COLONEL GORTON.

Feilding Star, Volume IV, Issue 1072, 31 December 1909, Page 2

COLONEL GORTON.

A Widely-Mown mors Passing. AFTER A LENGTHY ILLNESS. A Good Soldier and Citizen and a Fine Character. , THE STORY OF HIS LIFE. ENVIABLE RECORD OF A LONG CAREER. THE FRIEND OF THE SETTLER. NOTES ON HIS MILITARY AND HIS PERSONAL SIDE. i i • Sunset and evening star, I And one clear call for me. 1 And may there be no moaning of the bar j When I put out to sea. At his residence, Rangiatea, Bulls, at 7.30 last evening, Lieuten-ant-Colonel Edward Gorton breathed ' his last, within two months of the 1 completion of his seventy-second year, after many months of suffering borne with the fortitude which was so eminently characteristic of him. Colonel Gorton was bora at Badiugham Rec- ) tory, Suffolk, on March 4, 1838, his father being tho Rev. R. Gorton. HIS MILITARY CAREER, Colonel Gorton joined Her Majesty's 29th Regiment ac Ensign in July, I 1855, obtained his lieutenancy in NoI vember 1860. During this period he served in Burmah and India. He exchanged as a captain in 1860 to Her 'Majesty's 57th Regiment, and joined it at Taranaki in June, 1861, and served till June, 1869 (mentioned' in despatches and medal). While in the 57th Regiment he was appointed extra aide-de-camp to Lieut.-General Sir Duncan Cameron, ' and was present with the General at the action of Katikare on June 4, 1863; and his services were mentioned in despatches. In July, 1863, at 25 years of age, he was appointed a major in the New Zealand militia, and to the command of the Wellington militia 'district, to which were subsequently added the Wairarapa and Castle Point districts. The strength of the militia and volunteers under his command was then nearly 1600. He was specially thanked for his services when accompanying Dr. Featherston to the Wairarapa in August, 1863 ; the prompt arming and equipping of volunteers on that occasion having prevented the. breaking out of hostilities in the district. In September, 1865, he was promoted to the rank of Lieut.-Colonel, and was sent to command the Wanganui district, to which was shortly added that of Rangitikei; and, on the departure of the Imperial forces from the West Coast the supplying and equipping of the colonial troops came also under his control. For his services in connection with these duties he repeatedly received the thanks of the Government. In January, 1869, he took the field with Colonel Sir George Whitmore. as his acting-quartermas-ter-general; and, to ensure the field force receiving rations while marching (via the back of Mt. Egmont), he rode the whole coast from Keteonetea to New Plymouth, a journey of eighty to ninety miles, much of the distance being through the enemy's country, accompanied by only two native guides, thus completing the contract to supply the force from New Plymouth, and returned to camp in four days. In April, 1869, he took' up his appointment as Inspector of the Government Stores of the Colony, but resigned his public duties in 1878. THE COLONEL'S FAMILY. Colonel Gorton married a. sister of Mr Percy Smith, the late SurveyorGeneral of New Zealand. His eldest daughter married Mr Larkworthy, of .the Manawatu and Rangitikei districts. Mr Norman Gorton, the eldest son, is the manager of the firm of Gorton and Son, Ltd., and tme second son, Mr Leslie Gorton, is also an active partner.of the firm. Some years ago the two younger sons went to the Argentine, where they took up large farms, and prosDererl by their industry and perseverance. Recently the sons returned to New Zealand to see the old home and the old people once ! more. They have now sold out bheir Argentine property, at considerable I advantage. Colonel Gorton's youngest daughter is married to the son of Colonel Levett, of Rugby. For the last fifteen years, Colonel Gorton had been an ardent follower of golf, and he was very proud of the fact that twice he ana Mr Pryde, of Feilding, defeated his son Leslie and Captain Levin in a foursome. -In fact, only a few months ago he wrote to Mr tPiryde regretting the fact that he would not be able to play the third match. PEACEFUL PURSUITS. Colonel Gorton gave up soldiering to follow a more lucrative' occupation. With Mr J. Stevens, the ex-member for the Manawatu electorate, he com- ( menced an auctioneering and stock' business, under the name of Stevens and Gorton, at Bulls, in 1878. Subsequently, in 1892, Mr Stevens, retb> ed from the firm," Mr R. S. Abraham purchasing his interest. This