OLD VETERAN PASSES

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 104, 30 October 1923, Page 5

OLD VETERAN PASSES

DEATH OF SERGEANT-MAJOR-FINN. The many friends of the late SergeantMajor James H. Finn will regret to hear of his death, which occurred at his residence, 44, Hamilton road, yesterday, at the age of eight-four years. The deceased was born at Lambeth, London, and as a young man enlisted in one of the Hon. East India Company's regiments in 1859, being attached to the 6th Bengal Light Infantry. After serving in India he returned to England, and joined the 25th King's Own Borderers. He _ remained for some months with his regiment in Britain and Ireland, and was subsequently stationed at Gibraltar and Malta, and later saw service in Canada at the time of the Fenian raids. He returned to England, and remained with his regiment for some years, with the rank of colour-sergeant. Receiving his discharge after having gained the Imperial Medal for long service and good conduct, he decided to come to New Zealand, and landed in Wellington in 1880, immediately joining the Armed Constabulary. For many years Sergeant-Major l<mn was drill instructor to the Volunteers in the Marlborough, Wellington. Christchurch, and Napier districts and will be remembered as having taken a prominent part and: keen interest in the formation of many of the Volunteer companies, particularly.in Christchurch and Wellington. He retired from the New /.ealand forces twenty-five years ago having gained• the New Zealand long service medal, and resided for some time in Auckland before returning to Wellington fourteen years ago.- Deceased is survived by his widow. The interment will take place at Karori tomorrow.