Warrior, Politician and Author.

Ohinemuri Gazette, Volume XIII, Issue 1079, 23 March 1903, Page 2

Warrior, Politician and Author.

By the passing away of the Hon. Sir Geo. S. Whitmore,"at ...the ripe age of 74 years, New Zealand loses a notable citizen and one whose name will be ever associated with the history of this country. Th§ | military career of the deceased commenced at a time when the present generation of New Zealanders was non-existent. He saw actiye service in the Kaffir war in 1846, and was through the Crimean campaign, holding the rank of Major, before he came id New Zealand. It was as Military Secretary to Sir Duncan Cameron that he came to tLia country in 1861, but after a' year's service in that capacity he resolved to settle ._ as a run-holder in Hawke's Bay district. At the Erst smell of powder, however, the instinct or the warrior reasserted itself and he joined under his old commander and took part in the various operations against the Maoris—his services only terminating with his disablement through illness when engaged in hunting down Te Kooti and his murderous band. Prior to that time Sir George Whitmore had entered upon a political career, having been, nailed to the Legia- ; lative Council, in which body he held a seat up to the.time of his j death. He was Colonial' Secretary and Minister of Defence in the Grey Ministry from 1887 till 1889, and some years later was appointed Commandant of the Colonial Forces with the rank of Major-General A little over a year ago Bjr George . went to England! to arrange, for the. publication of his book, which has, just been issued under the title of " The Last Maori War in New Zealand Under the Self-Reliant Policy." That book is his epitaph, for though his 9,!rn_ connection with the various fijßrhts 13 told vfith | becoming modesty, the work is in reality a record of his brave and distinguished services in this country. The -deceased gentleman, though of small stature and slight buiid, was possessed of great fear* lessuess in the field allied' with keen intelligence and an aptitude for meeting the tactics of a bar- , barous foe. It is as a defender of New Zealand that he will be qhiefiy famous in future, and his services in this capacity entitle him to be held in perpetual anc| grateful remembrance. As an author, legislator and administrator he also dis-j played talents of- no mean order! Few men, indeed, have been privileged to compress so much useful activity into a lifetime. He " haa departed, full of years.and honour^ his work accomplished, and he well deserves to receive the,, greeting and farewell-— ■" Well done, L go,jJ and faithful seryanf;/' -■_-*■■> r