Thomas (1887-14/4/1941) and Mona (1928-15/4/1941) Ivey. "driving home from the Fairlie show"

TRUCK STRIKES POLE

Death Of Prominent Timaru Farmer

Daughter Seriously Injured

Mr Thomas Hicks Ivey, a well-known farmer of Kingsdown, near Timaru died as the result of injuries received when the truck he was driving struck an electric light pole near the Pleasant Point township at 6.15 p.m. yesterday. His daughter, Miss Mona Ivey, who was a passenger in the truck, was admitted to the Timaru Public Hospital suffering from serious head injuries and a broken jaw. At the time of the accident Mr Ivey was returning from the Mackenzie show, where he was a successful exhibitor in the light horse classes. The truck left the road and struck the electric light pole at the intersection of the Main Highway and Russell Street, about half a mile on the Timaru side of Pleasant Point. Mr Ivey was rendered unconscious by the impact and died about 15 minutes later.

Miss Ivey was reported by the hospital authorities late last night to be very seriously ill. Mr Ivey was widely known as a successful farmer with a particular interest in horses. For many years he competed with conspicuous success in the light horse classes at A. and P. Shows in South Canterbury and Canterbury, and many of his animals were familiar features of the show ring. His interests extended also to trotting and he was for a great many years a member of the Timaru Trotting Club, serving for a long term as a member of the committee. He was well-known as an owner of trotting horses and several of his horses were prominent performers on the track. Two of Mr Ivey’s sons are overseas with the N.Z.E.F.  -Timaru Herald, 15/4/1941.

ACCIDENTS & DEATHS.

SECOND VICTIM SUCCUMBS.

(Sp.) TIMARTJ, April 15. The death occurred at the Timaru Hospital about 3 a.m. today of Mona Florence Shirley Ivey, aged 13 years, who suffered severe head injuries in the accident in which her father, Thomas Hicks Ivey, of Kingsdown, was killed, when the truck he was driving home from the Fairlie show left the road and struck a telegraph, pole near Pleasant Point on Monday evening. Joint inquests were opened before the Coroner (Mr O. W. Wood) at Timaru this morning, when evidence of identification was given by Jack Sydney Ivey, a son.  -Timaru Herald, 16/4/1941.

DEATHS

IVEY — On April 15, 1941. at Timaru, Mona Florence Shirley, dearly beloved daughter of Mrs and the late Thomas Ivey, Kingsdown, Timaru. in her 14th year. Result of an accident. Deeply mourned.  -Timaru Herald, 16/4/1941.

FUNERALS

IVEY—The friends of Mrs T. H. Ivey are respectfully informed that the funeral of her late husband, Thomas Hicks and her late daughter, Mona Florence Shirley, will leave her residence Kingsdown, This Day (Wednesday, April 16), at 2.30 p.m. for St. Peter's Church and thence to the Timaru Cemetery. Requiem at St. Peter's Church at 10 a.m.  -Timaru Herald, 16/4/1941.

Timaru Cemetery, photo from "find a grave."

The Foster Family. "his bereaved mother, who has now lost all her sons"

 

For the Empire’s Cause.

The deepest sympathy of the whole district is extended to Mrs C. Poster, of Quartz Reef Point, in the great affliction she has suffered during the last few days. All her sons, three in number, had answered the call. On Saturday morning she received intimation that her eldest son William had been admitted to a hospital suffering from a severe attack of pleurisy. Immediately on top of this came an official message that her youngest son, Robert, had been killed in action. What more than such a shock to a worthy mother could force home the cruel reality of war. Robert Foster, who was only a mere lad, was in the first enlistment, he was a native of Quartz Reef Point and one of the many pupils of Lowburn school who have answered the call. Although of slight build his stamina was beyond question, and as a boy he was a prominent figure on the football field. He was a cheery and straightforward young fellow admired by all. He led an exemplary life, he nobly answered the call, and now far removed from mother, friends, and home, he has laid down his life for his country.  -Cromwell Argus, 30/8/1915.

PRIV. R. FOSTER.

