Title: The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay & Wellington Provincial Districts]

Author: Cyclopedia Company Limited

Publication details: The Cyclopedia Company, Limited, 1908, Christchurch

Part of: The Cyclopedia of New Zealand

License: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 New Zealand Licence

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Captain Henry Kraeft, Dredge-master at Napier, and formerly Harbour-master and Pilot, is a native of Prussia, and was brought up to a seafaring life from a very early age. He came to New Zealand in the year 1857, made various trips to Melbourne, and sailed for the Chatham Islands in the brig “Adelaide,” commanded by Captain Weatherhall, when she was wrecked. The shipwrecked crew returned to Wellington by the schooner “Esther,” page 319 and he joined the “Wangia,” a well-known steamer on the coastal trade. In 1860 he entered the pilot service at Napier, was made assistant pilot in 1864, and ten years later was appointed harbour master. During his long service he was instrumental in saving a number of valuable lives, including Captain Setton, of the ship “Pleiades,” and two of the crew, who were rescued through the heroic exertions of Captain Kraeft and his men, a heavy gale blowing at the time, accompanied by a tremendous sea. For his gallantry on that occasion a beautiful clock, with a suitably-inscribed gold plate was presented to him by Captain Setton's friends. On many other occasions he has been the means of saving life, often at the risk of his own. During his long connection with Napier he has won the respect and esteem of all classes, both in public and private life. Captain Kraeft is a Freemason, and an Oddfellow of long standing.