James Bennett, (1877-11/12/1918). "untiring efforts in helping others"

OBITUARY.

General regret will be felt among all classes of the community that Mr James Bennett yesterday afternoon, as the direct result of his unselfish and untiring efforts in helping others stricken down by the epidemic, himself died of pneumonia following on influenza. That regret will be keener among chose who really knew him. Beneath a bluff and casual manner lay a kindly heart and a generous disposition, and a receptive and retentive mind; capable of original thought in mechanical and scientific channels. Of an inventive turn, the late Mr Bennett invented a wool-cleaning apparatus which has, we understand, given most favorable results at the Pukeuri works, where since their inception, Mr Bennett has proved of service in the mechanical and' electrical departments. Though self-taught, Mr Bennett's ideas often proved of value to persons with long experience. Born in Oamaru, he always took a keen interest in all out-door sports. As a member of the old Volunteer Company he was well known as an expert rifle shot, and was keenly interested in rifle shooting up till his death, being successful both at the butts and at the miniature ranges. He was one of those who believed that the first aim was the best, and as a snap game shot was in a class of his own. A keen cricketer, he was a useful man at the crease or in the field. The late Mr Bennett was an enthusiastic bandsman. He was a member of the M.U.I.O.O.F. A keen angler, he took a deep interest in all acclimatisation matters, and had closely studied, from American sources and from personal observation, the quinnat salmon question. A good raconteur and a good sportsman in any circumstances, his figure will be greatly missed, amongst those- who wield rod or gun, nor will they be surprised that he met his death in the way he did, for he was one or those of whom none can recall a contemptible unmanly action, or a shirking of his share of any unpleasant duty. His widow and child will have the sympathy of a very wide circle, of friends, by no means restricted to North Otago. 

A TRIBUTE.

Mr Walter Sumpter writes as follows: — "I am sure you will not grudge me space to offer a tribute to the memory of my late friend, Jim Bennett. From my own personal knowledge I can testify that there has never been a truer case than his of a man risking and losing his life in giving help to others. During the influenza epidemic the help he gave, in visiting and carrying aid to afflicted patients, was beyond all praise. Disregarding all risk to himself, unobtrusively and energetically he worked from first to last until he contracted the fatal disease himself, and there will be many homes in this district which will long cherish the memory of his cheery words and smiles, which must have done, so much towards helping many patients to recover. Truly, he was one who laid down his life for his friends and his reward will not be wanting."  -Oamarau Mail, 13/12/1918.

The remains of the late, Mr James Bennett, or Isis Street, were followed to their last resting place yesterday by a large cortege. Most noticeable were workers in the recent epidemic, to whom, perhaps the worth of the deceased was best known. Members of every sporting interest were represented. Wreaths almost hid the casket, including floral tokens from the North Otago Jockey Club, Oamaru Trotting Club, Waitaki Acclimatisation Society, and the V.A.D. Ven. Archdeacon Russell presided at the graveside.   -Oamaru Mail, 14/12/1918.

THE LATE JAMES BENNETT MEMORIAL

NOETH OTAGO FUND OPENED. 

Some thirty gentlemen met in the Ambulance Hall yesterday afternoon under the chairmanship of' His Worship the Mayor. All those present, had been active voluntary workers in combating the influenza epidemic and were assembled to make arrangements to give the public of North Otago an opportunity of showing, in a tangible manner, their appreciation of the services of the late Mr James Bennett. Bennett, who died practically in harness in the service of others, was one of the first volunteers, and so keen was he to help that he arranged to take his annual holiday to enable him to devote the whole of his time to service in aiding sufferers from, the disease. Praise has been freely bestowed on the voluntary workers and in many quarters proposals have been made to, in some way, recognise their devotion in the humane cause. The workers themselves, however, do not desire praise or reward but now that a comrade in the work has fallen, they feel that the public will seize the opportunity to show their appreciation by demonstrating in a practical manner sympathy with the bereaved mother and her child. 

A sub-Committee consisting of the Mayor, Archdeacon-Russell, and Messers. W. Sumpter, G. H. Deal, L. E. Haines, Alex. Hamilton and C. W. Kent (Hon. Secretary and Treasurer), was appointed to make arrangements for launching the project.

The Committee feels confident that an appeal of this nature in memory of one who literally gave up his life for others, will not be made in vain and. that donations will be given as freely as Mr Bennett gave his services.

