Tales from the Trunk # 8

A gruesome find

While casually browsing some historic papers online (doesn't everyone?) recently, I stumbled across the following story. It describes a gruesome find by a Mr Bryson. I don't yet know how or even if he is related to us, but he was from Otatara, where lived our original Bryson family, of whom all the males had died. I have encountered this person elsewhere in the newspaper archive, and am now endeavouring to find out more about him.

However, I digress - back to the newspaper report published in the Southland Times , Issue 2910, 23 October 1877, Page 2. It went like this:

An Unknown.— A rather extraordinary discovery was made on Sunday afternoon by Mr Bryson, of Otatara Peninsula, while walking in company with Mr David Anderson, of New River Heads, on the Riverton beach, near the wreck of the Hindu, and about three miles from the finger post. At about high water mark a well made coffin was found, constructed of baltic pine, with every indication of having been made by a tradesman, the shoulders being properly sawn, and the seams tarred. The lid had evidently been well screwed down, although when found it was hanging by one screw. The coffin was discovered in an isolated position and contained the body of a man of about 5 feet 6 inches in height, well formed, and apparently approaching middle age. The deceased had on a pair of merino socks, knitted flannel and a striped Crimean shirt, nearly new, with large white studs. The body was perfect, with the exception of the face which was completely gone. The head was in position, but detached at the neck from the trunk. A cursory examination disclosed no marks of violence. Mr Bryson immediately proceeded to the Invercargill Police Station, arriving there at 9.30 p.m., and he then accompanied Inspector Fox and Sergeant Tuohy to where the body lay. On Monday morning the police brought the remains to town, and deposited them in the Morgue at the Hospital, where an examination will be made to-day by Dr Jackson, and an inquest will be held this evening at 7 o'clock. It is a singular fact that the foot board of the coffin has been by some means carried away, and the feet of deceased protrude for about twelve inches and yet have sustained no damage.

If you're puzzled about the whereabouts of Riverton Beach, puzzle no more.

30 !!

Our Sarah Rose turned 30 recently!

Tales from the trunk # 7

All at sea

I have previously told you the tale of the watery end of the Bryson males.

Until now I have only been able to speculate about just how Francis died.  But thanks to the clever folk at National Library, or more especially those responsible for the Papers Past facility, I now know.

You see, the Southland Times published the page 2 story below on 23 December 1868 under the heading "Local and General.":

On the 3rd ult., the town was thrown into a state of painful excitement by the report that a boat known to belong to Mr Edward Hart, Invercargill, and who had only a few days previously completed a contract for the supply of posts for the Agricultural and Pastoral Association's Show Yards, had been found on the beach near the Kew Railway Station. It being known that Hart was working on the opposite side of the estuary, fears were entertained that, with the daring for which he was remarkable, he had attempted to cross while the gale was raging, and the boat had upset, all on board being drowned. Messrs. Coutts and Campbell who first discovered the boat, having communicated with the police, steps were taken to ascertain if Hart had left Fraser's Saw Mills in his boat on the previous evening. A party proceeded to that locality, when the worst fears were confirmed. They learned that Hart and four others had left Mr Fraser's Jetty on the previous evening in the boat that had been found. The occupants of the boat were Messrs. E. Hart, Frank Bryson, Wm. McCulloch, Wm. Nelson, and Henry Tremore. Mr Fraser stated that previous to the boat leaving he had remarked, "It was overloaded," to which Hart replied, he "Would rather have seven than five in it." Mr W. Tait, who was present, stated that he had watched the boat from the time it started until it was opposite Capt. Thompson's, (ship builder) yard, up to which time all appeared safe. A heavy squall then came on, and the boat was lost to view. A careful search was then made by the police and volunteers for other evidence of the accident. Mr Coutts found the oars at the breakwater on the line of the Bluff Harbor and Invercargill Railway, and Mr H. Pierce found, at the far side of the breakwater, Hart's cap, together with a black felt hat, which has been identified by Mr Vale as that worn by one of the missing men. Yesterday morning a swag was found on the beach ticketed with the name of McCulloch, and another, which, as yet,is not identified. The search for the bodies was continued during the whole of yesterday by the police boat's crew, and three or four boats with volunteers, but without success. There can be now no doubt but that the whole five men have perished, and we regret to say that at least two were married men with families. The search for the bodies will be still prosecuted. This sad accident has thrown a gloomy cloud over the community.

Shaken and stirred

It's been a moving few days.

We've experienced a cluster of sizable earthquakes over the last few days. It started on Friday morning with a shake rated "severe", then further minor shakes throughout Saturday into Sunday. Then another large one, rating 6.9 early Sunday evening.

This one produced widespread but minor damage throughout Wellington.

Consequently, all local train services have been cancelled, so my daily travel to work is disrupted. And the building I work in is closed for a safety inspection.

Unusually, we had visible effects of the Sunday evening shake:

Note that this was hardly "damage" in the sense that nothing was broken or disassembled, merely temporarily re-arranged. That's the first time I can recall an earthquake shifting anything at home.

But I'd have to say I'm a little worried about the extent of the effects in central Wellington, as that's where the kids all live and work.

But, apart from that minor inconvenience, everything else is fine - even the pets appear to be OK, although Peaches does take off outside in sizable shakes!

Tales from the Trunk # 6

Bravery or Survival?

Someone asked me recently about Herbert Edie's medals - what were they awarded for? And that got me checking the records.

His personnel file reveals he was eligible for the following medals:

• 1939-45 Star
• Africa Star
• Clasp to Africa Star (8th Army)
• War Medal
• NZ War Service Medal

None of these were awarded for individual acts of bravery, courage or leadership; rather they were recognition of service; that Herbert served his country (and survived).

Signs of Spring

It is mid-winter, and Desiree has fled to Vietnam, the back-yard is suffering it's near continuous inundation

but all is not lost!

Out there, in the midst of rain, cold, mud, and over-growth, is a sign that Spring is on it's way!

They also serve ...

While in Sydney earlier this year, we went to see the ANZAC Day Parade through downtown Sydney.

In New Zealand, the Day is quite restrained, as is the Kiwi way: Dawn Parades, respectful services, and all shops shut until early afternoon. Sydney is a whole other story: raucous, nationalistic even jingoistic, celebratory, drunken, a big deal.

We got a prime spot opposite the Town Hall, which appeared to be the official "reviewing stand". We arrived at 0900, having been woken by bands marching about town near our hotel. So we knew we had to move. And there we stayed. Until almost 1250 - 4 hours! Although Desiree took time out for a cup of tea, and I went back to the hotel to unload my camera!

We were fascinated by a number of elements - the raucous nationalism - flags everywhere!; the very considerable respect for those who marched - everyone got a resounding round of applause & cheers; the scale - it went on for 4 hours, after all; the inclusion of descendants honouring forebears, many carrying their photos; and the wish of all to be recognised - the obscure & quirky just as much as the more traditionally noted.

Not sure why these cars were included, but hey, ...

Can't forget the Medicos!

A touch of the Australian dry, sardonic humour?

Even a place for gallows humour!

It is said that the first victim of war is Truth, but I'm not sure this group would disagree


It wasn't clear if this group made movies for propaganda or screened movies for the troops


Here they are:

It wasn't clear just who these guys were, but they were from PNG
A typical Aussie display? Big car, flags, beer, loud behaviour.

A more traditional mark of respect for the fallen, and all the more poignant for being un-heralded, unaccompanied, silent and under-stated

My favourite of the quirky and obscure - the Spotters followed by the Carrier Pigeon Service!
And all the while the pubs were full to overflowing, and would be throughout the afternoon and into the evening!: