MAIR, GILBERT (1843-1923) was the son of Gilbert Mair (q.v.), and was born at Wahapu, Bay of Islands. As a young man he gained a facile command of the Maori language while assisting his father in the purchase of kauri gum. He was something of a horseman, a botanist and a good cricketer.

In 1860 Mair was articled to the Surveyor-general at Auckland, and four years later he received his provincial certificate. He was assisting in the survey of native lands purchased by the Government between Waikato heads and Raglan when the war broke out (1863). When the fighting began on the East Coast (1865) he was engaged as clerk and native interpreter at Tauranga. He at once joined the Waikato Regiment (Col. Haultain's) and thereafter was constantly engaged with the enemy. At Irihanga (18 Jan 1867) he had his baptism of fire, and at Whakamarama he led the attack, had his horse shot under him and carried the body of Jeffs out of action. He was mentioned in despatches. At Kaituna, when second in command of the Arawa contingent, he swam a river at midnight with his men. Attacking the Waitaha tribe in their pa at Te Puke, he destroyed their stores and food. At Taumata (4 Feb 1868) he led the attack on the enemy rifle pits and was promoted to an ensigncy on the spot by Haultain (who was present). After being present at Te Akeake, Paengaroa and Te Kakai he distinguished himself in the second action at the last-named place (which was held by a Ngati-Porou force), and carried a wounded chief out under fire.

In the Rotorua campaign Mair commanded 100 men of the Ngati-Pikiao under Pokiha Taranui when they cut off a force of 400 Waikatos at Puraku (Mar). For this he was mentioned and promoted to lieutenant. In the Whakatane campaign he raised during one night a force of Ngati-Rangitihi and hastened to relieve the Ngati-Awa at Rauporoa (Mar 1869). They were too late to achieve their objective, but diverted Te Kooti from his next attack on Whakatane and chased him into the forest. On 6 May Mair led the attack which secured the enemy post at Te Harema (Urewera), and on the following day he pursued Te Kooti, killing 20 of his men, including the notorious Peka Makarini (Baker McLean), whom he shot. In one of the last engagements he killed Patara and Wi Heretaunga. In the second campaign (2 Feb 1870) he made a forced march from Te Papa to Rotorua in time to engage Te Kooti, who was attacking Ohinemutu with 400 men. He continued the pursuit with the Arawa Flying Column No. 1.

Mair was now promoted captain. (He was awarded the New Zealand Cross on 1 Apr 1886.) He and Preece spent two years on dangerous patrol duty in the Urewera (1870-72). After the war he was native interpreter to the House of Representatives; Government agent at Tauranga and land purchase officer in several districts. He was at different times president of the Ikaroa Maori land board; official member of the Arawa Maori council, and native resident magistrate. He was aide-de-camp to Roberts at Parihaka (1881).

Mair enjoyed the full rank of chief of the Arawa. In later years he entertained distinguished visitors on behalf of the Government. After retiring, he farmed at Waiotapu and Bay of Plenty. He married (1888) Eleanor Kathleen (d. 1893), daughter of John Sperrey, Commissioner of Taxes. Mair's death occurred on 29 Nov 1923.

Jackson (p); Gudgeon (p); Cowan ii (p); N.Z. Herald, 30 Nov 1923.

Reference: Volume 2, page 26

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