N.Z. Roll of Honour

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1371, 3 August 1916, Page 22

N.Z. Roll of Honour

Private John D. Muir, who was killed induction on July 3, was a son of Mrs. A. M. Muir, of Otahuhu, and was well-known in Auckland as a prominent Rugby footballer. For many years he proved one of the mainstays of the Parnell Football Club, whom ne. rendered great service on the Rugby field, and at the time of that club deciding to withdraw from the Auckland Rugby Union’s senior competition it is worthy of note that he was at that period the only original member of the senior fifteen, having played for the Parnell Club for close cn ten years. As a hooker he ranked as one of the best exponents of Rugby lootball in the Dominion and on several occasions he earned his representative cap in the formidable Auckland team. Powerfully built, and with a complete knowledge of the finer points of Rugby, he always gave of his best on the Rugby field, his clean and sportsmanlike tactics gaining for him wide popularity. For a forward he was gifted with pace far above the average, and his dashing displays were familiar to a large number or regular football patrons. During the season that University won the senior championship in Auckland he was a member of the victorious light blue combination, and his inclusion in the forward line did much in enabling ’Varsity to gain club honours. Private Muir also figured prominently in other branches of sport, and general regret is expressed in athletic circles at the loss of one of Auckland’s finest athletes. Private Muir has another brother at the front, who has captained the “All Blacks” selected from New Zealanders on active service, in the series of matches played against other leading soldier team’s, including the South Africans, during the Anzacs’ sojourn in England prior to being despatched to France.

Captain G. H. Woolley, who has been reported wounded for the second time, is a son of Mrs. A. Woolley, of Devonport, Auckland. He was educated at Devonport and at the Auckland Grammar School, and before war broke out was employed at the warehouse of Messrs. Arch. Clark and Sons, of this city. Captain Woolley received his captaincy and company in Egypt some months ago. Sergeant W. A. White, of Dunedin, wounded for the second time, is a brother of Mr. H. H. S. White, of Dunedin. He left New Zealand as a private, but after receiving his first wound in Gallipoli was promoted to the rank of corporal, and on returning to his company was n ade sergeant. Sergt. White was a good athlete and played for the Alhambra football team in 1910, when they won the championship.

Lieut. R. H. Espiner, of Palmerston North, wounded, received his primary education at the Bunnythorpe State school, where his father, Mr. G. H. Espiner, has been headmaster for the past thirty years. He matriculated from the Palmerston North High School with credit, and gained a senior Board Scholarship, afterwards proceeding to the Wanganui Collegiate School and remaining there three years. Lieut. Espiner was a keen enthusiast in football, rowing and tennis, gaining a place in both the first fifteen and the College fours. He ..was appointed junior assistant master at the New Plymouth High School, where, outside his ordinary duties, he kept in touch with military affairs, his work being much appreciated by the officer in command, Lieut. Crutch. On the outbreak of war. Lieut. Espiner immediately enlisted, but his age prevented him from being accepted. While in Egypt Lieut Espiner was appointed bomb officer to his battalion. When the troops arrived in France he was for some time acting as an interpreter, but in May he was at his old game, “throwing pills and working a pea-shooter.” He was wounded on June 17th, but nc definite news has come to hand to show how it occurred.

Lieut. M. J. Morrison, who is reported wounded, is 26 years of age, and was born in the Kaitangata district, Otago. He received his primary education at the Kaitangata public school, and afterwards attended the Balclutha High School and the Normal School, Dunedin. Lieut. Morrison was an assistant teacher at Kaitangata for two years, and upon resigning his position he attended the Otago University. On obtaining his B.A. degree he was appointed a resident master to the Boys’ College, Nelson. From there he enlisted, leaving with the 9th Reinforcements. He was an officer in the Volunteers and

Territorials. Lieut. Morrison is the eldest son of Mr. Archibald Morrison, farmer, Kaitangata.

Private Harry Hand, who was wounded on June 30th last, is a son of Mr. Henry Hand, of Milton. He was wounded at Gallipoli on August Bth, and after the evacuation was sent to France, where he received his second wound.

Private A. C. Williams, who was wounded in the left thigh, was born in Geelong, Victoria, and spent most of his life in Tolaga Bay, N.Z. Private Williams was in Gallipoli, and left at the evacuation for Egypt, afterwards proceeding to France. Private Percy Bond, wounded, is the youngest son of Mr. J. S. Bond, of Hamilton. Private Bond went into the firing line in May last. He has two brothers at the front —Lieut. A. J. Bond in France, and Frank Bond in Egypt. Another brother, Augustine, was killed at the Dardanelles. Trooper C. E. Street, who died of enteric fever, was the fourth son of the late Mr. Roniolus Street, of Bell Block, Taranaki. He was a keen sportsman, and took an active part in the hunt and jockey clubs. Prior to enlistment Trooper Street was buyer for the firm of Dimock Bacon Curers. Trooper Street was the biggest exhibitor at the Winter Show for 1914-1915, winning the points prize both years for the highest number of prizes, and on each occasion he won a silver cup and gold medal.