PASSING OF A PIONEER

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 260, 3 August 1928, Page 6

PASSING OF A PIONEER

ADVENTURE OF WAIKATO WAR RECALLED.

A connecting link with the troublesome days of the war with the Waikato Natives has been severed by the death at Howick, Auckland, of Mr. Ambrose Trust, aged 80 years. He had the terrible experience , Of escaping wounded from a band, of Maori raiders and seeing his two little brothers killed.'' He arrived at Auckland with his parents from Devonshire by the sailing ship Evening Star, 6S years ago. The father had charge of a farm at Mangemangeroa, a few miles beyond’ Howick on the way to Maraetai (relates an exchange). On October 23, 1863, the father and mother had gone to Auckland. Their three sons were left behind with two men named Lord and Courtnay. The war in the Waikato'was in progress at the time, and a party of about 20 Maoris raided Kennedy’s farm. Ambrose Trust was then 15 years of age, his brother Nicholas 12 years, and another brother, Richard,' nine years. Lord was leaving the homestead about 7 o’clock for his cottage when lie noticed a number of Maoris hiding in a ditch. He at once gave the alarm, and, with Courtnay, managed Io escape, though the latter was wounded. The Maoris then rushed the house, and fired through the front window. Ambrose Trust took his little brothers by the hand and ran out of the back door. It was stated afterwards that he returned to get the family Bible. The Maoris chased the three lads, and the two . younger brothers were shot down, being afterwards tomahawked. Ambrose made good his escape, but not before he had been wounded in the shoulder. Ho reached the dwelling of a neighbour, and gave the alarm. Troops were hurried to the place and the raiders were hunted, but made good their escape. Mr. Trust, who spent the greater part of his life at Whitford, 'was a member of various public bodies. Mrs. Tniqt survives her husband.-