Death of Colonel Nixon.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume III, Issue 177, 3 June 1864, Page 5 (Supplement)

Death of Colonel Nixon.

(From the N. Z. Herald , May 28). It is with a feeling of the most profound regret that we have, this morning, to record the death of Colonel Nixon, late Colonel of the Auckland Militia, and Commander of the Colonial Defence Force. The gallant deceased expired at his’late residence at Mangarei, yesterday morning at 7 o’clock. Colonel Nixon was severely, and, as it has proved to be, mortally wounded at Rangiawhia on the 21st February last, the bullet penetrating the chest and injuring the lungs. From time to time, hopes of his ultimate recovery were indulged, and the sufferer was conveyed from the Front to Mangarei. The wound was kept open, but the patient continued to waste away until a month since a fatal termination had nearly ensued. With the closure of the wound gangrene set in and death followed. Colonel Nixon adds another to the long and sorrowful list of British Chivalry the victims of an insensate and unprovoked rebellion. He arrived in Auckland some time in 1852 or 1853, with the intention of proceeding South, a course from which he was dissuaded by the late Brigadier-Major Greenwood, whoso property, at Mangarei, (in conjunction with Colonel Haultain) he took on lease, proving himself as indefatigable and intelligent as a settler, as he had previously done as a soldier. When the Taranaki war of 1860 broke out, ho was invited to raise the Otahuhu Cavalry. The class and character of that corps, then and since, call for no eulogy from us. Suffice it that a finer or a braver body of men never took the field ; and none that placed more implicit or well-merited reliance in their lamented chief.

Colonel Nixon entered the army on the sth April, 1831, as Ensign of that renowned regiment, the 39th, the distinguishing blazon “ J Primus in Imlis” together with eleven others dating from “ Plassey” to “Sevastopol.” He was promoted to a Lieutenancy on the 27th March, 1833. Became Captain, by purchase, on the 28th December, 1838. Brevet Major 30th April, 1844, and Regimental Major, on the 7th August, 1846. He served in the expedition against the Rajah of Coorg in 1834: and was in the action of Maharajpore on the 29th December, 1843, serving as Brigade-Major to the sth Brigade—lns friend and companion in anus, Colonel Haultam, (then Lieutenant and Adjutant 39th Regiment) participating in the same action. In Colonel Nixon, England has lost a brave and meritorious soldier —New Zealand an able and energetic colonist, who was respected by all classes of the community, and beloved by all those who had the pleasure of intimacy with him. Colonel Nixon was a member of the New Zealand Assembly for the District of Franklin, but during the late session attended, we believe, but once at the sittings of the House, being engaged on active duty at the Front, where the value of his services were of so distinguished a character as to call forth from the Government a special acknowledgment. His loss to them in the present emergency will be great. Deeply as Col. Nixon was valued as a soldier, it is rather in his private character as a settler and country gentleman that his memory will be mourned with affectionate regard by the inhabitants of this Province. As an active and energetic settler, the chairman and promoter of our agricultural associations and other useful institutions, Colonel Nixon was well known, and the kindly and affable [manner with which he made all those with whom he came in contact feel at home with him rendered him generally beloved. Ilisjoss will be deeply felt. The Government offices will be closed at 10 o’clock on Monday. The interment takes place on Monday next, and with all possible honour.