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Taranaki Herald, Volume IX, Issue 421, 25 August 1860, Page 2

Our readers for some time have been prepared 'for the announcement of the death of Richard Brown, who survived so long the murderous attack made upon him, that his friends entertained sanguine hopes of his recovery. .This was not to be ; and after thirteen weeks' confinement to his bed, much of the time passed in extreme pain, he yielded to his sufferings on the afternoon of Wednesday last, whilst the Tasmanian Maid was bearing to his friends in town favorable reports of his state.

Prepared as we likewise have been, the event is a surprise to us. It is ever so with Death. Considering Mr Brown's connection with the Herald some account of our lamented Editor will probably be looked for. The deceased gentleman was the first -merchant'who established himself in business in New Plymouth, where for many years he carried on an extensive colonial and native trade. When the native war broke out he (at the time a member of the Taranaki Volunteer Rifles) joined the mounted escort in which he was of essential service from his knowledge of the country and the natives. On one occasion some provision carts under his charge were intercepted by an armed body of natives at Waiongana, who had fenced across the road to interrupt communication with the camp at Waitara. Mr Brown's firm conduct on the occasion overawed the natives and induced them to remove the fence they had erected, and pass the'earts which safely reached their destination. His Excellency Governor Browne complimented Mr Brown on his achievement and conferred upon him a Captain's commission in the Taranaki Militia to enable him to raise a native force at the Waitara to act against the rebels of the district. Mr Brown accompanied the expedition to Warea where he narrowly escaped the bullets of the enemy, whilst his horse was bogeed in one of the many raupo swamps "which intersect that part of the country. In reconnoitreing the enemy, or passing through their country he had no equal. His daring appeared to have a charm for the natives holding them in restraint for some time. But though he escaped open and visible dangers he was not proof against an ambuscade, and one day in May last, whilst riding from Waitara towards the Bell blockhouse on service he was surprised and fired upon by a party of W. Kingi's natives. Badly wounded as he was, he gallantly rode homewards, and was observed to fall from the saddle, where he was picked up faint from pain and loss of blood. He received the utmost kindness from the camp during his long confinement, and alwaj s spoke to his friends in affectionate terms of Dr Styles of the 40th Regt., who attended him with a patience and assiduity that could not be exceeded, and whose utmost skill was exercised to lessen his bodily suffering and preserve his life. The friendly natives watched and nursed him with a devotion which could scarcely have been expected towards one not of their race. It is, however, as a colonist that Richard Brown will be held in the longest remembrance. One of the fust to set foot in Taranaki, his energies and resources were always devoted to its progress, and his influence, which was considerable,, was unselfishly employed towards the advancement of his fellow colonists. He flourished with the settlement, and his death, at the present juncture, is in sad harmony with its ruined condition. The Colonel Commanding the Forces, ever ready to recognise chivalrous conduct, has directed the burial of Mr Brown with military honours. Sunday, at 2 p.m., is the time appointed for the funeral ; and we are given to understand that the Freemasons, of whom the deceased was an old member, will attend their brother to his grave.