OBITUARY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4767, 22 October 1924, Page 2

OBITUARY.

• ■ CAPTAIN H. PEACOCK. The death of Captain Henry Peacock, 0.8. E., N.Z.S.C,, aged 53 years, occurred at his residence, King Street, Paeroa. yesterday afternoon, after a long and painful illness borne with indomitable courage and fortitude. For the past two years Captain Peacock was in indifferent health, and had been practically confined to his bed following a major operation in February.

Captain Peacock was well loved and highly respected by all who knew him.' He was extremely popular with all those with whom he was brought in contact. The men in his command soon learned to respect, obey, and love him. He was ever ready to give advice and assistance when appealed to, and thought of othere before himself.

Captain Peacock, who was born on July 21, 1871, was for 10 years in the ranks of the North Staffordshire. Regiment, and here he received a thorough education in military affairs. He was on loan from the Imperial Army, and his first appointment in New Zealand was Staff Sergt.-Major of the N Z.P.S., which position he held from August 31, 1899, to June, 1909. He was then promoted to first-class W.C. On April 1, 1913, he was appointed lieutenant, and deserved promotion came fast. . In January, 1914, he was appointed temporary captain, and three yeans afterwards temporary major, and on August 1, 1919, he was appointed captain.

Many men received their first military training from Captain Peacock, and were a credit to him. He was one of seven specially selected to come lo New Zealand as an instructor in 1898. As a recognition of his splendid, distinguished services to the Empire during the war period Captain Peacock was awarded the 0.8. E. distinction. He was the third captain in seniority in New Zealand. He was for a year adjutant of the North Auckland Regiment and Camp Commandant at Avondale in November, 1914, and was transferred to a similar post at Narrow Neck in 1915 where he was stationed for four years. He left in charge of the first Maori Contingent but was recalled for further service in the Dominion before getting, to the front. In 1919 he was appointed 0.C., Group 2, Paeroa, and later on Area Officer and adjutant Ist battalion Hauraki Regiment, which position he held at the time of his death.

Although most of his time was taken up with his military duties, Captain Peacock found opportunity to take part in movements for the welfare of the community. He was an enthusiastic bowler and golf player and a keen angler. He was one of the most popular members of the Ohinemuri Club and a member of the Freemason fraternity, and was ever willing to assist at any function held in connection with Imperial matters at the public school. Sincere sympathy of a large circle of friends is extended to the widow and the four sons’ who are left to mourn their loss.

The deceased will be interred at Point O’Neill Cemetery, Devonport, tomorrow afternoon. The body will leave Paeroa to-morrow morning by the 6.40 a.m. train. The Defence Department is arranging for a guard of honour to be drawn from the local platoon of the Hauraki Regiment and to parade at the railway station, Paeroa, to-morrow morning.