We shall have pleasure in receiving and acknowledging contributions, or they may be transmitted to the Hon. treasurer at the Oamaru Borough Council Chambers.  -North Otago Times, 17/12/1918.

Oamaru Cemetery.

12/1174 Sergeant Major Albert Garland Clarke, (7/4/1894-11/10/1919). "about to depart"

INTENTION TO COMMIT SUICIDE.

AN OAMARU SENSATION

(PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) OAMARU, October 12.

The receipt of letters by several local residents yesterday afternoon, written by A. G. Clarke, secretary of the Oamaru Repatriation Committee, caused a painful sensation. The purpose of the letters was to advise the recipients that Clarke had put all his affairs in order, as he was "about to depart from this wonderful world of love and hope," owing to his great trouble.

The police were communicated with, and a wide search instituted, with the result that Clarke's hat and walkingstick were found on the steps close to the water's edge at the end of the wharf, just at the entrance to the harbour. Clarke, who was working in his office until two o'clock yesterday morning, had arranged his business and private affairs in a most methodical fashion, and left complete instructions as to the disposal of his possessions, and also made his reports to date to the chairman of the Committee. Clarke informed the recipients of the letters that family reasons alone prompted him to end his life, and although a thorough search is being carried out, no trace of Clarke or his body can be found. 

Clarke enlisted in Auckland in the Main Body, but, as he was a competent bank official, he was kept back with the rank of sergeant-major to do clerical duty. Clarke eventually sacrificed his stripes to go away with the Third Reinforcements. He took part in the Gallipoli campaign, and was badly wounded, his leg being severely shattered. He spent long months in hospital in England and New Zealand, and suffered much from his leg, and only a few months ago had to undergo hospital treatment. Clarke, who belongs to Auckland, was appointed secretary of the Oamaru Repatriation Committee on the inauguration of the scheme, and has proved a conscientious, capable, and popular officer, and the news of his intention to take his life came as a painful shock to the whole community. Prior to his appointment in the Repatriation Department, Clarke was secretary of the Oamaru Returned Soldiers' Association, and only the other day he won the junior championship of the North Otago Golf Club.  -Press, 13/10/1919.

MYSTERY SOLVED.

(Per Press Association) OAMARU, This day.

The body of A. G. Clarke, a returned soldier and secretary of the local Repatriation Committee, who disappeared mysteriously eighteen days ago, leaving his coat on the breakwater, was found this morning in the harbor.  -Waipawa Mail, 30/10/1919.

DEATHS.

CLARKE. — On October 11th, at Oamaru, Albert Garland Clarke, beloved eldest son of Gideon Clarke, of Auckland, aged 25 years. Deeply regretted. 

Friends are invited to kindly attend the funeral, which will leave the Returned Soldiers' Association rooms, Itchen street, on Friday, 31st inst., at 2 p.m., for the Oamaru Cemetery. 

R. POLLOCK, Funeral Director.  -Oamaru Mail, 30/10/1919.

WAR TRAGEDY

A JURY'S RECOMMENDATION,

[Per United Press Association.] OAMARU, October 31,

At the inquest on the body of A. G. Clarke the jury returned a verdict that the deceased met his death by drowning himself in Oamaru Harbor while in a state of unsound mind. They added a rider — "That the attention of the Government be called to the frequency of cases of mental distress among returned soldiers, followed by tragedies which were occurring in various parts of the Dominion. The jury beg respectfully that more sympathetic attention be given to these cases, and that a special institution be equipped to deal with them."  -Evening Star, 31/10/1919.

Albert Clarke's wound, in his Army record, is described as a "gunshot wound  in right ankle" and a recommendation is made for an orthopedic boot and/or splint.  It must have been a serious, crippling condition.

Oamaru Cemetery.

Richard Cook - dedication to the pun.

In the late 1960s, a farmer from Crookston, West Otago, named Richard Cook had a dream.  He wanted a bison.  Other New Zealanders had bisons, why not him?  The Department of Agriculture had no objection and there were zoos in the country which had surplus animals.  All seemed good, so Cook built a strong bison enclosure on his farm in 1969.  The enclosure was duly inspected and approved and Cook waited for a surplus animal to become available.

