Captain Duncan Matheson, (1822-29/3/1882). "quality unsurpassed"

 

ANOTHER SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

A shocking accident happened yesterday afternoon to Captain Duncan Matheson, of the vessel Omaha. Matheson, with his son and a man named Darrah, were on board the newly launched schooner, Three Cheers, lying at the Railway wharf. The three were employed in lifting a heavy boom which was being triced up to do service as a derrick. The strap which hooked the tackle to the slipped when the heavy spar was 20 feet above the deck. It fell on Matheson, grazing his shoulder, and knocking him down jammed his legs close to the deck. The spar was removed, and on the arrival of Dr Honeyman both legs were pronounced to be broken, and the shoulder dislocated. The sight was a most painful one, the leg being smashed at the ankle, the bone protruding. The right leg was fractured above the knee. The sufferer was conveyed to the Hospital, and his condition ameliorated as far as possible. Strange to say, he remained conscious, and bore the excruciating pain of his injuries with scarcely a groan. Matheson is an old and respected colonist. He is over 60 years of age. From inquiries made at the Hospital today, we learn that the unfortunate man is in a very low state. His recovery is regarded as almost hopeless. Should he live, amputation of both legs will be necessary.  -Auckland Star, 28/3/1882.

SHOCKING ACCIDENT TO CAPT. DUNCAN MATHESON.

Yesterday, between 4 and 5 p.m., Capt. Duncan Matheson, of Omaha, his son Roderick, and Mr. Darrach were employed on board the new schooner Three Cheers, lying at the Railway Wharf, fitting her spars, &c. As they were lifting the end of the fore boom which was being triced for a derrick by means of a tackle leading to the masthead, the strop which hooked the tackle to the boom, when up about 20 feet, slipped off, and the boom descended to the deck, falling on Captain Matheson, who stood below, the ponderous spar crushing the unfortunate man to the deck, close to the combings of the hatchway. Assistance was at once rendered him, and a medical man sent for, the first to arrive being Dr. Honeyman. The doctor pronounced that both legs were broken and a shoulder dislocated. The poor sufferer presented a pitiable, heartrending sight. Men who have had much experience in accidents say they never saw a more painful one; yet Captain Matheson, who was quite conscious, bore the trial with amazing fortitude, uttering scarcely a groan. He said to the doctor, "Make as good a job as you can of it." His legs were sewn up, and he was placed on a stretcher, and conveyed to the hospital in an express, accompanied by Constable Foreman, where he received immediate attention from Dr. Cooper, Dr. Philson not being at hand. His condition was shocking. The left leg was broken at the ankle, the foot being pushed aside, the bone protruding a considerable distance, leaving a space into which one's hand might be thrust. The right leg was smashed just above the knee. Behind the knee the flesh was torn open. The joints seemed to be severed from each other, leaving the upper one visible. His left shoulder was broken, and there was a nasty wound above the right eye. When being conveyed to the hospital he complained a good deal of a pain in his chest. It was thought both legs would require to be amputated. Captain Matheson is an old and much respected settler. He was a strong hearty man, of probably over 60 years.  -NZ Herald, 28/3/1882.

SHIPPING

The vessels in harbour and all the business places in town possessing flagstaffs hung flags half-mast yesterday as a tribute of respect for the late Captain Duncan Matheson, who died from injuries received on board the schooner Three Cheers.  -NZ Herald, 30/3/1882.

THE LATE CAPTAIN MATHESON.

The late Captain Duncan Matheson, who met an untimely end on board his schooner, Three Cheers, was an old colonist of excellent character. Though thrifty and hard in his dealings, he was thoroughly respected for his honesty and integrity. He was a sterling, upright man. He was born in Rosshire, Scotland, and while a very young man, emigrated to Cape Breton, North America. There he and a brother sailed vessels, besides building one or two, during several years' residence. In December, 1856, he left America for this colony in the brigantine Spray, which he fitted up with passenger accommodation, arriving in 1857. Selling his vessel, he took up some land at Omaha, and continued his business of shipbuilding as well. In 1864, he finished the schooner Saucy Lass, of 39 tons. Captain D. L. McKenzie a few days ago received a letter from a Southern gentleman, who is now her owner, that quite recently the schooner was opened out and examined, and found to be as sound as when built, 18 years ago. Having sold her, he built the Coquette, which he sailed and held an interest in, until she was lost at Fiji. The Coquette made probably the quickest passage round Tiri ever accomplished, the time occupied being, we believe, about 5 hours. The brigantine Ryno was next built, which he also retained an interest in, and sailed himself until she was disposed of, Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane being her present owners. Some six years ago he went to America, and there bought the brigantine Oceola, now the property of Captain D. H. McKenzie, on the stocks, and brought her out to Lyttelton, timber laden, and subsequently sailed her round the coast for some time. About three years ago he began the Three Cheers, which is just finished. No better vessels were ever turned out of Auckland than Captain Matheson's. They combined sailing qualities with carrying capacity, and the workmanship was perfection. The record is not numerous, but he could truly have boasted of quality unsurpassed. The deceased gentleman was a good colonist, being a hard worker. He leaves two sons and two daughters, all grown up.  -NZ Herald, 30/3/1882.