Our Lowborn correspondent writes:— “The biographical sketch of Priv. Robt. Foster, a young man born in the back blocks of Otago, and who, previous to joining the Main Body, New Zealand Expeditionary Force, had not been separated from his mother for more than three weeks, may prove interesting to your readers as showing how this war is altering the thoughts and lives and outlook of our young men. The twelve months military life of Priv. Robb. Foster were so full of change and incident that he seems to have lived an average lifetime in it. Robt. Foster was born at Quartz Reef Point, on August 10th, 1894. He was educated at the Lowburn and Queensberry schools, and after finishing school worked on his mother’s farm at Queensberry until the year 1913, when the farm was sold, and Mrs Foster returned to Quartz Reef Point, Robert taking employment with Mr Middleton, of Northburn Station. Five days after England declared war on Germany, Robert Foster signed on in Cromwell, being the first one to do so in this district, but his name could not be sent to headquarters until August 11th, the day after his twentieth birthday. He immediately went into camp at Tahuna Park, Dunedin, and after some six weeks training sailed with the main body of the Expeditionary Force, arriving in Egypt in time to assist in the hoisting of the British flag in Egypt and to see the accession of H.H. Sultan Hussein 1, on Sunday, December 20th, 1914. Though Priv. Foster did not see actual fighting in Egypt he heard the sound of the guns, and saw the wounded being brought to camp, as he was a member of the reinforcements sent out to support the Indian troops, and to guard the Suez Canal against the Turks. He was among the first New Zealanders to land at the Dardanelles, and remained in the firing line until August 4th (Declaration Day), when he was killed in action, taking his share in the great fighting that is making New Zealand famous, and helping to bring about a feeling of greater security and peace in the world. For his family the greatest sympathy is felt. Priv. Foster’s elder brother William, after three months active service on Gallipoli, is lying seriously ill at Malta, and the eldest brother Henry sailed with the Sixth Reinforcements. Soldier sons of a soldier mother, and brothers of whom a sister may well be proud.  -Cromwell Argus, 6/9/1915.

IN THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE.

The news received on Friday afternoon of the death of Trooper William Foster cast quite a shadow of sadness over the whole district. The community was mindful of the fact that the Foster fami'y had already suffered great grief and sorrow in the death of a few months ago of the youngest son Robert, who had died on Gallipoli in the thick of the fight. At the time of Robert's death, William was also compelled to vacate his place in the firing line, through a serious attack of illness, and was reported dangerously ill, and there was one general sincere wish that with careful nursing and attention the family would be spared from succeeding grief. But it was not to be, and after a long illness Trooper William Foster passed away last week. 

The late Trooper Foster, the eldest son of Mrs Christina Foster, of Quartz Reef Point, was 28 years of age, and enlisted in the Second Reinforcements. He was in the trenches when his brother was killed, and was at the burial of his brother. Shortly after he was seized by an attack of pleurisy debility, which was succeeded by enteric and pneumonia, from which death ensued after four mouths suffering. Trooper Foster was born at Quartz Reef Point, and was educated at the Lowburn School, and is the fourth pupil of that school to give his life for the Empire. He followed various occupations in this district, and worked for some years in the North Island. He was a member of the Lowburn Football Club, one who was exceedingly popular with his club mates, and one who was renowned for "playing the game." In later years he was one of the leading forwards in the county reps. By reason of his fine character and manly behaviour, Trooper Foster was admired and respected by all who knew him. The sympathy of the whole district is extended to his bereaved mother and sister, in the loss of a second member of the family, in the great fight in the cause of freedom, justice, and right. They have the supreme consolation in their great sorrow that his death is surrounded with honor, and that his name will go down in the list of heroes who have answered the call to duty, and fallen in the cause.  -Cromwell Argus, 22/11/1915.

The brief announcement that Priv. Henry Foster has died in a hospital in France will be received with deep regret throughout the district, and the sympathy of the whole district will go forth to his bereaved mother, who has now lost all her sons, three in number, in the Empires cause. At present full particulars are not in our possession.  -Cromwell Argus, 28/12/1916.

Roll of Honor.

