TERRIBLE FIREWORKS FATALITY.

Evening Star, Issue 11607, 22 July 1901, Page 3

TERRIBLE FIREWORKS FATALITY.

A shocking fatality occurred during the fireworks display at Invercargill on the evening of July 11 in honor of the returned troopers. A rocket went off horizontally among the crowd and exploded. Mrs Sneyd, who was killed instantaneously, received terrible injuries .to her face. Her son Charles had an enormous lacerated wound on his left thigh, while his wife had severe lacerated wounds about the face and arm. Their child escaped with a few scratches about the face. Mr J. W. Morton has several wounds in the arm and back, while Mr A. M'Sporran has a number of deep, wounds on his legs. Several other by-standers sustained minor injuries from flying fragments, but they were able - to leave the hospital when their wounds had leen dressed. These patients are on the, road to recovery. The coroner's inquest into the cause of the accident resulted in this verdict : " The jury uhanimonsly find that the death of Nancy Littlewood Sneyd was caused by. the explosion of a rocket distress signal fired by Hugh M'Gilvray, master of the screw steamer Invercargill, oil tue night of Friday, the 12th inst.; and that the said Hugh M'Gilvray was not apparently thoroughly conversant with the dangerous nature of the rocket distress signal fired by him. The jury are also of opinion that the Borough Council and police showed negligence in not enforcing their powers under the borough by-laws and Police Offences Act. The jury desire to compliment Sergeant-major Wall for his lucid and concise evidence as an expert on rocket distress signals." Captain M'Gilvray has, been held to answer the charge of man-j slaughter.

Hrff tjfISLCOMED TO DUNEDIN. E|&XJiik twenty-fourth of March, 1900, was a Hpinplowrday in the annak of our City, for rajfauty. multitude, that we sent those whom ■ral|Jfi|wtionateJy term "our boys" to do King (it,was "the. Queen" and Empire. < Jfiow few that the stay would be so long, and ffipjiow many anticipated such a splendid re|f,.&oird? The men who left us then, in/all the Br ajmruceness and dapper appearance that new Sk uniforms and new accoutrements afford, »''have .passed through",the fiery furnace of the stress of storm, the rigors of cli--11 mate, and tho hardships of campaigning, j|:. and some lie buried beneath the African i, ; ;teldt and others are in hospital, and some X.' are scattered iar and near, whilst others show their wounds. But the like spirit to k which acclaimed their departure was, in a modified form, conspicuous on July 12. ""' "l*he meti had been tried, and they were not found "wanting, and the joy of the welcome i hbme is ever greater, though more silent ; modeless obtrusive than the departing I s eheers. Those whom the crowds gathered eagerly to see this afternoon could, without undue boasting, take to themselves the lani,v guage of the soldier's laureate, and cry: fNow, this is ihe faith that the White Men , - hold . • ' When they bxrild their homes afar: "Freedom for ourselves and freedom for our •6ns, And, failing freedom, War." • v * We have proved our faith—bear, witness to ' our faith. Dear souls of freemen slain I Oh, well for the world when the' White Men join To prove their faith again! As early as two o'clock the crowds began to flow in a continuous stream towards the I Triangle and the railway station. The i former was reserved exclusively for the relatives of the returning troopers, and the latter was, so far, at least, as the arrival 1 platform was concerned, kept clear of anybody and everybody except the band and a few South Afrixn troopers and members of the Reception Committee. The ground immediately between the Triangle and station was surrounded with volunteers from the following companies:—Navals, B Battery, North Dunedin Rifles, Highland Rifles, Caversham Rifles, Wakari Rifles, the Bearer Corps, and - the Engineer Cadets. The space within was kept for the anxiously-looked-for arrivals. i; At 3.20 the , train ran into the sta-~ L tion . amid' a- running cheer of welcome. The -, was soou over, and ' althcragi. tliere -was an absence of any marked..'enthusiasm there was an eager and intense feeling of excitement as the men filed hj off-the platform through thegatel: way'iht'O the reserve, and many and'hearty '"',: were tlie cries and answering calls of \ "Hullo, Jack," "Hullo, Tom," "Are you '< all right up to now, Bill ?" and so on, '*'. whilst the ever-present and generally wel- ;- come small boy, who-clambered on fence, and step, and/hoarding, sent up his cheer that was the signal for the more wholei' stmled greeting from the vast gathering '' without. .