William Main Young, 1859-8/3/1885

 THE ACCIDENT AT PELORUS RIVER.

An inquest was held at the Courthouse, Havelock, on Tuesday evening, before Mr John Allen, Coroner, touching the death of William Main Young, who was then lying dead at Dorreen's Postoffice Hotel. The following jury were sworn: — J. H. Reynolds (foreman), C. B. Yarker, O. B. Jarvis, W. J. Little, Montague Adams, W. H. Smith, T. H. Scott, W. Campbell, E. Jones, Edward Gwillein, B. Nesbit, H. L. Severns and Wm, Price. 

William Earp, merchant, of Blenheim, deposed: Deceased was my partner. I was not present at the time of his death. Have seen the deceased, and identify it as that of Wm. Main Young. I was present this day when he was found. Wm. Dorreen and others were present. He was found at the ford, about half a mile above where the bridge is being built, below the fill, in a deep hole about 30 yards distant from the gorge. Dorreen was probing with a pole with a hook attached, and after an hour's, trial succeeded in getting the body. It was caught by the clothes. I had a wire on Sunday, at 7 p.m., that the accident had happened that day at 1 p.m.; he was found about 2.15.p.m. to-day (the 10th.) Saw him last alive on Friday night, the 6th, when he was in good health and spirits. I believe he was on a pleasure trip to the Maungatapu Mountains He informed me he was coming through here. 

Arthur Wratt, flax-dresser, residing at Ropaka, Pelorus Valley, sworn: Was with deceased on Sunday on horseback. We started from Hamling's Hotel, Canvas Town, about 10.30 a.m. on Sunday, the 8th instant. Messrs Dorreen and Header were with him. We were going to the Maungatapu Mountain on a pleasure trip. It was not then raining. It had rained heavily the night previous. About seven miles from Hamling's we had to cross the Pelorus river. The bridge in course of erection is not finished. All persons going in that direction have to cross the ford. Had not crossed it previously. The river did not appear dangerous. The water was dirty. There were very large boulders on the bottom, and they were very slimy. Dorreen crossed first and Header econd. They got across. Deceased and myself were following a short distance behind. The water was above the horses' girths. Had heard the river was dangerous. Deceased was riding in front of me. He was about the middle when the horse stuck; he would not go. Deceased struck the horse when the animal plunged. Deaceased then tryed bringing it out on the side he had entered, and when he touched the rein the horse stumbled. Mr Young had hold of the rein, and I told him to stick to it. He held until the horse rose, when deceased appeared afraid of the horse coming on him, and he let go the rein. He drifted on his back over, and I did not see him again. Believe Dorreen and Reader saw the accident, but were too far off to render any assistance. They both got off their horses and went to where he was last seen, Deceased’s horse got out on the side it had entered. I did all I possibly could to assist deceased. He was in good health when he left Hamling’s, and did not make any complaint. The horse stood still in the middle of the river. Deceased did not appear frightened when in the water; he said, "I am in for it.” Deceased had a gun, which I believe was an impediment, and a few rounds of ammunition. He was on his back, and made an effort to strike out. Have no reason to suppose that it was other than a pure accident. 

William Dorreen, publican, residing in Havelock, sworn: Was with deceased on Sunday, March 8, at Hamling’s Hotel; had been there all night previously. On Sunday we were going to the Maungatapu Mountain for a pleasure trip. We could not cross the bridge on horseback. Have been across the river about a dozen times. Considered the river at the time safe to cross, and did not think it dangerous. I went first, Mr Reader followed, leading another horse. Deceased was following. Had got across when I saw deceased’s horse plunging about; it wanted to go back to all appearance. When deceased turned it, it appeared not to go. Deceased was under the water momentarily. Wratt told him to stick to the bridle, but be let go. He then floated down the stream feet first. When I saw him fall off his horse, I ran to where the whirlpool is. Deceased did not go over the second fall. He was found about fifty feet from where we last saw him. Got Mr Wratt, who was on the Havelock side of the river, to go to Havelock and report to the police. We went to Coupee’s and got some poles. Took the punt on Monday. The water was much clearer today. I had a hook fastened to the end of a pole. I felt something heavy, and after the second time succeeded in getting the deceased up. The water there was still. He was hooked by the vest. The wound on his face was probably owing to his striking against some hard substance, and appeared bleached. Did not notice any other wound. He was brought from Couper’s to Havelock in a buggy. Did not apprehend any danger at first. Deceased turned the horse’s head round. Had not seen the horse before Mr Young brought him through. Was too far off to render any assistance. Do not consider the ford generally as safe to cross. At a small expense the upper ford could be rendered comparitively safe.

The Coroner commented on the fact of the ford being very dangerous. The Jury unanimously returned a verdict that deceased was “Accidentally drowned," and appended the following rider: — “The Jury would urge on the Government the completion of the bridge as early as possible, and that the proper authorities be requested to open a track to the upper ford."  -NZ Times, 14/3/1885.

