CAPTAIN MAIR, N.Z.C.

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 56, 30 November 1923, Page 6

CAPTAIN MAIR, N.Z.C.

DEATH AT TAURANGA Captain Gilbert Mair, N.Z.C., has died at Tauranga, says an official telegraphic dispatch received! by the Government yesterday. The late Captain Gilbert Mair had a distinguished career in the Maori War. He ioined the First Battalion of the 12th Regiment, under Colonel Haultain. as interpreter at Tauranga, about the end of 1866, and was present, at several skirmishes with the Native rebels. He had his horse shot under him at Whakamarama on January 23, 1867. He took part in subsequent skirmishes at Irihanga, Whakamarama. Maeneene. Te Taumata, Oropi, Paengaroa, Pungarehu, and! Te Kaki. At the last-named place, he fell into an ambuscade laid by sixty Pinakaus. All the friendly Natives on that occasion ran. with the exception of. Pani, who assisted his leader in killing two of the enemy, while Captain Mair and his brave companion also succeeded in rescuing their' wounded comrade, Mauparoa. For these services. Colonel Haultain (then Defence Minister) promoted Mair on the field to the rank of Lieutenant in the Auckland Militia, and praised him from personal observation in his official dispatches. In 1868-69 Captain Mair took part in various skirmishes against the rebel Natives in the Bay of Plenty. On May 6 bv direction of Colonel Whitmore, he led the attack on Harema Pa, Ahikereru. He was present at the fight at Tahoata. . and in five or sixother skirmishes in Ruatahuna: and for these services was commended by Colonel Whitmore in his dispatches. On Mav 7. 1870. with a small force he attacked Te Kooti at .Rotorua, and Dursued him all day, killing twenty of his men, including Henaro Rongowhakaata, Timoti Te Kaka.. and the notorious “Baker McLean” (le Kooti s bugler). For the last-mentioned services. be was promoted to the rank of captain. Captain Mair, on August 19, 18/1, led the Native Contingent into le Kooti’s pa. near Maungapohatu, inflicting great loss on the enemy, ana with his own hand accounting for Patara and Wi Heretaunga, two notorious desperadoes. When the Hon. Mr. Brice, as Defence Minister, made h . IS famous march against Parihaka. in 1881, Captain Mair was appointed A.D.C. to Colonel Roberts, commanding tho forces. He was subsequently awarded the New Zealand * or distinguished bravery on the fiela. In private life. Captain Mair continned to hold civil appointments in various districts, as Native Resident Magistrate and Land Purchase Commissioner.