LINKS WITH PAST

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 53, Issue 256, 10 August 1933, Page 8

LINKS WITH PAST

MEDALS AND REGALIA. GIFT TO WANG AN UI MUSEUM. • (Special to the "Guardian.") WANGANUI, August 8. A gift of considerable historic value and of interest to Wanganui has recently arrived at the Alexander Museum, from Miss Noake, of Auckland. It comprises the sword, uniforms, and medals of her father, the late Colonel Noake. The medals include the Crimean medal with clasps—Sebastopol and Balaclava; Distinguished Service Medal.; New Zealand Medal; New Zealand Cross; Turkish medal for the Crimea; and two Masonic medals —one the "Rose Croix." The regalia is of particular interest to Wanganui, as the late major was resident magistrate in command of the Rangitikei, Upper Wanganui, and. Patea districts during the Maori disturbances. He was on several occasions complimented by the New Zealand Government on his tactful handling of the Natives. The late Major Noake started his soldiering career when only 16. He joined a cavalry regiment and was in Tipperary during the Smith O'Brien escapade, and in Yorkshire during the Chartist riots. When Avar broke out with Russia,' his regiment was sent to Bulgaria, then to the Crimea, and he was at the siege of Sebastopol. His regiment—the Scots Greys— supported the charge of the famous Light Brigade. He was severely wounded and invalided home. He received the Distinguished Conduct in the Field medal. When mutiny broke out in India, he joined the King's Dragoon Guards, but was again invalided home. He came to New Zealand in 1863 and was appointed captain of militia of the Wellington Defence Force, and later went to Rangitikei, Wanganui, and Waihi, where his services were much appreciated by the Government, "He was every inch a soldier, and a very fine man." an old comrade in arms, said Major Churton, of Wanganui. He farmed in the Matarawa Valley, near Wanganui, finally retiring to the Auckland disetrict, where he recently passed array.