ADVENTUROUS CAREER.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 145084, 8 September 1916, Page 7

ADVENTUROUS CAREER.

OF A WANGANUI BOY. More than, an ordinary share of adventures have fallon to the- lot of ono Wanganui Collegiate School oki boy, Walter Jack Borlsae. who will perhaps (says the Chronicle) bo better remembered by other old boys as “Jack” Borlaso. In,"Wanganui ho was well known in natatorial circles; ho was also a member of tho old Irish Rifles under Capt. Goorgo Swann. Leaving school at tho age of 16 years, “Jack” Borlaso wont to South Africa with tho Tenth Contingent at tho time of the Boer War. Ho took his discharge in London, and entered au engineering college at Brighton, where he passed his various examinations with honours. Hero he again found scope for his athletic abilities. Ho won the amateur heavy weight boxing championship of Brighton, had conspicuous sucras as a swimmer, and represented England against Franco on tho Rugby field. Ho was also a member cf a Volunteer regiment, and held a lieutenant’s commission.

On completing his education “Jack” Borlaso was employed by Pearson and Co., one of the big English engineering contracting firms, and after London soworago construction work was sent out to tho Argentine on a big railway contract. ' From that time his work kept him occupied in South America, with occasional trips, to England. When tho war broke out just over two years ago tho British residents in Buenos Ayres raised a volunteer corps, and chartered a boat to take tho men to England. In this number wore a number of New Zealanders, including Lieut. Filzherbort (since killed in action), and Serge. Fiizhcrbert, of Wellington. The contingent sot out with dummy rifles and during tho voyage “Jack” Borlaso found a congenial task as instructor. In England the Wanganui-ite received a commission aa captain in the Seventh Royal Sussex. Regiment, and for some time was oa home staff work. Captain Borlaso went with his regiment to tho front in April last, and siiTce that time ho has been wounded in action, after missing one narrow ©scape of being gassed. The latest reports are that be is progressing favourably. L , . Qa.pt. Borlase rs a son or tho late Mr 0. H. Borlaso, of Wanganui. A brother, Mr. E.. L. Boriasfi, is farming near Raetihi. -