"Corporal Magnus J. Larnach (reported killed in action in France on March 26 or 27) was the second son of Mr David Larnach, of Ravensbourne. He was 34 years of age, was born at Ravensbourne, and educated at the local school and also at the Albany Street School. After leaving school he entered his father's business, where he remained for about six years. He then entered the employ of Messrs Sievwright and Haggitt. In the meantime he attended the University, passed his examinations for a solicitor and also his accountancy examinations. He next entered the employ of Messrs Sievwright, James, and Nichol, and remained with that firm for some time. He then moved to the North Island, where, he entered the employ of Messrs Parr and Blomfield, solicitors, of Auckland, and was placed in charge of that firm's branch at Kaikohe (North Auckland). In 1913 he made a trip to England in company with his father, and on his return to New Zealand entered into partnership with Mr Norrie, solicitor of Waipawa, and opened a branch at Waipukurau. Subsequently he returned to Auckland, and took charge o£ Messrs Parr and Blomfield's office in that city. While there he was admitted as a barrister to the Supreme Court. When war broke out he offered his services, but was rejected on three occasions owing to a slight injury to his right eye. However, he succeeded in passing the medical test, and enlisted in the Auckland Infantry with the Twenty-fifth Reinforcements, and held the rank of sergeant, but had at the same time passed his examination for a commission. The deceased was in camp in England for some time, and passed another examination in Sling Camp. He subsequently went to Belgium, and then to France with the New Zealand troops. Corporal Larnach was a keen sportsman, and also a splendid type of man. He carried off several prizes at local athletic meetings, and played both Rugby and Soccer for the Ravensbourne clubs. He was also a very keen yachtsman. Mr. C. J. Parr, M.P. for Eden, telegraphed to Mr Larnach yesterday expressing his deepest sympathy at the loss of such a bright life, and stating that "Jim" was looked upon as a splendid fellow in Auckland. Mr Larnach is a member of the Otago Harbour Board, and the flag on the board's building was flown at half-mast yesterday out of respect for his son." [Otago Daily Times, Issue 17288, 13 April 1918, Page 10]