THE BROTHERS BONAR.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 37, 14 June 1915, Page 6

THE BROTHERS BONAR.

(Contributed.) Sergeant-Major A. M J. Bonar, who lias been killed in action at the Dardanelles, was for some considerable time stationed in Stratford, and left here with the first contingent for the front. While in Stratford he made many friends, who will regret 'to hear of his death. He was the son of Lieut-Colonel the Hon. Jas. A. Bonar, of Hokitika, and was born at Hoki-tika-about 38 years ago. He received his early education by private tuition at his own homeland later on at Nelson College. Leaving College, he entered a solicitor's office, and later was employed by the Government. On the outbreak of the Boer AVar, he volunteered for service, and served throughout the whole campaign, earning a commission. At the conclusion of the war, he remained in South Africa and took up contracting work. Leaving South Africa a few years ago, he spent a little time in Egypt, and from there went to London. Hearing of an opening in Canada, he made his way there, and was employed on construction work with the Canadian-Pacific Railway Co. Owing to the illness of his mother, he returned to New Zealand a little over a year ago and joined the Defence Department. Many footballers, especially in Westland and Wellington, will remember the late Mr Bonar as a brillianta three-quarter back. He represented both these provinces in many a hard-fought game, and his pluck and resource were proverbial. He was an ardent soldier, and died as lie would have wished, fighting for his King and country. Among the list of killed appears also the name of his younger brothel', Hugh. Hugh was a splendid type of young and vigorous manhood. He stood well over Oft, broad in proportion, and weighed well over 14 stone, and was also a splendid athlete. Until he went to the front he was farming in the Hokitika district. Three other brothers are left to mourn the loss of these two splendid young men. The writer of these lines / knew the family intimately. To the boys who are left the news ofHhe deaths of both brothers in the one list will come as a great shock, as it has done to all their intimate friends. One can only add : "They were loving brothers and in deatli they, were not divided."