwt

Dunstan 8,383: 5 

Tuapeka 2,579: 10 

Waitahuna 579: 10 

Woolshed 530: 0 

Total 12,075: 6 

This is about the same amount as was brought by the last escort; an increase of 500 ozs from the Dunstan being accompanied by a decrease from Tuapeka. The escort carts have been very unfortunate. The axle of one which should have arrived yesterday, snapped when about nine miles from town and a spring cart had to be borrowed to bring on the gold. The Wakatip escort has been delayed by a similar mishap. The off wheel of the cart broke on the 30th ult. in Southland, during the last day's stage to the Lake, in consequence of the fearful state of the creeks. Mr. St. John Branigan, the Commissioner of Police, happened to be in the neighborhood with his Honor the Superintendent, making a reconnaisance of the road between the Mataura and the Molyneux, and he arranged to send on a fresh cart without delay. The escort may be expected in town to-day, or on Monday at furthest. It will be remembered that our Lake Correspondent states that the quantity of gold to be sent by this escort was over 22,000 ozs., so that the fortnight's receipt will exceed 34,000 ozs. — Daily Times.  -Southland Times, 13/2/1863.

The Armed Constabulary soon made a name for itself.  The men emulated their chief's style in facial hair, with full whiskers except for the chin.  "The Inimitable Thatcher," famed satirist of the gold rush era brought out a song about the force, titled "They All Shave Like Branigan."  A story about St John himself, whose source I have been unable to find, comes from "Te Ara, the Dictionary of NZ Biography:"

The high profile of his smartly uniformed and heavily armed men manifested the coercive power of the state, and a flamboyant style heightened the renown of the man at their head.  After a small dog had persistently disrupted the dignity of the treasury wagon's entrance to Dunedin by frightening the troopers' horses, Branigan took direct action by joining the procession.  On the dog's approach he calmly unsheathed his sword, lopped off its head, and continued majestically on his way as the decapitated body ran on into a fence.

Uniforms of the New Zealand Wars.  Figure on the left has "shaved like Branigan."

The following paragraph is taken from the Telegraph of Saturday last. "Our readers will remember that at the last session of the Criminal Court, a person of the name of Cunningham was convicted of sticking up Mr Skinner, the manager of the New Zealand Bank, in the neighborhood of the Dunstan, but the notes and property taken were not found. We are glad to be able to state that Cunningham has made a confession to the Chief Commissioner of Police as to the place where the money and notes are planted. Should his statement prove to be true, the discovery of the notes will be gratifying for more reasons than one — it will he satisfactory to the jury who considered the evidence (though conflicting) sufficient to warrant a verdict of guilty; to the Judge who sentenced the prisoner to a most severe — though if guilty, yet well merited — punishment; to Mr Skinner and the Bank, who will recover a considerable amount of property; and lastly, to the public, who will be relieved from the apprehension that the stolen notes are in circulation. We understand that Mr Branigan left this morning at daylight to verify the statements made by Cunningham. We speak with a slight hesitation about this confession, from the fact that it was made yesterday, and that yesterday was the first of April" We can only hope, for the credit of humanity generally, that the atrocious idea contained in the concluding sentence may be unfounded. Fancy a Government official made an April fool by a gaol bird, and that official, Mr St. John Branigan. It is too horrible to contemplate. (We have since learned, from the Dunstan Times, that Commissioner St. John Branigan, after a patient and diligent search, had not found the money.)  -Lake Wakatip Mail, 9/4/1864.

