Death of an old identity - David Balderston
This grave of Mr David Balderston is located In the Hakaru St Michael and All Angels Church cemetery between Kaiwaka and Mangawhai, it was the sculpture on top of the pillar that stood out to me so I decided to do some research into who this gentleman was. Mr Balderston originally hailed from Glasgow in Scotland and was the only living son of Alexander Balderston. He apparently enjoyed fairly good health until 7 weeks before his sudden death. On the day in question he visited one of the local post offices, not sure if it was the one in Kaiwaka or Mangawhai and upon returning home he complained of pain in his side which was also affecting his arms. Remedies were applied by his wife who then communicated with the local doctor after seeing that he didn't improve after her treatments. The Doctor (Mr Mountaine) gave no assurance of a likely recovery which proved correct for Mr Balderston who was by this time attended by not only his wife but also his immediate family and a kind neighbou