••-.' J&e mm, after they had all left the plat-' Mgtfm, were drawn up in line in Cumberland opposite the Triangle, where Mr G. Denmston (mayor) formally welcomed them<to Dunedin, and.said that he hoped they would all put in an appearance at the social in the evening,-when the welcome would be* a little more • hearty. Everyone, he Said, felt in their, hearts' gratitude to Almighty, for_ bringing, so many of .the boys back";to,their homes. '•'.,- Colonel Staith,- in. the. absence of. Colonel Webb, a few words of welcome. They all very,much regretted that,so many of the men came back in somewhat poor health, but he hoped that the climate of New Zealand would soon restore them to the r former health. He then called upon the volunteers to give three cheers, which were lustily responded to.. r Colonel Davis briefly returned thanks. The only outside display, beyond the flasrs, etc., was that of the Hillside Rail , way Workshops employes, who availed themselves of the opportunity of exhibiting the artistic designs which had been pre- ] pared for the reception of members of the ''. and Second Contingents, but which, it may»*e rßmember«L ,_ unable to show on account jubilations being suspended when news of the late Qfteen's death, arrived. The display consisted of ten banners, all handsomely illuminated, and bearing emblems expressive of welcome, peace, and valor. The employes of the . workshops, each one carrying a bannerette/: mustered in' strong force, and were -accompanied by the North-east Valley 1 Band and their ,own pipe band. The N-UjomMdes of, the Workshops' hands who returned Were G. R.' Black, J. Mathie, a.nd vD Waldie, for whom a landau was '* Bwecmfly provided. ( y i | !.i.. ortfttn AT •xrn'RTPT.'P.ART VAT.T/ET

fc; SOCIAL AT NORTH-EAST VALLEY. !' A?bighly-successful social was held in the } North-east Valley Hall on July 19 in £> honor of the Valley troopers who recently !$ returned from . South - Africa. The Mayor f ff (Mr W. B. Anderson) presided, and seated & on the platform were Troopers H. 't M'Donald, E. Lear. G. F. Smith, C. W. j/'Watt and W. N. Brown (Fourth Contin- «" gent), T. Butters (Fifth Contingent), and ", E. J; West and W. Farquharson (Second ' Contingent). Trooper Beath also occupied '? a seat on the platform. The North-east ''' Valley Band opened the proceedings by J flaying ' The Red, White, and Blue,' after .' which The Chairman said that on behalf of the ' residents of North-east Valley he extended a a hearty welcome home to the returned ) troopers. Since they had left the Valley , their;career had been watched with interest, '- and every morning the papers had \ Icon'eagerly scanned for f news of their y welfare. He was sure that the commenda- \ tion they had received from their officers ? for their bravery and devotion had been well merited. Despite • the hardships they had undergone and the privations they had suffered, he must compliment them on their I, appearance. He wasi ~eorry that they were s not able to welcome all who had left the a \Jalley lor Sjtoth Africa, for as they all , Imew*-yoTfug<sorenson had been shot in ac- % tion. and his bones were left on the veldt. I Thevsympathised, too, with Troopers Brown fi and yVhite, at present in the hospital, but T who .'were making good progress. towards jL recover". Trooper Crawford, too, had been jt that afternoon, and he also had | their sympathy. He (the chairman) had \ much pleasure in presenting each of the j troopers, on behalf of the Valley residents. ■vrithia staall memento as a token of their appreciation of the splendid manner in ' which the troopers had behaved. Th 6 Mayor then handed to Troopers H. A M,T)ohald,'l!. Lear. W. N. Brown, T. Bnt- - ' ters,' 0. J. West, v 