DUNSTAN

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

April 18th,

Since my last the Molyneux has slightly risen. It commenced slowly to rise on Thursday morning till about noon on Friday, during which time it increased nearly two feet; it then remained stationary till Saturday afternoon, when it steadily commenced falling again; although we have had no rain here, judging from atmospheric appearances, there must have been some further up country. A number of claims that were in work are now idle, but it is to be hoped they will not long remain so; miners are still flocking in, and a very large number of parties working on he river are doing remarkably well, the large increase of this fortnight's escort over the last will fully prove that. Mr Commissioner St. John Branigan arrived on Wednesday about midnight, having with him in charge the robber Cunningham, who was convicted of sticking up Mr. Skinner, the agent of the Bank of New Zealand. According to what we hear up here, the prisoner, since his conviction of the robbery, confessed to the authorities on the 1st inst., that he was the guilty party, but not so the man Murphy, and that he, the prisoner Cunningham, planted the notes just where he landed from Fraser's boat, at Muttontown Creek, after crossing the Molyneux; also, that he would discover the spot to the police, as well as the locale of the pistol. It is almost needless to say that the search for both notes and revolver was a fruitless one, no traces of either the one or the other could be found, although the rascal pointed out, or was supposed to do so, the exact hiding places of the two. For the notes a very strict search was made, and the banks of the river near the landing place were turned over and over, so that had they been anywhere near they undoubtedly would have been found.  -Otago Daily Times, 20/4/1864.

Excerpt from:

THE GOLDEN COAST.

WESTLAND'S ROMANTIC PAST. (By J.C.) .

Look at the scene when the first gold was sent overland and was taken from Hokitika to Christchurch by the newly-opened Otira-Arthur's Pass coach road. (It was also the last; after that all shipments —millions of pounds worth — were by sea.) Trotting ahead of the wagon are two police troopers, armed with carbine and revolver. Another armed trooper is on the front seat with the driver; and two more follow as rearguard. A digger, bound down the Otira from the Canterbury side, eases off his swag as he sits on a boulder to watch the escort climb the steep road. He asks another swagger: "Why the divil do all thim polismen be wearin' Crimea whiskers that way?" (The long side-whiskers were all the fashion, which, was set by the Police Commissioner, Mr. St. John Branigan.) "Why," says the other digger, "haven't ye heard about the new song that fellow Thatcher does be singing down in Hokitikky, 'We All Shave Like Branigan'? That's the song, and it sets the boys roaring fit to split. And every man jack of the polis wears thim, and fine lads they are — not wan of thim under six feet, and they ride and shoot like the divil himself."  -Auckland Star, 1/12/1932.

Under the heading of "Dignity and Impudence" the Wanganui Chronicle gives the following: — "Everybody here who enjoys the pleasure of being acquainted with Mr. St John Branigan, 'the great demilitariser,' is aware how much he stands upon his dignity. A good story about this reaches us from Wellington, in a private letter. Branigan it seems, often gets telegrams, and the telegraph boys not having the fear of the big man before their eyes, delivered the despatches in the ordinary manner. The 'demilitariser' however, insisted that the boys should present the message with one hand, while 'saluting' with the other, and said as much to one of them. To this, however, the youngster demurred: — 'Look here,' said he, 'I ain't paid for saluting, and I wont do it without a rise in my wages, there's your message, sign the paper, and fork over the tin.' The great demilitariser fell back in his chair disgusted, and complied. He has since been heard to express a mournful conviction 'that that boy will come to be hanged.' "   Evening Post, 3/9/1870.

Mr St. John Branigan has been empowered by the Governor to convene Courts-Martial, as occasion may require, for the trial of offences committed by the members of the Armed Constabulary Force.  -Grey River Argus, 17/1/1871.

An Auckland telegram in yesterday's issue intimated that Mr St. John Branigan was suffering severely from sunstroke, and a later telegram states Mr Branigan had been removed to the Lunatic Asylum. As a calamity befalling a useful public servant, many will regret to hear of this illness of Mr Branigan, and it is sincerely to be hoped that the cerebral affection from which lie suffers is only of a temporary character.  -West Coast Times, 10/2/1871.

Mr. Commissioner Branigan. — A Wanganui paper states that the late Commissioner, St. John Branigan, will visit his native country, as a long sea voyage has been recommended as the best remedy available for his malady. We (the Chronicle) have heard that there are no fewer than forty seven candidates for the vacancy caused by his retirement. Among these is Mr. Atcheson of the Wellington police.  -Taranaki Herald, 29/3/1871.