Pelorous Bridge after completion.  Hocken Library photo.

Blenheim Cemetery.

Thomas Batty, 1860-11/11/1903.

 A Prominent Townsman Loses His Life.

Marking at Vernon Butts.

Shot Through the Brain.

A distressing accident occurred at the Vernon Butts this morning, while the Blenheim Rifles were engaged in Government service firing, by which a well-known and much esteemed townsman lost his life in the person of Mr Thomas Batty.

Mr Batty, together with his son Arthur, aged about fifteen years, and his brother Johu, was engaged as a marker, and had charge of the centre of three targets, at which a squad, of recruits were firing at a rapid rate at the 200 yds range.

The shooting had not very long commenced when one of the markers was seen to rush out of the trench with the danger flag, calling out, "You've shot a marker!"

The shooting was immediately stopped, and Captain Powell and others ran to the trench, where they found Mr Batty lying in an unconscious state, with a bullet wound in the head.

A volunteer was quickly despatched to the Hospital to get communication with Dr Anderson. The officers did all possible for the unfortunate man, but the case was recognised as a very serious one, the bullet — which would seem to have struck the mound some six inches from the top and glanced downwards — having passed through the brain from the rear centre to the left side.

There being little sound of the striking missile, the occupants of the trench, amongst whom was Sergt. Reardon, scarcely realised what had happened, thinking the unfortunate man had fainted, but the sign of blood quickly told the tale, and the alarm was given. Poor Batty breathed for the space of about twenty minutes; when, Dr. Anderson arriving life was pronounced extinct. The body was then conveyed to the morgue, and the several marksmen sorrowfully dispersed. Deceased, who was about 45 years of age, and proprietor of the well-known cabinetmaking establishment, had long held a colonial reputation as a marker, having attended the New Zealand Rifle Association meetings in that capacity for many years. He was perhaps better known locally as secretary to the Garrison Band, which position he had filled with credit for some eight years, and having been a member of the Band since its formation. His sustained good nature made him a general favorite, and he will be widely missed alike for his integrity and good citizenship. He was at one time a useful member of the Fire Brigade, and many another institution will feel the need of his kindly assistance. 

Deceased leaves a wife and five children, the lad who was marking being the eldest. To them and to the parents and relatives we sincerely offer our sympathy in their great trial.  -Marlborough Express, 11/11/1903.

THE VERNON RANGE ACCIDENT.

THE CORONER'S ENQUIRY.

FINDING OF THE JURY.

An inquest concerning the death of Thos. Batty was held yesterday afternoon before Mr T. Scott-Smith, S.M., Coroner, and a jury consisting of Messrs E. H. Penny (foreman), I. Paine, C. Ferguson, H. Fisk, J. J. McCabe, and F. T. Bull. 

Sergt.-Major Mason appeared on behalf of the Police and Mr J. Conolly for the wife and relatives of deceased. 

After viewing the body at the Hospital the jury proceeded to the Butts to inspect the ground and trench where deseased came to his untimely end. Assisted by officers of the Company, the jury made a minute inspection of the earthworks. The course of the fatal bullet through the top of the mound was traced, and exact measurements of the Butts taken. Subsequently a rough plan was drawn out on a blackboard by Mr Frank Paine and Lieut. Baillie, and produced at the Courthouse, where the inquest was held. The measurements appear in the evidence of Lieut. Baillie. 

John Reardon, Sergeant in the Blenheim Rifles, deposed that he knew deceased, who was a member of the Garrison Band. The duty of marking at the Butts for rifle practice by the Volunteers was let out by contract, and deceased had taken a contract from the Blenheim Rifles for twelve months. The contract was accepted by the Shooting Committee of the corps, of which Committee witness was a member. This Committee always satisfied itself that the person who undertook these duties was a competent man. Deceased was one of the best in the district, and to his knowledge had been marking for ten years. The Blenheim Rifles went out yesterday morning for part of their annual course of Government shooting, and deceased acted as marker as usual, with two assistants — John Batty (his brother) and Arthur Batty (his son). Captain Powell was in charge of the firing party. Witness, representing the Company, was in the trench with ths markers. At the time deceased met his death recruits were firing, and had to fire a magazine fire of 7 shots in 60 seconds. As each 7 shots were fired witness would take a record of the scores. He had just finished one target and deceased was standing back against the bank facing the targets and passed a remark to witness about the low elevation the recruits were firing. Witness had turned his head away from him, but, hearing a slight rustle behind, he looked round and saw deceased on the ground. He called out to the other markers to turn down the targets, which would stop the firing. John Batty ran over to deceased and held his head up, saying that he had been shot. One of the other markers immediately signalled the range that there had been an accident. To his knowledge this was the first accident to occur on the range. Until that morning he had always considered the Butts perfectly safe. As far as he was aware, deceased believed them to be safe. They had marked under similar conditions many times. There was, of course, wear and tear on account of the weather, which would lessen the strength, but this would not be much. He had known bullets to strike the wood between the targets, thus showing a slight deflection down, but had never seen such a great deflection as had occurred in this instance. There was no danger in the case of the bullets striking the wood, as they struck above the head. Portions of bullets might possibly rebound if the iron bolt were struck. He himself had never seen a bullet strike one of the bolts. He could not say exactly who was responsible for keeping the range in order. Deceased was rather deaf, but that did not militate in the slightest degree against his efficiency as a marker. He could tell when hits had been made before persons with better hearing. He could not say who put the layer of sods on the top of the bank protecting the markers' trench. It had been there for some time.

