Dictionary of NZ Biography — Surname Index K

NameBiographyReference

Henare Kaihau

Henare Kaihau

KAIHAU, HENARE (1855-1920), a chief of the Ngati-Teata, a sub-tribe of Waikato, was born at Waiuku. His father was Ahipene Kaihau (one of the Waikato chiefs who sued for peace in Feb 1861. Ahipene was afterwards appointed an assessor, and was a policeman at Waiuku in 1863, when he went over to the enemy and was dismissed. He died on 3 Dec 1892).

Young Kaihau was educated at Archdeacon Maunsell's school at Waiuku. He showed great mental ability and was a thoroughly Europeanised Maori, with a fine stature and presence. By the age of 24 he was taking a keen interest in native affairs, and he was for years associated with the various Maori parliaments, in which he was recognised as a man of outstanding mental capacity. His sister being married to Tawhiao, he was in close touch with the King movement, and was for years the principal adviser of King Mahuta. In 1886 he was deputed by Tawhiao to visit Wellington to discuss the possibility of establishing a council of Maori chiefs in association with Parliament.

In 1884, and again in 1886, he stood for the Western Maori seat in Parliament. Ten years later he again came out as the first candidate nominated for parliament by the Maori King. He defeated Ropata te Ao and sat in Parliament primarily to represent King and Waikato interests, from 1896 to 1911. In his first session he introduced a Maori council constitution bill, designed to give to the Maori race what the King leaders considered a suitable form of local self-government. It provided that all Maori lands should be administered by a council of which 14 members should be nominated by the governor, 14 and the president nominated by Mahuta Tawhiao te Wherowhero and 28 elected for three-year terms by the four Maori constituencies. The mana of the council was to be vested for life in Mahuta and his lawful descendants, who should from time to time appoint the president of the council. The bill was read a second time, pro forma, on 25 Nov 1897 and dropped.

At several subsequent elections Kaihau was opposed by Te Heuheu Tukino (q.v.), but he managed to retain his seat until the advent of Maui Pomare (q.v.) in 1911, with tribal support which enabled him to win the election. Kaihau tried in 1919 to regain the seat, but without success. Both in Parliament and out he did his utmost to heal the breach with the King natives, and he succeeded in persuading an important party of Waikato to attend the reception to the Prince of Wales at Rotorua in 1920.

Kaihau died on 20 May 1920, leaving a wife (daughter of W. Flavell, of Waipipi).

N.Z.P.D., 29 Jun 1920; S. P. Smith, Taranaki; Scholefield in N.Z. Times, 10 Oct 1907; Hone Heke and Sir A. Ngata (information). Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 1, page 241

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 241

🌳 Further sources

Conrad Kain

Conrad Kain

KAIN, CONRAD (1879-1934), one of the most remarkable guides who ever operated in the New Zealand ranges, was an Austro-Italian. His climbs in Europe (including Corsica) and Canada had become recognised as classics long before 1914, when a patron, H. O. Frind, brought him to this country. In two seasons he crammed daring new routes and first ascents into his calendar, forcing his objectives, for the most part, in the Murchison, Tasman and Mueller valleys. His nationality caused steps to be taken for his imprisonment on Somes Island during the war of 1914-18, but the determined efforts of Mrs Thomson (with whom he had traversed Mount Cook) won his passage to Canada, where he was made chief guide at Banff. He died on 2 Feb 1934, after a brilliant Alpine career. His biography, Where the Clouds can Go (1936) was edited by the American Alpine Club.

J.D.P.