THE LATE CAPT. MATHESON.

INQUEST. 

An inquest was held yesterday, by Dr. Goldsbro, on the body of Captain Matheson who was injured by a falling spar on board the schooner Three Cheers, on Monday last. Mr. Alfred Tyer was chosen foreman of the jury. Dr. Philson deposed: Deceased, Duncan Matheson, master mariner, aged 60 years, was brought to the Hospital on Monday, 27th inst., about 5.30 p.m., with a compound dislocation backwards of the right knee, the lower head of the thigh bone having been protruded into the ham through a transverse rent in the skin six inches long. There was also a compound comminuted fracture of the left ankle. These injuries wore said to have been caused by the falling of a boom on board the schooner Three Cheers, at the Railway Wharf, from a height of 20 feet. There was also a scalp wound over the right eye. Deceased was quite sensible, and stated that the occurrence was accidental — that there was no one to be blamed but himself. Deceased was greatly depressed from the shock and loss of blood, and was deemed unadvisable to amputate the injured limbs until reaction should take place. The pulse was weak and soft, and the right leg below the knee was cold. The dislocations were easily reduced, and the wounds bound up. Brandy and water were administered, and hot tins applied, to the feet. In the course of the night vomiting set in, and next morning no reaction had occurred. There was incessant vomiting, pulse very feeble, surface cold, consultation was held, and operative proceedings were again deferred, but the vital powers never revived, and death took place on Wednesday morning at 12.40, about 31 hours after admission, On post mortem examination, the popliteal artery (an artery behind the knee) was found ruptured within the sheath, and the popliteal vein lacerated. All the hamstrings were torn across. The left ankle was a complete mass of broken bones. There were no other injuries. The heart was dilated and fatty. The cause of death was shock and debility from loss of blood.— John James Jackson, seaman, deposed to the circumstances under which deceased met his death. Deceased did not blame anyone for the occurrence. — Roderick Matheson, son of deceased, deposed that his father fitted the rope to the boom, and blamed no person for the accident. Deceased was a sober man, and was quite sober at the time of the accident. — A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. 

THE FUNERAL. 

The funeral of the late Captain Matheson took place at 3 o'clock from the hospital. Amongst those present were Captains J. Smith, John McKenzie, J. McKenzie (Deputy Harbourmaster), Jones, Nearing, Hooker, Elliott, D. H. McKenzie, H. Anderson, Buick, Ayres, Seymour, and Rattray. Nearly all the master shipwrights and builders in Auckland were present. The brother and two sons of deceased were also present, and followed the remains of Captain Matheson to his last resting place. The Rev. R. P. Macnicol read the burial service.  -NZ Herald, 31/3/1882.

Symonds Street Cemetery, Auckland.

Flight-Lieutenant Wesley Neal Spragg, (18/1/1894-1/1/1918). "stood up and jumped clear"

 Business Notices. 

NOTICE OF PARTNERSHIP. 

MR. EDWARD HAYDOCK, Who recently resigned the position of Engineering Workshop Instructor at the Auckland Technical College, begs to announce that he has entered into partnership with MR. WESLEY NEAL SPRAGG, of Mount Albert, and that the new firm has now commenced Business as GENERAL ENGINEERS, PATENT AGENTS, MOTOR CAR IMPORTERS, AND GENERAL INDENTORS AND IMPORTERS Etc.  -NZ Herald, 20/3/1915.

Mr Wesley Neal Spragg, son of Mr and Mrs Wesley Spragg, of Mount Albert, left Auckland yesterday for London to join an aviation corps.  -NZ Times, 6/10/1915.