Lowburn — more particularly the part known as Quartz Reef Point — has again been deeply touched by sad news from the front (writes our own correspondent.) The death of Priv. Henry Foster in the 2nd Canadian Hospital, Le Treport, France, is the sixth death from four homes within two miles of each other. A few weeks ago came the sad news of H. McD. Campbell, a second lieutenant in the Australian Forces. Lieut. Campbell was the son of Mrs Campbell, of Quartz Reef Point. He was educated at the Lowburn School and was always popular with his school mates. From the time he left school he displayed much push and energy and soon worked himself into good positions. That he had not lost any of his push is shown by the military position held at the time of his death. Rather more sadness is attached to the death of Priv. Foster, in that he is the third and last soldier of his family to give his life for King and Country. The youngest brother Robert joined at the outbreak of the war and was killed in action on Gallipoli. Coincident with the news of his death came the news that the second brother, William, also serving on Gallipoli, was seriously ill with general debility. This sad news was followed some weeks later by news of his death and now we have to record the death of the eldest brother Henry. Private Henry Foster left New Zealand with the 6th Reinforcements, was a short while on Gallipoli, then in Egypt, and was among the first New Zealand troops to land in France. He was 30 years 6 months old, and a strong well-built man. He was educated in the Lowburn School, and after leaving school wandered over the greater part of New Zealand. At the time of enlistment he was working as a farm hand at Tarras. Though his death was due to disease he had, during his life, suffered but very little sickness, and his death would seem proof that the New Zealanders are indeed doing and suffering in the trenches in France. Though he died not in the din and excitement of battle, such as a soldier would wish, we know that he did his bit for us and his name will be remembered along with his fallen brothers and comrades with kind and reverent thoughts. To the bereaved mothers and relatives of our fallen boys is extended the heartfelt sympathy of the district and the wish is expressed that they will take comfort from the knowledge that their boys have done great things in the cause of freedom and liberty.  -Cromwell Argus, 8/1/1917.

Cromwell New Cemetery.

23/944 Rifleman Douglas Henry Varcoe, 27/7/1894-21/12/1926. "regarded as dead by his fellow fighters"

The War.

THREE LOCAL MEN WOUNDED.

The list of wounded during the past week contained the names of three local young men: Douglas Varcoe (slight gunshot wound in left knee); Cyril Betts (slight gunshot wound in left shoulder); and James Mc Donald (severely wounded). From the date given (Jan. 23rd) it is evident that the Rifle Brigade was engaged in the skirmish with the Senussi tribe, reported on that day. It is somewhat remarkable that the three mentioned were members of a party of eight young men who left Cromwell at the same time, and all three were wounded on the same day. Reports so far do not indicate that the wounds are serious.

Private J. Semmens, of Wanaka, who returned from the front with the wounded and invalided on the Willochra, paid a brief visit to Wanaka during the week. Private Semmens travelled from Dunedin on Monday, and Cromwell residents, at the invitation of the Patriotic Association, had arranged to give him a fitting welcome en route, but their plans were set at nought by the suspension of traffic in the Clyde Gorge, and the arrangements had to be abandoned. Priv. Semmens has since left for Hamner springs to recuperate his health.  -Cromwell Argus, 7/2/1916.

Cabled advice received ou Friday stated that Rifleman Douglas Varcoe, reported wounded in Egypt on January 23rd, was progressing favorably.   -Cromwell Argus, 13/3/1`916.

The town is still feeling the direct effect of the great struggle on the west front. Casualty lists last week included two more local boys wounded — Lance-corporal J. Wrightson and Rifleman Douglas Varcoe; members of the Rifle Brigade. Both are sons of widowed mothers, and enlisted over 12 months ago in the first draft of the brigade, with five other local boys. They were natives of Cromwell, and well known in sporting and athletic circles. This is Rifleman Varcoe's second mishap, as he was previously out of action for three months in Egypt, suffering from a wound received fighting against the Senussi tribe at the close of last year. 

On Friday last, the second anniversary of the outbreak of war, a large gathering of residents assembled and passed a resolution conveying a determination to do their utmost to carry the war to a successful issue.   -Evening Star, 8/8/1916.

Douglas Varcoe was admitted to hospital on July 20, 1916, with shell concussion and a wound to his scalp. He embarked for New Zealand the following January.

 OBITUARY.

