NINETIETH BIRTHDAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19231, 21 January 1926, Page 10

NINETIETH BIRTHDAY.

MAJOR BENJAMIN HARRIS. LONG AND NOTABLE CAREER. SOLDIER AND POLITICIAN. A notable birthday celebration took place in Auckland yesterday, when one of Auckland's earliest and most highly-re-spected pioneer citizens, Major Benjamin Harris, of Clyde Street, Epsom, achieved the. dignity of his ninetieth birthday. It was a great day for the major, for he celebrated it. by visiting the old Tamaki homestead where he spent his boyhood in days long past the ken of most of those alive to-day. It is now the homo of Mr. Alfred Harris, a brother of the major, and the visit was a source of much delight to all members of the family party which assembled in honour of the occasion.

It was a rather tiring trip for one so far past the allotted span, and when a Herald representative called to convey birthday greetings to the veteran, ho was resting on the verandah of his pretty home after the exertions of the day. But he was not too tired to rise to the occasion. and with dim eyes kindling anew with old-time memories, with gestures that proclaimed the bright flame of the spirit within, he spoke of the days when he was a leader of cavalry in the Waikato War, and of events that are part of the thrilling history of the 'sixties. Cavalry Service in Waikato.

As pioneer settler, soldier and politician, Major Harris has lived a life unusually full of adventure and activity. He was born in Lisburn, Ireland, in 1836, and came to New Zealand with his parents in 1847. His boyhood was spent at East Tamaki, and when about 22 years of age young Benjamin went to Pukekohe and began to farm a 400-acre block of land, most of which was forest. When, trouble with the Maoris broke out in 1861 he at once joined the Otahulm Cavalry Volunteers as a trooper under Colonel Nixon. In 1863, when war was declared, ho led the 65th Regiment through the native tracks into the Maori settlement at Tuakau. He raised a troop of cavalry at the request of Colonel Nixon, and was appointed to its command. During the progress of the Waikato War the major was several times under fire, and subsequently received the New Zealand war medal. Ho also holds the long service medal. When peace was established he resigned his commission and returned to farm life, but-a sorry home-coming it was A picture of desolation met his gaze on his return to Pukekohe, his house burned to the ground, fences destroyed, cattle killed and the pasture lands all overgrown with fern.

With undaunted courage the soldierfarmer set to work to rebuild his home and fortunes, and in 1867 he took a bride to the re-established homestead, and there brought up a family of four children. Major Harris' connection with volunteering continued over many years, during which time ho held command of the Tuakau Rifles and Pukelcohe Rifles, and also raised the- Franklin Mounted Rifles. Forty-seven Years in Legislature. Major Harris took a keen interest in civic as well as military matters, and served on the Auckland Provincial Council from 1874 to 1876. In 1870 he was elected to Parliament as member for Franklin, holding the seat until 1896. In 1897 he was appointed to the Upper House and resigned his appointment only three years ago, after 26 years' service. Although he is now beginning to feel the burden of his years, the major still retains a keen interest in all that is going on round him, and likes to be kept in touch with the news of the day. And it was a flash of the dauntless optimism that is the birthright of his race that sparkled in his eyes as he bade his interviewer farewell- " Good-bye," he called, with a cheery wave of the hand. " Coma again in 10 years' time and we will have another chat over old times."'