THE ROLL OF HONOUR.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 419, 18 October 1918, Page 2

THE ROLL OF HONOUR.

Second Lieut. Joseph McGovern, who was killed in action cc October Ist was tha fourth son of Mrs M. E. McGovern, of Pukekohe, and of the late Mr P. J. McGovern. Aged 24 years and 10 months, he was educated at the Pukekohe Convent School, from which establishment he gained a free place at the Auckland Grammar School. He, how ever, subsequently finished his education at the Pukekohe District High School. On passing the Civil Service examination he became attached to the Public Trust office in Auckland, whero he remained for three years until the outbreak of hostilities, when he volunteered for service as a member of the Expeditionary Force that proceeded to Samoa in August 1914. Betumin g from 8a moa 8 months later he resumed his Civil Bervice duties but after an interval of some months he again enlisted, still in the ranks, and departed in November, 1915, with the Eighth Beinforcementa. seeing service both in Egypt and France. Whilst in France he

was transferred to the Army Service Corps and on meeting with an accident he was for some months in hospital first in France then in England. On recovery he was attached to the Base Records office in London. Then he studied for a commission and after qualifying by examination as a 2nd Lieut, he returned to New Zealand last January to report himself for duty. He was gazetted to the 37th Reinforcements and once again left the Dominion on May 9th last, being accorded a public farewell in the Premier Hall, Pukekohe, on April 9th. He reached the firing line in France in August. Lieut. McGovern was a fine type of the young New Zealander. Of smart and striking appearance he enjoyed great popularity and was highly respected by all " the boys " who served under him as well as by his brother officers. His military career gave great promise for him and his untimely death is generally deplored by his many friends in Pukekohe, whose sincere sympathy is extended to his widowed mother in her bereavement. The deceased officer had the conviction that he would not return to Pukekohe and although determined to do his duty and to gallantly lead hisTnen on the field of battle he, on leaving Pukekohe last April, openly expressed the belief that he was saying a fMlfarewell to his relatives and friends. His elder brother, Pte Lawrence xhomas McGovern, enlisted with the Australian force and is serving in Palestine as a member of the wireless section of the Flying Division.

Lance-Corporal Alfred Edwin Reynolds, who was killed in action on October Ist, was the seventh son of Mr and Mrs John Reynolds, of Pukekohe East, He was within a month of attaining his 27th year. Born at Pukekohe East, he was educated at the Pukekohe District High School and on finishing his education he joined his father in farming at Pukekohe East. He departed with the 20th Reinforcements in December, 1916, and was wounded in October of last year, being also " gassed" last March. He was essentially " a sport," being a prominent member of the Pukekohe Suburban hockey and tennis clubs, as well as being a keen footballer. He was unmarried. Two other single members of the family volunteered but were medically rejected whilst the only other unmarried son has just come of age and is due to go into camp shortly. By Lance Corporal Reynolds' death the district loses yet another of its younger residents who was closely associated with the local social life and one moreover who was highly popular in the community.

Private J. William Stayte, who was killed in action on October Ist, was the eldest son of Mrs E Stayte, of Pukekohe, and is the second son to give his life in the war, Sergeant " Ollie " Stayte having been killed in action last January. He leaves a wife and family of six. Private Stayte, who was 43 years of age, left New Zealand in November, 1916, with the 19th Reinforcements A younger brother, Sydney, returned invalided in June last, another, Jack, is still on active service, and the last remaining son, Thomas, is to go into camp with the next draft.