The death occurred in Dunedin on Tuesday evening of Mr Douglas H. Varcoe, a former Cromwell young man and a native of the town, at the early age of 32 years. The deceased young man was a son of Mrs and the late Mr H. Varcoe, of this town. In his early life he entered the grocery trade, and was first employed by Messrs Jolly and Sons, with whom he remained several years. Later he received a position with Mr Horn, at Bannockburn, and had been there some time prior to the outbreak of war. He enlisted with the First Battalion, Rifle Brigade, and was accepted for service. He received a severe wound in the knee in the action against the Senussi tribe in Egypt. He remained in hospital for some time, but later re-joined his regiment in France. Here he was so severely wounded in the head as to be regarded as dead by his fellow fighters, but rallied and only regained consciousness in England. After many months in hospital he was invalided home, showing distinct signs of his service abroad. After a spell he took up farming, but later returned to his trade, and was in the employ of the Star Stores, Dunedin, some time before it was necessary for him to seek medical attention for chest trouble. He was apparently making splendid progress, when a sudden change came, and for a few days prior to his death little hope was entertained. In his particular calling in this district, the deceased, by his courteous and obliging disposition, won a host of friends. He was a keen allround sport, and was a playing member of the Cromwell Football Club when it gained premiership honors. Those who knew him before and after his war service will support the general opinion that developments leading to his early death were unquestionably due to war service, but unfortunately he was unable to convince some in authority to that effect. Deceased was married a few years ago to a local young lady, and his wife and one young child are left to mourn their loss, as also are deceased's mother and numerous family relations in the town. To these numerous messages of sympathy have been extended. The body was brought to Cromwell, and the funeral took place in the New Cemetery on Friday morning, a number of friends paying their last tribute of respect. Rev. Mr Naylor conducted the burial service. The Returned Soldiers acted as pall bearers.

Before taking the ordinary business at the borough council meeting on Thursday evening, the Mayor (Mr D. C. Jolly), said they were all very sorry indeed to learn that day of the death of a former young resident of the town, Mr D. H. Varcoe. He was a native of Cromwell and came to manhood in the town. When the call came during the great war he volunteered early with many of the other local boys. He had been wounded twice and was invalided home, and now they had the sad news of his death. It was freely recognised that this was due to the effects of the war. He married a local young lady also a native of the district, and now leaves a widow and one young child to mourn their loss. The Mayor thought it only fitting that the council should extend its sympathy to deceased's wife, his mother, and family relations.. He moved that the council place on record its deepest sympathy in the loss sustained. The motion was acknowledged by members standing in silence.  -Cromwell Argus, 27/12/1926.

Cromwell New Cemetery.

22114 Sergeant-Major Joseph Scott, MM, 15/1/1889-2/2/1961. "A soldier to the end"

 TWO SUCCESSFUL RAIDS

NORTH OTAGO BOYS DECORATED. 

GENERAL BYNG'S CONGRATULATIONS. 

A message received by the officer commanding the Tenth (North Otago) Company of the 1st Battalion, Otago Regiment, from General Byng, stated: "Please convey my congratulations to all ranks concerned in successful captures yesterday." The Brigade Commander, in forwarding this message, after conveying his own congratulations, adds: "There is a fine spirit in the company, and I am proud to command such men." Details of the operations are as follow: 

FIRST RAID. 

On 5/6/18 8/2666 Corporals P. T. Moir and 36585 D. Falls, of 10th (North Otago) 1st Battalion. Otago Regiment, crept out into "No Man's Land" with the object of capturing a prisoner out of an enemy post which it was expected was not strongly held. On getting near the post the two n.c.o.'s took advantage of a few moments when the sentry was not looking over the top and rushed the post. Though they had the sentry at their mercy at once, he gave the alarm and tried to escape. A shot from a revolver wounded him; but the alarm had been given, and bombs were at once thrown, at that end of the post from all parts of the post, which was held by over 20 of the enemy. Corporal Falls started back with the wounded sentry, and, notwithstanding the danger he was in, Corporal Moir rushed into a small dug-out, where he could see one of the enemy, and, bringing out his man, started back for our line among a hail of bombs and some rifle fire. An enemy bomb killed the wounded prisoner just at our wire. On this happening Corporal Falls turned round and emptied his magazine (rifle) at the enemy to cover Corporal Moir's retreat. Corporal Falls got shot through the arm, but got in, and Corporal Moir got in safely with his prisoner, who afterwards gave valuable information. Both n.c.o.'s have been awarded the Military Medal. This raid was carried out early in the afternoon on a fine, bright day. 

