William (Bill) Leask Corrigall and Adelina (Addie) Naylor - my generation’s great granduncle & aunt

William Leask (Bill) was born on the 5th of July, 1889 in Omakau (Registration number 1890/8764). He was the fifth child of Jean and James Corrigall and their third eldest son.

Bill attended Blacks school along with his siblings, where he would have started around 1895. Bill was a keen sportsman like his brothers. He was a skilled cricketer, playing from at least 1906 till 1923. He often led the Omakau team as captain and deputy captain and he was acknowledged for his fielding and batting. His name appeared almost weekly in the local newspapers during the cricket season. Bill was also the treasurer of the Omakau Sports and Picnic day in 1915 and a patron of the Vincent Sports Club in 1925.

His biggest claim to fame, however, was as a blade shearer. Bill shore 263 sheep in eight hours 40 minutes at Rocklands Station in 1927 when he was 37 years old. There is also a letter to the editor of the Otago Daily Times stating that he shore 264 sheep in a day at Rocklands Station in 1926. This / these record(s) stood for many years.

Bill as a young man. On the back of this photo it says he was a ‘crack marksman’ and ‘the champion blade shearer of his day’. It also says he ‘owned property in Matakanui and Alexandra and also shares in a farm’

On the 26th of May, 1915 Bill married Adelina (Addie) Naylor in the house of Mr R. Holden at Clyde (Registration number 1915/2220). I am not sure who Mr Holden was, but presumably a family friend of the Naylors. The officiating clergyman was Reverend A.V.G. Chandler. Addie had been born on the 15th of December, 1896. She was 19 years old and Bill was 26 when they were married.

In early May 1915 Bill was appointed as a ‘roadman’ for Matakanui Riding. I am not sure what this involved, but I guess it meant he kept an eye on the road, carried out basic maintenance and repairs, and alerted the council to any needed repairs or improvements. The job either wasn’t to his liking or perhaps he got a better offer as he resigned in November 1916.

When Bill was called up to join the military in April 1918, his occupation was listed as a ‘roadman’ from Omakau. He was 29 years old, relatively newly married with a wee daughter. In Bill’s attestation for military service form, completed on the 27th of May, 1918, he listed his occupation as a self employed rabbiter and shearer. His war records reveal that Bill was 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighed 138 pounds, with fair complexion, dark hair and blue eyes. His religion is stated as Church of England, rather than Presbyterian as the Corrigalls all were. I wonder if he changed his religion when he married? Apparently Bill also had a slightly noticeable thyroid and was subject to rheumatics (rheumatic fever in childhood). He was classified A, fit for active service ‘beyond the seas.’ Bill was assigned to the B Company 47th and left home on the 9th of September 1918, arriving in camp to commence training on the 11th of September 1918. On the 22nd of November he was granted leave without pay, presumably for home visits, until further orders on demobilising. Of course World War One ended in November 1918, so it is unlikely that Bill participated beyond the training. This was confirmed by Gwen Rowley nee Huddleston, Bill’s niece who wrote about Bill in Grant Barrett’s unpublished book ‘Joseph Barrett and Mary Dodd and the descendants of Richard James Barrett.’ On page 96, she wrote that Bill was in the army but she was not sure if he served overseas. There are certainly no further war records for him.

Bill and Addie were generous, subscribing to Dunstan Hospital in 1914, 1917, 1917, 1920, 1921 1922 and to the Dunstan Parish’s mission with the Lenten Self Denial in 1920.

Addie was very musical and had a very good singing voice. She was in demand to entertain at many events including at the:

• Social at a social in Clyde for the Belgian Relief Fund in 1915 where she sang “Please give me a Penny”

• Anniversary social of the local Court Star of Dunstan Forresters Lodge in 1915

• Social in aid of the Wounded Soldiers Fund in November in 1916

• Clyde Patriotic Euchre Party in 1916

• Social in aid of the Ophir Omakau Patriotic Sewing Guild in July 1917

• Annual social of Court Star of the Dunstan A.O F. in the Town Hall Clyde in 1917

• Farewell to the Andersons at Omakau in 1918

• Paddy’s Market organised by the Ophir-Omakau Ladies Patriotic Guild in 1918

• Private Jone’s farewell at Ophir in 1918

• Joint weddings of Miss Bridget Gallagher to Mr Thomas Emmerson of Omakau and Miss Grace Clare to Mr T. L Smith of Moutere at Ophir in 1919

• Farewell to the Head Master at Chatto Creek in 1924

As well as being musical, Addie was a good baker. She came second with her fruit cake prize and with her 6 oven scones at 31st Annual Central Otago A. and P. Show in 1923.

One of the Corrigall brothers farmed in conjunction with Jack MacDonald. As I have a photo of the two of them together, I wonder if this was Bill? One of the Corrigall brothers was a bridegroom for Jack in 1914. However Bill’s brother Jock and Jack applied for a lease transfer in 1919, so perhaps it was Jock that worked with Jack rather than Bill? Whichever Corrigall brother it was, the pair sold 40 lambs for 13s and 21 wethers up to 18s 9d in July 1921.

