DEATH OF CAPTAIN WILDMAN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 8986, 25 February 1888, Page 5

DEATH OF CAPTAIN WILDMAN.

[BY telegraph.—OWN correspondent.] Thames, Friday. Captain Edward Thomas Wildman, commanding Thames Navals, died this morning, aged 60. Ho had suffered from rheumatism of the heart for many years, bub two or three years latterly had been a martyr to what seemed a complication of diseases.

[BY TELEGRAPH.— SI'ECIAL correspondent.]

Oamarc, Friday.

Very general regret is expressed by all Auckland and Thames representatives at the death of Captain Wildinan, of the Thames Navals. His death was not altogether unexpected, as he has been ill for a long time. The members of his corps, who are at present in Oamaru, are very much cut up at being unable to pay their last tribute of respect to the most popular captain they have ever had.

The announcement of the death of Captain Wildman, of the Thames Naval Artillery, was received yesterday with a feeling of very sincere regret by his very large circle of acquaintances in Auckland. Captain Wildman was an old Thames resident, and was universally respected for his probity, courtesy, and gentlemanly demeanour. In the early and prosperous days of tho goldfields he carried on business as a mining agent, and subsequently ho wont home to England to take possession of some property to which ho had fallen heir, but he soon returned to his Thames friends, and one of his first acts was to present to St. George's Church, of which he was for a great many years churchwarden, an organ worth £400. In Masonic circles he was always a prominent figure. Indeed, he was to some extent, an enthusiast, and no brother ever found himself in difficulty to whom his aid was not extended. His Masonic lore and research were such that he was, in all respects, a safe and trustworthy guide to Masters or officers of lodges, and to brethren generally. It was, however, as captain of that fine body of men, tho Thames Naval Artillery, that he was best known in public for many years past. He was idolised by his men, and there is no doubt that it was as much to the great respect and esteem in which they held him as to his excellent qualities as an officer, that the high position .which his corps held was due. Captain Wildman, with his company, was amongst the first to volunteer for service at Parihaka when the then Native Minister, tho Hon. Mr. Bryce, determined to break down the position of the Maori chief Te Whiti. For some years past Captain Wildman had been in rather feeble health, but up to the last he was attentive to his various duties, and took a keen and active interest in volunteermatters. We are authorised to state that arrangements are being made to accord a military funeral to Captain Wildman on Sunday, at half-past two o'clock, and a number of Auckland friends will proceed to the Thames to pay the last tribute of respect to Captain Wildman's remains.