Henry Abbott Mair

Henry Abbott Mair was born on August 17th, 1836, at Wahapu, Bay of Islands, where he received his first schooling. 
Being of a roving nature he went to Australia in 1856 on the outbreak of a gold rush. He returned in 1861. 
When Dr. Hector-later Sir James-explored the forests of New Zealand, Henry accompanied him, and he thoroughly appreciated the society and friendship of such a talented and interesting companion, from whom he imbibed much knowledge, being a great lover of botany himself. 
In 1868 Henry was instrumental in raising the Opotiki Forest Rangers, of which he was Captain, and he served in a number of skirmishes in the Opotiki, Waimana and Whakatane districts. During part of the operations in 1869 the three Mair brothers were engaged in the same pursuit."Annals of a New Zealand family: the household of Gilbert Mair, early pioneer, p60-62. Jackson, Lavinia Laura (Mair) 1935 He was awarded a New Zealand War Medal for his service in these conflicts. Further papers relative to the issue of the New Zealand War Medal. Presented to both houses of the General Assembly, by command of His Excellency. Wellington. 1871.
"Later in the same year Henry married Jane Norwood Greenway of the Bay of Islands, living in Auckland for some years. 
His love of adventure took him for a cruise in the South Sea Islands where he had many thrilling experiences. In 1876 he became agent for the Island traders, Henderson and Macfarlane of Auckland, in the brigantine Ryno. On one occasion, calling at a small island, he swam ashore-at night; resting after his long swim he espied a turtle making a hole in the sand which it was sweeping away with its flappers, as is its wont preparing to lay its eggs. Hearing a metallic sound he drew nearer to the spot, when he found an iron box deeply embedded in the sand. With great difficulty he prized off the lid, and then saw that the box contained a large number of Spanish silver coins, rings and jewellery. He was wearing only a singlet and a leather belt. He filled his singlet several times with the treasure and, taking it up on the dry sand, buried it at the foot of a tree. Slipping some rings on his fingers and placing some of the coins in his belt, he swam back to the ship and joined his friend, the trader Sterndale at Suwarrow. He then made a rough sketch of the island where he had buried his treasure, hoping at some future time to return and retrieve it. Reaching Auckland some time after his adventure he gave a ring and some of the coins to a niece. He made repeated attempts to induce some shipping company to visit the island where he had hidden his treasure. However, negotiations fell through. 
Henry then took appointment under Sir Arthur Gordon as recruiting agent for the Fijian Government in the 'Yosabel', a schooner, calling at various islands for labour. At Espiritu Santo Island, New Hebrides, on November 12th 1881, he was attacked by natives and killed. [...] A year later Captain (Gilbert) Mair (NZC) went and procured his brother's remains and took them to Whangarei, where his remains were buried beside our [his] parents."
Category:Forest Rangers F.C.
Category:1836 births
Category:People from the Bay of Islands
Category:1881 deaths