OBITUARY.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXII, Issue X, 5 March 1904, Page 48

OBITUARY.

Lfi’CT. COLONEL DAWSON.

Qne of the best-known of old Auckland identities was removed last week in the person of Lieut.-Colonel Dawson, who died at his late residence Ellerslie, after a brief illness. In military, sporting, and social circles the late Colonel was equally well-known and highlyrespected, and his death will leave a decided gap, which it will be impossible to fill. The professional career of the deceased gentleman, of whom a picture is given on page 32, was prolonged and distinguished. He entered the service as Ensign in 1859, and was ordered with his regiment, the then 18th Royal Irish, to New Zealand in 1863, and received his Commission as Lieutenant in October of that year. He served with the 18th in New Zealand, and commanded a company throughout the Waikato and Wanganui Campaigns from August. 1863, to May, 1866, and commanded Woodall’s Redoubt during the West Coast Campaign from February, 1865, to March, 1866, being engaged in the following operations:—Expedition to Paparata, relief of the Mauku Stockaxle, occupation of Meremere. He also commanded the Pokenoe Patrol when attacked by the enemy on the morning of September 2, 1863 (mentioned in despatches), and received a special medal- He returned to England with his regiment (the last regiment stationed in the Australian colonies) in 1870; was gazetted Captain in 1871. and five years later was appointed adjutant to the Kilkenny Fusiliers, which appoiptment he held until 1881. when he returned to his regiment and was gazetted Major. He shortly afterwards retired under the warrant of 1881 with the rank of Lieut.-Colonel, having served for 23 years, being still eligible for service up to the age of 60 years. Lieut.-Colonel Dawson returned to Auckland in 1881, and took up his residence at “Arborfield,” Ellerslie, where he took a great interest in parochial matters, being for many years a member and chairman of the Mount Wellington Road Board. He was a keen sportsman, and for some years acted as Master of the Pakuranga Hunt Club; he was also, up to recent years, a member of the Auckland Racing Club, and the Auckland Polo Club, for both of which clubs he occupied for some years the honoured post of president. Colonel Dawson was appointed a J.P. in 1887. Lieut.-Colonel Dawson was the third son of Mr George Peteont Dawson, of Osgodby Hall. York, and of Arborfield, Berks, barrister at law, Deputy-Lieu-tenant and J.P. for the East and West Riding of Yorkshire, and J.P. for Berkshire. He leaves a widow, daughter of the late Christopher Greenway, and two sons to mourn their loss.