You can imagine Cook's surprise when he opened a letter in January 1970 to read that the department had changed its rules the month before and he could no longer obtain a permit to keep a bison.  The disappointment must have been all the more because the changed regulations would have been under consideration during the time that Cook had negotiated his permit and built his enclosure.

The director-general of Agriculture suggested compensation for cook but, as the Ombudsman's report put it, "This was not an acceptable conclusion to the complainant, as he was interested not in compensation but in bison."

Cook then obtained a permit to operate a private zoo but, unfortunately, the permit did not extend to bisons - at least, he could not import one and there were none available in New Zealand.  By 1974, however, he obtained full permission for his heart's desire after petitioning Parliament and the Wellington Zoo offered him a bison.  On loan.

Sadly, Mr Cook's bison did not live long at his Crookston farm.  In November 1974 it died on pneumonia and salmonella.  It was then that the Christchurch Press revealed the joke, based on the original 1969 desire and attempt to obtain a bison by Mr Cook.  The bison's name was Tenary.

It was Cook's bison Tenary.

The bison battle

The bureaucratic bison battle which engaged the attention of the Ombudsman (Sir Guy Powles) in 1970, is still being waged but a South Otago bison stockade is no nearer to getting a resident.

Mr R. J. Cook, of Heriot, writing to “The Press” has identified himself as the farmer who in Sir Guy Powles’s 1971 annual report was described as the man who “had felt a strong desire to keep a bison.”

In 1969 Mr Cook first obtained a Department of Agriculture permit to keep a bison, then ran up against regulations which required a B class zoo licence. When he obtained one he found that, according to departmental officials, he could not have a newly imported bison and that in the meantime his New Zealand-zoo-ordered bison had gone to Australia. Sir Guy Powles recognised his concern but advised Mr Cook to give up his would-be zoological hobby and accept any compensation. Mr Cook has not. He is still without a bison, but involved in a maze of arguments. His latest letter from the Ombudsman’s first assistant, Mr L. D. Smith, acknowledges that the Regulations Act provides that all regulations shall be laid before Parliament within 28 days of their making if Parliament is in session and if not, within 28 days of the beginning of the next session. 

As Mr Cook told the office, the Zoological Gardens Regulations, 1969, were not put before Parliament, either at the stipulated time or later. He asked if they were thereby invalidated. 

The Ombudsman’s office has told Mr Cook that legal opinion is that the omission to lay the regulations before Parliament is one of a directory rather than an imperative nature and that therefore the regulations would not be invalid. 

The opinion may be challenged in the Courts, but in the circumstances Sir Guy Powles’s most likely action would be to criticise the department for failure to ensure that the regulations went before Parliament under the prescribed procedure, Mr Cook has been told. 

He still wants his bison.  -Press, 25/9/1974.

Bison piece was good television

The story of one man’s determined fight against bureacracy in a bid to keep, of all things, European bison, made an excellent piece for “Nationwide” on Thursday evening.

It demonstrated clearly that the programme need not always be grappling with national -issues, or interviewing politicians and others in the news to be first-class television.

This particular item had all the ingredients of a good story and “Nationwide” explored all avenues to the full, even adding some “Home on the Range” colour. The introduction was novel and interest-arousing, although the exploits of Peter Snell, Sir Edmund Hilary and the All Blacks were hardly comparable.

However, the point was made — no permission was required for these examples of human endeavour, whereas with Richard Cook, of West Otago, it was an uphill drag all the way. With his quick smile and engaging personality, Mr Cook made an excellent television subject. He came across as a friendly, imaginative New Zealander mad keen on animals, especially bison.

The programme’s quick switches, from Dick Cook to the Ombudsman, Sir Guy Powles, were most effective. Sir Guy is always good value and his admiration of the young man’s persistence echoed the feelings of most Viewers. And the moral of the story came through loud and clear — perseverance in the face of unreasonable bureaucratic opposition will be rewarded in the end by compromise.  -Press, 20/4/1974.

Farmer will get his bison if he can find a bison

(New Zealand Press Association) INVERCARGILL, January 22. 

The great bison battle is almost at an end for a Crookston farmer, Mr R. Cook.

For four frustrating, years Mr Cook has been battling with Wellington bureaucrats for the right to keep two bison in a private zoo he proposes to establish.

