"TEMPORARY MAJOR E. S. McINTYRE. (Contributed). Of all the brave lads who have gone from the Western District few were better known or more popular than the late Temporary Major E. S. McIntyre, better known among his large circle of friends as Ernie McIntyre. A pupil of Flint’s Bush school he completed his school life at Waihopai and then took up the occupation of farming. As an athlete he was well known in the Western District, and as a member of the Riverton Football Club he worthily did his part. The advent of the Territorial scheme gave him his heart’s desire, and no one entered into it with more zest than he. Marked early in his career as one who deserved promotion he was soon appointed a sergeant in the “A” squadron, and by his ability and thoroughness his troop soon became one of the best in the regiment. On the outbreak of the war he was one of the first to enlist, and while in camp celebrated his 21st birthday and received intimation that he had passed his examination as a lieutenant. Owing to illness Lieut. McIntyre was unable to take part in the historic landing at Gallipoli, but on his recovery crossed from Egypt and for some time served in the trenches. Not having fully recovered his strength he fell a victim to enteric and was invalided to England. On his recovery he spent some time in a training camp and was finally put in charge of various drafts of men who were sent to France as they passed through their period of training. At this time Lieut. McIntyre was devoting himself to mounted work, but seeing there was little chance of getting to the front with his own arm of the service, he decided to obtain a transfer to the infantry, and his wish being gratified he was soon able to cross to France as an infantry officer. His O.C. realised his worth and sent him to a school of instruction in France, where his ability and devotion to duty earned him promotion and he joined his regiment as a captain. Again marked for promotion he was appointed Temporary-Major and with that rank and Second in command of his regiment he entered the fight at Messines from which he came through unscathed. A few days afterwards his friends were advised that he was seriously wounded. An operation became necessary, but he never rallied, and on July 28th the gentle spirit of Ernie McIntyre passed away. Such is a brief account of the short life of one of Southland’s sons, one whom we are all proud to have known and whose life is a worthy example to be followed by the younger generation. The writer was an old comrade of his and knew him well. His genial, kindly manner made him a friend of all. His men loved him well, knowing he was a strong man in the best sense of the word, and while he was strict in discipline, he was just in ail his dealings and his men know they could always get a fair deal. He was never small and took a broad view of the future, and in his last letters he pointed out that France was worth fighting for and he proved his words by giving his life for her. His motto through life was thoroughness, and in his work at home, in play, or in the last great game he played, the same characteristic was displayed. By his early death his relatives have lost a loving brother and a wise counsellor, his old Regiment, the 7th S.M.R., has lost a fine officer, and the dominion has lost one who would have been one of her best citizens. Such is the price our best are prepared to pay to keep the Old Flag flying. Ernie McIntyre counted the cost and has paid the price. May the example he has given us help to make us realise the vastness of our inheritance and instil into us the desire to become worthy (o carry on to its finish the great work for which he and others are daily laying down their lives." [Southland Times, Issue 17736, 14 August 1917, Page 2]