To the Coroner: He thought that probably if the layer of sods had not been there deceased would not have been shot.

To Mr Conolly: The firing party was at the 200 yds range. It must have been, he thought, the sods or some thing in them with which the bullet came into contact that caused the bullet to deflect so abruptly into the trench. Bullets had a downward tendency when coming on to the target. 

To Mr Conolly: The bullet in question dropped about two feet into the trench after striking the top of the mound. He had been a member of the Shooting Committee about live years. The layer of sods had been placed on top of the mound since he joined the Committee. 

Were they put there by order of the Shooting Committee? — Witness replied that he did not know. Probably the Shooting Committee would go to the District Committee for the order. The sods were thrown up with the idea of making the Butts safe. Previously the bullets hit the bar between the targets. He had not carefully examined the ground struck by the bullet, but it had been worn away to a certain extent

Do you consider 28 inches of soft material as a top layer sufficient protection to stop a bullet? — No; I don't think the layer as it is now is safe to stop a bullet. He had never heard deceased make any complaint. He had heard some men who had not been in the trench before ask whether it was safe.

To Sergt.-Major Mason: Of course in the estimate that the Butts was safe, it was never thought that a bullet would so deflected in such an extraordinary manner. After that morning's experience he thought alterations should be made.

Dr Anderson said he was sent for some time after six o'clock that morning to go to the Vernon Butts, as a man had been shot. The message came through the Hospital telephone, so that no time was lost in obtaining assistance. On arriving at the Butts he found deceased lying on his back in the markers' trench. He found that life was extinct. There was a wound on the left side of the head from which the brain was protruding. He advised Captain Powell to remove the body to the Hospital until deceased's friends had been informed of the accident. At the Hospital witness made a more careful examination of the injuries. There was only one wound in the head, and that was about 1l inches long, running from the fore backward. There was a wound of similar size in the skull, and at the front part of this wound a roughly circular opening, large enough to admit the point of the forefinger, and from that wound two cracks about two inches long, extended upwards and downwards. The wound in the brain ran from behind forwards, and there was great destruction of brain tissue. Ho probed for the bullet, but could not find it, without a post mortem, which he did not consider necessary. Probably the bullet lodged at the base of the skull. He was of opinion that the cause of death was the destruction of the nerve supply to the heart and lungs. The wound might have been caused by a bullet fired as described. 

To the jury: He should say that deceased was struck from behind.

Major Rogers said he acted in Marlborough for the Officer Commanding the District in his absence. The classfiring was done under the supervision of the officer commanding each company. Witness was not responsible unless he was on the range. The Butts were under the supervision of the Officer Commanding the District, whose duty it was to examine and report to the Defence Department. He had known that the Officer Commanding the District had inspected them every year, but he had not seen the reports. The Butts had been closed since the accident, pending an official enquiry. The officers commanding corps had also to report any disrepair they might observe. He had never heard anything said against the Butts and he had frequently been there himself, sometimes marking. He knew deceased, who was an efficient marker. He was the finest marker he had seen during his 28 years of volunteer experience. Deceased never suggested to witness any complaint about the Butts. There was ample opportunity of making any complaint or suggestions. Any suggestions deceased made as to improvements were readily accepted. He himself thought the range was perfectly safe until today. He regarded tbe accident as perfectly unique. He should have thought there was less danger to the man in front than to the man behind the trigger. He did not know who put the layer of sods on the top of the mound. Probably it was put there on the instructions of the District Committee. The layer was put up to conceal the wooden bar and the bolts between the targets, which could be seen from the firing line. He believed that on one occasion the iron bolt was hit; the wood itself used to be continually perforated. There is timber between the targets about eight feet from the bottom of the trench. Twenty eight inches of unrammed earth was laid down by the authorities as being bullet-proof with the Lee-Metford rifle; and 14 inches of hard mud wall. The firing at 200 yds was point-blank; there was practically no fall in the course of the bullet. He had viewed the scene of the accident. It was difficult to account for the mishap. He did not think there were any stones in the top earthwork, and if there were not some such object, probably a spent bullet caused the fatal bullet to deflect downwards in the remarkable manner that it did.