Reference: Volume 1, page 241

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 241

🌳 Further sources

Te Wera Hauraki Kaiteke

Te Wera Hauraki Kaiteke

TE WERA HAURAKI KAITEKE (?-1839), a celebrated Ngapuhi chief, was the son of Kaiteke, or Te Wera, and lived at Te Ahuahu, near Waimate. He was one of Hongi's trusted leaders and his chief priest, but frequently quarrelled with Hongi's father, Te Hotete. Kendall visited him at Kerikeri (Jun 1815) and Marsden in 1819. In 1817 Te Wera visited the East Coast with a taua of 500 Ngapuhi under Titore. They attacked the Wainui pa, and other parts of Mahia peninsula, and swept away the Ngati-Kahungunu defenders, who were helpless before their muskets. Amongst the 40 prisoners they took back to Bay of Islands was an Arawa chief's daughter, Te Ao Kapu-rangi whom Te Wera married. (He took the name 'Te Wera' when their child died of burns.) On a later visit he captured the Ngati-Kahungunu chief Whareumu, whom he took to the north. By this time (1821) he was somewhat under missionary influence at Okura, Kerikeri, and inclined to be less destructive of human life. After assisting Hongi in the attack on Mokoia (1823), where Te Ao Kapu-rangi by a ruse saved many of her own Ngati-Rangiwewehi people, Te Wera and Pomare proceeded to Whakatane and captured the Ngati-Awa pa at Puketapu. Then they broke up to scour the country, Te Morenga following up one party and Moka another, while Pomare and Te Wera, with the main body, caught the fugitive Ngati-Awa at Tunanui. Eventually a peace was made with Mautaranui at Manawaru. After calling at Opotiki, Te Wera's nephew Marino undertook an independent expedition against Te Whanau-a-Apanui at Te Kaha and was killed.

Parting company with Pomare at Waiapu, Te Wera proceeded to deliver Whareumu to his people at Mahia. On their invitation he agreed to stay with them and make Mahia a rallying point for the whole of the Ngati-Kahungunu, who were suffering from the land-hungry raids of the central tribes, particularly Ngati-Raukawa, assisted by Ngati-Tuwharetoa. It was agreed that if there was any fighting in future it should take place outside of the district. Te Wera offered to protect the Ngati-Kahungunu and advised them to come to reside in Mahia until they should be able to clear the marauders out of the Heretaunga plains. Eventually Pareihe (q.v.) came to discuss an alliance of the Hawkes Bay tribes, which was agreed to. Meanwhile Pakake fell to an attack by a strong taua. Te Wera had great success in battle. He defended himself successfully against Ngati-Maru, Ngati-Tuwharetoa, and Ngati-Paoa, who besieged him for two months in Pukenui pa. Twice he surprised and routed the invaders (at Mangatoetoe and Waipohue, near Porangahau), so that the Ngati-Kahungunu, who had consolidated themselves in Mahia, were able to return to their occupation of the Heretaunga plains. They and the Ngapuhi lived together until 1836, when Te Wera set out to the north to avenge the death of his nephew 18 years earlier. He defeated the Bay of Plenty people at Toka-a-kuku, but would not allow his followers to eat the dead. After the peace with Waikato in 1824 Tiakitai was again attacked by Te Whatanui, who wished to establish himself in Heretaunga, but Te Wera defeated him at Roto-a-tara and ejected him from the district. He was a beneficent ruler of great sense and magnanimity, loyal to his engagements and unwavering in his protection of the weak. Te Wera was the first Maori in the Mahia district to ride a horse.

S. P. Smith, Wars; Polyn. Jour., viii, 242; Lambert.

Reference: Volume 2, page 244

🌳 Further sources


Volume 2, page 244

🌳 Further sources

Edward William Kane

Edward William Kane

KANE, EDWARD WILLIAM (1858-1934) was born in Wellington, where he was educated at the Thorndon Catholic school and articled to F. M. Ollivier, barrister and solicitor. In 1886 he joined the parliamentary staff; in 1920 he became clerk of the House of Representatives, and in 1930 Clerk of Parliaments and of the Legislative Council. (C.M.G.). Kane married (1921) Rosetta, widow of F. E. Baume (q.v.).

Parltry Record; Who's Who N.Z., 1924, 1932; The Dominion, 19 Jul 1934 (p).

Reference: Volume 1, page 241

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 241

🌳 Further sources

Eparaima Te Mutu Kapa

Eparaima Te Mutu Kapa

KAPA, EPARAIMA TE MUTU (1842-1925), a chief of Te Whananaki hapu of Te Aupouri, was a grandson of Patuone and descended from Mirupokai. He was born at Kaitaia, and educated at the mission school there under Puckey (q.v.). Most of his life he lived at Te Kao and Parengarenga, always exercising his considerable authority in peaceful directions. He was a man of keen intellect and well-balanced judgment, but without much driving force. Convinced of the advantages of education, he persuaded his people to send their children to schools and colleges.

In 1891 Kapa was elected to succeed Taiwhanga as member for the Northern Maori. He was defeated in 1893 by Hone Heke, who represented the Kotahitanga movement. Kapa stood against Heke without success on two subsequent occasions (1896 and 1899).