7. Farquharson, G. F. , Smith, and 0. W. Watt a handsome gold ' watch pendant in the shape of a Maltese ' eross, hearing the following inscription :—j "Presented to Trooper (the name inscribed) from the residents of the North-east Valley on their return from the Transvaal War." > The band,, then .played the National Anthem, and dancing was indulged in. At intervals during the evening songs and J Speeches • were given. Mrs Dovle had Ci'cnarge of the supper room, and Messrs Fraser, and Brew acted as "M.C.S. n? _ All the country members of the two con- »- tangents had splendid welcomes home. K' AT LAWRENCE jKitbe;people turned out in force. *The railBS&tray.station was beautifully decorated with ||bflaKi and evergreens,'-and the Fire Brigade |||Kaild the volunteers from the district were After the band had played several I|§air» addresses of welcome were delivered the mayor (Mr Winn) and others. The jlljtrdopers were afterwards entertained at Hgpiwcheon. On the 17th a social was Kfgjbren ,in .the" Town Ball in iheir" honor. MgJhe h* ll wiis Packed, to the.. Soots. ProBg&eedings were commenced with a selection jßjjpy the orchestra, after which the troopers Hjjjbarched on to the stage amidst great cheerjjjJßffog- The Mayor then made a short speech, Unwelcoming the men home a<jain, and conHErratulatea them on their safe return. The programme was then rendered : Hpfog, 'Trafalgar Bay,' Mr Campbell; adHf&esS by Rev. J. A.'Will; song, Mrs King, R|f England is mistress still' and 'The lads H|pn inakf'; address, Rev. Mr Ellis; song, EfljPSteepiiig camp,' Mr E. D. Mason: song, lltfrjkliss Leitch; , address, Canon Richards; WfriiuoJiilf, -Mr Comgan,:'/fhe deathless army'*; ||L'ftddref» by Mr Afbuckle (one of Lawrence's zecidents); ttoog, Mr Orchard; sifter

which the mayor, on behalf of the people of Lawrence, presented Troopers Duncan, M'Donald, and Miller with'a handsome gold medal each, for which the recipients returned thanks. The singing of the National Anthem closed an enjoyable ieunion. AT NASEBY. Naseby, on Monday, the 15th, welcomed Lieutenant M'Lennan, formerly lieutenaut of the Naseby Rifles, and Trooper White, son of Lieutenant White, of the same company. Trooper Beath, whose brother is in business at Naseby, accompanied the local warriors. The Mayor (Ms R. Inder) and Mr A. Marslin met them at Ranfurly, and accompanied by a detachment of the Maniototo Mounted, Rifles, escorted them to Naseby. On arrival they received a great ovation. A smoke concert was held in the Town Hall, - which was crowded to excess. The usual loyal and patriotic toasts were duly honored, and, in responding •to the toast of "The Guests," proposed by the mayor, Lieutenant M'Lennan, Troopers White and Beath responded, the first-named giving a most interesting account of his experiences since leaving Maniototo. In the evening a social was held in honor of the returned men. A great crowd again assembled, and a most enjoyable evening was spent AT SHAG POINT. On Monday, the 15'h, the return if Trooper Guy Kidd, Shag Point's representative in the Fifth Contingent, was celebrated by a " welcome home" in the form of a social. Punctually at eight o'clock the returned warrior, borne en the shoulders of four miners, appeared on the scene, his arrival being the signal for a great round of cheering. Mr Alexander Goodley, chairman of the Reception Committee, then presented Trooper Kid 1 with a, handsome watch and chain, subscriptions for which had been received froiii almost every resident of >Shag Point and Allandale. The following toasts were duly honored:—"The King," proposed by Mr F. Loades; " Trooper Kidd," proposed by Mr, Alexander Goodley. During the evening patriotic songs were rendered, while dancing, under the direction of Mr Frew, was kept up with great spirit until davlighfc. AT WAIKOUAITI. Trooper Jones, of the Fourth Contingent, on his arrival at Wnikouaiti on July 15, was taken to the Mechanics' Hall, and there entertained by the townspeople. Addresses of welcome were delivered by Mayor Allcock, the Rev. J. Christie, the Rev. B. Vanes, the chairman of the County Coun-' cil (Mr. Duke), and by the Rev. .C. Fraer. The proceedings were most enthusiastic throughout. AT