OBITUARY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10302, 6 November 1911, Page 1

OBITUARY.

MR PETER PENDER. Mr Peter Pender, for many years Inspector of Police in Canterbury and Wellington, died in the early hours of yesterday morning at his residence, Red cliffs. Mr Pender was eighty-four years of age, but was nevertheless very hearty, and had only been ailing since Friday last. He had a very adventurous life. Born in Wexford, Ireland, in 1827, he joined the Royal Irish Constabulary us a boy, and was Boon after sent on a special mission to England and Wales. Shortly after his return he was promoted to the rank of sergeant, and served in ecrne oi the disturbed districts at the time of the iSmith-O'Brien troubles. In 1854 lie joined t.Ue Mounted Sbaif Corps, known as Lord Raglan's and went with the company to the Crimea, where he was present at the taking of Sebastopoi and the battle of Tchenere. Later Mr Pender was sent to Turkey, where be assisted in organising the Turkish Contingent Cavalry. Returning to Ireland, lie rejoined the Irish Constabulary, and in 1858 camo out to the colonies. Subsequently he joined the Victorian police as a constable, serving with O'Hara Burke, Avho afterwards became famous as a Central Australian explorer. Mr Pender served for over live years in the Kerry Country, New South Wales, and ia 1862 ho came to New Zealand, with tho rank of sergeant-major, to as&ist in organising the police in Canterbury. In 1864 he was promoted to the rank of Inspector, and for thirty years waa stationed in Canterbury. Ho was in charge of the South Canterbury district at the time of the Tiiuaru riote of 1868 and 1860. Returning to -Christchurch in 1874, he remained there till 1892, when he was transferred to Wellington, his departure being marked by the biggest send-oiT that bad ever been accorded to a New Zealand police officer. Three years later he was sent on a special mission to England in connection with the Harper case. In 1902 Mr Pender retired on superannuation, and took up bis residence at R-edcliii's, where he lived until his death. During .his career as a police officer Mr Pender had many exciting adventures?, including several with, bushrangors in Australia, and in many goidfield riots. He was in charge of the famous " Severed Hand " case, the " Butt Murder by Bosher, and many other equally well-known and perilous cases. During his long service he made a very large number of friends amongst police and public. His fairness was a marked trait in his character, and every criminal who fell into his hands knew that he would be fairly dsalt with and that every good point about liirn would be emphasised. Inspector Dwyer and Mr M. M. Cleary, ezgovernor of Lyttelton Gaol, spoke in highest terms of the late officer to-day, and characterised him as " a model officer, loved by police and public alike for his fine character, hi 3 winning personality and hi 3 fair nlay." Mr Pender had a unique record in Royal receptions, having officiated at Queen Victoria's visit to Ireland, the Duko of Edinburgh's visit to New Zealand and the present King's visit to New Zealand. In 18(34 he was married to Miss O'Hara, who died in 1891. Mr Pender leaves two sons and four daughter.?, all of whom are at present in Christchurch. By his own request, the interment which will take place to-morrow, will bo private. High requiem mass will be held in tho Roman Catholio Cathedral to-morrow at 9 a.m.