N.Z.P.D., 26 Jun 1925; N.Z. Graphic, 3 Jun 1893; N.Z. Times, 10 Oct 1907. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 1, page 242

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 242

🌳 Further sources

Te Ahu Karamu

Te Ahu Karamu

TE AHU KARAMU (or Hukiki te Ahu), a chief of the Ngati-Raukawa, was an older brother of Te Whatanui. When Te Rauparaha, having undertaken the heke to Cook Strait, met with difficulties there he appealed to Ngati-Raukawa at Maungatautari to come to his help. The first appeals failed, but at length Te Ahu Karamu collected a taua of 120 and marched southward. A progressive and successful leader in these southern wars, he was so pleased with the country that he returned for the rest of his tribe. They were reluctant to move until he ordered the young men to burn down the huts. Te Ahu was joined by Whatanui and accompanied by Te Heuheu from Taupo. He participated in the sale of Manawatu to Colonel Wakefield (1840), and in 1842 he accompanied G. C. H. Kettle on his exploration of Manawatu and Wairarapa. After Wairau Te Ahu fiercely disagreed with Te Rauparaha and threatened to lead his men back to Maungatautari. He afterwards lived at Ohau and suffered great deprivation and disappointment over the land disputes. In pre-pakeha days he was a cruel and merciless warrior, and in the early pioneer days he generally comported himself arrogantly towards the whites. His eldest son, Wahine-iti, eagerly embraced Christianity. In 1843, when not yet fourteen years old, he accompanied E. J. Wakefield to Taranaki.

N.Z.C. reports; E. J. Wakefield, Adventure; Buick, Manawatu; S. P. Smith, Taranaki

Reference: Volume 1, page 19

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 19

🌳 Further sources

Karetai

Karetai

KARETAI (1781-1860), popularly known as 'Jackey White,' was the principal chief at Otakou when the pakeha arrived. The son of Te Ihutakaru and Kakatuaheka, he was a cousin of Taiaroa (q.v.). Edward Shortland visited him in 1843, when he lived at the eastern heads of Otago harbour. He had been for some time interested in sealing and had a share in a sealing boat. He often visited Sydney and with his wife once spent a year at Parramatta under the care of Samuel Marsden. Karetai made several campaigns against Te Rauparaha. He was wounded in the knee at Oraumoa and became permanently lame, and also lost an eye. Like Taiaroa, he made peace with Te Rauparaha at Poneke after the Wairau affair (1843). He signed the Treaty of Waitangi at the Heads in 1840, and the Otago deed of sale in 1844. He later came under the influence of Charles Creed. Karetai died on 30 May 1860.

Stack; Pratt; Hocken, Otago; Shortland.

Reference: Volume 1, page 242

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 242

🌳 Further sources

John Karslake Karslake

John Karslake Karslake

KARSLAKE, JOHN KARSLAKE, with Anson bought the Waireka station in Canterbury in 1862. It was sold a few years later to the Rt Hon Joseph Chamberlain, and they bought Mount Torlesse (1868). This also they disposed of and acquired Avoca (1873). Karslake represented Coleridge in Parliament (1871-72). He was drowned on a voyage to England.

Acland.

Reference: Volume 1, page 242

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 242

🌳 Further sources

Wiremu Katene

Wiremu Katene

KATENE, WIREMU, an influential chief of the Uritaniwha hapu of Aupouri, and of Ngapuhi, farmed a large estate at Te Ahuahu and lived in pakeha style, setting a good example to his people. Katene was elected to represent the Northern Maori in Parliament in 1871, and was a member of the executive under Waterhouse, Fox, Vogel and Pollen (1872-76). He was defeated in 1875 by Tawhiti and Te Tai. In May 1887 Katene was again elected to Parliament for Northern Maori, but he lost his seat at the general election a few months later. He died on 1 Nov 1895.

