Heath of Colonel Bridge.

Manawatu Standard, Volume X, Issue 76, 28 August 1885, Page 4

Heath of Colonel Bridge.

Tuesday's Post says :— lntelligence was received fey the mail, delivered hero yester.lav, of tho death, at the age of 7G years, of Colonel B.riiitre, who foimerly commanded m the 58th Regiment, and served m this colony m the first war with the natives, then led by Hongi Hekc. Colonel ,(th«-n Major) Bridge was m command of a detatohmei.t of the 58th stationed at Parrni»ntta,N.B.W. when orders were received on the 4th of April, 1845, to be rrady to unbark for New, Zealand, m order to assist m quelling an outbreak amongst the Maoris. Tliis i-rder was curried ont on the lOih April, 1845, and from the time of their '■ arrival m this colony, to the termination of t lie war, Major Bridge served with his regiment, ami took part m some vine f.,,g;igen>onts, notably that of the attack on Hope's Pah-, where he led one of tho storming parties, being several times mentioned m despatches for (tistinguished ability and conduct m the field. At the close "of the war, Major Bridge was appoiuted, m addition to his military command, Resident Magistrate and Agfnt of Government at Wahapii, Bay of Islands, where he remained about three years, leaving there eventually to take command of the 2nd Battallion of the ngirnent iv England. On his arrival at Home ho received his promotion as Lieut.-Colonel. He maintained his connection with the 58th until he sold out m . 1864, having then the rank of ' Colonel. There are many members of the once familiar " Blade Cuffs" still m this colony who will learn with regret ..the decease of their former officer and ■'comrade. Colonel Bridge leaves two sons, both of them now resident m the colony.