1958 saw the death of Pirates player, Joe Johnson.

Joe Johnson former Pirates and Southland rugby full-back, died at Wellington.  Joe was a member of the Southland 1927 and 1928 Southland teams in the days when the wing forwards still had a licence and made half backs of his agility more active than ever.
They had to be smart to get away from the marauders who had what seemed like seconds start on the breakaways of today.

Joe Johnson was a member of a well-known football family from Lumsden.  Four brothers, including Joe all played representative rugby.
Lance was the best known of them all.  He was a member of several New Zealand teams including the first team to go to South Africa in 1928.  He played most of his rugby in Wellington.
Charlie Johnson now in Sydney was a member of the Invercargill club, who played for Southland fro 1927 to 1931.  He was a smar half back.
Arthur, who represented Northern Southland, also played for Southland in 1929.
Joe was a regular in the "Pirates" team for several years before going to Wellington.  While there he rarely failed to meet Southland touring teams and assist with their entertainment.  He was a popular club man.