THE LATE MAJOR-GENERAL PITT.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume X, Issue 1914, 7 May 1883, Page 2

THE LATE MAJOR-GENERAL PITT.

"The Victorian public will learn with regret of the death, announced by cable message, of Major-General George D«an Pitt, C.B. No Imperial officer was better known or more highly appreciated in the colonies than the deceased officer. He arrived in Australia in 1858, and was for many year* inspector of musketry to the forces then stationed in the colonies. When the volunteer movement broke out Colonel Bladen Neill was invited to take command of the Viotorian force, but this officer was killed by an accident, and Captain Pitt, with the brevet rank of major, was selected to raise, organise, and train the new corps. His great success is a matter of history. He secured the hearty confidence of officers and men, all of whom were enthusiastic believers in his efficiency. Major Pitt, without a doubt, set a standard which the senior officers of the force still have before their eyes. He organised the first Easter encampments, and under hia personal command they were successes. For these services Major Pitt received the special thanks of Her Majesty's Government. On the outbreak of the Waikatowar he received the appointment of military secretary to Major-General Sir Duncan Cameron, and in that capacity he served through the various engagements of the Waikato, Tauranga, and VVanganui campaigns, including the i assaults on the Ovakau and Gate pahs. He was mentioned in despatches and received the distinction of Companion of the Bath. At the commencement of the campaign he was despatched to Australia where h • 1 secured the services of 2000 men to serve in the Waikato militia. The volunteers and others flocked in such numbers to serve under Major Pitt that the colonial Governments had at last to take exception to his recruiting. He was thanked for these services by the Imperial authorities, and promoted to be major unattached in the army. When Sir Duncan Cameron left New Zealand Major Pitt was transferred to the staff of General Carey, and he accompanied that officer to Victoria. Upon leaving here Major Pitt was ordered to the Cape of Good Hope, where he served for many years in the Quartermaster-General's department. He received steady promotion, being gazetted colonel in 1870, and j major-general in 1880. In 1882 he received one of the special appointments by which the favor of the throne is shown to deserving officers, being gazetted as Master of the Regalia in the Tower. As Major-General Pitt entered the army in 1839 he must have nearly attained the age of 60 years. He will always be held in affectionate osteem as a loyal companion, an accomplished gentleman, and a brave and efficient officer, by those whose privilege it was to be brought into communication with him." — Australasian. The death of General Dean Pitt must have been very unexpected, for from letters received in Gisborne, from him, by the last mail, under date March 22nd, and it is apparent he was then in good health.