 Brunner retired in 1869 at the relatively young age of 46 . He remained employed by the Nelson Provincial Council as a consultant surveyor and was also head of the Nelson Survey Department . His administration skills were not up to the latter role and many of the surveys produced under his supervision were of poor quality . He also continued to seek private work and contributed to a report on the suitability of the Buller region for settlement and this was published in early 1873 . On his retirement in 1869 he had retained his offices of sheriff , returning officer and registration officer but was relieved of these in 1872 in cost @-@ cutting measures by the Nelson Provincial Council . This did not meet with the approval of locals . 