Captain Powell, Blenheim Rifles, said he was in charge of the firing party at the Butts. Some 30 or 40 members of the Company were firing. Before the firing commenced he satisfied himself that everything was safe. At two of the targets squads were doing independent firing. One squad of four was executing magazine firing at the target at which deceased was marking, the rate being 7 shots per minute. One squad had fired, and another started, when word was received from the Butts that a marker had been shot.

Sergt.-Major Mason questioned witness as to the name and qualifications of the recruit from whose rifle the bullet proceeded. Captain Powell gave the information; but Mr Conolly intervened to say that he thought this examination was not necessary. There was not the slightest question in anyone's mind as to there being no intention to hit the Butts instead of the target; the butts were there to be hit. He was sorry that the name was brought in, and he was sure Captain Powell did not wish to give it.

Sergt.-Major Mason said he had no wish to lay any stress on the name. He only wished to clear away all doubt as to carelessness in any particular direction.

Proceeding, witness said that either an experienced shootist or a recruit might hit the Butts with that rate of firing. Other squads were firing at the adjoining targets, but they would have to go a long way out of their range to hit the mound sheltering the trench in which deceased was marking. He endorsed all that had been said about deceased's efficiency. Deceased had never complained to him about the Butts being unsafe.

To Mr Conolly: Had always considered the Butts safe. He had intended to be in the trench with deceased that morning, but found when he got on to the ground that he would have to remain at the firing point. After what had occurred he regarded the top of the mound as not sufficiently protected. No doubt it would be altered.

To a juror: The layer of sods on the top of the mound might not be the regulation 28 inches through; but the reason for believing it safe was that it was a considerable distance above the marker's head.

Lieut, Baillie, Blenheim Rifles, said he was in charge of No. 3 squad. Some time elapsed before the last shot was signalled. The danger flag came out, and he immediately called "Cease fire!" John Batty, brother of deceased, came out to the end of the trench and called out, "You have shot one of the markers!" With a number of others he ran up to the trench. Deceased was lying across the trench, with blood flowing from his head. They moved him into an easier position. Deceased gave no sign of recognition, and died shortly afterwards in the trench, just before the doctor's arrival. Sergt. Reardon showed him a fresh mark inside the trench at the top of the mound which had very appearance of a bullet track. He concluded that deceased had been struck on the head by a bullet or portion of a bullet. Dr Anderson came promptly, and told them that life was extinct. Mr Paine and himself made the measurements shown on the blackboard. Assuming deceased to be a man of 5ft 6in, the thickness of the earth on a line with his head as he stood in the trench would ba fully seven feet. The mound then tapered up to a thickness of 25 inches at the point where the bullet went through. The distance perpendicularly from the bottom of the trench to the bullet hole was 7ft 4in. The trench was 5ft wide from the base of the mound to the bottom of the target. From the bullet hole on the inside of the mound to a line carried perpendicularly above deceased's head was 4ft 6in. If the bullet had gone straight on instead of being deflected it would have passed lft l0in above deceased's head. That was a deflection of l in 2 1/2. He had never heard any complaint about the safety of the Butts. He had considered them perfectly safe until that morning.

To Mr Conolly: He would not consider the top layer of the monnd bullet proof; but it was never expected that a bullet would deflect in such a manner. Moreover, the range was considerably up-hill. Probably the marker would not have been struck if the top layer had not been there.

To the jury: He did not know when the last inspection of the Butts by the Officer Commanding the District took place.

To Mr Conolly: He had never known a bullet to go through the mound before. Probably enough many bullets were embedded in the top layer, and one of these may have caused the deflection. He suggested that the Butts would be absolutely safe if the top of the mound were made square with the base.

John Batty, brother of deceased, said he was assisting him at the Butts in marking that morning. He himself was a fairly experienced marker. Last Monday morning witness was telling deceased about the Tua Marina Butts, saying that they looked a lot safer than the Vernon Butts as they had iron all along the top of the mound to stop the bullets from coming over; and deceased said he was going to condemn the Vernon Butts when he got back to the long ranges. Witness understood from that that deceased intended to bring the matter under the notice of the Commanding Officer. Deceased evidently did not think the Butts were so safe at the long as the short ranges, owing to the trajectory of the bullets. That was the only complaint as to the Butts he ever heard from his brother, he had nothing to add to Sergt. Reardon's evidence as to the death of his brother. He had no fault to find with the proceedings in connection with the firing. With regard to the top layer on the mound, witness remarked on Monday morning that if the earth became wet the bullets might come right through. Deceased replied that even if the bullets did so they wouldn't hurt them. Many times when the bullets struck the top of the mound they cast earth over into the trench. The markers had never drawn the attention of the officers to that fact. Before the top layer was put on the bullets sometimes struck the wooden bar between the targets, but the markers did not experience any sense of danger on that account, and made no report on the matter. Personally he blamed no one for his brother's death. 

