MAJOR F. B. KNYVETT.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXVI, Issue 17267, 20 April 1918, Page 9

MAJOR F. B. KNYVETT.

REPORTED KILLED

A New York cable announces the death of Captain F. B. Knyvett. The New York "Tribune" gives editorial tribues to Captain Ivnyvett's valuable recruiting speeches, and adds: "We salute the memory of a gallant Anzac, and through him ou.r gallant Ally in the Pacific"

Major F. B. Knyvett, to whom the above message possibly refers, is well known in New Zealand, being | the central figure In "the Knyvett j case." which was the subject of so much attention some years ago. Born in Queensland, he served with the Queensland contingent in the South African War, and later came to New Zealand, taking up his residence in Auckland. There he took over the command of No. 1 Company Auckland Garrison Artillery, which was almost defunct, and immediately put new life into it, restoring it in the course of a few months to j full strength, and later bringing it to such a state of efficiency that it was acknowledged as one of the crack Garrison Artillery units in New Zearand. At his own personal expense, he brought his men to Wellington in order to compete with the i Petone Navals in a big-gun shoot, but this did not eventuate owing to the necessary procedure not having: been complied with. As a result of disparaging remarks - published in Wellington, Captain Knyvett wrote a strongly >worded letter to the Minister of Defence complaining of his treatment, and sent it through the proper channel. The result was a Court of Enquiry, and Captain Knyvett was dismissed the forces. The citizens of Auckland, considering that a great injustice had been done, at once agitated for a re-trial, which was granted, special legislation being enacted by Parliament for the purpose. The second Court again convicted Captain Knyvett of trie offence charged, and, as he refxised to withdraw the letter complained of, his previous sentence was confirmed. The late Captain Knyvett left New Zealand almost Immediately, and after being for some time in Western Australia, settled in South Africa. In the present war he participated* In the campaign against German West Africa, during which he was wounded. At the conclusion of [Botha's operations, he joined the I Royal Field Artillery in France, in which he has served with the rank of major ever since. In France he was known as a particularly brilliant and clashing officer, and was wounded there on no less than four separae occasions. He earned several decorations for his services.