MAORI WAR VETERAN

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 17, 4 February 1937, Page 6

MAORI WAR VETERAN

-Own Correspondent) 1

Major F W. Garner's 89th Birthday

(By Telegraph—

PALMERSTON N. T,his Day. It is a far cry these ," days to the Maori' wars but- to Major Frank W. Garner they are as vivid as if they ha'd happened only yesterday. He is one'of the few remaining militiamen who sa^ active service againsjj the hostile Hawke's Bay tribes. As a matter of fact he was first under fire as a lad of 19 years of age. On Monday last he celebrated the 89th anniversary of his birthday and despite his ripe age, suffers no disabilities. "I feel as fit as a fiddle," he told the "Times.^' "My worst trouble is 'a corn on' my foot." Major , Garner was born in Staffordshire and came to New Zealand in 1S6S when between 17 and 18 years of age He lauded at Wellington, but went almost iininediately to Napier where he secured a job as a shipping clerk. The distriet was in a disturbed condition at tho time and young Garner joined up with the militia. He saw service at Omarama pah in 1866, in Poverty Bay in 1868-9 and at Mohaka in 1869. In all he had over 21 years service with the militia, New Zealand Rifles, Scouts, Field Artillery and Permanent Staff. He resided fin "Hawke's Bay and Poverty Bay for a period of 42 years and then came to Palmerston North where he has lived for 29 years. He was one of the founders of the Napier Foresters' Lodge of 27 members and is the only one remaining alive. Last Saturday' he had the pleasure of proeeeding to Napier and participating ia the 65th anniversary celebrations. , Major Garner was . , s first deputy-Official Assignee, a position he field f or many years.