SECOND RAID. 

About 10 a.m. on June 6, 1918, a sergeant, a corporal, and four privates of 10th (N. O.) Company, 1st Battalion, Otago Regiment, went out across "No Man's Land" with the object of bringing in a prisoner. On reaching the enemy trench they noticed two sentries, and were working along the trench to overpower them when they came on some small dug-outs. Posting two men to watch a communication trench, they entered the dug-outs, and captured seven prisoners. Though quite close to the enemy sentries the whole party, with the seven prisoners, managed to get away and return safely to our trenches without a shot being fired. The sergeant and corporal were each awarded the Military Medal. Below is a list of those who took part in this raid: — 22114 Sergeant J. Scott, M.M., 34931 Corporal J. T. Stewart, M.M., 59016 Private J. Kirkwood, 20968 Private G. Clark, 9/1418 Private W. T. Falconer, 13427 Private W Taylor.

[Corporal Moir, who has since been promoted to sergeant, and awarded the D.C.M. for another exploit, is a son of Mr Thomas Moir, of Clarksville.]  -Otago Witness, 13/11/1918.

On the afternoon of June 5th Corporal Moir and Lance-corp. Falls, of 10th Company, left our trenches for the enemy lines, and surprised and entered a German post to the left of La Signy Farm. The enemy sentry was engaged perusing his correspondence, and paid the penalty of his remissness by being captured, along with one other German. A shower of bombs assailed the party as it commenced the return journey, and Lance-corp. Falls was wounded and one of the prisoners PAGE 299killed. The remaining prisoner was safely brought in to our post at Central Avenue. At 10 o'clock on the following morning a second party from 10th Company raided the enemy's lines at a point still further to the left, and met with remarkable success. The raiding party, which comprised Sergt. Scott, Corporal Stewart, and four other ranks, worked its way along the shelter of a hedge line, crossed the wire entanglements, and then suddenly jumped into an enemy post. Two Germans were surprised and captured. A search of some bivouacs 15 yards further along the trench yielded an additional five prisoners. The party then made its way back and reached our lines without casualties, and with only a single shot being fired at it. The effect produced on the German moral by these several incursions into his lines in broad daylight by parties of the two Battalions, and the impunity with which his garrisons were being carried off, can well be imagined, to say nothing of the information and identification which the prisoners afforded. During the afternoon of the 6th, following upon information obtained from the prisoners, a bombardment by 4.5in. howitzers and heavy trench mortars was directed against the enemy posts, and considerable material damage occasioned at points where machine guns were reported to be located.

Joseph Scott had already won the Military Medal by the time he took part in the raid.  It was reported in July, 1918 and his records show he won it for "acts of gallantry in the field" - in 1917, as in other years of the war, there was plenty of scope for acts of gallantry.

Joseph Scott's burial record shows his occupation as "retired" - retired from what, I do not know.  But there must have been something about him, to the end of his life, to inspire the epitaph "A soldier to the end."

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

26/593 Rifleman Lancelot Douglas Miller 22/11/1888-19/2/1919. "accorded a military burial"

Lancelot Miller joined the NZ Rifle Brigade in October, 1915. He served in Egypt and on the Western Front.  He was hospitalised with influenza in October, 1918.

MILITARY FUNERAL.

The Friends of the late 26/593 Rifleman LANCELOT DOUGLAS MILLER (and Family) are respectfully invited to attend his Funeral, which will leave the Dunedin Hospital (Cumberland street entrance) on SATURDAY, the 22nd inst., at 1 p.m., for the Anderson's Bay Cemetery.

HOPE & KINASTON, Undertakers, 36 St. Andrew street.  -Otago Daily Times, 20/2/1919.


PERSONALIA

Advice has been received from Medser, Dunedin, that Rifleman Lancelot Douglas Miller, a discharged soldier, died at the Dunedin Hospital on Thursday, February 20th. He was thirty years of age, and single, his next-of-kin being his brother, William James Miller. Orchard Leigh, Main road, Green Island.  -NZ Times, 22/2/1919.