AUCKLAND AVIATOR.

NARROW ESCAPE FROM DEATH

Latest advices received by Mr. Wesley Spragg, of Mount Albert, indicate that his son, Lieut. W. Neal Spragg, of the Royal Flying Corps, is now in England recovering rapidly from injuries sustained as the result of a recent accident to an aeroplane which he was piloting from Yarmouth to Norwich. On nearing the aerodrome at the end of the journey, the engine of the machine jammed, forcing the propeller off, and breaking the rudder control. Fortunately the machine remained upright, and planed uncontrolled to within 50ft of the landing, when its nose dropped, and it dived to earth.

Both Lieutenant Spragg and his observer stood up and jumped clear of it, just at it reached the ground. It was well that they did so, for the impact tore the heavy engine from the frame of the machine, and caused it to crash through both seats. The aeroplane was completely wrecked, while Lieutenant Spragg suffered the loss of some teeth and injuries to his shoulder, necessitating his undergoing hospital treatment for some weeks.  

About two months ago a large sighting-plane upon which he was engaged as observer was also destroyed by accident, and he was thrown out of his seat at a height of about 15ft. Cutting his way headfirst through the tail planes, he fell to the ground. Happily, in this case, a steel cap which he was wearing, and doubtless also the breaking of his fall by the tail planes saved him from injury. Notwithstanding these incidents, he is reported to be keen to start his work again.

Lieutenant Spragg was recently at the front, where he was engaged at times over the enemy lines, and where he saw something of the commencement of the allied offensive.  -Fielding Star, 16/9/1916.

The description of the first crash mentioned above, would indicate that Spragg and his observer were in a two-seater pusher plane.  With the engine behind the crew, these were notorious for killing their crews in exactly the way described and the men were probably prepared to do what they did when it seemed a crash was imminent.

Reference was published recently to the thrilling escape experienced by Lieutenant W. Neal Spragg, when flying in the Old Country. The Aucklander has since been promoted to a first-lieutenancy in the Aviation Corps, and has been sent to Hythe School of Musketry as an instructor in aerial gunnery. Lieutenant Spragg, who has made rapid progress in the aviation service, is the only son of Mr Wesley Spragg of Auckland, and a brother of Mrs Fergus Gumming, of Gisborne.   -Poverty Bay Herald, 20/9/1916.

In the course of an, interesting letter, written by Lieutenant Wesley Spragg, of the Royal Flying Corps, to his parents in Auckland, he states that he was just hack from France, where he had been delivering a new machine, and demonstrating a new gun which reduces the recoil to a minimum. This is very important in aero work. The machine was named the ''Maori;'' and was evidently presented by New Zealand. After an uneventful trip to Farnborough, where he stayed the night, he started at 5.30 next morning for St Omer. At Folkestone he was lost in a thunderstorm, the compass spinning like a top. After about a, quarter of an hour he gave up trying to cross the Channel, and put the machine's nose down, watching the aneroid dropping from 12,000ft to 1200ft. Then suddenly the clouds broke away, and below he could see the open country and the white cliffs on the coast. In the best R.F.C. style, he picked out the largest country house and dived for the cow paddock, landing well in the middle without a bump. He taxied the machine under some big chestnut trees, and got out to meet the inhabitants, who were streaming down to see the sight in dressing gowns and slippers. Some special constables turned up, and leaving them in charge he went off to breakfast. Subsequently he enquired as to whose place he was in and was not prepared for the shock that he received when he learned that it was General Henderson's, one of the highest officers in the Royal Flying Corps. The general was much interested in the new gun, which he had only seen in its experimental stage. He thought it a huge joke when told that his house looked the best breakfasting place from 1200ft above. About 11 o'clock the mist lifted, and the writer got away, landing in St Omer without adventure. This made the eighth machine he had landed in France. Subsequent advice states that Lieutenant Spragg had been promoted to first-lieutenant and gunnery instructor at Hythe, Kent. He mentions that he had been called out to try a new  machine carrying one man, a machine gun, searchlight, and a 250 horsepower engine. It was capable of doing a little over two miles in 60 seconds and climbs two miles high in 12 minutes.  -Poverty Bay Herald, 7/12/1916.