OUTRAM. At Outram on July 15 Trooper James Anderson was met at the railway station by large numbers of the townspeople, and his old comrades carried him shoulder high, preceded by pipers, to the drill shed, where he was welcomed by Mr W. Snow. It was thought .that Trooper John Andrew, also of Outram, would have returned at .he same time, but he did not come by th«i Tagus, having been laid up at the Cape with enteric. He had been thirty-seven days in hospital there when the 'i'agus left, but he is expected to return with an early draft On the 18th a social was given in the Societies' Hall, at which Troopers Orange, Miller, Williams, Smeaton, M'Kellor, Anderson, Smaillie, Findlay, and Gibson were present An excellent programme had been arranged, after which dancing was indulged' in, and a most enjoyable time spent AT OTEPOPO. An enthusiastic welcome was accorded to Lieutenant Marshall, of the Fifth Contingent, on July •18 in the Athenaeum Hall, Otepopo. The welcome took the form of a social and banquet, and Mr A. Paterson presided. Tea was served at 8 p.m., and afterwards there was a programme of toasts and musical items. Besides Lieutenant Marshall the following troopers were present:—Sergeant Duffy, Troopers M'Kerrow, White. Hodgkinson (Hampden), and Stock (Kakanui). The usual loyal and patriotic toasts were given, and afterwards dancing helped to pass the time most pleasantly. AT CROMWELL. Cromwell gave a great welcome to Lieutenant Jolly, Corpora] Mason, and Bombardier Eady. The men were met by the volunteers, Oddfellows, and school children, and a band, and escorted to the Council Chambers, where they were received by the mayor. After prayer addresses were given by Messrs Tait and Hosking. The utmost enthusiasm prevailed. In the evening the town was illuminated, and there was a display of fireworks. AT PORT CHALMERS. The Garrison Hall at Port Chalmers was filled on July 16, when a " social" and dance were given in honor of Sergeantmajor Bowling and Trooper Porteous, who hail from that locality. The hall was very prettily decorated, and at the back was this inscription: "You've done your duty." The guests, who were accompanied by .Troopers Ross and Moore, of Dunedin, received quite an ovation. Mayor Mill presided, and was supported by Mr De Maus (ex-mayor), Mr R. Chisholm (chairman of the Patriotic Committee), Messrs Fullarton, M'Kay, and Lyell—a trio of old veterans. The parents of the men were present, and on entering the room were demonstratively received. Patriotic speeches were-delivered by the Mayor, Mr R. Chisholm, Mr Fullarton, and Mr De Maus. During the evening tho mayoress (Mrs Mill) presented gold medals to Sergeantmajor Bowling and Trooper Porteous, as tokens of the townspeople's appreciation of their gallantry. (These medals are similar to those already presented to Port members of the other returned contingents.) Mr Chisholm, in the course of a stirring speech, paid tribute to the proved courage of Captain Bauchop (a Port boy) and the men under his command. Mr De Maus, in the coursee of his address, mentioned an interesting incident The father and grandfather of Sergeant-major Bowling, as well as his great-grandfather, liad all served their Queen. During an interval Corporal Drinnan, D.5.0., and Trooper Burgess were introduced to the gathering, and they had a splendid reception, the mayor remarking that the first-mentioned had gained his Distinguished Service Order for the capture, single-handed, of a Boer gun and two of its gunners. Mr Bowling, sen., in the course of a neat speech, said that his son and his comrades were only following up the noble traditions of the past. They had.shown beyond doubt that the men of the present day were as gopd as those who hail gone before them. The memento his sou had received would be treasured as an heirloom in the family, and would be so regarded by son's children in the time to come.— (Loud applause.) To an excellent concert Sogramme Misses Amy Murphy and Ray arks and Messrs Jago aud Herbert Moss were the principal contributors, and all were encored. Mrs Murphy was accompanist. The Port Chalmers Band played a number of selections during the evening. AT GREEN ISLAND.

