DEATH OF GRAHAM

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 62, Issue 8, 21 October 1941, Page 6

DEATH OF GRAHAM

COLLAPSE EARLY IN MORNING. INCIDENTS AFTER HIS CAPTURE. “BY JOVE I AM HUNGRY.” (P.A.) CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. Whefi Stanley Graham died in the Westland Hospital at 5.30 this morning, his Wife, who has been staying in Hokitika, was With him. About midnight Mrs Graham, With the Commissioner Of Police (Mr D. J. Cummings) Went to the hospital and remained there till the last. Also present were the Rev. and Mrs C. D. Childs, of Hoki< tiktt.

Graham received surgical attention soon after his admission to hospital and it seemed as if he might recover. ToAvard 2 o’clock this morning, lioav, ever, he collapsed. His medical attendants were Doctors B. L. Wilson and R. S. Aitken, of Hokitika. Dr. Wilson first gave Graham medical attention as he lay in a bed of straw in an Army truck which brought the Wounded man from Growcott’s farm. Graham recognised Wilson at once, as the doctor had treated him on various Occasions. “I’m pleased to see you, doctor,” he said. Graham asked for a drink and took two or three sips of water. “Thank you doctor,’ he said. Later he told Dr. Wilson he wanted to come in, but they (the police) wanted to shoot him. Halfway on the journey to Hokitika the ambulance was stopped while Graham had another drink, Graham’s wounded hand was swollen to twice its size from the septic nature of the bullet hole. The wound in his shoulder is described as severe.

The hunted man must have possessed shaving gear, for although he was out in the bush for 13 days his beard was not more than two days old. In his ammunition belt he had 15 rounds of rifle ammunition. His trousers were mudstained and torn from his wanderings in the bush.

As Graham lay wounded after Constable Quirke had shot him, he was asked if he was hungry. “By Jove I am,” replied Graham. This morning Mr Cummings expressed the thanks of the Police Force for the valuable co-operation given in the search by the Army, Home Guard and other local residents. He praised the work done by the women of the district and commended their fortitude. He said, he would issue a full statement later. The formal in quest, for -identification will be opened this afternoon before the Coroner (Mr A. E. Benjamin) and will be adjourned. Graham’s funeral will take place tomorrow. j

Three buses left Hokitika this morning to bring in the police who have been engaged on the search.