MAORI WAR VETERAN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20628, 29 July 1930, Page 12

MAORI WAR VETERAN.

DEATH OF MR. W. H. BUTLER.

EARLY RESIDENT OF AUCKLAND.

After a life extending over 84 years spent almost entirely in tho Auckland Province, tho death has occurred of Mr. William Henry Butler, of 24, Edcnvale Iload, Mount Eden. 110 was a veteran of the Maori War, in which he fought at tho age of 16 years, and had never left New Zealand since his arrival at Auckland in 1847.

Born in Cardiff, Mr. Butler camo to New Zealand as a baby with his parents, his father being a soldier. Tho family arrived at Auckland on the ship Ramiiles on Mr. Butler's first birthday, August 4, 1847, and settled in Onehungn. They lived at Onehunga until the beginning of tho Maori ar, when Mr. Butler's parents built a house m Newton, the second lo bo erected in tho district, which is still standing to-day. Although he was only a youth at tho outbreak of the war, Mr. Butler enlisted in tho militia, and was posted to the Second Waikato Regiment. After a period of service at Uaglan, the regiment was transferred to 'J e l!oro, on the Waipa River, and then to To .Awamutu, after which it fought at (he Battle of Orakau, where Mr. Butler was .slightly wounded, lfo was then transferred back to To Roro, and served for a time as a trumpeter. When the. war terminated a number of tho soldiers were allotted land at Kihikihi, near To Awamutu. In those days transport was difficult', and for some time Mr. Butler was engaged in carting stores and other necessitic.; to Kihikihi. He then returned to Auckland, living for a number of yearj with his mother in Newton. 110 was engaged as a contractor for painting and decorating until his retirement at the age of 77 years.

When thn rush to tho Thames goldfields took place, Mr. Butler left Auckland for tho diggings, hut lie did not try prospecting, being satisfied In carry on his trade, as the services of all kinds of contractors were much sought. Ho then moved to Hamilton, where ho spent ;t ijew years, later going to Onmn.ru for a year. 611 his return to Auckland ho was in partnership for a time, but for the most part worked independently.

Mr. Butler continued to live, in Newton, which lie could remember in its original state, when a creek ran along the bottom of tlio gully, and tho slopes were covered with tea-tree and scrub. Ho also remembered as a boy fishing and swimming on tho Auckland waterfront where a portion of the city now btands.

After residing in Newton' for nearly 40 years, Mir. Butler removed to Mount Eden 19 years ago, and lived thero until his death. 110 retired in 1923 at tho ago of 77 years, but continued to lead an activo life, his chief interest then becoming gardening and tho caro of his property. He at no time took a part in public life. Mr. Butler was married at the age of 24,' and Mrs. Butler is still living at the age of 78 years. Eight years apo they celebrated their golden wedding. There is only one surviving child, Mrs. E. L. Jonas, of View Road, Mount Eden.