To Mr Conolly: If the top layer of sods had not been on the mound the bullet would not have struck his brother, as there would have been nothing to deflect it; and from that point of view the Butts would have been safer without the additions. 

The Coroner said that the evidence had been made plain to the jury and it was not necessary for him to review it. He did not think they would have any difficulty. The only question to consider was as to the construction of the Butts to ensure safety, and if the jury had any recommendation to make he would forward it to the proper qaarter. 

After a short retirement, the jury returned at 6.30 o'clock with a verdict "That the deceased, Thomas Batty, met his death by being accidentally shot while acting as marker in the Vernon Butts, and no blame is attached to any person on the range." The jury added the following rider:— "That the jury is unanimously of opinion that not sufficient care was exercised in ascertaining that the top of the mound was perfectly safe."  -Marlborough Express, 12/11/1903.

CASUALTIES

Thomas Batty, the well-known marksman, who was shot in the markers' trench at the Vernon butts, Blenheim, was buried yesterday with military honors. All the volunteer companies were largely represented. The Military Commission have made their investigation and forwarded the evidence to the Defence Department. It is not revealed how the fatal bullet got into the trench.  -Evening Star, 14/11/1903.

News and Notes

A petition is in circulation in this and the Nelson districts praying the Minister for Defence and hon. members to grant a compassionate allowance to the widow of the late Thomas Batty, who lost his life while engaged in marking at the Butts on Wednesday last. The petition was read from the pulpits of the several churches last evening. As would be expected, the petition is being extensively signed.  -Marlborough Express, 16/11/1903.

News and Notes

A handsome marble stone, with granite base, has been erected over the grave of the late Mr T. Batty, bearing the inscription, "Erected by the Garrison Band, in fond memory of Bandsman Thomas Batty, aged 43 years, accidentally shot at the Vernon Butts on 11th November, 1903." The stone was procured from Mr G. M. Simpson, of Nelson, through Mr C. Lane, the local agent.  -Marlborough Express, 3/3/1904.

Local and General News

Cabinet has granted to the widow of the late Thomas Batty, who was accidentally shot at the Blenheim Butts about three years ago, a lump sum of £400, in full settlement of her claim.  -Marlborough Express, 30/6/1904.

Blenheim Cemetery.

Nurse Bernadine Melville, 1892-3/12/1918.

There can be no higher tribute to a member of the health profession than that inscribed on the gravestone of Nurse Bernadine Melville.  She "died at her post" - having (as I surmise) gone every day to her nurse's job during the 1918 spanish flu epidemic in the knowledge that death in the line of duty was a serious possibility.

WOMEN'S CORNER

Miss Bernadine F. Melville, whose death occurred at the Blenheim Hospital last week from influenza complications, had been a member of the hospital nursing staff for the past eighteen mouths. She was 26 years of age, and was born in Otago.   -Press, 9/12/1918.

Deaths

MELVILLE. — On December 3, at Blenheim, Nurse Bernadina Florence Alice (Berna), only daughter of William Melville, late of Te Akaterawa; aged 26 years.  -Otago Daily Times, 13/12/1918.

In a letter read at the last meeting of the Waiau Hospital Board (reports the Marlborough Express) the Sisters of Mercy returned a cheque for £18, forwarded to them in recognition of the services they rendered at the hospital during the outbreak of influenza. The payment was made in connection with the system of allowances for epidemic workers. The Sisters thanked the board for its consideration, and, saying that they were pleased to give their services gratuitously, asked the board to apply the money to the benefit of the hospital or some such similar object, as it thought fit. Miss X, Barnett, of Tua Marina, returned a cheque for £5. The board expressed its appreciation of the action of the donors. In recognition of the fine work done by the nursing staff during the influenza epidemic the board voted bonuses of £15 for the matron, and £10 for each nurse. The total amount voted is £185. An extra week's holiday was granted. The members of the board paid warm tributes to the courage and willingness that marked the conduct of the staff during their trying ordeal. The board has also decided to erect a headstone over the grave of Nurse Melville, who fell a victim to the influenza epidemic while she was nursing at the hospital.  -Evening Post, 20/1/1919.

Blenheim Cemetery.

John Gibson (?-19/1/1905) and Thomas Callard (?-7/1912).

