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Arthur James Scambary and Mary Scambary
Arthur and Mary (known as Molly) Scambary were married on 4 November 1916. Born on 18 May, 1890, Arthur was originally from New South Wales, and came to New Zealand in 1903 or 1904. Like his five Australian-born brothers, he was to serve with the New Zealand forces. Arthur lived in the Wellington suburcb of Kilbirnie, working as a carpenter for L. Driscoll, a builder and decorator in Seatoun.
Arthur first volunteered for service in January 1916, but was turned down because he suffered from chronic sycosis, a skin condition. Vision in his right eye was variable too, as a result of a blow to the face five years earlier.
After applying again - successfully - in April 1917, Arthur was posted to the 28th Reinforcements, and later transferred to the 32nd Reinforcements, New Zealand Field Artillery. But he was never to serve overseas. At a medical examination at Featherston Military Hospital in October that year, he was diagnosed with ear trouble, apparently resulting from a pre-exisiting case of scarlet fever. The examiners found him 'unfit for service' for an 'indefinite' period, and recommended he be discharged.
Artur returned to civilian life, and on 7 August 1918, he and Molly had a son. Arthur died on 31 December 1958, aged sixty-nine. Mary died on 13 September 1965, aged seventy-four. They are buried together at Karori.