The remains of the late Rifleman Lancelot Douglas Miller, who died in the Hospital on Wednesday, were accorded a military burial at the Anderson's Bay Cemetery on Saturday afternoon. Captain McCormack represented the local military authorities, and the firing party was supplied by the Returned Soldiers' Association. The Rev. Mr R. R. Sutherland conducted the service at the grave. The deceased soldier was the youngest son of the late Mr J. C. and Mrs Annie Miller, of Tomahawk.  -Otago Daily Times, 24/2/1919.

The cause of death in Miller's army records is listed as influenza. He made his will in hospital about a month before he died.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, DCC photo.

The McTainsh Family of Sandymount. "smoke coming through the kitchen roof"

John and wife appear in 1883 with dairy and livestock entries in the Peninsula A and P shows.  The McTainsh children - eleven of them Alice, Christina, Dora, Peter - regularly featured in the prize lists of Sandymount School, and their father John was on the School Committee.

LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLKS.

Dear Dot,— I live on the Peninsula, and I go to the Sandymount School. Mr Balsille is our teacher. I am 11 years old, and am in the Fourth Standard. We have two pretty little kittens. One is grey and the other black. Please give me names for them. My best friend is Flora Balsille. We have 89 cows milking, and I milk five. Their names are Tiny, Fanny, Clara, Maggy, and Fiona. We are to have a Sunday school picnic shortly. — Yours truly, Dora McTainsh. [As we are at the end of one year and the beginning of another, call them Alpha and Omega.— Dot ]   -Otago Witness, 2/1/1890.

Christina, John's wife since 1877, was a signatory to the Female Suffrage Petition.

FUNERAL NOTICE.

The Friends of the late Mrs ALISON McTAINSH are respectfully invited to attend her Funeral, which will leave the residence of her Son, Mr John McTainsh, Sandymount, for the Anderson's Bay Cemetery THIS DAY (MONDAY), the 24th inst., at 1 p.m. 

HUGH GOURLEY, Undertaker, Clarke and Maclaggan streets.   -Otago Daily Times, 24/12/1894.

Fires

An eight-roomed house, owned and occupied by John McTainsh, living at Sandymount, was destroyed by fire at three o'clock on Monday afternoon. Mr McTainsh was away from home at the time. Mrs McTainsh, who was the only person about, placed some firewood on the top of a colonial oven in the kitchen fireplace. She then went into the garden to pick black currants, and on her approaching the house about an hour later she noticed smoke coming through the kitchen roof. She rushed into the kitchen, and found the room in flames. The house was completely gutted, very few articles of furniture being saved. It is thought that the fire originated through a piece of lighted wood rolling from the fireplace on to the floor. The dwelling was insured in the Standard Office for £300, and the furniture and effects in the same office for £l50.  -Evening Star, 6/1/1898.

The fire did not prevent Mrs McTainsh, six months later, from winning first prize for "powdered butter" and second prize for "fresh butter" at the Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Society's Winter Show.

Marriages

SIMMONS — McTAINSH. — On the 8th January, 1902, at the residence of the bride's parents, by the Rev. J. Southern, Alfred Ernest Simmons, of Dunedin, to Dorothea Alison, eldest daughter of John McTainsh, Sandymount.   -Otago Witness, 5/2/1902.

SANDYMOUNT.

April 9. — At the invitation of Mr and Mrs John McTainsh, of Sandymount, a number of his old friends and neighbours met at his residence on Thursday evening, the 5th inst., the occasion being his "jubilee birthday." After all were assembled, the first part of the evening was passed very happily in progressive euchre. After three hour's had elapsed, the game being a time one, the cards were collected, the result showing that the players having won the greatest number of games were Mrs John McTainsh and Mr J. G. Lewis, whilst the least number turned up in Mrs Jas. Weir and Mr B. Moodie (Dunedin). Handsome prizes were presented to the respective parties, who acknowledged same in humorous replies. Supper being now announced, all adjourned to the dining room, where a bountiful repast was laid, the floral decorations of the table being exceedingly tasteful. After all were seated, Mr M. Davis rose and asked the attention of those present for a few moments, as a pleasant duty had been put into his hands. It was this — and he was sure he voiced the sentiments of all present when he wished Mr McTainsh very many happy returns of his birthday He was one well known to them all as a splendid neighbour and a real true friend. The speaker for one could speak of him as such, having been closely associated with him for upwards of 30 years. Indeed, he could go and sound his praises for another hour, but seeing the company were all casting a longing eye to the good things on the table, he would conclude by presenting "our host" with a handsome meerschaum pipe in case suitably inscribed with the fond hope that he would be long spared to enjoy the "pipe of peace" at his fireside, and continue to merit the good will of his fellows. "For he's a jolly good fellow" was then given with great gusto. Messrs David and Jas. Dickson, D. Seaton, J Lewis, and others also spoke, eulogising the recipient, while Mrs McTainsh and family were not overlooked. After supper the rest of the evening was spent in music, song, and reminiscences of early days, the company breaking up with the singing of "Auld lang syne."  -Otago Witness, 11/4/1906.

