BROWN, CHARLES (1820-1901) was the only son of Charles Armitage Brown (q.v.) and was born in Ireland. He spent the first two years with his 'native Irish' mother and thereafter lived in Italy with his father until 1834, when they returned to England for the boy's education, which was obtained at Plymouth. He learned no trade or profession.

Brown had not reached his majority when he sailed (Mar 1841) in the Amelia Thompson for New Zealand, where his father's sanguine expectations pictured a bright future. Brown brought with him the machinery for a sawmill, which he lost no time in erecting. He went through the whole gamut of the colonist, pioneering, business, journalism and public affairs, and speedily took a leading part in the life of the province. In 1849 he paid a visit to England, returning by the Cornwall. In the election for the Legislative Council of New Ulster (Oct 1852) he was returned for New Plymouth though he was only 32 years of age. In the first election of Superintendent for Taranaki (Jul 1853) he defeated Halse and Wicksteed. He served the office until Jan 1857, when he was defeated by Cutfield. Finding the press a doubtful ally, Brown's supporters established the Taranaki News to oppose the Herald and for most of his life Brown had its support, actually controlling and editing it for some years. In Nov 1855 Brown was elected to represent Grey and Bell in Parliament. He was Colonial Treasurer in the first responsible government, formed by Fox (May-Jun 1856). Private affairs compelled him to retire from Parliament, but he was reelected in 1858 (defeating F. D. Bell).

From 1855-60 Brown was a captain of the militia, which was called out for training in Feb 1858. A year later the Taranaki Rifle Volunteers were formed, Brown being senior captain and Stapp (q.v.) junior captain and instructor. The development of the Waitara dispute brought all the defence companies into training, martial law was proclaimed (22 Feb 1860) and reinforcements of H.M. troops and naval detachments came to the aid of the province. After some preliminary skirmishes the militia and volunteers came into action on 25 Mar 1860 at Manutahi. Major Herbert was now appointed commander of the district, and Brown acted as his engineer officer. Late in Mar, after consultation with Governor Gore Browne, a force of 103 volunteers and 56 militia was ordered to proceed to Waireka by the sea coast to relieve the Omata settlers, the regulars under Colonel Murray and seamen from H.M.S. Niger supporting by the road. The colonial troops were soon heavily engaged. Brown, having no experience, asked Stapp to take charge while he advanced to hold a position at Jury's farm, where the wounded were collected. The 65th were withdrawn while the Taranaki force was in difficulties, but Captain Cracroft, R.N., gallantly assaulted the enemy's pa and assisted to turn the tide and enable the Taranaki force to retire in good order. Brown made his official report on the action (29 Mar 1860) and was promoted major after Waireka. On 23 Feb 1861 he commanded the advanced line of skirmishers at Mahoetahi, where his conduct was warmly approved.

From 1861-65 Brown was again Superintendent of the province. He acted as paymaster of militia and volunteers for some time but returned to field duty and was again in action. In 1869 he had command of the local forces at the time of the massacre at White Cliffs. Throughout these troubled years he had legislative duties also. He was in the Provincial Council (for New Plymouth 1866-69) and a member of Parliament (for New Plymouth 1864-65; Omata 1868-70). He retired by choice rather than give up his military command in Taranaki, and spent the next years repairing his private affairs. He was for some years (to 1873) a member of the town board of New Plymouth. In 1873 he contested the Superintendency against Carrington and Atkinson. Two years later he succeeded Parris as civil commissioner.

Brown's first wife died in 1875. He afterwards married a daughter of W. Northcroft (q.v.). He was brought up as a Catholic, but his children belonged to the Church of England. He died on 2 Sep 1901.

Gudgeon (P); Gorton; Cowan, Wars (p); Cycl. N.Z., vi (p); Taranaki Herald, 3 Sep 1901; Taranaki News, 25 Jan 1873, 11 Oct 1873. Portrait: Taranaki Hist. Coll.

Reference: Volume 1, page 65

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