On July 16 the residents of Green Island gave a warm welcome home to Surgeoncaptain Watt, who left Dunedin over twelve months ago by the s.s. Gymcric as medical attendant to the Fourth and Fifth Contingents, and came back by the Tagus last week. -The gathering took place in the Volunteer Hall, and no other similar function in the district has been attended with the same measure of success. Mr J. Ensor (mayor) presided, and on the platform wit hhim were Surgeon-captain Watt, the Rev. Dr'Watt, Messrs Loudon and Bayley, and Surgeon-major Will. An apology for non-attendance was received from Mr H. Harraway. After the singing or the National Anthem the chairman made a brief but Stirling welcome address. Musical items followed, and then Mr James Loudon made a presentation to the guest of the evening. He referred enthusiastically to the ready and cheerful response of the youth of the colony to do battle for the Mother Land when they were needed, and New Zealand had every reason to be proud of the sacrifices made by these young men. Dr Watt thanked them, not only for their handsome presents, but for their efforts on his behalf that had been the means of his getting the greatest opportunities of his life. ' He would not have missed it for anything. When New Zealanders were in action they had never flinched, • and off the field they were spoken of in high terms. New Zea-

landers did not think they were better than tho stock of the Old World, but they were glad that the blood in this new country was as good as that in the old.—(Applause.) Surgeon Watt then spoke in complimentary terms,of the Imperial officers and men. On concluding his remarks, Dr Watt was enthusiastically cheered by the audience, who sang ' He's a jolly good fellow.'" A musical programme formed a pleasant interlude in the proceedings, the contributors being Misses Loudon, Freeman, J. Brown, Mrs Snowball, and Messrs R. Abel, L. Miller, and M'Donald. The Dunedin Pipe Band played selections. Before the proceedings came to an end it was decided to forward ,to Messrs Matheson and Harraway—two Green Island lads at the front—a copy of tho report of the proceedings that night together with a small memento, these being to indicate that the people of Green Island were following their career, and also that they would welcome them heartily on their return. The singing of the National Anthem closed a highly successful function. AT MILTON. On July 17 the returned troopers were formally welcomed by the citizens. The •Union Skating Rink was crowded. The building was nicely decorated. Shortly after eight o'clock His Worship the Mayor (Mr W. Moore), accompanied by Corporal Drinnan, D.5.0., Troopers Thomson, Howatson, Bowie, Corson, Dryden, Smith (Dunedin), Moore (Dunedin), and Burgess (Balclntha), and Revs. G. Miller, J. Small, and G. H. Bellhbusc, filed on to the platform, amid cheers. After a rousing speech from the Mayor,' the Milton Brass Band gave a selection, wliich was followed by a quartet The Rev. Mr Small then delivered a spirited address. A song by Mr King, 'Just as the sun went down,' preceded the ceremony of presenting the local boys (Corporal Drinnan, D.5.0., and Troopers Thomson and Howafcson) with a sovereign case each, suitably inscribed. In making the presentation Mr Moore referred to the difficulty the com mittee had in deciding on a suitable souvenir; medals were too common—(laughter) -and eventually the sovereign case was decided on. Each of the cases contained an enclosure—he would not say how much for fear they would be though mean—(laugh-ter)—-but as they had just come back from a golden country they only required the case to put the money in. He only hoped they would live long to wear them, ana that they would never run empty. Corporal Drinnan thUnked 'them most heartily for the reception, and the presentation he had received. Troopers Thomson and Howatson also acknowledged the gifts. Mr J. M'Clvmont sang ' Tommy Atkins.' Uther speeches, songs, and recitations followed, and a pleasant and joyful function was closed with a dance. THE INVALIDS. Lieutenant-colonel De Lantour on July 19 received the following message from the Premier:—"Shall be glad to have progress report on your patients to-morrow," to which Dr De. Lantour replied as follows:—"In Dunedin Hospital: M'Kechnie and 1,402 Sergeant-major Lang, dangerous; Heenan, serious, improving; Lieutenant Ferguson, better; Cheeseman. 