DEATH OF JUDGE WILSON.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LV, Issue 13946, 29 April 1909, Page 2

DEATH OF JUDGE WILSON.

A NEW ZEALAND PIONEER.

Per Press Association.

AUCKLAND, April 28. Ex- Judge Wilson, of the Native Land Court, died to-day. • .

John Alexander Wilson was one of" the early settlers of New Zealand, and a well-known student of Maori life and history. He was born at Conde, France, in 1829, his parents being C.M.S. missionaries. In April, 1833, ho arrived at the Hay of Islands. He was educated at Waimate Grammar School, King's School, Paramatta, and St. John's College, Auckland. Among his tutors were Archdeacons Kissling and Maunsell. In 1845 he become a farmer and runholder at Opotilu, but in 1851 shifted to Taranaki. In 185861 he was a member of the Provincial Council. .He served in Nickson's cavalry < volunteers in 1861-63, and then became a captain in the 3rd Regiment Waikato Militia, No. 2. . which he raised at hia own expense. He wns also a captain in the 3rd BattfVon Auckland Militia. In 1907 Captain Wilson was placed on the retired list, having served and been liable to serv» - for forty-six year 3. He held the New • Zealand medal. From 1866-68 Captain - Wilson was special commissioner and Crown agent for the settlement of confiscated land in the Bay of Plenty. In 1868 he was made a Justice of the Peace, and acted as general Native Agent for the northern districts in 1868-69. From 1873 to 1876 he was land purchase officer for the East- 1 Coast. In 1878 he became a Judge of the Native Land Court and Rojal Commissioner for Tauranga confiscated lands, holding these jupitions until 1880. Another period as judge of the Native Land Court finished with his appointment, in 1886, as a trust commissioner. In 1891 he again resumed his judgeship in the Native Land Conrt and later became Judge of the Native Appellate Court. From 1895. t0 1901 he was a judge of the Validation Court. It was not only as a <ladge that deceased was known. He, ejected . and operated the firsttsulphnric acid manufactory in the North Island. Two- of hiff publications "The Story of Te Wa-, haroa" and "Sketches of Ancient Maori Life and History," which were reprinted in one volume a year or two ago, are notable contributions to the early.history of New Zealand. Judge Wilson also wrote "The Immortality of the Universe, considered in Relation to its Motive Powers."