lasted for about eight years, wheu Mr Abraham took ovei' the Pahuerston business, which was henceforward conducted under the title of Abraham and Williams, and the Bulls and Feilding firm .became "Gorton and Son," Mr Norman > Gorton having been taken into partnership by his father. The growing importance of Feilding prompted the firm to make this the central branch and head office, and for many years the business has continued to expand. Some years ago Colonel Gorton retired fronf" "active service in the firm, but his restless energy forbade him to "sit down and do nothing. He continued to take a •lively interest in public matters, and was financially concerned with several companies, amongst them .being the Feildiug Gas Company, in the reorganisation of which he took a prominent part. He served as a' member of the Rangitikei Road Board and was for two years Chairman of the Bulls Town Board. In 1901 he published a volume entitled "Some Home Truths re the Maori War, 1863 to 1869." The book contains a history of Colonel Gorton's experiences in the war, with some strong allegations regarding the conduct of Sir George Grey, then Governor of the Colony. The" charges against the Governor were so serious, in fact, that Colonel Gorton himself said he could not get a publisher in New Zealand to handle the book. In sporting matters, Colonel Gorton took a prominent part, and golf particularly found in him an enthusiastic devotee. , , The Colonel was a good churchman, and for yeans he acted as Lay Reader of the Greatford Anglican Church, which was practically built by himself. He was also a Justice of the Peace. For tha past thirty years he had resided at "Rangiaetea " his beautiful home two miles from Bulls. CONDOLENCE. When the news of the death was made known, the family received numerous messages of sympathy ana condolence from all parts of **» dominion, and from men of all stations. Sir Joseph Ward conveyed the condolence and sincere sympathy ot tne Ministry, < _____ A LATE PARTNER'S /TRIBUTE. In the course of a tribute to Colonel Gorton, Mr R. S. Abraham says: The Colonel <was always j-a man of exceptionally virile character. He was wedl known as the "etraightest',' of men, and was highly thought of by eyeryone who knew him. He was a man of strong character and of more than ordinarily thorough nature, who always carried through any projects he entered into, exerting the utmost of his powers in everything with which

he was conneoted. On jo^sionjjthffl*^ thoroughness aiid--«r ; n , r£y" , ~ol^ ~Tt~ffc_fth-iirthat he would go strongly into a matter which really needed delicate treatment. His energy was indefatigable and it 'was recorded of him that he thought nothing of playing golf all day and dancing all night. He could not be "knocked out" ; and his intimate friends aver that only this kept him alive so long— a man of - less heart and virility could not' have borne the long illness whioh . Colonel Gorton did. W ANGAN 01 CHRONICLE'S EULOGY. By the passing of Col. Gorton the Rangitikei district, and, indeed, the Dominion, loses an altogether admirable citizen. The deceased gentleman, whose name has for so many years been associated with the commercial, pastoral, and social ■ Uf e of the Coast, was one of the old school — an English gentleman whose word was his bond, and whose bond was as sacred as his honour. To do business with him was to do business on straightforward and honourable lines, or "not to do it at all, for his was not a temperament to tolerate the wiles of commercial tricksters. Of him it may be said that there -was no man in New Zealand more Tespected, more highly esteemed by those who had the privilege of his acquaintance, or more unreservedly trusted by those who had- -business relations with him. He was one of the Dominion's veterans as a soldier, as a Justice of the Peace, as a private citizen/ and as a business man,, and his place in the community Will not easily be filled. The gloom of bereavement which shrouds the Gorton - homestead will this morning be shared by all the. residents of Rangitikei, and by all the many friends of the family in all parts of the Dominion. SOME MAORI WAR INCIDENTS. One amongst the many exciting in.