CLEARING SALE AT SANDYMOUNT. 

OTAGO FARMERS' CO-OPERATIVE ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND (LIMITED), 

favoured with instructions from Mr J. McTainsh, who has sold his farm, will offer as above 

The Whole of his Superior Herd of 50 Dairy Cows, Horses, Implements, etc., for absolute sale. 

Full particulars future issue. 

Luncheon provided. 

L. MCLEAN, Auctioneer.   -Otago Daily Times, 24/9/1908.

CLEARING SALE AT SANDYMOUNT.

 FRIDAY, 9th OCTOBER, 1908,  At 11.30 a.m.

THE OTAGO FARMERS' CO-OPERATIVE ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND (LIMITED), favoured with instructions from Mr John McTainsh, who has sold his Farm, will offer as above, 

The whole of his Live Stock, Implements, etc., consisting of: 

CATTLE. 

40 selected dairy Cows, just calved and coming to profit

7 superior Heifers

1 Ayrshire Bull. 

HORSES.

7 draught Mares, Colts, Fillies, and Foals by Shepherd Lad, Merry Morning, and Laudermark 

1 five-year-old Mare, in foal to Prince Alexander 

4 spring-cart Mares, 1 to 7 years 

1 trotting Pony, rising 6 years.

IMPLEMENTS. 

1 Wood's improved reaper and binder, 1 MH hay rake, 1 M.H. cultivator, 1 swing plough, h.s. plough, turnip grubber, roller, sledge, harrows, 5 wheel harrows (new), dray and frame, spring-cart, 2 horse-power and chaffcutter, 2 sets drills and a hammers, 3 new field gates, water trough, dairy utensils, 2 sets dray harness, spring cart and buggy harness, 2 riding saddles and bridles, back bands, chains, collars. — etc.; household furniture, 50 pair fowls, etc., etc. 

Luncheon provided. L. MACLEAN,  Auctioneer.  -Otago Daily Times, 3/10/1908.

DEATHS.

McTAINSH. — On September 11, at Christchurch, John McTainsh, late of Sandymount.  -Evening Star, 14/9/1909.

FUNERAL NOTICE

The Friends of the late JOHN McTAINSH are respectfully invited to attend his funeral, which will leave 7 Clarke street, Dunedin, TO-MORROW (WEDNESDAY), 15th inst., at 2 p.m., for the Anderson's Bay Cemetery.   -Otago Daily Times, 14/9/1909.

SOCKBURN FATALITY.

INQUEST ON THE VICTIM.

Mr T. A. B. Bailey, held an-inquest on the death of John McTainsh, who was struck by the first express at Sockburn on Saturday evening and killed. 

Eban Adams, driver of the first express from the South on Saturday stated that the train left Hornby at about five minutes to five. He blew the whistle about 300 yards from the Sockburn crossing, and the line seemed, to be clear. He did not like the crossing, and always gave a long warning signal when nearing it. He saw nothing of the trap until the engine struck it, and did not see deceased until he had pulled up the train. The man was then lying opposite the van, apparently dead. Witness considered the crossing a dangerous one. The train was travelling about 28 an hour at the time of the accident. 

John Hayward, guard in charge of the train in question, said he heard the engine driver whistle at the  crossing and then the train was pulled up. He saw deceased lying on the down line, and the horse and trap near by. Witness proceeded to the spot and saw that McTainsh was dead. Several of the passengers secured the horse, and as soon as that was done the body of deceased was placed in the van. The crossing was dangerous on Saturdays and race days, when there was a lot of traffic on it. 