Jack MacDonald and Bill Corrigall

In November 1927 Bill applied for an area of land in Block VII of the Lauder district, but for some reason the Otago Land Board declined his application.

Bill and Addie’s children were all very talented. They included

1. Mavis Ellen who was born on the 26th of March, 1916 (registration number 1916/3049). Mavis won a sewing prize at Alexandra school when she was in standard 3 during 1926. She was the cricket ball throwing champion in 1929 (I wonder who had been coaching her!) and played hockey during 1928, 1929, 1930, 1931, 1931 and 1933 and was placed in the swimming carnival of 1934.

Mavis married Hugh Hamilton Campbell on the 18th of April, 1938 at St. Aidan’s church in Alexandra (Registration number 1938/17420). Bill had passed by the time she was married, so her brother Sam gave her away. There was a lovely account of her wedding in the Alexandra herald and Central Otago Gazette on the 27th of April, 1938, p.5 which included the following description:

‘the bride made a graceful picture in a frock of white crepe angel-skin, cut on classical lines, with a Medici collar of silver lame, the skirt forming a long train. Her beautiful veil was held in place by a Russian coronet of orange blossom, a shower bouquet of white chrysanthemums, freesias and maiden hair fern finishing a charming ensemble. She was attended by her sister, Miss Amy Corrigall, gowned in a frock of scarlet lace over gold lame, fitting closely to the knees and falling in graceful folds to the ground. A scarlet bouquet of dahlias and maiden hair fern was carried and scarlet flowers adorned her dark hair. The two little flower girls, Misses Edna and Wilma Corrigall (cousins of the bride) were attired in ankle length Victorian frocks made of gold taffeta, a charming colour note being introduced with a scarlet velvet sash and scarlet shoes. They carried Victorian posies of gold and scarlet chrysanthemums, and wore a wreath of scarlet flowers in their hair. … On leaving the church the bride was presented with a gold horseshoe by her aunt, Mrs John Corrigall. After the ceremony the guests were received at the supper room of the Town Hall (which was tastefully decorated by the friends of the bride), by Mrs Corrigall and Mrs Campbell. The bride's mother was attired in an ankle-length frock of satin faile and lace, fitch stole and largo black hat. The bridegroom's mother was attired in a navy costume, black hat relieved with red. Each wore a spray of scarlet dahlias. For travelling the bride wore a tailored costume of grey glen eagle tweed, with navy hat and accessories to tone. A fitch stole completed a charming ensemble.’

Mavis died on the 27th of April,1998 in Alexandra (Registration number 1998/17889) and is buried at Plot H 47 in Alexandra cemetery

2. Samuel (Sam) Douglas was born on the 24th of October, 1919, in Ophir (Registration number 1919/24911). According to Gwen Rowley, Sam was born at the Blacks Cottage Hospital, Ophir. Sam was a good artist and in 1931 he came second with his map drawing at Flower Show. Two years later at the 1933 Flower Show, Sam came first in the children’s ornamental drawing and first in the painting, as well as second with a flower entry. He won the most points in the child section of the flower show in 1934 and came first in the boys handwork section the same year. Sam was also a boy scout in 1934. He was amazingly sporty, winning prizes at the Sports Day in 1931 and 1932 and coming third in the over all championship in 1933. He was first in the boys ‘neat dive’ at he Swimming Carnival in 1933. Sam won numerous prizes at the 1934 School Sports Day and was in the winning relay team at the Caledonian Sports that same year. Sam achieved his school proficiency exam in 1934. On leaving school Sam became a carpenter, and this was his occupation when he had to speak at an inquest in 1937. Sam was a good shot and by 1939 he belonged the Miniature Rifles club, earning a top score in 1939. He was a groomsman for Percival Robert Robinson of Alexandra at his marriage to Phylis May Shepherd in 1940. Sam was a WWII soldier where he was a gunner with the 14th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment. He was home on leave in 1941 before going overseas and then finally being welcomed home for good in 1945. Sam married Patricia (Pat) Ellen Campbell (born on the 31st of March, 1929, NZ BDM / 48096) on the 19th of February, 1949, from whom he divorced around 1965 - 1966. Sam died on the 27th of August, 2012, aged 92 in Leslie Groves Hospital, Dunedin (Registration number 2012/ 21906). He is buried with his father, Bill, aunty Bess and cousin Alex in Omakau Cemetery Lot V, plot 28