Burnt Out. — The fishermen's cottage on the Boulder Bank at the bar was destroyed by fire on Monday night at about 9 o'clock. It appears that Messrs Callard and Gibson, the occupants of the cottage, were fishing on the sea at that time, when they noticed flames on the land, and pulling in discovered that the fire had a good hold of their dwelling. With the assistance of Mr Rogers, the pilot, they managed to save their boatshed and boats, but all their clothes and other household effects were destroyed. The hospitable fishermen at the bar are well known and popular characters, especially to the numerous visitors to that pleasurable locality, and general sympathy will be felt for them in their misfortune.  -Marlborough Express, 2/5/1894.

MARLBOROUGH LAND BOARD

Messrs Callard and Gibson applied that runs No. 49, the lease of which will expire on March 1st, be reoffered at a reduced rental. Resolved to have the license reoffered for a term of 5 years, at the upset annual rent of £7, one of the conditions to provide for free ingress and egress for picnic and shooting parties.  -Marlborough Express, 11/6/1896.

OBITUARY.

DEATH OF AN OLD IDENTITY.

Yesterday death claimed an old identity — we were nearly saying old landmark — in the person of Mr John Gibson, who lived on the Boulder Bank, near the Wairau Bar, for a period extending over thirty years. It separates a well-known twain, the mate of deceased being Mr Tom Callard, and the two being familiarly known as "Jack and Tom." The popularity of the Wairau Bar as a recreative resort is largely due to the hospitality of Messrs Gibson and Callard, who have in their time rowed many hundreds of visitors across the estuary and extended to them their courtesy as the hosts of the one residence on the Boulder Bank. Deceased, who was 73 years of age, was born in Arbroath, Scotland, and came out to Sydney in 1851 as a sailor. In the early seventies be met Mr Callard at Kaituna, Marlborough, and then commenced their lengthy association. Settling together at the Bar, where eventually they purchased the freehold of two acres from Mr W. Sinclair, they engaged in the fishing industry, and did much hard work in rowing their whaleboat to and from Port Underwood to get their harvests of the sea. They were the principal suppliers of Blenheim with fish in the early days. When they took up their position on the Boulder Bank the traffic up and down the river was principally carried on by means of whaleboats, and they witnessed the development of the steamer traffic from its initial stages. Deceased was unmarried. A few months ago illness compelled him to come to town, and he was kindly treated at the Club Hotel, where he passed away yesterday afternoon. Many people will have a kindly thought of old "Jack," and will extend sympathy to his companion.   -Marlborough Express, 20/1/1905.

The funeral of the late Mr Thomas Callard, popularly known to visitors to the Wairau Bar as "Old Tom," was attended yesterday by a number of friends of the deecased. The ceremony at the graveside was conducted by the Rev. R. de Lambert, and the following acted as pall-bearers: — Messrs W. Gamble, A. Draper, F Beamsley, S. Tapp, E, Cheesman, and H. March.  - Marlborough Express, 20/7/1912.

Blenheim Cemetery.

7/511 Lieutenant Leslie Craven MC, 21/3/1894-4/10/1918.

Leslie Craven, a teacher at Grovetown, Marlborough, was one of the first section of volunteers for the New Zealand Army after the beginning of the war in 1914.  He was promoted to the rank of  Sergeant in May, 1916, and then to Lieutenant in March, 1917, "for exceptionally good service in the field."

Local & General News

Mr A. Craven, of Grovetown, received word yesterday that his son, Lieut. Leslie Craven, who has been fighting in Palestine, was reported dangerously wounded on the 19th inst. Lieut. Craven left as a trooper with the Main Body.  -Marlborough Express, 24/4/1917.

The Official History of the NZ Machine Gun Corps describes in full the action which changed Leslie Craven's life for ever: "The section of guns delivered a strong covering fire, and the Wellingtons made a good advance. At 12 noon there was a dangerous gap between the Wellingtons and the Yeomanry, which the Canterbury Regiment was ordered to close. Two sections went forward with the Canterburys and did specially fine work. Unfortunately the section commanded by 2nd Lieut. L. A. Craven suffered severely as it was advancing, from a direct hit by a 5.9 shell. Several men and horses were knocked out. The manner in which Craven dealt with the situation was the same as is seen on the parade ground when a machine gun section is practising 'casualties'; guns and equipment were at once changed from the fallen horses to spares, the killed and wounded men's places were refilled, and with very little loss of time the section was able to again catch up to the Canterbury Regiment.

"With bold handling the guns were pushed forward, engaging many enemy targets at ranges from 1000 to 1600 yards, and inflicting heavy casualties. Craven's work was of particularly high order; he personally reconnoitred the positions for the guns, which enabled them to play such havoc among the enemy. About 3 p.m. he observed a large enemy party advancing through a field in heavy crop. Holding fire until the enemy party was within about 400 yards, he gave the order to open; the waiting gunners did not take a second to respond, and had the extreme satisfaction of wiping out the advancing Turks. Unfortunately, Craven was very severely wounded shortly before the Brigade withdrew. His meritorious work was recognised by the award of the Military Cross."

