THE LATE SIR GEORGE WHITMORE

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11535, 18 March 1903, Page 6

THE LATE SIR GEORGE WHITMORE

The death of Sir George Whitmore, iatn* tioned in our issue of yesterday, sever* , an important link with the most eicithyf period in this colony's history*—ths p**** f

fcrken the white colonists had to fight for Uw-ir lives against the most redoubtable warriors of tho native race. It happens post fortunately for those who wish to take an impartial view of Sir George Wbi _• Wire's career that almost on the eve of his |Mth be published an account of his military experiences under the title, "The "Last Maori War in New Zealand under "the Self-reliant Policy." It is written Ja a plain soldierly fashion, without any pretence to literary, finish, aud it not only throws additional light on an interesting chapter in New Zealand history, but it ahows the late Major-CJcneral as he was, with the defects of his qualities. We lave already briefly recounted his leading exploits in the operations against Titokowara and Te Kooti. He was brave and enterprising as a commander, and when in the field knew neither fear nor fatigue. It y, quite clear, however, that he was fiery in temper, impatient in his judgment* of others. _nd devoid of tact in dealing with jntn. The troops who fought with him believed in his coinage and capacity, and followed him on that account with confidence, but he inspired nothing in the shape Of personal affection and devotion. He fau not hesitate to accuse leading politicians of hampering the military operations, tJjfreby jeopardising the lives of the Kuion««n population, for the sole put pone of tenting their jealousy against himself. Ho Speaks in the most disparaging terms of hU tatlve allie.", although it wo« to the Maoris «nder RopaU that ho owed his most conspicuous success against Te Kooti. One cannot help thinking that the blame was Hot all on one side, and that the display Of more tact on the part of the European eoannander would have obviated a good deal of tha want of co-operation of which he complained. The same defects of temperament and deficiency of tact and sympathy prevented him from proving a success in Parliamentary life, although hi-s Mordant criticisms of men and things certainly added zeat at times to the debates in the Legislative Council. When all is said and done, however, he was o gallant soldier, who did good service to his adopted Wttutry in one of its darkest hours.