TO MAJOR LUSK.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 2, Issue 154, 16 December 1913, Page 4

TO MAJOR LUSK.

Fifty Years ago and To-day.

Tribute to His Work.

At inteivals of fifty yeara it does not fall to the lot of many men to render signal service to their country. Bat duiitig the present industiia crisis two or three instances were discovered in which the heroes of half-a-century ago have again placed the people of New Z.aland under a debt of gratitude to them. One of these men is Major Lusk, Auckland Provincial President of the New Zealand Fanners' Union. In the course of an article the Farmers' Union Journal says : "The presence cf mounted constables in the cities of Wellington and Auckland recalls stories of bygone days in New Zealand. " Many years ago the 58th Regiment was stationed at Porirua and formed the screen which defended Wellington. Colonel Russell was in command, the regiment then made the road over the Paekakariki hill on to the west coast and so enabled troops to move out when necessary and made communication between Wellington and Wanganui possible. This certainly saved Wellington from possible attack. To-day Colonel .Russell's grandson is in Wellington under somewhat similar conditions.

" In Auckland fifty years ago last July a serious position arose. Auckland was threatened by hostile natives. A number of outposts were stationed round the town. Lieutenant Lusk raised a number of men and was stationed near Mauku, on one of the bays in Manukau Harbour, some in a stockade, others in a church. The latter party was under Lieutenant Lusk. A party under Lieutenant Percival were moving forward to Patumahoe when they came into collision with the natives and were greatly out-num-bered. They were diiven back "step by step," says an account, " the little band was' forced back out of the bush into the clearing and in view of Lieutenant Lusk's party at the church. Seeing the Natives closing on Percival's detachment, Lieutenant Lusk advanced at a double witb the Mauku volunteers to their support. The united force under the command of Messrs Percival and Lusk amounted to about 60 men. The enemy's strength was over 200 and they boldly advanced on the handful of volunteers. A desperate and unequal struggle took place. Every volunteer was fighting for his life. The little party suffered severely losing two officers—Lieutenant Percival and Lieutenant Norman—and a number of men." But they gained the day and Lieutenant Lusk was able to lead the men back and hold the position, and saved an attack npon Auckland. Fitty years after Auckland was again threatened, but by those within its gates. Lieutenant Lusk, now Major Lusk, aS president of the Farmers' Union again came to the rescue. Quickly, but with resolve, men were gathered together and came from the country. A correspondent tells us " The whole movement this time was managed with great tact and discretion and the farmer showed patience and forbearance." . But Major Lusk has had the good fortune and honour in again assisting to save the city. All honour to him. It has been the fortune of few men to make history a second time.

Following is a copy of the despatch sent by Sir George Grey to the Duke of Newcastle, reporting the battle mentioned above.

Government House, Auckland, 2nd November, 1863. " My Lord Duke, I have the honour to transmit for your Grace's information the copy of a letter I have received from Lieut.General Cameron, C.8., enclosing a report from Captain Lusk, commanding the Mauku Volunteers, of a very smart engagement which the force under his command had with the Natives on the 23rd ultimo.

2. The gallantry shown by Captain Lusk and all concerned in this

engagement reflects the highest credit upon them. It was no enterprise which they undertook against the Natives, but an attack upon one of those murdering and marauding bands who had penetrated far into our settlements for the purpose of murder and plunder, i I am satisfied that the spirit with which this party was assailed, the moment it was discovered by so small a body of men, and the punishment they received by an European force of only about one-eighth of their own, will do much to increase the respect of the Natives for the courage and determination of the settlers, and to check the marauding parties who murdered so many people. 3.*1 have every reason to believe that the loss of the Natives was heavy, and although we have so much to regret the considerable loss which we ourselves sustained, it is impossible at the same time, not to feel the greatest admiration for the resolute gallantry shown by the small body of men under Captain Lusk's command. I have, etc., G. GREY."