The citation for his Military Cross reads: "For conspicuous galantry and devotion to duty. He took his guns into action over exposed ground under heavy shell fire, and although suffering heavy casualties, his great coolness and presence of mind enabled him to hold off the enemy's attack under very trying circumstances. He himself was badly wounded during the operations."

Photo from "With the Machine-gunners in France and Palestine."

Leslie lay in hospital in Egypt, dangerously ill, for six month and was eventually taken off the danger list and sent home to New Zealand in November, 1917.

Lieutenant Leslie Alex. Craven died at the Wairau Hospital last week, succumbing to injuries he received at the second battle of Gaza. Palestine. The deceased officer, who was 24 years of age, was the youngest son of Mr A. Craven, of Grovetown. When the war broke out he was a member of the teaching staff of the Grovetown school, and he immediately gave proof of that high sense of duty that was one of the traits of an especially fine character, promptly enlisting and being a member of one of the first drafts to leave Blenheim. He went forward as a trooper with the Canterbury Mounted Rifles, included in the main,body of the Expeditionary Force, and he was attached to the machine-gun section. He took part in all the actions of the Mounted Brigade to the evacuation. Then he was promoted to the rank of sergeant and then to his lieutenancy, being given command of a section in August, 1916. He. was given accelerated promotion for further good work in the field, and he was awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry in action at the second battle of Gaza, in the Palestine campaign, on which occasion he was disabled by a shrapnel wound in the spine.  -NZ Times, 8/10/1918.

Personalia

The funeral of the late Lieutenant Leslie Craven, M.C., which took place on Saturday afternoon, was one of the most impressive ever witnessed in Blenheim. A large concourse of people watched the cortege pass through town, and there was also a large attendance at the graveside, where the burial service was read by the Ven. Archdeacon York and the Rev; W. W. Bedwell. The mortal remains of the deceased soldier were conveyed to their last resting-place on a gun-carriage covered by a Union Jack, the only wreath on the casket being one from General Sir Edward Chayterr. The machine-gun used by the deceased was also in the cortege. Lieutenant-Colonel H. J. Robinson (officer in charge of the 12th Nelson and Marlborough Regiment), represented the officer commanding the district. Lieutenant Freeth the Mounted Brigade Lieutenant, I. Pritchard the Canterbury Infantry Regiment, and Captain E. W. Fisher, the Rifle Brigade.  -NZ Times, 10/10/1918.

Blenheim Cemetery.

John Stack, (10/10/1885-)and James Rainey (24/1/1888)-13/12/1904.

The Kaikoura Star of Friday says that some anxiety is felt for the safety of John Stack and James Bainey, two young men who left Dynton Downs last Monday to muster the Snowflake, and have not since been seen. It is thought that they were caught in a snowstorm at midday on Tuesday, and made down the Limestone creek, where their fires were last seen, to the Inner Clarence. A search party went out from Clarence Reserve station.  -Marlborough Express, 20/12/1904.

Kaikoura, Dec. 19. While out mustering in the Snowflake-Lynton Downs country, a party of four were caught in the snowstorm of Tuesday last. Two of the number managed to make the camp, very much exhausted, but the others, two young men named James Rainey and John Stack, have not been heard of or seen since and must have perished in the cold and snow. They had very little food with them and were dressed only in singlets and dnngarees. Search parties have been out constantly since, scouring the country, and up to last night had found no trace of the missing men. -Akaroa Mail, 20/12/1904.

Accidents and Fatalities

SAD FATE.

The Lyttelton Times reports that while out mustering in the Snowflake-Lynton Downs country a party of four were caught in the snowstorm on Tuesday of last week. Two of the number managed to make the camp, very much exhausted, but the others — young men, named James Rainey and John Stack— perished. They had very little food with them, and were dressed only in singlets and dungarees. The bodies were found on Monday morning at the head of Crib Creek. That of Stack was in the creek, nearly covered with water, and it had a scar on the forehead, evidently from falling while exhausted. The body of Rainey was found 11 chains further on. It was lying with the head on the food bag, the poor fellow having evidently given up quietly when done.  -Southland Times, 23/12/1904.

Kaikoura Cemetery.

Douglas David "Hud" Stove, 1928-6/11/1946.

 JOCKEY INJURED

ACCIDENT AT GERALDINE 

TIMARU, This Day. When D. D. Stove, an apprentice jockey, of Main South Road, Hornby, was thrown from Denim during the running of the Orari Hack Handicap at the Geraldine Racing Club’s meeting at Orari on Saturday, he suffered serious internal injuries which necessitated his admission to the Timaru Public Hospital. Denim ran off the course near the six-furlong post and Stove was dislodged when the horse jumped the outside rail. He fell heavily and was rendered unconscious.

