Arthur Benjamin Birkett

"Birkett, Arthur Benjamin (1876-1909) Born in Wellington on 29 September 1876, Arthur served in the South African Conflict (Boer War) departing on board the Cornwall on 30 January 1901. He married Annie Edith Murphy (1886-1961) in 1906. Arthur started suffering from consumption in 1908 and during the last month of his life was confined to bed. He died at his mothers home at Ōpunake on 2 June 1909 at the age of 32. He was buried in Ōpunake Cemetery." Read the full biography by Debbie McCauley at this link: https://debbiemccauleyauthor.wordpress.com/biographies/ellen-birket...

On Wednesday morning Mr Arthur Birkett, who has been suffering from consumption for the past two years, passed away at the residence of his mother, on Eltham road. About a year ago deceased went to Wairoa for six months, but got no relief, and returned to Opunake. He has been confined to bed for the past month. He was born in Wellington in 1886. Deceased leaves a young wife and two children - aged 20 months and two months, who will have the sympathy of a large circle of friends in their bereavement. The funeral takes place today. Source: Opunake Times (4 June 1909, p. 2) https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/OPUNT19090604.2.6