On New Year's Eve, 1917, Wesley and another aviator, Arthur Upham, attended a celebration at the NZ convalescent hospital at Heliopolis, near Cairo.  Taking off, they flew over the hospital to wish everyone a happy new year.  Hospital staff and patients witnessed the port wings of the biplane fail and the machine drop to earth.  Wesley jumped or was thrown out of the plane.  He died of a head injury and  Upham survived the crash, suffering a broken nose and shoulder.

ROLL OF HONOUR.

CAREERS OF THE FALLEN. 

LIEUT. WESLEY N. SPRAGG, R.F.C. 

Information has been received by Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Spragg, of Mount Albert, that their only son, Flight-Lieut. Wesley Neal Spragg, was killed in action in Egypt on January 1. Deceased left Auckland for London on October 5, 1915, and there joined the Royal Flying Corps, being appointed a flight-lieutenant. Later he was employed as aeroplane-machine-gun instructor, in which he was recognised as an expert. The cable received furnishes no details as to the sad occurrence. This adds one more to the roll of King's College, Remuera, of old pupils who have given their lives for the Empire. Lieutenant Spragg, prior to the war, was a partner in the firm of Haydock and Spragg, motor engineers, of Auckland.  -Auckland Star, 11/1/1918.

GIFTS TO THE CITY.

PARK ON THE MANUKAU.

CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUND.

Two fine gifts to the city by prominent citizens were formally accepted by the City Council last evening. One gift was that of a property of 761 acres on the Manukau Harbour, owned by Mr. Wesley Spragg, and the other an offer by Mr. I John Court to construct and equip a playing ground for children at Victoria Park at a cost of £1500. Mr. Spragg's property, known as Kaiteraki Park, adjoins the western boundary of Cornwallis Park, which was bequeathed to the city by the late Mr. J. McLachlan. The gift is to serve as an enduring memorial of Mr. Spragg's son, Lieutenant Wesley Neal Spragg, of the Royal Flying Corps, who was killed in action on January 1, 1918. The terms of the gift provide that the donor may erect on the property at some point of his own choice a suitable monument to his son, which will be kept and maintained by the city authorities, and in the event of it being destroyed restored in similar form and in the same position as originally selected for it. It is also provided that the monument shall have unobstructed faces to all waterfronts and aspects. Resolutions conveying the council's deep appreciation of both gifts were passed by the council.  -NZ Herald, 29/11/1918.

Symonds Street Cemetery, Auckland.

James Stirling Aitken, (1852-17/4/1878). "a young life full of promise"

 DEATH.

Aitken. — On April 17, suddenly, James Stirling Aitken, of Rockwood, Mount Eden, nephew of Mr. William Aitken. of this city, aged 20 years. The funeral will take place this afternoon, at 3 o'clock.   -NZ Herald 18/4/1878.

SUDDEN DEATH IN FORT-STREET.

Yesterday forenoon Mr. James Stirling Aitken, aged 26 years, nephew of Mr. William Aitken, fell down in Fort-street, and expired in a few minutes afterward. Mr. Aitken was on his way to Messrs. Jackson and Russell's office with some documents, when he fell in front of Messrs. Cochrane and Son's auction mart. Mr. Coglan, storeman to Messrs. Cochrane, observed his fall, and, accompanied by Mr. Keesing, Mr. Sandford, and others, went to his assistance. Mr. Aitken was then breathing heavily, but this indication of life soon ceased. Dr. Lee and Dr. Hooper speedily arrived, but the case was one beyond the power of medical aid, for life was extinct. The body was soon afterward removed to the house of Mr. William Aitken, at Mount Eden, where deceased had resided. The cause of death was apoplexy, but the existence of any tendency to such a complaint was quite unsuspected; and Dr. Philson, who has been the family physician for years, had no idea that there was any risk of an attack of the kind. The occurrence caused a painful feeling throughout the town yesterday, deceased having been well known and highly esteemed. Mr. Aitken had been studying law for five years with Messrs. Hesketh and Richmond. He had completed his articles, had passed his preliminary examinations with great credit, and was about to undergo his final examination for admission as a barrister. Mr. Aitken was a most exemplary young man, an earnest student, and one who displayed marked ability in the profession he had chosen — a young life full of promise, suddenly taken away, to the deep regret of a large number of friends. Dr. Lee having certified to the cause of death, no inquest will be necessary, it may be added that the deceased had taken the preliminary steps to insure his life in the Mutual Providence Association, and he was to have been examined by the medical officer, Dr. Goldsbro, as soon as an opportunity occurred. The father of deceased died some years ago; his mother is still alive. The funeral will take place this day (Thursday), at 3 o'clock, from the house at Mount Eden.  -NZ Herald, 18/4/1878.