TUESDAY, 30th MAY.

FURNITURE SALE. 

MESSRS. VENNELL, MILLS, & CO. have received instructions, to sell by public auction, at the residence of St. John. Branigan, Hobson-street, on Tuesday, the 30th inst., 

The whole of his Household Furniture and Effects, comprising — 

Drawing-room chairs, couch, easy chairs, tables 

Brussels carpet, hearth-rug Fenders, fire-irons, pictures 

Window curtains, dining room chairs Couch, 

Brussel carpets, hearth rugs 

Singers sewing machine, pictures 

Bedsteads, bedding, chest drawers, washstands 

Towel horses, toilet glasses 

Oilcloth, door mats, kitchen utensils 

Crockery, garden tools, &c., &c. 

Particulars in catalogues. 

Sale at 2 o'clock.   -Evening Post, 22/5/1871.

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS

Mr Gisborne has intimated his intention again in a Bill for the purpose of granting a pension to Mr St. John Branigan, late Chief Commissioner of Armed Constabulary. He is now convalescent, residing in Dunedin.  -Cromwell Argus, 7/11/1871.

The Commissioner. — A painful piece of intelligence reaches us from Dunedin. Poor St John Branigan, on account of whose affliction so much sympathy was evoked, we now learn has had a relapse, and attended with symptoms which preclude all idea of a restoration to his faculties. His condition was such as to necessitate his being placed under restraint, and it is even thought that his physical organisation will not long outlive the loss of reason. — Independent.  -Wanganui Herald, 27/3/1872.

MR ST. JOHN BRANIGAN.

Mr MACASSEY moved — "That an Address be presented to His Honour the Superintendent, requesting that he will he pleased to cause to be laid on the table of the Council copies of all correspondence accessible to the Government, relating to the original appointment of Mr St. John Branigan, as Commissioner of Police, Otago, a return, showing the reductions from time to time made in the salary of Mr Branigan while in the Provincial service; and a report from the medical attendant of the Lunatic Asylum, Dunedin, regarding Mr Branigan's present condition and prospects of recovery." Carried.  -Otago Witness, 18/5/1872.

We learn with very great regret that Mr St. John Branigan, on Saturday evening, received a paralytic stroke, which has deprived him of the use of his right side. We feel sure the news of Mr Branigan's misfortune will evoke universal sympathy, not only in this Province, but throughout the Colony.  -Otago Daily times, 27/5/1872.

THE OLD A.C.

By James Cowan.

A STORY OF COMMISSIONER BRANIGAN. 

CAPTAIN SWINDLEY’S LITTLE JOKE. Written for the Otago Daily Times.

It is just about 60 years since someone in the Government conceived the brilliant idea of converting all the colony’s military forces into policemen. They did not call them precisely that, but it amounted to the same thing, greatly to the disgust of sonic of the old (and young) professional soldiers who had begun their careers in the Imperial Forces. No doubt, the reorganisation was in some respects an excellent thing, and certainly the New Zealand Armed Constabulary soon established a reputation for efficiency and discipline and for gallant conduct in the field. For all its semi-civil character on paper, it carried out regular campaigns on the East and West Coasts and in the Interior of the North Island. After the return of peace, the A.C. Field Force, while continuing to garrison redoubts and blockhouses on the Maori frontiers, did a great deal of useful work in making roads — in fact, many of the roads that are now main highways were first formed by these soldier-policemen-navvies. 

Mr Commissioner St. John Branigan, who was the civil head of the Armed Constabulary in its early years and was always keen for the demilitarisation of the force, had an unrestful time of it with his military officers. He was an excellent policeman, but he was totally out of sympathy with the soldierly aspirations of the officers and men who did the work. Many of them could never get used to the police idea and ideals.