-' cidents of Colonel Gorton's military career was his ride through .Maori territory for eighty miles from New Pdy■mouth. After scattering TitoKowaru's force. Colonel Whitmore decided to. -march his troops from the back of Mount Egmont to Waitara. The na- . tives between Mount Egmont t and the sea were not actually righting' against the British, but they said they would fight if any troops were, sent through their oountry . The only friend of the British was • Hone Pihama, of Oerr. At Keteonatea Colonel Whitmore asked Colonel Gorton to go by steamer to New Plymouth from Patea to arrange for rations to meet the force •when it got to the other side" of Mount Egmont. Colonel Gorton replied that, there was no steamer available to en- •" able him to reaoh New Plymouth in time, and the only way was to try to get through the 80 miles overland. The country was practically in the < •" hands of the .enemy, and the only European who had traversed the district •iv the previous six months was the i. ' well known missonary, Father Roland. Colonel Whitmore said he would not order Colonel Gorton to go by the route, but if he went he could have a troop of cavalry to escort him. This escort Colonel Gorton declined, and started from Keteonatea about 10 a.m., with two tnative guides leading the way. There were some very ticklish incidents, and. on reaching Opunake at 7 p.an. a large gathering of natives <was excited at the sight of the Colonel in uniform, but in paxtaking of the hospitality of the pah he put everything on the most friend- ]-- basis by showing his rather doubtful hosts oard tricks. Next morning_ Colonel Gorton rode into New Ply- > mouth and by the following day had let a tender for stores, made arrangements for them being sent out, and set out himself to ride back; doing 60 miles to Oeo the first day, and after a night with the natives there reported to Colonel Whitmore at Keteonatea at 10 a.m. the next day after successfully completing a most gallant exploit. In July, 1866, Colonel Gorton was sent to Wanganui to proceed to Pipiriki with Major Rookes, commanding the Wanganui distriot, and another officer, to inquire into tne mutinous conduct of » portion of the force stationed at Pipiriki. On arriving at Wanganui, the natives at Wereroa were causing so much anxiety that Major Rookes dared not leave the district; so Colonel Uorton went to Pipiriki as president of the "Court, accompanied by Major Nixon and Captain H. I. Jones, of fhe Wanganui militia, as .members. The Court sat and dealt with- the oases, and the mutinous soldiers were imprisoned, pending the decision of the Government as to their disposal. Major Brassey, commandant of the Pipiriki outpost, had no reason to believe that he would be attacked, but three hours aifter the Court left the outpost the natives swept down on it, and a force had .to be sent lip from Wanganui to relieve it. 'xliis attack was very lucky for the prisoners— they were released to take part in the defence, and no further notioe was taken of their misbehaviour. In September, 1865, Colonel Gorton was- sent up to Wanganui to enquire into alleged excessive military expenditure, ;and. was subsequently . left in command of the district rankof Lieutenant-Colonel. The work he had done in tluV delicate^ specjaTmission having merited the highest encomiums. While at Wanganui Colonel Gorton received a letter from Colonel Hamilton stating that great anxiety was felt regarding the lives of a survey party at wors: in the Patea district,* and he was' instructed to send the Sturt, which was conveying soldiers from Opotiki, to. Patea if she called at Wanganui. She was not -hie to leave until the forenoon of the nexc day, but again found., the bar too rough. The, men were then ordered to march overland. When the men were paraded Colonel Gorton noticed that some were not obeying, commands, so he took charge of /the parade. At first four men refused to obey, and their arms were taken from them. Encouraged by loafers, more men refused to obey, surrounding Colonel Gorton and threatening to hit. him with their rifles. These^men were also disarmed, the affair ending; iv forty-two men heing disbanded and losing the land which had Been promised to them for good conduct. The mutineers stated that their only reason for acting as they did was their desire to remain in Wanganui, haying been three or four days on the steamer. The firm and prompt aotion of Colonel Gorton again saved an awkward situation and the disbanding of the disobedient men had a good effect on the rest of the men, and they arrived at Patea in time to prevent a disaster. JOHN BALLANCE AND COLONEL GORTON. The Imperial troops, with the exception of the 2nd battalion, 18th Royal lrish^ had been withdrawn from the colony, and the enemy had to be