Kearns – Clifford, Maori War Veteran

Northern Advocate, 24 September 1949, Page 4

Kearns - Clifford, Maori War Veteran

Obituary .

Mr J. E. Kearns-Cliffprd, one of the few men remaining of the British, forces which fought the Maoris has died in Whangarei, at the age of 96.

The son of a British Army officer, he was born in Auckland in 1853. At the age of 10 he ran ( away from home to join Colonel Wynyard’s forces, and served in the Maori Wars in various localities in the North Island for 10 years.

In recent interviews Mr KearnsClifford spoke of early days in Auckland when the one business street,, Shortland Street, was crowded with hard, tough men who spent most of their earnings on liquor. During his years fighting in the Maori Wars he took part in several notable actions, including the punitive expedition to wipe out the instigators of the Poverty Bay massacre. After a period of service under the Native Commissioner (Mr James Mackey) Mr Kearns-Clifford tried hfs hand at goldmining, but. was not successful as he was captured by the Maoris while searching for gold in the range behind Waitekauri, and held as an interpreter for some time. Giving up gold hunting as a means of earning easy riches he centered the then main industry of early New Zealand—kauri timber milling, and followed this occupation with short periods of bridge-building and roadmaking until he came to Northland.

57 YEARS IN WHANGAREI. -'Tf* One of his jobs was the construction of the bridge over the Wade River at Silverdale, which is being replaced by a concrete structure in the present re-alignmcnt programme. After 10 years spent in many bush camps in Northland kauri forests, Mr Kearns-Clifford settled on a 150-acre farm near Whangarei. In partnership with Mr F. Zimmerman, he worked this property for four years. When he came to Whangarei in 1892 it was a village on the track to the beach. Acquiring a. large property in the town, he set up as a builder and carpenter, playing his part in the development of the town. For several years he was an auctioneer, and later a merchant. More recently he took a keen interest in the sport of bowling, and played in the veterans’ tournament when well over 90 years old. He married twice, and had one daughter by his first wife, who died in 1879. His second wife died in 1917, The last years of his life were spent at the Hotel'Northland.

Mr Vincent O'Shea

The death has occurred of Mr Vincent O'Shea, the youngest son of the well-known Maungakaramea family. He spent his youth on the farm and enjoyed riding many miles to school and taking part in football. Unfortunately, at an early age, Mr O’Shea was compelled to relinquish all activities and was unable to take an active part in the affairs of the district in which he was so interested. Three months ago he became confined to his bed at his sister’s home, Apirana Avenue, Whangarei, and was cared for by his sisters and brothers. By his gentleness and kindly nature, and the courage with which he bore ifiis illness, he won the affection of all who knew him.

Requiem Mass was celebrated at .St Francis Xavier’s Church, Whangarei, the funeral leaving for the Maunu Lawn Cemetery.

Mr John Jones

Mr John Jones, aged 52, of Devonport, has died after a short illness. Mr Jones was born in Lancashire, where he played for the Pemberton Rovers Rugby League team, and came to New Zealand in 1923.

He worked as a miner at Huntly for seven years, during which time he was a member of the Huntly South Club and captain of the South Auckland team. In 1930 he toured Australia with the New Zealand League representatives. He then moved to Whangarei, where he coached in the League code. Returning to Auckland he refereed League matches for a number of years. Mr Jones was a member of the Sportsmen’s' Club and the Masonic Lodge. He is survived by his wife.

Mrs Sarah Cunis

The death occurred at the Whangarei Hospital yesterday of Mrs Sarah Cunis, of Whangarei, and formerly of Te Kopuru, in her 71st year. Mrs Cunis was born in the north of England in 1879. She was married there on April 15, 1900, to the late Mr George Frederick Cunis, and, 10 years later sailed with her husband and five children to New Zealand. They first settled on the Great Barrier Island, where Mr Cunis was engaged in the timber industry, later moving to Te Kopuru, where they remained five years. Since then Mrs Cunis had lived in Whangarei. Mr Cunis died in Australia 18 years ago. For about 15 years Mrs Cunis lived in North Street, Whangarei, but two years ago she came to live with her daughter Winifred, at the Plunket Rooms.

Mrs Cunis is survived by six children, Messrs Frank Cunis (Sydney), T. J. McFarlane (Whangarei), F. BagHorace Cunis (Whangarei), Mesdames nail (Dargaville) and B. Parrant. (Petone), and Miss Winifred Cunis (Whangarei). Another son. Jack, died in 1938. There are 16 grandchildren.