THE LATE MR. S.M. BAKER.

Te Puke Times, Issue II, 8 June 1915, Page 3

THE LATE MR. S.M. BAKER.

AN INTERESTING CAREER. The late Mr Samuel Marsden Baker, who passed away at Te Puke on Thursday last, after a longilness of two years' duration, was born at the Bay of Islands in 1837. He was the fourth son of the Rev. Chas Bakei, one of the early missionaries of the Church of 3 England, who arrived in New Zealand in .1828. When about 18 years of age Mr Baker entered the Native Office, under Mr McLean, afterwards Sir DonalcK McLean, where he assisted in the translation of the laws into Maori—a book called '* Ko Ngature." He was later appointed Clerk and Interpreter of the Court and Customs at Whangarei. Not liking the place he left the district, and followed various avocations for several years. While on a visit to Auckland, he met the Hon Dr Pollen, who was representing the Government in the Norths at the time, and he prevailed on him to go as interpreter on board 11. M. S. Brisk (under Captain Hope), which went to cover the landing of troops at Opotiki, after the murder of the Rev. Mr Volkner. ihey met the three transports with troops at Hicks Bay, and he accompanied them to the scene of action. After the place was captured Mr Baker was entrusted with despatches to convey to Sir George Grey, in Wellington. MiBaker was the first interpreter to the Upper House, but was forced to resign the position on account of an affection of the throat, .In 1873 he was appointed Clerk of Court to Foxton, Otaki, Feilding, and Halcombe, an office he held for several years. The latter part of his life was spent in farming. He leaves a wife and large family of sons and daughters.