OBITUARY

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 25, 24 October 1917, Page 6

OBITUARY

"MR. W. L. CHRISTIE, 1.5.0. 'Ilio (loath of the lato Mr. Walter Laurie Christie, 1.5.0., has brought to a close an interesting career. Horn at Paisley 75 years ago, ho left Homo at tlie ago of 18, and journeyed to Australia, where he joined an uncle in Queensland. Later he was attracted to the goldfields at Bendigo, and after spending some years on various fields he came to Dunedin and tried his luck on tho goldfields of Otago, arriving there in 1863. When the call for sorvice against the Maori rebels came, he, like many others, joined the Defence Force, and later flic Wanganui Yeoman Cavalry. With a troop from the latter lie took part in many actions in various districts in tu'o North Island; both East and West Coasts. His action in saving the life of Captain Percy, of Opotiki, in the Bay of Plenty, is well remembered by many of his friends. He was engaged in the exciting work of dispatch-carrj;ing between Patea, Wanganui, and Turakina, and some of his experiences of thosa days were exciting and interesting. When peace came, lie became attached to the Defence Department, in Buckle Street, and lie will be well remembered liy the old volunteers and snoothig men. In 1909 he retired, after close on 45_ years' service in the employ of tho New Zealand Government. He was the first New Zealander to receive the Imperial Service Order for "long and meritorious service." Por ninny years he was an active member of the D Battery Artillery, where he received special recognition for his long service. The Imperial Long Service Medal was conferred upon him for vohinteer service, and the Now Zeolnjid Wax MrrtaJ he received after active service. He is survived by his widow and eight children—four sons' and four daughters. The youngest son, Lieutenant H. A. Christie, was killed in action ;n the Battle of Messines on June 2 of this year.