3. Amy Adelina was born on the 4th of October, 1921 (Registration number 1921/29887). This girl seemed to be very talented in several fields. Amy and her mother both participated in a dramatic crowning of Princess Clarice Craig as Country Queen at the Alexandra Volunteer Fire Brigade Queen Carnival in 1930. Amy was one to two train bearers for this Queen. In 1933, Amy won several prizes at the Flower Show children’s section including first in the cut flowers, first in the four annual flowers, first in the four sweet peas, second with a hand sewn dressed doll, first in the small cakes collection, second with her sausage rolls and first with her plate of four varieties of sweets. She also won the most points in the children’s section and the 1933 juvenile cup. Amy won some prizes in the 1935 Flower Show too. Amy was super sporty too, winning prizes at the School Sports Day in 1930, 1932 and 1933. Her stand out years were 1931, when she came first in the under 10 years old 50 yards race and 75 yards race, third in the potato race, first with Vera Walker in the three-legged race, second in the tyre race, and first in the skipping race, and 1934 when she was girl Sports Champion at the Omakau Show. In 1934 at 13 years old Amy came third in the 100 yards ladies race at an Alexandra Sport Club meeting. At the 1933 Alexandra Swimming Carnival, Amy came second in the primary girls 33 and 1/3 yard swimming race, just beating her cousin Peg. Amy’s team came first in the mixed relay swimming race in 1933.

She won several prizes at a similar swimming events in 1934 and 1935, including the 1935 Wanaka Swimming Carnival. In winter time Amy played hockey during 1936, 1937 and 1938. Amy was also a dancer and was noted for her ballet in 1933, highland fling in 1933 and 1936, and step dance in 1935. She also sang in a School Concert in 1934. In 1936 Amy attended The Football and Hockey Club annual ball in Alexandra wearing shell pink marocain. In 1939, she ‘motored through from Dunedin during the weekend’ with Mr L. Marr, who had been at her sister’s wedding the previous year. Amy married Frederick (Fred) Frank Ferretti on the 27th of November, 1946 at the Caledonian Club in Dunedin.

Amy Corrigall and Fred Ferretti’s wedding in 1946

Mavis, Sam and Amy all went on to have their own families.

Bill and Addie were guests at Addie’s brother Norman Edgar Naylor’s wedding to Margaret Munro at First Church in Dunedin on the 26th of June 1929. Mrs Jean Corrigall, Bill’s mother was another of the invited guests. Addie who assisted the hostess with the reception at the Lido Tea Rooms wore a ‘smart coffee-coloured crepe de chine frock with hat to tone, and also carried a scarlet posy’. The Dunstan Times explains what happened next on the 2nd of July 1929.

‘A distressingly sad death took place in the Dunstan Hospital last Tuesday, when Mr W. Corrigall of Omakau, and recently of Alexandra, passed away from pneumonia, after a brief illness. Mr and Mrs Corrigall had just returned from Dunedin after attending the wedding of Mr Norman Naylor (Mrs Corrigall’s brother) when Mr Corrigall took ill. The deceased who was only 39 years of age, had resided in the Omakau district practically all his life, where he was a great favourite with all sections of the community. He leaves Mrs Corrigall and family of three children, to mourn the loss of, a good husband and father. The funeral took place on Thursday last.’

One 1929 report newspaper article said mistakenly that Bill was a returned soldier who had been gassed in the war, but as noted earlier, Bill didn’t go overseas to fight in WW1.

Bill’s death (Registration number 1929/4638) must have been a terrible shock for the family. His children were only young - Mavis (13) Sam (10) Amy (8), and Addie was a widow at 33 years old. His mother Jean had already lost two adult children, Janet and Samuel. Bill’s probate was granted in July 1929.

Bill’s widow and children donated a beautiful oak sanctuary chair to St Mary’s church in Omakau in memory of Bill during December 1933. The Dunstan Times reported: ‘The ceremony of the dedication of the memorial sanctuary chair given to St Mary's, Omakau, and conducted by the Vicar on 10th was a dignified and filling event. In accepting the gift from the widow and family of the late Mr W. Corrigall the speaker said he felt sure the congregation would appreciate the handsome addition which was of the same design and material as the rest of the beautiful furnishings in the Church. The gift was a gift to God in thankful memory of a loving husband and father and furthermore testified to a belief in “The Life of the World to Come.” There was a good congregation and immediately after the dedication Mrs Geo Naylor sang most delightfully “He wipes the tear from every eye”.’

Bill is buried with his sister Bess, nephew Alex and son, Sam in Omakau Cemetery Lot V, plot 28.

Bill’s headstone at Omakau cemetery where he is buried with his sister Bess, nephew Alex and son, Sam in Lot V, plot 28

Addie seemed to have busied herself with the children if the number of times their names appear in the newspapers for their achievements after 1929 is anything to go by. There are a few mentions of Addie too such as when Mrs Rusbatch, Addie’s aunt from Oamaru stayed with the family during March 1934 to attend the Blacks School reunion. And Addie had a visitor, a Miss Grass from Dunedin staying during May 1939.

The Alexandra Borough Country advertised to sell the Alexandra section leased by Addie in 1936. This was a quarter acre section, section 2 of Block 6, with £350 of improvements on it. The rent was £1 16s. This section is near the corner of Brandon Street and Centennial Avenue, at approximately 70 Centennial Avenue. I am unsure if Addie purchased it, continued to rent it or moved elsewhere.

I am not sure what happened next for Addie. Perhaps you know more of her story and can contribute?