Mr Cook’s local member of Parliament, Mr J. B. Gordon, and the Ombudsman (Sir Guy Powles) entered the bison fight.

Correspondence flowed to and from the headquarters of the Ministry of Agriculture, but the men who administered the regulations stood fast.

“Sorry, but you can’t keep bison,” was an answer which did not satisfy Mr Cook. He kept hammering at the locked departmental doors, hoping to find some way of persuading those in power to let him realise his zoological dream. 

Relations between Mr Cook and the Wellington I administrators of the Zoological Gardens Regulations became strained as a result of his persistence, but he kept his sights firmly on the elusive bison. 

Last month Mr Cook saw a chink in the armour of the Ministry of Agriculture. He learned that a Timaru man, Mr B. Smith, had successfully applied for permission to keep bison on a private zoo and exotic animal breeding property called Hadlow Park. 

Mr Cook was annoyed that the Timaru man could obtain bison while he could not. Yet another letter explaining Mr Cook’s case, and mentioning the anomaly, was posted to the Ministry. 

Today, an Invercargill newspaper telephoned the Ministry, and received the answer Mr Cook has been awaiting for four years. 

After a bit of “bison passing,” the assistant director (field services) of the Animal Health Division (Mr R. M. Salisbury) said that Mr Cook would receive approval to keep bison “within the next few weeks, or possibly sooner.” 

When told of the news, Mr Cook was delighted. 

Mr Salisbury said he did not. exactly blame the delay on the “old system under a different administration.” The long wait for Mr Cook had been caused by “a question of interpretation.” The Ministry had recently decided that the correct interpretation of the regulations would allow people like Mr Cook to keep bison privately. 

New regulations which were being drafted would clarify the provision for keeping exotic animals, he said. 

However, the saga of Mr Cook’s bison is not yet over. Although approval from the Ministry of Agriculture has been the major hurdle, Mr Cook has still to find available bison. 

When Mr Cook first wanted to keep bison there was a surplus of the large North American animals at Wellington Zoo. 

According to Mr Smith, the spare Wellington bison have gone to Hadlow Park. The Auckland Zoo also keeps bison, but it is not known if that zoo has any surplus. 

Bison can be imported only from Australia — and that is a path littered with red tape. 

If Mr Cook cannot obtain two young New Zealandbred bison he probably will have to continue doing what he has been doing for four years — waiting.  -Press, 23/1/1974.

’Bye, son

(N.Z. Press Association) DUNEDIN, Nov. 22. 

The bison that a South Otago farmer fought the authorities for five years to buy has died. Mr Dick Cook said from his property at Crookston, near Gore, tonight, that his bison, called “Cook’s Bicentenary,” had had salmonella and pneumonia.  -Press, 23/11/1974.

Mr Richard Cook, of Crookston, I salute you.

Allan Hugh Dickson, (1922-16/8/1933). "petrol on the ashes"

DEATHS

DICKSON. — On August 16, 1933. at Oamaru, Allan Hugh, beloved youngest son of John and the late Eubertina Dickson, 79 Eden street, Oamaru, aged 11 years. Private Interment. — Stringer and Middlemass, undertakers, Oamaru.  -Otago Daily Times, 17/8/1933.

FATALLY BURNED 

Allan Hugh Dickson, of Eden street, Oamaru, aged 11 years, passed away at the Oamaru Hospital yesterday afternoon, succumbing to shock and burns received through the explosion of petrol in a tin. He was apparently endeavouring to rekindle a fire in the backyard by throwing petrol on the ashes, when the petrol exploded, enveloping him in flames, which caused severe burns on the face and arms. An inquest was opened before the coroner (Mr W. H. Frith) yesterday afternoon, and after the taking of formal evidence of identification, was adjourned sine die.   -Otago Daily Times, 17/8/1933.

Oamaru Cemetery.

29582 Private John Shepherd, (7/11/1894-27/11/1920). "severely gassed"

A distressing boating accident occurred in the harbour this afternoon, resulting in the death of a young man named John Shepherd, 26 years of age, fourth son of Mr S. T. Shepherd, of Tyne street. Oamaru. One of the Oamaru Boating Club's four-oared crews, of which Shepherd was stroke, was out training in the harbour, and, in rounding the bend, the boat was swamped. The crew left the boat, but seeing that Shepherd was in distress, his mates kept him afloat until help arrived from the shore. Shepherd was visibly distressed, and had collapsed before the rescue was effected, and although every effort was made to resuscitate him, he died about an hour and a half later. Shepherd went overseas with the 18th Reinforcements, and saw three years' service, and was severely wounded. It is thought that the gas attack he suffered on active service had undermined his powers of resistance, and that he died from the shock of being thrown into the water.  -Press, 26/11/1920.