The inspectors and sub-inspectors preferred the military equivalents of their ranks, major and captain, and “private” was naturally considered a more fitting description of a frontier fighter than "constable.” It must have boon rather confusing at first, too, to find a company described as a “ division.”

Mr Branigan always tried to impress on his subordinates the fact that they were not soldiers but constabulary; but when those “constables” got into action under such leaders as Whitmore and McDonnell, Roberts, Scannell, and Northcroft, they speedily forgot that they were police, and proved themselves a competent bushfighting corps of regular soldiers. It is to the commissioner’s credit that he worked hard to provide the force with the most efficient arms procurable; be realised that police must possess up-to-date weapons and equipment. In the period 1870-71 Captain Swindley, afterwards a settler at Te Puapua, near Whakatane, was an officer of armed constabulary stationed at Opotiki. Swindley was a capital soldier, a skilled bushman and scout, and a highly popular man with his comrades. He was a great raconteur, and rather given to practical jokes. And his special aversion was his superior officer, Commissioner Branigan. Swindley amused some of his friends with pen-and-ink drawings depicting himself in the uniform of a London policeman carrying a baton. This illustrated the fate which he professed to believe would overtake the A.C. Field Force. He had his photo taken in that costume. These caricatures were circulated from post to post, and at last the story came to the ears of Mr Branigan. The rest of the story is told in a diary kept by the late Captain G. A. Preece, N.Z.C., covering the period of his active service in the Government forces. Captain Preece sent me a complete copy of this diary shortly before he died. Swindley, he wrote, was at the Constabulary Depot, Mount Cook, in Wellington, when he was sent for by Mr Branigan. ‘

‘I understand, Captain Swindley,” said the commissioner, ‘‘that you have been caricaturing the force by exhibiting some pictures showing what you expected to be, what you were, and what you would become, the last in the uniform of a London policeman with a baton.” Captain Swindley, who was never at a loss, replied: “Oh, no, sir. In my various occupations I have had my photograph taken,” and he took a packet of small photo-cards from his pocket. “Here is one, showing me as a digger on the West Coast. Here is another, as a surveyor’s chainman. The third shows me in A.C. officer’s uniform. The fourth is as I found myself in the field, with a shawl round my loins, a carbine over my shoulder, a revolver on my belt, and a haversack on my back. I heard that you were going to demilitarise the force, so I thought I would make my collection complete. Those are very old, so you can see that it was with no intention of bringing the force into ridicule.” Mr Branigan took it in good part, said Captain Preece, and no more was said about it at the time. Probably the captain agreeably entertained the commissioner with some of his funny stories. But Swindley, incorrigible joker that he was, could not leave well alone.

The commissioner’s official life was brought to an unfortunate close about the beginning of 1871, consequent upon the effects of an old sunstroke. Preece wrote in his diary (July 14, 1871), after recounting the incident just related “I am afraid Swindley must be held partly accountable for poor Branigan's condition. Some time after the Wellington interview, he sent the commissioner the following extract from Mark Twain’s “Innocents Abroad”;

“ ‘But perhaps the most poetical thing Pompeii has yielded to modern research was that grand figure of a Roman soldier, clad in complete armour, who, true to his duty and full of the stern courage which has given to that name its glory, stood to his post by the city gate, erect and unflinching, till the hell that raged around him burned out the dauntless spirit it could not conquer. We never read of Pompeii without the natural impulse to grant to him the mention he so well deserves. Let us remember he was a soldier, not a policeman, and so praise him. Being a soldier, he stayed, because the warrior instinct forbade him to fly. Had he been a policeman he would have stayed also, because be would have been asleep.’ “This quotation,” said Captain Preece, “was sent to Branigan shortly before he went off, Swindley said he thought it might have been this that affected him.”  -Otago Daily Times, 17/9/1927.

DEATH OF MR. ST. JOHN BRANIGAN.

