Obituaries and Newspaper Articles
HARRIS - Killed in action in France, October 4th, Private C.D. Harris, eldest son of C. and E. Harris, Omihi; in his 28th year.
Mr John Cock, Gorwood, has received official news that his nephew, Pte. C. D. Harris, 3rd C.I.B New Zealand Expeditionary Force, was killed in action in France on October 4th. Deceased's parents left England for New Zealand about 28 years ago, Mrs Harris being the youngest daughter of the late Mr James Cock, of Ashridge, Northam Ridge.
The Methodist Church at Omihi, North Canterbury, sadly mourns
the loss of one of its brave heroes and faithful sons. Charles Davey
HARRIS was reported killed on October 4, 1917, and the news of his
death caused widespread sorrow and a keen sense of great loss in
the community where he was well known for his sterling and manly
character. He was born well-night twenty-eight years ago in a Methodist
home in North Loburn, where he spent the early part of his life.
He attended the Methodist Church and Sunday School at Raithly. As
a young man he went to live with Mr J. Stalker, of Woodend, on whose
farm he laboured until, with his parents, he moved to Omihi, where
he lived until his enlistment and departure with the Twenty-fist
Reinforcements. In that godly Methodist home in Omihi and the community
where he lived, there hovers around the name of "Charlie" a halo
of sincerity and a memory of manly virtue that is seldom equaled
and never surpassed. He was of a quiet and thoughtful disposition
and one whose character faithfully reflected the beauty and excellence
of his Redeemer and Example. Our Church can ill afford the loss
of such men, but such are the ravages of this cruel war-god that
upon his alter our bravest and best pay the supreme price of their
devotion to duty. We rejoice that in the testing hour he failed
not, but was faithful to his country, home and King, even upon death.
With our deepest sympathy and prayers, we remember his bereaved parents
and kindred before the Throne of Grace where there is a healing
for all our wounds and a solace for all our woes.
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A
social was held in the Omihi goods shed t bid farewell to Privates
C.D. Harris and A.W. Stackhouse, of the 21st Reinforcements and
to welcome home Trooper D.A. Little, who went away with the main
body. Canon Purchas presented the departing soldiers with a Maltese
cross, dated 29.12.18, as a mark of the esteem in which they were
held by the residence. The soldiers suitably replied. Songs were
given by Mrs Doyle and Miss Stackhouse, Messrs Doyle, R. Dalton
and J.R. Dalton. Mrs Cole and Mrs Davies supplied music for
the dancing.
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I do not know how Harris was killed as I had left the Company
at the time of his death, but I think it took place at a dressing
station at Ypres. He had been a Platoon Stretcher Bearer for some
time also a company runner, either job which requires a responsible
man. Harris was one of the best men in my Company and words cannot
express what I would like to say about him, he was always willing
to lend a helping hand to a comrade and even when he had just finished
one strenuous job would start on another if necessary. I am sure
the news of his death was a blow to all his mates. I myself was
exceedingly sorry to hear of his death as he had done me a really
good turn, and as a runner went through many a hot corner. My sincerest
sympathy is with his people.
Company Sergeant Major Noonan, Fernside,
Rangiora.
(Noonan returned to New Zealand from the war, after
being ill with pleurisy for some time at Brockenhurst Hospital)
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