Ernest was born In Hokitika in 1869. 1892, Ernest was promoted from clerk to Government Audit Inspector. This role required him to travel around the country and meet many people.
In 1900, Ernest left his position as Auditor in order to become superintendent of agencies for the New Zealand Accident Insurance Company for the Palmerston North, Wanganui and Taranaki area. In moving to the area, he gifted 18 books to the Mangatainoka Library. He owned race horses ‘Queen’s Guard and ‘Sensation’ which he raced under the nom de course of ‘Mr F Walcott’.
In December 1902, Ernest had a severe apoplectic fit in Wellington and was taken to hospital. He was placed in Porirua Hospital on 10th March 1903, suffering from general paralysis. His brother in Wellington was his main visitor. About ten days after arriving at Porirua, he had a further series of apoplectic fits. He sank rapidly and died on 14th April, aged 34 years.
Plot: *Ch Eng/O/54
By Julia Kennedy
