OBITUARY

Southland Times, Issue 20897, 5 October 1929, Page 4

OBITUARY

MR T. J. QUIN.

EX-SOLDIERS’ FRIEND.

Very general regret will be experienced by the residents of Gore and of the Eastern District generally at the death of Mr Thomas J. Quin, who passed away at his residence, Canning street, yesterday afternoon after an illness extending over several months. As a citizen the late Mr Quin was very highly esteemed, and while not actively associated with any public bodies, he took a keen interest in the welfare and progress of the town. He was also wellknown and respected in business circles, and for a number of years conducted a chemist’s business in Main street. Among the returned soldiers of the district he was held in very sincere affection and since the war few, if any, have done more to perpetuate the spirit of comradeship which existed among the men on active service. For many years he served continuously on the executive committee of the Gore Returned Soldiers’ Association and on various occasions represented it at the Dominion Conference. By this means, but more particularly because of the interest he took in pension matters his name was known and respected by returned soldiers from one end of the Dominion to the other. Many a disabled soldier or his dependents were indebted to him for more adequate recognition by the War Pensions Board, and it is stated that in no case of the many which he took up, was he unsuccessful in securing relief. All pension matters which came under the notice of the Gore Association were referred to him, and when it came to assisting a returned soldier, whether in his own or any other district, his services were freely given. No deserving case failed to appeal to his sympathy or to meet with his practical assistance. That his work on their behalf was appreciated was apparent from the many personal letters he received ond also from the letters which frequently came before the association. During the early stages of his illness members of the local association visited him regularly, and when his condition became more serious, members of the executive took it in turn to watch by his bedside. Thus they ■ expressed their esteem and affection for one who was a loyal comrade to all ex-soldiers.

Yesterday afternoon the flag was flown at half-mast from the Returned Soldiers’ Association’s buildings as a mark of esteem for their late comrade. The funeral will take place on Sunday, when a parade of returned soldiers will be held. MR R. M. NICHOL. Although it will be 11 years next month since the war ended, there are still men in New Zealand who are dying from the wounds they received while on active ser-

The death of Mr Robert Nichol is a case in point. He was severely wounded by a high explosive shell in 1917. When he was brought into the dressing station on a stretcher it was found that he had 17 separate wounds, and the doctor who attended him did not think he could possibly live for any length of time. However, his fine physique and splendid courage stood to him at this critical period, and he gradually pulled through. After spending some months in the Brockenhurst and Hornchurch Hospitals in England, he was invalided back to New Zealand in the hospital ship Marama. On his arrival he was sent first to Hanmer, then to Rotorua, and afterwards to Dunedin. Altogether he spent two years and six months in the English and New Zealand hospitals. When nothing more could be done for him he received his discharge as being unfit for further duty and was granted a pension for his war services.

The years of suffering had, however, taken a heavy toll. The nature of his wounds were such that his nervous system had been badly shattered, and it was only a question of time until he would have a complete breakdown. On one occasion, after being examined by the Military Pensions Board, the examining doctor later remarked to one of his colleagues that if this ex-soldier realized the seriousness of his injuries and the tremendous amount of pain and nervous strain that was in store for him he would often regret that he had not been killed outright. After being threatened on three occasions with a nervous breakdown, and after 12 trying years the breaking point was finally reached —32713 Corporal Robert Nichol, 4th Company, First Otago Infantry Battalion, has now gone to his long rest. Another .ex-scrviceman has died as a result of his war injuries. Another name has been added to the list of those men who were destroyed by the war.

An Appreciation.

(Contributed.)

On the morning of September 27 the residents of Waikaka Valley received a shock when the news of the tragic death of Robert McLay Nichol, of “Richmond,” Maitland, became known. What pain Robert Nichol had borne for 12 years none but his Maker knows, for he suffered patiently and quietly. Outside his own home circle no one ever dreamt that his splendid frame had been so severely injured. All knew of the wounded foot, for his limping walk could not be disguised; but how few realized that that was only one of the 17 wounds received in France in August 1917. Sensitive, almost to a fault concerning his wounds, he never complained, but quietly pursued his way, attending to home and farm duties and taking his share in the public life of the community. It is a painful shock to know now that this big, strong, quiet man’s body was so badly wounded that on occasions restful sleep was impossible. Surely the highest honours of war may be earned by some in times of peace! Robert Nichol was the second of three sons (all of whom saw active sen-ice) of Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Nichol, formerly of “Lilliesleaf,” Maitland, and now of Piriaka, Taumarunui. The name of Nichol is associated with the earliest days of the Waikaka Valley settlement, and is one of the most respected. Robert received his education at the Maitland School, and later assisted on his father’s farm until he volunteered for active service and in July, 1916, took his departure for the New Zealand training camps. On his return to the district after being discharged from hospital in January, 1920, in spite of great disabilities he assumed control of “Richmond” and there established for his wife and himself the home from which a kind, faithful husband and tender, affectionate father is now so sorely missed. He was an industrious and successful farmer, a splendid neighbour, always ready to give a helping or a sympathetic hand, and a friend as true as steel. Of firm religious convictions and high ideals, he was upright and honourable in all his dealings—a thorough Christian gentleman. He gave valuable service to the Maitland School Committee, served the usual term as chairman of the local Farmers’ Union, and into the social life of the district he always gladly entered. To the local Presbyterian Church he was' always a strong pillar of support, giving freely of his time, his talents and his means. For some 15 years at different periods, he served as a teacher in the Maitland Sunday School, and, being fond of music and the possessor of a good bass voice, he had been a valuable member of the church choir. In 1920 he was appointed to the Church Management Committee, and two years ago he was elected to the Kirk Session.

The funeral which took place on Sunday last to the Gore Cemetery, was of a private nature, attended by relatives, representatives of the Gore Returned Soldiers’ Association and district returned soldiers. The Rev. M. Gow conducted the last solemn rites over the grave where under a mass of floral wreaths, the remains were laid in their last resting-place.