2,571 Andrews, and 1,019 Brown, convalescent; 1,022 Ross (Kartigi), abscess and deafness, admitted yesterday, improving; 1,602 Aitken, much better. At Miss Tombs's private hospital: Corporal Bell, much better ; 2.630 Saddler W. Murphy, discharged home (Christchurch) convalescent. Miss Church's hospital: 2,601 Hardy (Christchurch), discharged convalescent; 2,266 F. C. Lang and 1,430 Henry Draper, improving. Miss Stronach's-hospital: 1,108 Sergeant-major Mcrphy, relapse malaria, better this morning ; 1,121 Campbell, convalescent. Many troopers under out-patient treatment." RECOMMENDED FOR'THE V.C. With respect to the Premier's statement made at the luncheon to the returned contingenters by the Tagufi, he has recommended Farrier-sergeanfc Hardham. of Petone, the well-known interprovincial football representative, for the Victoria Cross. I learn that the engagement wherein he merited this distinction was. in connection with a detachment of twelve New Zealandera who were ordered to charge a kopje. No Boers were to be seen, out when Hardham, M'Phee, and M'Crea, all of whom were in advance, got within one hundred yards of the sun; nit a hot fire was poured down on them. A rush was made for cover, but before going far Alex. M'Phee fell from his horse badly wounded. Sexton, Hardham, and O'Dowd galloped through the bullets to his assistance, and bandaged up the sufferer. Shortly afterwards, the Boers being driven back, he was taken up by the ambulance. Hardham showed conspicuous bravery throughout the engarement Before M'Phee was wounded Hardham, when galloping t.o cover, about forty yeards ahead of M'Crea, happened to look round, and saw the Litter's horse fall. He immediately pulled up. rode back under a heavy fire, dismounted, helped M'Crea on his hor.se. and then, pripping the stirrup-iron raD alongside till both were out of danger. It was subsequently found \AhoX M'Crea's horse had twelve bullets ami M'Phee's seven.

Our Tapanui correspondent wired that the social to the returned troopers on July 17 was a great success. The hall was crowded. Trooper Morrison, of the local branch of the State Nursery, a son. of Captain Morrison, of St. Clair, was the recipient of a pair of field-glasses presented by the townspeople. The troopers will be further entertained at on Friday. Trooper James Robertson, who had his shoulder dislocated on the Tascus, came home from the Dunedin Hospital yesterday. During the evening a collection of weapons from the seat of war, the property of Sergeant R. Kydd, of Dunedin, was exhibited, and created considerable interest. The collection included a Mnuser, Lee-.Metford, Zulu spears and shields, and cartridges. Trooper R. H. Ward, of the Oamaru section of the Fourth Contingent, was entertained at a social evening by his Dunedin friends at the Albany street School Hall on July 16. There was a large gathering, ami on Trooper Ward entering the room he was enthusiastically cheered. Trooper Riddle, of the Fifth, and Sergeant-major Bowling and Trooper Ross, of the Fourth, were also present. The Hall was tastefully deeonited with flags, etc. About sixty couples took part in the dancing, the guest of the evening, with his mother, leading the grand, march. The programme wafc interspersed with songs, and the fun was kept up till the small hours. Before dispersing three hearty cheers were given for Trooper Ward.

Trooper Robert Crawford, of the Fourth New Zealand Contingent, was accorded a hearty welcome home by his old comrades. Supper was provided, and aftevwards a long toast list was gone through, pleasantly interspersed with songs and recitations. Mr Dugald Paterson occupied 'tire chair. Corporal Goodman, of the Fifth, and Troopers Burgess and Saunderson, of the Fourth, were also present. During the evening Mr Mulloy, on behalf of those present, presented Trooper Crawford with a silver-mounted pipe and a walking stick, suitably inscribed. A lengthy programme of patriotic songs and recitations was gone through by the Vivian brothers (four) and Messrs D. M. Campbell, J. Jack, J. O'Connor, C. Besan, D. Hill (two items), Macdonald, W. Skerry (encored), and D. Paterson. The singing of 'Auld lang syne' brought to a close a most successful function. Corporal J. D. Watt was entertained at a social by the officers of the Land and Survey Department and other members of the Civil Service on Saturday. Trooper Swanwick, at Weatherstoues, had a splendid welcome home. Practically the whole neighborhood turned out in his honor. Trooper James Roger was cordially welcomed back by the people of .Sandymount and Highcliff, over 200 being present at the social given in his honor. Dr Thomas had a most enthusiastic reception at Timaru on Saturday last. The tire brigade, volunteers, pipe band, and citizens turned out in force, and conducted him to his home in triumph. Sergeant Donald M'Donald, of the Second New Zealand Contingent, was heartily welcomed back bv Cargill HJwinnine Lodee, S.Cy at Port Chalmers. *