MINER AND SOLDIER.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 216, 12 September 1929, Page 9

MINER AND SOLDIER.

MR. MICHAEL COLLINS.

CHASER OF TE KOOTI.

One of Hie men wlio fought at Gate t'a and was with the forces that chased the Hauhau leader Te Kooti, died- at (Irey Lynn, aged 83 years, at the residence of his daughter. Mr. Michael Collins was born in Westmeath, Island, ancl at the early age of 14 years, went as a ship's boy to Australia. He then made his way to the Queensland goldfields, and had some exciting experiences, which ended with a severe attack of fever. Mr. Collins came across to New Zealand and joined the Nelson Rangers at the age of 24 years. He linked up with the' Armed Constabulary on January 1, IS7O. Ho was in a number of skirmishes during the chase after Te Kooti on the Eait Coast, fought at Gate Pa, and wit wounded in the knee in another engagement. After he was discharged at the reduction of the forces Mr. Collins went to Thames and Coromandel goldfields, and was engaged in mining for many years. He was mine nmlinger of a number of claims. In 1873 lie married Miss Cecelia Patterson, of Auckland, who died in 1912. He is survived by four sons, five daughters, and fourteen grandchildren.