William S. Wootton said he heard the whistle and then saw McTainsh, who seemed to have lost control of his horse, which had broken from a trot into a gallop. McTainsh was trying to pull his horse into a fence off the left. Witness frequently went over the crossing, and he considered it very dangerous. The view was bad from both sides, and he considered a crossing-keeper was necessary. This was the second accident he had seen at the crossing in three years. 

Mrs Exton, who lives close to the crossing, said she saw the trap travelling at a very rapid pace, and it was nearly upset when turning round the corner by her house. She called out to McTainsh to stop, but did not think he heard her. The engine appeared to strike the trap about the middle, and the man was thrown into the air. McTainsh was trying to pull the horse up. She was continually warning persons going over the crossing, where she had seen many narrow escapes. 

Robert Wallis, a photographer residing at Lincoln, who witnessed the accident, also gave evidence. 

William Twyneham gave evidence as to the sobriety of deceased, in whose company he was on the Saturday afternoon. 

A verdict of accidental death was returned, and a rider was added that the Department might consider the question of placing a crossing-keeper at the crossing.  -Press, 14/9/1909.

John McTainsh's estate was valued at L1334 - $235, 331 today.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.  DCC photo.

FOR KING AND EMPIRE.

THE TOLL OF THE WORLD-WAR.

TROOPER A. E. McTAINSH

Trooper Albert Edward McTainsh, died of fever in Palestine, on October 18, was a son of Mrs McTainsh, of Sydenham. He was born at Sandymount, Otago Peninsula, 26 years ago. At the time of enlistment Trooper McTainsh was employed as engine-driver on a sawmill. He left with the 35th Reinforcement, and on arrival in Egypt was attached to the 10th (Nelson) Squadron of the Canterbury Mounted Regiment.  -Sun, 24/10/1918.

FOR KING AND COUNTRY. 

DEATHS.

McTAINSH. — On October 18th, 1918, at the 34th Casualty Clearing Station, Palestine, Albert Edward McTainsh (late of Papatowai), beloved son of Christina and the late John McTainsh, Hornby, Christchurch (died of malaria fever); in his 26th year.  -Evening Star, 9/11/1918.

Deaths

McTAINSH. — On September 10, 1938, at the residence of her daughter, Mrs Pope, Southampton street, Christchurch, Christina, relict of John McTainsh; aged 82 years. “At rest.” — The Funeral will leave our Chapel, 78 St. Andrew street, on Wednesday, the 14th inst., at 1 p.m., for the Anderson’s Bay Cemetery, (Friends please note alteration of time.) —Hope and Kinaston, funeral directors.   -Evening Star, 12/9/1938.

DCC photo.

Ah Sing, 1834-30/3/1904.

ASSAULT BY A CHINAMAN.

A savage assault was perpetrated on Sunday afternoon by one Chinaman upon another. They were both patients in the Hospital, and occupied adjoining beds. The younger one was able to speak a few words of English, and used to interpret the other's wants; but somehow they did not agree, but were rather hostile to each other. Just after dinner on that day, the elder got in a rage at his mate, and seizing a dish that was handy, gave him an ugly knock on the forehead, laying bare the bone, and then seizing him by the throat, attempted to strangle him. It so happened that the wardsman had left the room, and the patients were mostly unable to cope with such a fierce case but two of them managed to draw the enraged Celestial off, and keep him from again renewing the attack. Assistance was soon at hand, and the infuriated man secured and removed from the room to a more proper place. Dr Yates attended to the wounded man, and stitched up the gash in his forehead. Ah Sing, the Chinaman who perpetrated the outrage, was on Monday taken into the custody of the police, and after being examined by two medical men, who pronounced him insane, was removed to the Lunatic Asylum. He is a new arrival, and has been a patient in the Hospital ever since he came to the Province.  -Otago Witness, 29/11/1873.

Ah Sing is buried in Dunedin's Southern Cemetery, having died at Seacliff Asylum after more than 30 years' incarceration there.  His plot is shared by two other inmates of Seacliff and, as a pauper's grave, is unmarked.