INQUEST.

An inquest was held yesterday afternoon into the circumstances of the death of John Shepherd on Thursday. The Acting-Coroner was Mr A, E. Lawrence, J.P., and the jury consisted of Messrs Jas.Gerritt (foreman), Courtenav W. Brown, A. F. Ralph, and C..L. James. Senior-Sergeant Simpson represented the police.

Alex. Smith Morton, medical practitioner, deposed to being called to the boatsheds beach to attend to John Shepherd. Upon his arrival his heart was feebly beating. Efforts to induce artificial respiration were carried on without avail 'for an hour, the heart gradually weakening till death supervened. The cause of death was asphyxia. Having been gassed at the front would affect the heart and lungs.

Samuel Thomas Shepherd, gardener, of Oamaru. father of the deceased, stated that he was 26 years of age, and born in Oamaru, a grocer's assistant: At 4.40 p.m. on Thursday he received news of the. accident, and went to the boatshed, where his son was lying, he thought dead, while Dr Morton was working on him in the endeavor to restore animation. His son had never spoken of being severely gassed at the front, but he had been wounded. Since his return he had had a cough, and had not been so robust as before.

George Mackenzie, draper's assistant, stated that deceased, whom he know well, was a member of the Boating Club. Witness, with Mitchell, Neal, and Gibb, went out in a clinker four oar, with the deceased rowing the stroke oar. They did one round of the harbor, and had commenced the second. Two successive waves swamped the boat and the next witness knew was that he was in the water. The deceased could swim only a very little. Baxter came over in a. boat and took three of them in, and another boat came out and took in Gibb and the deceased. They had apprehended no risk, having frequently been out in rougher water. Other boats had taken the same course that day. It was left to the stroke of the boat to decide if the water was calm enough to put out. Witness knew of no rules on this point. Had all stuck to the boat they would have had a better chance. There was no skylarking. 

Walter O. Gibb, clerk, had known the deceased since he was a boy. Witness was coxswain of the boat. They left the shed at 3.15. There was then no swell, as a westerly wind was blowing, but there was a jobble caused by a gusty wind. They followed the usual course. On the second round the water seemed to be smoother, if anything. When between Sumpter wharf and the red buoy deceased took his feet out of the footboard straps and witness told him to put them back. Deceased took his feet out a second time, and the boat lost way. A wave struck the boat and came into it. The deceased stood up and leaped out into the sea. The boat lost its balance and then the others jumped out. The deceased took a few strokes and then turned round, but did not get back to the boat. Witness dived under the boat, and went to his assistance. By the time he got to him, about 20 feet, the deceased had gone under once. The deceased grasped witness with his hands and legs and both went under twice. They went under again, fairly deep, and then the deceased's legs relaxed, allowing witness to swim again. On reaching the surface witness caught him under the armpits. Witness then endeavored to regain the boat, which was now some distance away. The others were on the boat, with the exception of Neal, who had come to assist witness, but had to go back. It seemed fully 10 minutes before a rescue boat reached them and witness and Shepherd were taken aboard. Witness was thoroughly exhausted, and lay in the bottom of the boat. He could say little of Shepherd's condition at that time. Smith and Logan later made efforts to resuscitate the deceased, on the way to the shore.

To the Coroner: So far as witness knew there was nothing to debar non-swimmers from membership.

The Acting-Coroner reviewed the evidence, and after a short retirement, the foreman or the jury announced that the verdict was that death was due to accidental drowning in the swamping of a boat in the harbor. The jury added a rider to the effect that the officials of the Oamaru Boating Club should instruct all members as to the means to take in case of accident. Junior members should be taught to swim. The jury heartily commended the witness, Walter Gibb, for risking his life in his endeavors to save Shepherd.