met with colonial troops, and the enrolling of the militia caused more press crticism, the result of whici} was that Colonel Gorton had his fampus clash with Mr John Ballance. then editor of the Wanganui Herald, and afterwards to become Premier. Mr liallaiice, in his opposition to the Government native and general policy of the day, editorially attacked tfre. calling outx>f the militia by proclamation. Titokowaru was but 85 miles .._, from the town, and Colonel Haultam had ordered tneir immediate calling out. Tlie Militia Act of 1858 demanded that each militiaman should be served with a notice, but if the mill* tia-nien could have been assembled on parade A notice > served then would have been sufficient. Colonel Gorton found it impracticable^ to serve these notices indivdually with his limited staff, so instead issued a proclamation calling the militia out for actual service and ordering parades of each company. The Wanganui Herald described this as illegal and recommended the men not to turn out, the result * being that some turned out arid others did not, Mr Ballance being; among the latter. Mr (afterwards Sir) waiter Buller was Resident Magistrate at the time, and cautioned Colonel Gorton that his proclamation was Hot in the tennis c * the 'Act. Colonel Goreon saw as he found the Act unworkable he intended to carry out hos proclamation. A personal notice was served on the editor , # .who returned a letter which the Military Commandant considered insubordinate, and on Mr Ballance admitting to Colonel Gorton having written the letter and deolrned to withdraw it he was placed under arrest. The Wanganni Herald came * out with big bead lines, " Military

Tyranny. Editor in Gaol." but on Colonel Gorton explaining the seriousness of the military orime to Mr Ballance he withdrew his letter and expressed regret. The incident caused great stir at the time, but in after years the eJ-st-Commander and his one-time military prisoner were on friendly terms, and Air Ballance anoke M^fllHHHUtaton with regard and reTRIBUTES. letters treasured by was one from the Rifle Corps, formed in 1863, UU^^Lrtollo-wa: To Major Gorton, Commanm^ flier Militia and Volunteers.— £ir, — We, the members of the Greytown Volunteer Corps, humbly beg you will accept our sincere thanks for the kind interest manifested by sou in our distriot; also for the energy displayed vi embodying our corps, in allaying tho fear that existed, and placing us in a position toproteot ourselves and our homes. We also feel proud in having one at our head in whom we can place implicit confidence^ end furthermore hope that in us you will alwaye find men who are ready when wanted.— We have the honour to be, Sir, The Greytown Rifle Corps. Colonel Whitmore, wntang to Oolok T__,.Mfifl lfftm ia 1869* in reference to ■■■N&upment of hie force of 1200 said: "Lieut.-Colonel Gorton deserve that I should specially the great assistance I have deBPnved from his aealous personal exertion and excellent ararngement." A letter reoeived by Colonel Gorton from Colonel Lyon after he had left the field force, indicated an effect of the criticism. Colonel Lyon wrote; "My dread in coming to Wanganui „^ was much more of you. I had heard *" and read so much of you, that I expected to find 1 a perfect fiend in human form, but I must say I was most agreeably disappointed, as there was ' no one who gave me more assistance * than yourself in steering through troubled watew." ; , . . It would take a volume to do justice to Colonel Gorton's military career, but what we have given are sufficient to show the newer generation something of the character of thjs maker of history over forty years ago, little imagined by those who iollowed his keen contest* for the goll ohampion-hips within the last three or four yean. From time to time Colonel Gorton oame into the wider arena to assist those who were endeavouring to educate the public up to a realisation ot the need for more adequate mettiods for internal defence. When Wprogress of the fatal disease from which he suffered made it impossible to move out of his room he still continued his enthusiastic efforts, a series of stirring articles on the subject of universal military training, which aapeaxedL m the New Zealand Times ua May. 1909, being written by the brave old spjaiei onwhat wtos really his death-bed. THE FUNERAL. The funeral will take place at 2 o'clook on Sunday next, and tbe Feilding Mounted Rifles (in full drsM uniform) will be amongst the corps pre- "•"- n