In the Public Eye.

New Zealand Illustrated Magazine, Volume 1, Issue 12, 1 September 1900, Page 892

In the Public Eye.

In the death of Captain T. C. Tilly, R.N., "which took place recently CAPTAIN T. C t Remu th Mela . TILLY, R.N. . „-. . . , nesian Mission lost one who, for thirty-seven years, was a devoted and most enthusiastic helper. His connection commenced when, as navigating lieutenant of H.M.B. Cordelia on her trip to quell a disturbance in the Solomon Islands, he met Bishop Patteson, who was taken on board, so that his influence and intimate acquaintance with the native character could be utilized. His friendship with the Bishop resulted in his determination to obtain leave of absence on the return of the Cordelia, and devote himself to the work of the Mission. He succeeded in his object to the extent of getting twelve months leave by the aid of the Bishops of Auckland and Melanesia. This was afterwards extended year by year. Not the least appreciated of the advantages of his new occupation were the friendships he made. He was thrown into frequent contact with the friends of the mission at home, notably Bishop Selwyn's brother and Bishop Patteson's family circle. It can easily be seen what an acquisition to the Mission a man of Captain Tilly's practical knowledge of navigation mast have been at this time, especially as he brought with it a genuine love of the work in which he was about to engage He supei'intended the building of the Southern Cross, Ifo. 2, sailed her out to New Zealand, arriving in February, 1863, and commanded her in her frequent sailings on her errands of mercy amongst the islands of the Southern Seas until 1869, when failing health obliged him to give up the sea and that portion of the work which he loved so well. Since then up to within a year of his lamented death he acted as agent for the Mission in Auokland, superintended in conjunction

with Captain Clayton the building of a successor to his old craft, the Southern Cross, No. 3, and furthered by every means in his power the work of the Mission. His genial, unassuming character and unswerving attention to duty endeared him to the many valued friends he made during his connection with the Mission. His earlier experiences

as an officer in the Navy in eluded distinguished services in the Crimea, for which he was awarded medals on two occasions. The New Zealand Government made use of his long naval experiences and strict integrity of purpose by appointing him Examiner of Masters and Mates for the Auckland port, which post he held until his resignation last year.

There recently died in New Plymouth COLONEL a veteran warrior who CHAELES played a prominent part in the Maori disturbances on the West Coast of the North Island. Colonel Charles Stapp gained his first experience of New Zealand bush warfare in Heke's War. He was sent from Sydney with his regiment, the 58th, to assist in restoring order, having previously been sent there in charge of convicts. He was to the fore at all the principal engagements,

amongst which were the historic attacks on the Okaihau and Ruapekapek Pas, and he led the forlorn hope at Ohaeawai. During the time he spent in England in 1850, he was present at the funeral of the Duke of Wellington. Ever to be found where fighting was to the fore, his next move was to the Crimea, after which experience he retired from the army, and emigrated to New Zealand in 1857, choosing Taranaki for his home. He joined the military settlers there, and received successively the appointments of adiutant and

captain. Troublous timos commoncod shortly after for Taranaki, and Oolonol Stapp was as usual in the thick of the fight. He received special mention in many of the despatches of the day, and was also honoured by the personal thanks of the Commander of the Forces, Governor Goro Browne. Wairelia, Pakakariki, Orongamangi, Kaihihi, Kaitako, and Huirangi wore all scenes of strife wherein lie did signal service for his adopted country. After the brutal massacre of the Rev. Mr. Volknor

and his companions at Opitiki in 1805, ho was second in command, as brevet-major of the force sent to capture the murderers; and again in 1869, commanding a force ho had himself organized, he set forth to recover the bodies of the White Cliffs victims, and deal what vengeance he could on the perpetrators thereof. With such a record, it would have been difficult to select a more suitable man than Colonel Stapp for the post he held for twenty. two years, viz., tho command of the Tarft. naki Militia,