"LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON."

Taranaki Daily News, 19 June 1917, Page 2

"LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON."

! - ■ ... , , 'ATKINSONIAN REMINISCENCES.

'A correspondent writes to.the Hawera Star:—l notice that Captain l S. A. Atkinson (a son of the late Sir Harry) has died from wounds received on the Western front. This reminds me of. the gallant pari played in the Taranaki wars of the 'sixties by Major Sir Harry Atkinson, who (as captain) was in command of the ..first British Volunteers to take the field (March, 1860); Then,, a little later, to Captain Atkinson and his men 'belongs the honor of capturing the Mahoetahi pa, near Sentry .Hill. Later still, two companies of Bushrangers were formed, Captain Atkinson being the senior in command, and it is history now. how the men forming these corps acquitted themselves. They were everywhere, and eventually the Maoris were no afraid of being surprised that they got away in the hack country and out v>f danger. One little incident in the fighting life of Sir ITarry Atkinson will suffice to illustrate the man's character. The Imperial troops,, assisted by the Bnshrangei'3, were to attack a Maori pa at Manutalii (north), and orders were given by the general in command that the Bushrangers were to keep in the rear. This did not suit the Major, as, ivhen within a certain distance of thepa, he took off his hat and waved it, railing out at the same time, "Come on, |ads," and the pa was taken before the Imperial commander had time, to interpose. There was talk of a court-mar-tial for disobedience of orders, but it never came to anything. . Then.. who does not remember Sir Harry Atkinson as a politician and as member for' Egmont? In the House of Representatives lie was often referred to as the gallant Major by his friends, but his political opponent" termed him "The man with the iiob-nailed boots." Like father, like eon. Sir Harry would have readily laid down his life for his country in the 'sixties, and Captain S. A. Atkinson has .made the great sacrifice fifty-seven years later.