The funeral of the late James Stirling Aitken, whose sudden and untimely death occurred on Wednesday, took place yesterday, from his uncle's house at Rockwood, Mount Eden. Here were gathered more than forty carriages containing persons who sympathised with the bereaved family. Before the removal of the remains, the Rev. Mr. Carrick, of St. Andrew's, delivered an appropriate and affecting prayer, and at the grave, to which the body was followed by numbers on foot and horseback, as well as in vehicles, the Rev. Mr. Bruce read the funeral service with feeling and impressiveness. The memory of the late young man, — his kindness, his intellectual ability, and his blameless life, will be long cherished by those who knew and loved him, and these were not a few.  -NZ Herald, 19/4/1878.

Symonds Street Cemetery, Auckland.

Margaret Renton Hill, (1831-12/1/1876). "held in universal respect"

DEATHS

HILL. — On January 12th, at the residence of Thomas Macky, Esq., Hepburn-street, Auckland, Margaret Renton, wife of the Rev. James Hill, of Thames.  -NZ Herald, 15/1/1876.

OBITUARY. 

We regret to have to announce the death of the wife of the Rev. James Hill, Presbyterian Minister at the Thames, which took place at the house of Mr. T. Macky on 12th January. Mr. and Mrs. Hill came to Auckland in the Christmas week, in order to enjoy a holiday amongst their friends here, but she was taken ill, and continued sinking till above date. Her complaint, we believe, was heart disease. The deceased was in the prime of life, and leaves a number of young children. Great sympathy will be felt with Mr. Hill for the loss he has just sustained. Intelligence of Mrs. Hill's death caused a profound impression in Grahamstown, Mrs. Hill being well known and as highly esteemed as her husband, not only among the Presbyterians, but by all classes in the community.  -NZ Herald,15/1/1876.

About 30 members of the Presbyterian congregation of the Thames and brethren of the Masonic Lodge Sir Walter Scott proceeded to Auckland by the 'Hauraki' yesterday morning to attend the funeral of Mrs Hill, wife of the Rev James Hill. The deceased lady was held in universal respect, and many others would have put themselves to considerable inconvenience to pay the last tribute of respect to her remains and testify their sympathy for the Rev James Hill and his bereaved family, only that their business pursuits prevented them from doing so. Too much credit cannot be accorded to the proprietors and agents of the steamer 'Hauraki' for their ready acquiescence in the wish expressed for the alteration of the time table to suit the convenience of those who wished to attend the funeral as well as in making a reduction in the customary fares for the occasion.  -Thames Advertiser, 15/1/1876.

We noticed in the grounds of the neatly-kept Presbyterian part of the cemetery a chaste and seemly monument over the grave of the wife of the Rev James Hill, formerly of Auckland and the Thames, but now minister of St. James', Christchurch. The monument is formed of durable Aberdeen grey granite and Tasmanian coping stone. There is nothing gaudy in the talent memorial, but all is in keeping with the character which the deceased lady bore in her conduct of life. The monument is ten feet in height, surmounted by the chiselled form of the urn of mourning, and underneath, carved in the pediment of the cap, is the emblematic thistle of "Scotia, stern and wild," the land of Mrs Hill's birth. The monument was executed by Mr Wm. Thomas, mason, of Lorne and Victoria streets, and is creditable to his skill and taste. The inscription runs thus: "sacred to the memory of Margaret Renton, the beloved wife of the Rev James Hill, who died 12th January, 1876, aged 45 years. Erected by the Thames Presbyterian congregation."   -Auckland Star, 28/10/1878.

Symonds Street Cemetery, Auckland.

