AGED PIONEER’S DEATH

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 277, 13 February 1928, Page 14

AGED PIONEER’S DEATH

MAJOR BENJAMIN HARRIS SOLDIER AND POLITICIAN Major Benjamin Harris, one of the earliest and most respected settlers of the Auckland Province, died yesterday at his residence, Clyde Street, _ Epsom, at the age of 92. He had a distinguished career, both as a soldier and. a parliamentarian. Born in Lisburn, Ireland, in IS 36, Major Harris came to New Zealand with his parents in 1847. His boyhood spent in East Tamaki, he went to Pukekohe at the age of 22 to take up farming. During the Maori War of 1861 he served as a trooper in the Otahuhu Volunteer Cavalry, and in 1863 led the famous 65th regiment through difficult bush tracks into the Maori settlement at Tuakau. He was several times under fire during the Waikato War, and subsequently received the New Zealand and long service medals. Going back to his farm Major Harris found his homestead burned and the stock destroyed, but with great courage and industry he re-established himself. He was a member of the Auckland Provincial Council from 1874 to 1876. In 1879 he contested and won the election for the Franklin seat. He was member for this constituency until 1896. The following year he whs appointed to the Legislative Council, resigning the appointment in 1923. Major Harris leaves a widow,' one son, Mr. W. Harris, a settler on tte East Coast, and three daughters, Mrs. W. Glasson, of Epsom, Mrs. J. T. Bosworth, of Palmerston North, and Mrs. F. Short, of Opotiki.