Stove was attended by Dr. F. A. Scannell, Temuka, at the course, and was transferred by the St. John Ambulance to the hospital. His condition last evening was reported to be fairly serious.  -Ashburton Guardian, 21/10/1946.

RACING NEWS

By Sentinel

Jottings

Abdicate was put under the hammer at Feilding last week, but was passed in at 500gns. 

The pool on the concluding event at the Gore meeting was £9500 — a record for the course. 

The Sir Galloway mare Royal Vestments is to be trained at Wingatui by H. A. Anderton. 

The condition of the jockey, D. D. Stove, who was seriously injured when he was thrown on to the rails at Riccarton, is reported to be showing a slight improvement.   -Otago Daily Times, 1/11/1946.

DEATH OF JOCKEY

MISHAP AT GERALDINE RACES 

(P.A.) CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. The death occurred in the Timaru Public Hospital this morning of Douglas David Stove, aged 18, an apprentice jockey, who was severely injured when thrown from his mount, Denim, during the running of the Orari Hack Handicap at the Geraldine Racing Club’s meeting on October 49. Denim, second favourite, attempted to run off toward the box where his stablemate Denary was quartered when holding the lead near the six furlongs. He jumped the outside rail of the course and, in doing so, dislodged Stove who landed on his back across the rail, then falling to the ground. Stove suffered severe internal injuries.  -Ashburton Guardian, 6/11/1946.

NOTES FROM RICCARTON

HORSES ENGAGED AT WINTON 

(Special) CHRISTCHURCH, Nov. 7. Nearly all the galloping at Riccarton this morning was done early. Most of the riders and some of the trainers were absent after breakfast, attending the funeral service for the late D. D. Stove, whose body was taken later to Kaikoura for burial.   -Otago Daily Times, 8/11/1946.

JOCKEY’S DEATH

EVIDENCE AT INQUEST

COMMENT BY CORONER 

(P.A.) TIMARU, Jan. 28. There was conflict of evidence concerning the use of prickers in horse racing when an inquest into the death of Douglas David Stove, apprentice jockey, was reopened by the Coroner (Mr G. G. Chisholm) at Timaru to-day. Stove died from injuries received after a fall from Denim in the Orari Hack Handicap at a race meeting at Orari on October 19 last year.

The Coroner said that witnesses were unable to agree as to whether the use of prickers in a horse race was proper practice. 

After evidence had been given concerning the use of prickers on the horse, witnesses were questioned by Stove’s father, David Haroldswick Stove. 

Robert Parker Register, trainer of Denim, said he had instructed Stove to ride the horse behind the others until he came into the straight, because he was a strong puller. He had saddled the horse before the accident, and the saddle was in good order. He had watched the race from the stand. When Denim had come to the turn of the track the horse had run off the course and thrown Stove. Witness said he had caught Denim after the horse had jumped into the paddock, and on taking off the saddle had found that it was broken. There were leather checkers on the bit of the bridle, but no prickers. The only reason he could give for the horse running off the course at the point it had done was that he had other horses stabled nearby, and Denim had been boxed with one the previous night and on the day of the meeting. 

Ivan John George Walther, jockey and farrier, Christchurch, said there was a pricker attached to the bridle of Denim on the off-side. While holding Denim just before the running of the Orari Handicap, he had noticed the pricker. Witness explained that a pricker was a round piece of leather with tacks driven through it, and the leather was fitted to the bit with the tack points next to the horse’s cheek. He estimated that the width of the pricker was nearly four inches. 

No Interference Maurice James McClintock, apprentice jockey, who rode Foreign Ways in the Orari Handicap, said that after the start of the race, Denim had gone to the front. It had run off the course between the sixth and seventh furlong post. Stove had been struggling to hold it and bring it back, but the next thing he had seen was Stove up in the air over the top of the horse. Stove had landed on his back on top of the outer rail. There had been no interference from any of the horses on the track.

Richard Pentecost, who stood at the six furlongs post during the running of the race, said Stove had been trying hard to bring Denim back on to the track. He thought Stove was unable to hold the horse on the track. Denim was fully a length ahead of the field when he had run off, and there had been no interference, witness added. 

Walter Patrick Hogan said he considered that Stove had let the horse’s head go to try to keep his seat, but his mount had jumped the rail. Witness added that he had gone to the scene of the accident immediately. Stove appeared to be badly hurt. A stirrup iron had been attached to his left foot, so he (Hogan) had removed it. He thought that the stirrup leather had broken shortly after the horse had pulled to outside the rails. 

A verdict was returned that Stove had died in the Timaru Public Hospital on November 6, the cause of death being generalised peritonitis after injuries received when he was thrown from a horse he was riding at the racecourse at Orari on October 19, 1946.  -Ashburton Guardian, 29/1/1947.

Kaikoura Cemetery.