The Acting-Coroner said that he heartily concurred in the rider added by the jury. There seemed to be little control over the boats going out in unsafe climatic conditions. He had seen frail boats outside the harbor under conditions which were tempting Providence. Too many risks were being taken in and outside the harbor. The plucky action of the witness, Walter Gibb, who had risked his life in what must have been a desperate endeavor to save Shepherd was worthy of the highest commendation.  -Oamaru Mail, 27/11/1920.

Oamaru Cemetery.

8/15 Private Hugh Smith Bruce, (25/11/1882-8/5/1915). "one of the first"

Hugh Smith Bruce was an engine driver for New Zealand Railways when he enlisted at the beginning of the war.

On the day of his death, the Otago Infantry Regiment were ordered to advance over areas of open ground towards Turkish positions heavily defended by machine guns.  The Aucklanders had tried and failed, "swept away" by machine gun fire.  This areas, known as "daisy patches" were to be crossed by the Otagos.

They were crossed, as a last effort of a costly day's advance with little gained.  Hugh Smith Bruce was not seen after that day.  He has no known grave.

By the finding of the Court of Inquiry it is reasonable to suppose that Private Hugh Smith Bruce, youngest son of Mrs and the late John Bruce, Humber street, was killed in action at Gallipoli. No date was given. Private Bruce, who was educated at the Middle School, was employed at the time of his enlistment by the Railway Department. He was one of the first to volunteer for active service, and left New Zealand with the main body.   -Oamaru Mail, 10/4/1916.

DEATH.

ROLL OF HONOR 

BRUCE. — Private Hugh Smith Bruce, reasonable to suppose killed in action, at Gallipoli, as result of Court of Inquiry (no date given), youngest son of Marion and the late John Bruce, Humber street, Oamaru, and brother of Robert Bruce, Clyde road, Cromwell.  -Cromwell Argus, 1/5/1916.

Oamaru Cemetery.

9/2189 Trooper Frederick George Kelly, (22/10/1895-15/3/1916). "for his country's sake"

KAKANUI RIVER FATALITY

INQUEST ON THE VICTIM.

ACCIDENTALLY DROWNED.

The formal inquiry into the pathetic circumstances attending the death of Trooper Frederick George Kelly, the victim of the bathing fatality in the Kakanui river on Wednesday, was held yesterday afternoon at the residence of Mr F. Kelly, Queen's Flat, Ngapara. Mr Walter E. Searle presided as actingcoroner and the following six gentlemen comprised the jury: — Messrs Norman Lory (Windsor), Harry Davis (Windsor), John Howard (Windsor), Edward Stokes (Windsor), foreman, Donald Fleming (Windsor), and Andrew Halerow (Ngapara). 

Frederick Kelly, farmer, Queen's Flat, father of deceased, was the first witness called. He said that his son was 20 years of age and a trooper in the Eleventh Reinforcements, home on final leave. On the 15th of March he and his son and some friends were at Maruakoa and during the day some of the party, including his son and himself, went for a bathe in the Kakanui. His son could not swim. Witness swam about for a time and, as it was some considerable time since he had been swimming before, he was easily tired and made for the shore for a rest. Just as he reached the bank Mr H. Addison called out to him, "Fred's drowning." Witness immediately plunged in again and reaching his son as he was sinking for the third time, clutched at his hair, but owing to its extreme shortness he lost his hold and as his son was sinking, he secured a grip on the shoulder band of his bathing suit. Witness struck for the land but the weight of deceased's body was presumably too heavy and the suit gave way and his son sank. Witness was very exhausted and with difficulty reached the shore. Mr Addison, who was on the point of entering the water at the time, dived twice but was not able to recover the body, which lay in approximately ten feet of water. Two other gentlemen had by this time arrived on the scene and made unavailing efforts to bring deceased to the surface. A rope was then procured and extended across the pool and Mr Cowie went out and brought the deceased to shore by means of a rake. They applied means for resuscitation for about an hour, but when the doctor arrived he pronounced life extinct. The body was conveyed home and the police notified. The river bottom at the place where the accident occurred was a very bad one, the rocks being slimy, and shelving off abruptly into deep water. Foothold was difficult. It was the opinion of witness that his son had lost his foothold by slipping on the rocks and had fallen into the pool. 

