OBITUARY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 27 December 1928, Page 4

OBITUARY.

CAPTAIN G. JOHNSTON, V.D. A long and active life, covering some of the most exciting years in the history of New Zealand, has been brought to a close by the death at Waverley of Captain G. Johnston, V.D. (says the “Wanganui Chronicle”). ' Born in Auckland in 1848, he went to Napier in 1864 and took part, in engagements on the east coast. Subsequently he took part in the expedition to Taupo, afterwards being engaged in shepherding and shearing for two years. In 1868 he came to Wanganui, and during the West Coast native troubles served in the famous Kai Iwi troop, under Captain John Bryce. In Poverty Bay he saw service as a scout in the Mounted Rifles under Colonel Fraser. . At one time he was also a member of the Aramoho Light Horse and Wairoa Light Horse. On the latter company becoming- the Wairoa Mounted Rifles lie served as their captain for 10 years, until retiring to the unattached list in 1893. Captain Johnston held the Queen’s special gold and silver medal for long and distinguished service ns an officer, the Maori War medal, and the volunteer long service medal.

During Captain Johnston’s long residence in the Waverley district he served on many local bodies, including the Patea County Council and Harbour Board. For many years he was associated, with the dairy industry,being chairman and one of the .founders of the Waverley Dairy Co. and the Patea-West Coast Refrigerating Co. He was also a director of the South Taranaki Shipping Co. and Waverlev Town Board Co.

In 1869 he was married to a daughter of Mr. J. W. Thurston, of Wanganui, and had six sons and four daughters, all of whom are still living. The daughters- are Mrs. C. H. Southoombe, Mrs. S. Aiken (Waverley), Mrs. G. Hamilton (New Plymouth), and Mrs. MeClennghan (Auckland). The eldest son, Major G. R. Johnston, served in the Ist and 7th New Zealand South African contingents, and is still engaged in farming in that country. Messrs. W., C., F., and S. Johnston are farmers in the Waverley district, and Mr. H. ..Johnston is in the Railway Department at Kaiapoi. Cantain Johnston, who had been living in retirement for. the last 20 years, .is survived by bis- widow.

The funeral took place on Monday