MAORI VETERAN PASSES

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12195, 21 July 1925, Page 9

MAORI VETERAN PASSES

CAPTAIN GEORGE A. PREECE STIRRING TIMES OF LONG AGO. One bv one the veterans of the Maori wars are passing. Hence Captain George Augustus Preece, who died at Palmerston North the other day, was one who had taken part in interesting events in New Zealand history. His father and mother, who came out as missionaries to work with Samuel Alarsden, were married at Keri Keri ninety-two years ago. Captain Preece was born' in 1845. Tno marriage of his father and mother was the second to be celebrated in New Zealand. Young Preece learnt the Maori language, and entered into the servioe of the Government as an interpreter at the age of 17. Later he distinguished himself in the Alaori wars, and was awarded the New Zealand Cross —the New Zealand equivalent of the Victoria Cross. Captain Preece was afterwards for twelve years resident magistrate at Napier. Then he went to Christchurch as second resident magistrate. ’ During the visit of the Duke of Edinburgh to New Zealand Captain Preece acted as his guide in 1870-71 over the historical localities in the Bay of Plenty. One of his sons was killed on Gallipoli. Two others, who came through safely, attended their father’s funeral. On the coffin were placed the veteran’s sword and his decorations. A touching tribute to the deceased was paid by Pipi Kopuku, a Maori chisf, who as a lad was befriended by tho deceased. Captain Preece was in command cl the expedition that went in pursuit of the rebel, Te Kooti, when the ltd ter with his followers sought refuge in thf King Country. Two interesting communications. sent to him by the lute Sir Donald McLean, have been forwarded by Captain Preece’s relatives to Sir Donald’s son. Afr R. R. D. McLean, cf Napier. Both have reference to the Te Kooti expedition. The first is a loiter in which Sir Donald, then superintendent of Hawke’s Bay and Gov3'-n----ment agent on the East Const, wo.o on November 23rd. 1868, that lie was glad to avail himself of Captain Preece’s offer to accompany the Ngatiporoii on the expedition in pursuit ol Te Kooti. The letter concludes: “As

you display so much aeal for tho sirvice I will recommend you to the '• >vernment for a commission in connection with the native contingent.” The other communication was a telegram sent from New Plymouth cn Feb-* ruary 21st, 1872: “I hope your untiling. exertions in pursuit of Te Kocti will be successful. I was much vexed that he, did not fall into your hands when l you were w> upon him I will bear in mind what you say about the constabulary. .Reference to the pursuit of Te Kooti. the best means of carrying it out must be left to your discretion and judgment. Mr Ormond will be at Hawke’s Bay shortly, ai.d , will give any instructions that may he necessary. Telegraphist at Taupo nil be good enough to forward above to Captain Preece by first opportunity.” McLean was at. this time Native Minister. The' Stafford Government had been defeated on a no-confidence amendment, moved by McLean in September, 1872, and the Waterhouse Ministry followed in October. McLean, who hnd a wonderful insight into the Maori psychology, remained in the Cabinet as Native Minister until within a few weeks of his death. By his firmness and tact he settled all the outstanding difficulties and brought about the peace.