Henry Thomas Addison, farmer, Windsor, said he and Mr Kelly and his son, and others had decided to bathe in the Kakanui. Witness did not enter the water with the rest as he had some difficulty in attending to a defect in his bathing suit. Deceased had been in the water for some time and was splashing about. Witness was just about ready to go into the water when deceased called out "Help!" Witness called to Mr Kelly, senr., and said, "Look, Fred!" The father went to his son's assistance immediately and witness also went out. Witness was not a very good swimmer. When the father failed to secure his son, and his own efforts in that direction proving abortive, he sent for a rope by which his horse was tethered, distant some 100 yards. Passing one end round his body and friends holding the other end he endeavoured unsuccessfully to get the body. By this time others had arrived and a rope was extended across the river and the body recovered from the water. It was witness's opinion that the body had been submerged for about three-quarters of an hour. Mr Beckingsale, who lived in the vicinity, rendered first aid, with the valuable assistance of bystanders. All efforts were unavailing and witness had the body placed in his cart and conveyed to deceased's home. Witness said that the father of deceased had done his utmost to save his son.

Samuel Holmes, Queen's Flat, said he was with Mr Kelly and his son and party at Kakanui on Wednesday. He had made preparations for boiling a "billy'' and was taking off his coat to go in for a swim, when he noticed the deceased splashing about and evidently in difficulties. Witness was sent for a rope, and having procured this was sent to Mamakoa Bureau to telephone for a doctor. In his estimation Dr Scott, of Oamaru, arrived on the scene about two hours after the accident happened. Witness saw the body brought to the bank and measures for resuscitation applied.. 

A verdict was returned that the deceased came to his death by accidental drowning in the Kakanui river on March 10th, and that every possible means at hand were resorted to to save deceased.  -North Otago Times, 17/3/1916.

A SOLDIER'S BURIAL

THE LATE TROOPER KELLY. 

ACCORDED FULL MILITARY HONOURSB. 

The remains of the late Trooper Frederick George Kelly who lost his life in the bathing fatally in the Kakanui river on Wednesday last, were interred with full military honours at the Oamaru Cemetery yesterday morning. 

The body of the late trooper arrived at Oamaru by the 10.30 a.m. train. The white coffin, wrapped in the Union Jack, with numerous wreaths, and the deceased soldier's military cap over all, was transferred to the waiting guncarriage at the station entrance, the six pall-bearers being returned men and men of the reinforcements. The cortege, which was a lengthy one, was headed by the Tenth Regiment Band under Bandmaster Fox, and the "Dead March" played at frequent intervals on the way to the cemetery made the occasion an impressive one. As a testimony to the popularity of the departed soldier a large number of friends and residents of the surrounding districts followed the coffin. The route was lined with people, and business in Thames street was suspended whilst the cortege passed and flags were displayed on various buildings. 

Chaplain-Major J. D. Russell conducted the service at the graveside. A squad drawn from A Company, Tenth (North Otago) Regiment formed the firing-party, and a bugler sounded the "Last Post."

His Worship the Mayor (Mr W. H. Frith) represented the townspeople, and Captain Redmond, N.Z.S.C., the local Defence Office. Other officers on parade were Major Forrester (Officer Commanding Tenth Regiment), Lieutenant Foote (Railway Engineers), Lieutenant B. Aleck (Fifth Mounted Rides), Lieutenant Preston (Eleventh Reinforcements), and Lieutenant Roberts (Tenth Regiment). A company of cadets from the Waitaki Boys' High School, in charge of Lieutenant Anderson, also attended.  -North Otago Times, 18/3/1916.

The recent death by drowning of Frederick George Kelly (Freddy), of Queen’s Fiat, Ngapara, came as a shock to every home in the district. Trooper Kelly was one of the large number of ex-pupils of Ngapara School who have heard the Empire's call for service. He was born at Ngapara, spending all his schooldays there, and was a young man of sterling character and a universal favourite. He was in the railway service and was stationed at Gore, and immediately on reaching the age of 20 he signed on with the Otago Mounted in the Eleventh Reinforcements and was afterwards transferred to the Signalling Corps. The accident occurred when he was home on his final leave, and in the company of his parents and a few friends who were having a picnic at Kakanui. His parents have been much touched by the expressions of sympathy received from many quarters including members of the Ministry and the Hon. the Prime Minister. The military funeral was very largely attended. Private Kelly was a nephew of the lute Mr Alf Hesketh, a one-time popular station master at Kurow.   -Otago Witness, 26/4/1916.

Oamaru Cemetery.