Dr Richard Day, MD, (1805-23/10/1879). "a high reputation for skill"

The funeral of the late Dr. Richard Day took place on the 26th October, and was attended by a considerable number of the deceased gentleman's friends and acquaintances. The Rev. T. Buddie, assisted by the Rev. J. Wallis, conducted the service, the first part of which took place in the Wesleyan Church, Pitt-street, where a number of friends had assembled to participate in the last obsequies. As the coffin was borne out of the church the grand organ pealed forth the solemn strains of the "Dead March in Saul." The funeral cortege then wended its way to the last resting-place of the dead, where the remaining portion of the service was gone through. The pall-bearers were Drs. Philson, Hooper, Kennedy, Dawson, and Mr. Graves Aickin. The chief mourners were the Rev. John Hobbs, Messrs. R. and E. Hobbs, G. Jakins, E. Wilcox, J. Bloomefield, and Thomas Buddie. Amongst those present we noticed the Rev. R. Burrows, Rev. Alexander Macdonald, Captain Wing, and a number of old settlers who had known the deceased for a long period. 

We regret to record in our obituary column the decease of an old and well-known colonist, Dr. Day. The deceased gentleman was one of the early settlors in the Hokianga district in 1840. From thence he removed to Auckland on the outbreak of the Heke war. For many years he filled the appointment, under the Provincial and General Governments, of public vaccinator, and bore a high reputation for skill and scientific attainments in the practice of his profession. Of late years the growing infirmities of age caused him to retire from practice and from taking an active part in the management of the public institutions of the city with which his name had been so long identified. He passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, having more than fulfilled the allotted span of three score and ten, at the residence of his friend, the Rev. John Hobbs, of whose family he had been an esteemed member for nearly half a century.  -NZ Herald, 10/11/1879.

Symonds Street Cemetery, Auckland.

Robert Allen (1848-8/7/1878). "died suddenly"

DEATH.

ALLEN. — On the 8th July, Robert Allen, aged 30 years, died suddenly on board s.s. Rotorua. The funeral will leave the Wharf at 10 a.m. on Wednesday.  -Auckland Star, 9/7/1878.

One of the saloon passengers for Dunedin by the Rotorua, named Robert Allen, died from inflammation of the bowels, while the steamer was coaling at Russell yesterday. He was formerly a commercial traveller in the employ of Messrs. Sargood, Son, and Ewen, Dunedin, and Jacob, Joseph, & Co., Wellington.  -Auckland Star, 9/7/1878.Mr. Robert Allen, who expired on Monday, on board the s.s. Rotorua while she was at the Bay of Islands, was interred on Wednesday afternoon at the Church of England Cemetery. Several commercial gentlemen who were casually acquainted with Mr. Allen, followed his remains to their last resting-place. Mr. Brown, of Messrs. A. Clark and Sons, and Mr. Finlayson, of Messrs. Sargood and Co., with others, generously stepped forward, and saw that the funeral obsequies were befitting to the station in life poor Allen had formerly occupied.  -NZ Herald, 12/7/1878.

The friends of the late Mr. Robert Allen, who it will be remembered died at the Bay of Islands on board of the steamer Rotorua daring her last passage from Sydney, are subscribing amongst themselves to erect a tombstone for the deceased. Mr. Allen was formerly a traveller in the employment of Mr. Jacob Joseph of this city. It is principally commercial travellers who are interesting themselves in obtaining subscriptions. Mr. James Wheeler, proprietor of the Princess Hotel, Tory-street, will receive donations.  -NZ Times, 27/7/1878.

Symonds Street Cemetery, Auckland.

John Hancock, (1842-13/12/1885). "years of patient suffering"

DEATHS.

Hancock. — On 13th inst., at his residence, Manukau Road, Epsom, after years of patient suffering, John Hancock, aged 43, deeply regretted. 

The funeral will leave above address for the Church of England Cemetery, Symonds-street this day (Monday), at three o'clock. Friends will kindly accept this intimation.   -NZ Herald, 14/12/1885.

It will be seen from our obituary column that an old Auckland resident has passed away in the person of Mr. John Hancock, formerly of the United Service Hotel, Auckland, which he built, and of which he remained the proprietor. He had retired from business for many years, being a great sufferer from gout, for which he had tried every possible remedy, including visits to the Hot Lakes and to the baths in the old country. About three weeks ago he slipped on a stone in his garden, and never recovered from the effects of the fall.  -NZ Herald, 14/12/1885.

The mortal remains of Mr John Hancock, owner and first licensee of the United Service Hotel, were interred yesterday in the Church of England Cemetery, the Ven. Archdeacon Dudley being the officiating clergyman. There was a large cortege of mourners, of whom the chief were Mr Percy, Mr Lee, and Master Hadley. The deceased was an old resident, and was very highly respected. He is survived by his wife.  -Auckland Star, 15/12/1885.