DEATH OF SERGEANT MAJOR MOORE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2253, 6 May 1897, Page 38

DEATH OF SERGEANT MAJOR MOORE.

Westpobt, April 28.

Sergeant-major Moore, transferred from Gißborno to Wesfcporb aboub two months ago, died to-night at 8 30, after a short illness. Deceased was an old police officer. He came from Victoria iv 1862, and served under Inspector Branigan in Dunedin. Daring his short residence here he made many friends. Great sympathy is felt for the family.

The late Sergeant-major Moore wa^t well known in Ota?o, and particularly on the goldfields. As a yo.in? man he joinecf the Irish Constabulary, and after serving for abput five yars emigrated to Victoria, where he joined the force, and waß for some time stationed in Bandigo. He was one of the men selected by the late Mr St John Branigan when that gentleman was entrusted by the Provincial Government of Otago with the organisation of the police, shortly after the diseoveiy of gold here, and on his arrival was g yen the rank of sergeant, and placed in charge of the g">ld escort from Queenstown to Uunedm. lie wan promoted to the rank ot sub-inspector, and was stationed at diffctent times at Naseby, Clyde, and Lawrence. The decline of the goldfields and the reorganisation of the police by the General Government some time after the provinces were abolished led to a reduction of officers, and with others Mr Moore wn.3 reduced to the rank of sergeant-major. About 18S5 lie was again appointed inspector with charge of the Tuapeka district, and when 'the late Inspector Weldon paid -a visit to the Home Country, Inspector Moore was placed in charge of the Otago district during hi* chief's absence. He was then given charge of the Southland district, and after serving in Invercargill for about two years he was appointed to succeed Inspector Weldon in charge of the Otago police, lie held the position during the Exhibition period heiv, and also during the somewhat troublous time 3of the maritime atr.ke, bub was shortly afterwards retired on compensation. Being then an active, vigorous man, the powers that, be eventually reappointed him as sergeantmajor, and he was given charge of the Gisborne district. He was transferred to Westport at the end of last year, but wa9 taken ill on his way there, and appears to have never thoroughly recovered. He died in harness after about 40 years' service in New Zealand and Victoria. He was highly esteemed by the men under him, and sained the respect of the public wherever stationed.

The rainfall in Wellington for April was 6"9 in, just double the average.

On Friday afternoon a spaniel swimming along the outer side of the Bluff wharf was snapped up by a big ground ehark and taken under instantly. Bystanders state that the shark, which appeared to be about 14ffc or 15f b in length, jumped almost out of the water and shook the poor dog as a good ratting terrier would shake its victim.