DEATH OF PIONEER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22173, 29 July 1935, Page 11

DEATH OF PIONEER

SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE SERVICE WITH CONSTABULARY CAREER OF MR. E. WILSON The death occurred yesterday of Mr. Edward Wilson, of 41 Panmure Road, Ellerslie. Mr. Wilson, who was 83' years of age. was a former superintendent of police, and in the early days of the colony served with the Armed Constabulary. Mr. Wilson, who was born in Dublin in 1852. came to Australia as a child with his parents, who were English. The family returned to England shortly afterward, and, on the death of his father, his mother married Mr. Michael Roche. Mr. and Mrs. Roche, and the boy, left for New Zealand on the sailing ship Scimitar, Mrs. Roche dying on the voyage After completing his education in Auckland, Mr. Wilson joined the Armed Constabulary at Waihi, his stepfather also becoming a member, and they participated in many skirmishes with Maoris until the constabulary was disbanded. They then joined the police force at New Plymouth, Mr. Wilson being appointed clerk at New Plymouth and later at Wanganui.

Mr. Wilson then joined the uniform branch, and in 1889 was appointed a sergeant at Christchurch. He was in charge of the Akaroa police district for a period, was transferred back to Christehurch on promotion, and later went to Palmerston North. Earl}' in 1899 he was promoted to the rank of sub-inspector at Auckland, shortly afterward undertaking similar duties at Wellington. In July, 1902, Mr. Wilson became an inspector, and went to Greyinouth. After several years he was transferred to Wanganui, being appointed a superintendent in 1917. He retired in the same year, and had since resided in Auckland. As a young man, Mr. Wilson was a well-known athlete and a prominent rifle shot. He won numerous trophies in chess and draught tournaments, and ho was a keen student of philately, having a fine collection of postage i stamps. He was a member of the Ellers- | lie Bowling Club. Mr. Wilson's first I wife died in 1921, and he married again. He is survived by his widow, and one . son by his first marriage, Mr. E. V. i Wilson, of Bulls.