DEATH IN WAIROA

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19519, 29 December 1937, Page 8

DEATH IN WAIROA

MR. RICHARD DEIGHTON SOLDIER AND ATHLETE ONE OF “CORKILL’S RIDE” (Herald Correspondent.) The death yesterday afternoon of Mr. Richard George Deighton removes one who is linked with the colouiful history of Wairou and distiicL He was the oldest son of a pioneei settler, the late Mr. R. G. Deighton, and was born 58 years ago in the Waikaremoana redoubt, in which his father was stationed as a member of the constabulary. In after years, the late Mr. Richard Deighton became a Wairoa representative cricketer and footballer and r boxer, billiard player and rifle shot of some note. As a bandsman he was one of the party which undertook what will be long remembered in the district as Corkill’s Ride, accomplished by a party of Wairoa bandsmen to Napier in 1896 to assist in an effort to raise funds for the families of these who lost their lives in the 3runner mine disaster. That was a trip, which, undertaken ■nainlv throughout the night, was fraught then with nearly as many dangers and difficulties as the imoassable bar which made the land journey necessary. Subsequently Mr. Deighton became bandmaster and conductor, and a few years ago was elected a life member of the band. He was also a member of the Hurumua Mounted Rifles. He possessed an excellent baritone voice, and took part in many amateur theatrical productions. During the Great War, Mr. Deighton saw service in France and Flanders, and was with the New Zealanders in the severe fighting at Passchendaele. after which he was reported missing, but fortunately the report was incorrect. After being invalided home, his recovery from his war wounds was never complete, and it was felt that these helped to hasten his death yesterday afternoon after do dad been eight weeks in hospital. Tn the business community, Mr. Deighton was well Jinown, being in business himself for many years, but lately his failing health compelled him to seek retirement. He was a single man. His death is mourned by his brother, Mr. A. H. Deighton, and stepmother, Mrs. R. G. Deighton, to whom the sympathy of their many friends will be extended. The interment took place this afternoon in the Wairoa cemetery, after a service held at St. Paul's Anglican Church.