Christopher Joseph Cato
Christopher Joseph Cato (c1816-1867)
1868 Obituary [1]
MR. CHRISTOPHER JOSEPH CAT0 was one of the earliest settlers in Natal, and took an active part in the stirring events connected with the establishment of the British Government in that colony. He was in charge of the ‘Mazeppa ’ when he took her out of the bay, under the fire of the Boers stationed on the Bluff and at the Point.
By profession an architect and civil engineer, he frequently furnished plans for public works such as gaols, etc. His opinion was highly valued by the Colonial Government; and on one occasion when there was a diversity of opinion respecting the construction of the Natal Harbour Works, the soundness of his views was fully borne out.
Mr. Cato had great fondness for all nautical matters, and was the first commodore of the local yacht club. He also took a zealous interest in the establishment of the Volunteer corps, having been, first, major of the Durban Volunteer Guard, the first foot corps started in Natal, and subsequently lieut.-colonel of the Durban Rifle Guard, during the earlier years of its existence. Mr. Cato established the large steam flour and saw mill at the east end of the town of Durban, and took a personal and lively interest in all that concerned the welfare of the colony.
He was elected an Associate of the Institution of Civil Engineers on the 2nd of December, 1862, and died at his residence, Mount Vernon, Berea, Port Natal, on the 20th of March, 1867, aged fifty-one yam.