SIR J. CRACROFT WILSON, K.C.S.I., C.B.

Kumara Times, Issue 1385, 10 March 1881, Page 2

SIR J. CRACROFT WILSON, K.C.5.1., C.B.

[From the Christchurch Liberty.] The death of this old Indian hero, which took place on Wednesday, 2nd March, can scarcely be said to have been unexpected, as his health had been breaking up for some time past. There are probably few now living in Christchurch who knew much of Sir CracroftV career before he arrived in New Zealand, or who remember how he gained his distinctions, or the reason we have for terming him an ‘‘ old Indian hero.” Sir Cracroft Wilson entered the Indian Civil Service when young, and at the time of the mutiny was Judge at Moradaba. Lord Canning, in a letter officially termed a “ Minute of the Go* vernor General of India regarding the services of Civil officers and others during the mutiny and rebellion ” (vide London Gazette, October 7,1859), said, after some opening remarks;—lt is now my duty to recommend to the favorable consideration of Her Ma* jesty’s Government the folio wing officers ;—“ Mr J. Cracroft Wilson, Judge of Moradaba. I name this gentleman, first, because he has the enviable distinction of having, by his own obstinate courage and perseverance, saved more Christian lives than any other man in India. He did this at the repeat©ily imminent peril of his life. He has since left the service of the Indian Government and retired to New Zealand, whither I respectfully hope that the favor of the Crown may follow him.” Sir Cracroft Wilson immediately after his arrival in Canterbury settled at Cashmere, which land he had bought

during a previous visit to New Zealand ‘while away from India on leave. He yery soon began to take an interest in the social zffi' political events around him. Early in 1861 he was elected to represent Christchurch in the House of Representatives, which seat he held till 1866, when on account of the part he look in the Masters and Servants Act, in the Assembly he withdrew. In 1867 lie was elected for Coleridge for the House, and represented that district till very lately. In social matters Sir Cracrofb took considerable interest. His active assistance to the Choral Society years ago Will be remembered by many, he and his flute having been ever at both concerts and practices. His love for the drama, and his patronage of those members of the dramatic profession deserving regard are too well known to heed comment. In his 73rd year a grand old man has passed away. He was too thorough a man to act so as always to pleise •' others, but he has done ranch—very much—that both deserves remembering and is well worthy of being held up as an example*.