A very large number of persons, not only in Dunedin and Otago, but throughout the entire Colony as well, will read with sincere regret the announcement we have to make to-day of the death of Mr St. John Branigan. It is well known to all, that for upwards of three years past, Mr Branigan had been suffering from a malady brought on by exposure when engaged in the discharge of his arduous duties as Commissioner of the Armed Constabulary in the North Island, and on Wednesday death put a sudden end to his sufferings. Mr Branigan was 49 years of age at the time of his death. He was a native of King's County, Ireland, and at an early age he entered the army, joining the 45th Regiment. In this regiment he proceeded to the Cape of Good Hope, where he left the army and entered the police force. In his new capacity he distinguished himself by his efficiency, and rapidly rose to the rank of Inspector. During the Caffre war the Cape Police were employed on frontier duty, while engaged in which Mr Branigan was wounded. As a set-off to this, however, he received a medal for his gallantry. Shortly afterwards the news of the wonderful gold discoveries in Australia induced Mr Branigan to leave the Force, and he entered into a commercial speculation, purchasing a schooner, which he loaded with merchandise, and in which he sailed to Melbourne, where he arrived in 1854. His speculation not proving a remunerative one, he entered the Victorian Police as a cadet, and so distinguished himself that in the short space of eighteen months he had passed through the intervening grades and risen to the rank of Sub-Inspector. He remained in Victoria until 1861, when he was appointed to form a Police Force in Otago. In the beginning of the spring of that year he arrived in this Province with twenty volunteers from the Victorian Force. At that time he held the title of Inspector, but not long afterwards he received the designation of Commissioner. His career in this Province is too well known to require any extended notice. That he proved a most able organiser and director of a police force, and that he brought the Otago Force to such a pitch of excellence that it was universally admitted to be one of the best, not only in these Colonies, but in the world, are facts with which our readers are familiar. In September or October, 1869 Mr Branigan resigned his post in Otago to undertake the organisation of the Armed Constabulary Force in the North Island, under the General Government. Prior to his leaving Dunedin, a public meeting was held (on the 22nd Oct.), at which Mr Branigan was presented by His Honour the Superintendent on behalf of the inhabitants of the Province, with an address, recounting his services to Otago and expressing the regret felt by the Province at his departure. In making the presentation, His Honour dwelt in terms of well-deserved eulogy, upon Mr Branigan's services in preserving law and order; and he also stated that the original idea of the establishment of the Otago Industrial School, as well as (to quote His Honour's own words) "the whole of the subsequent arrangements, the organisation, and so forth, of the institution," were due to Mr Branigan. On the same day, Mr Branigan was presented by the members of the Force he had lately commanded, with a very handsome testimonial, of the value of £100. Unhappily, the hopes expressed for Mr Branigan's welfare in his new sphere of duty were destined not to be realised. He threw himself into the work of organising the "demilitarised" Armed Constabulary with the energy characteristic of him, and while thus engaged he received a sun-stroke, from the effects of which he never recovered. This misfortune incapacitated him for duty, and at the very time when he was most required, he was laid aside. At length, after more than three years of suffering, as we have said, death has released him, the release coming as suddenly as the blow that cut him down in the prime of his strength and usefulness. He leaves a widow and family to mourn his loss. 

It is not necessary for us to add anything in praise of the deceased. His services, as the Superintendent said in presenting him with the testimonial above mentioned, speak for themselves, and we may add that they will long continue to do so. When we listen with pardonable pride to the encomiums passed upon our Police Force, and reflect on the benefits the efficiency of that Force confers upon us, as well as when we call to mind the good work the Industrial School is doing, the thought will naturally recur that the foundation of that efficiency was laid, and that that good work was begun, by Mr St. John Branigan.  -Otago Witness, 13/9/1873.

BRANIGAN'S FUNERAL

The remains of the late Mr St. John Branigan were interred in the Southern Cemetery on Saturday afternoon. Throughout the forenoon the town wore a quiet appearance; in the afternoon nearly all the shops in Princes street were closed, and a long time before the funeral procession appeared, its route, from the Octagon to Custom House square, was lined with people. A four-horse hearse, with black plumes, conveyed the coffin to the Octagon, where it was transferred, wrapped in the Union Jack, to a gun carriage, drawn by four black horses, with head feathers and trappings. The coffin was covered with black cloth, mounted with gilt and black furniture, and on the inscription plate — which was of great length — were the words —

St. John Branigan, Died 10th September, 1873, Aged 49 years. The order of procession was as follows —

Two Mounted Constables. 

Provincial Band. 

Gun carriage, with Body. 

Mourning coach, containing Archdeacon Edwards and two sons of the deceased. 

Chief mourners. 

54 Children of Industrial School, led by Mr Britton.

17 Members of the Police Force, and Officers and Retired Officers. 

10 Officers and Warders of the Gaol. 

Volunteer Force. 

25 Members of the Fire Brigade. 

Executive. 

City Councillors. 

Citizens.

Spectators crowded the streets along the line of march, and the band played the Dead March in "Saul." The chief mourners were the Commissioner of Police, Dr Hocken, Messrs Hodgkins, Martin, and Logan. Lieut. Colonel Cargill, and Major Atkinson, the staff-sergeants, and the captains of the town companies, were present among the volunteers, but, with the exception of the Artillery, the companies were poorly represented. A large number of the late Police Force, organised by deceased, also joined in the procession. On arriving at the cemetery, the coffin was borne by Sergeants Bevan, Dean, Golder, and O'Neil, to the grave, the pall bearers being Messrs G. K. Tunon, W. D. Murison, P. Power, R. B. Martin, J. T. Wright, and Dr Hocken. The burial service was read by Archdeacon Edwards.  -Otago Witness, 20/9/1873.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.  DCC photo.

The Commissioner of Police has obtained three designs by Mr Godfrey, the well-known sculptor of this city, for a monument to be erected over the grave of the late Mr St. John Branigan. The cost of such a monument is expected to be about £100, and it is proposed that the sum should be subscribed by the members of the Otago Police Force, as well as those of the Armed Constabulary with whom Mr Branigan was connected. Mr Branigan was, in his lifetime, instrumental in having monuments raised over the graves of members of the force in Otago, and the present proposal is, therefore, at once a fitting tribute to his memory, and a delicate mode of recognising his services. Independent of these considerations, however, Mr Branigan's services entitle him to this mark of respect, which will be most appropriately paid him by those with whom he was especially identified.  -Otago Witness, 25/9/1873.

OLD AND GOOD IDENTITIES

Two monuments to men who in their time were widely known and respected throughout the length and breadth of New Zealand, have lately been erected in the Southern Anglican Cemetery, Dunedin. The one is an Eleanor monument, built on a foundation of concrete sunk six or eight feet in the ground. Its basement is composed of blue stone, and the upper portion of Kakanui freestone, and it occupies a corner section fronting the vault of the Jones family. Upon a marble slab on one side the following epitaph is engraved: — "In memory of St. John Branigan, who departed this life on the 10th September, 1873, aged 49." On the opposite side this inscription appears: "This monument is erected to the memory of St. John Branigan, late Commissioner of Police, by the officers, sergeants, and constables of the Armed Constabulary and Otago Police." A chaste piece of artistic work, a chef d'oeuvre of Mr Godfrey's, is cut on another side. It represents a set of police accoutrements. A uniform cap rests between two spear points of two furled flags, below which hang an unsheathed sword and scabbard and a pair of spurs. The memorial is a worthy token of regard by those who erected it. Within fifty yards of this spot another monument rears its head, a model of simplicity and humility, virtues of the man of whom it stands in remembrance. It is a plain white marble obelisk, and on it, in deep cut letters are the words "Wilson Gray." This alone is the sole record of him who lies beneath one whose kindly nature is too widely known to require any posthumous extolling.  -West Coast Times, 5/5/1876.