Parltry Record; N.Z. Herald, 29 Nov 1895. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 1, page 242

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 242

🌳 Further sources

Renata Kawepo Tama-Ki-Hikurangi

Renata Kawepo Tama-Ki-Hikurangi

KAWEPO TAMA-KI-HIKURANGI, RENATA (?1808-88) was one of the best known chiefs in Hawke's Bay. He belonged to the Ngati-Te Upokoiri hapu of Ngati-Kahungunu, and was born in the first decade of the nineteenth century. He had achieved some fame as a warrior in the twenties. In 1830 Ngapuhi invaded Hawke's Bay and totally defeated Ngati-Kahungunu at Roto-atara, close to Te Aute College, where Renata was captured. He was taken back by the conquerors to the north. While living with the Ngapuhi he was tattooed and converted to Christianity. Desiring to convey the Gospel to his own people, he became a teacher and went back first to Patea and then to other settlements, where he was recognised as a chief. He returned to Ahuriri with Colenso (Mar 1845) and introduced horses there in 1850. His influence was always friendly to the pakeha, and in 1857 he and several other chiefs in Hawke's Bay wrote to the Hawke's Bay Herald assuring the settlers that there would be no hostilities against them. When Napier was in danger he was offered the rank of major, but declined. Nevertheless he led his own hapu in the fighting at Omarunui under Colonel Whitmore and was instrumental in the rout of the Hauhau. He declined pay for his services, but accepted a sword of honour.

When his men landed very seasick at Turanganui (Gisborne), some of the chiefs wished to give them time to recover, but Renata insisted on immediately marching and they attacked Patutahi the following morning (20 Nov 1868). He took part also in the successful attack on Makaretu and in the operations at Ngatapa (1868-69). When Whitmore called for volunteers for the storming party against Te Waiparati he was the first to offer. Later in 1869 he took the field with 65 mounted men of his tribe in the Taupo expedition under Colonel McDonnell. After attacking the Papawai pa from three directions, they discovered that Te Kooti and his men had made their escape to Porere, where they were followed. In the fight Renata was engaged in fierce single combat with a stalwart Hauhau when the latter's wife sprang upon him and gouged out his right eye with her fingers. A timely assistant despatched the Hauhau. Renata would not allow the plucky woman to be injured and later he married her.

In 1883 Renata welcomed Tawhiao to Hawke's Bay as a friend, but scorned his pretensions. A man of great sagacity and a born ruler, Renata was highly respected by both races. His interest in Christian institutions continued after the peace, and he made many gifts to churches and schools. He received a Government pension of Β£100 a year for his services, and lived in European style at Omahu (where he died on 18 Apr 1888). Honourable in all his dealings, Renata Kawepo once refused Β£4,390 for a piece of land which he had promised to sell for Β£480. His grandniece was Airini (afterwards MRS G. P. DONNELLY, q.v.).

Cowan; Gudgeon; Cowan, Wars; do. Sketches (p); Lambert; Otago Daily Times, 21 Jun 1909, sup. p. 2.

Reference: Volume 1, page 243

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 243

🌳 Further sources

Kawiti

Kawiti

KAWITI (?1774-1854), a fine old Maori warrior, was a chief of the Ngati-Hine hapu of Ngapuhi, and lived at Waiomio, near Kawakawa. In early life he took part in the expeditions of Ngapuhi. He was interested in the whites from the first, and got into friendly relations with Thomas Kendall on his visit in 1814, but remained a heathen almost to the end.

Though he signed the Treaty of Waitangi (1840), Kawiti was soon in active revolt against the colonists. Prompted mainly, it would seem, by curiosity and a desire to pit the prowess of the Maori against British soldiers, he entered eagerly into Heke's plans in 1844 for an attack on Kororareka, proposed a binding alliance, and opened hostilities by plundering the outlying settlers. His taua consisted of his own hapu, with men from the Roroa, Kapotai, Ngare-Hauata, Ngati-Pu and Ngati-Toki. Heke was somewhat jealous of Kawiti's mana in the early days of the rising. Approaching the town of Kororareka in the early morning of 11 Jan 1845, Kawiti's taua of 200 encountered the force landed from the warships, and after a sharp fight were repulsed. Kawiti's son and one of his leading chiefs (Pumuka) were amongst the 20 killed. At Puketutu Kawiti's division again suffered severely in a charge by the 58th Regiment. Coming to the help of Heke, he occupied the rising ground, and when driven out after a hard fight maintained a stiff rearguard action in the bush. Kawiti on this occasion was twice engaged hand-to-hand with soldiers and was slightly wounded; he escaped by lying concealed while the troops passed him. His losses were over 20 men, including his second son Taura.

At the suggestion of Heke, Kawiti then set about strengthening the pa at Ohaeawai, of which he doubled the capacity and improved the defences in a scientific manner. Attacking against the strong advice of Tamati Waka Nene (q.v.), Colonel Despard suffered a severe reverse, and the Maori then retired. Determined that any further fighting should be on his own land, Kawiti constructed a strong pa at Ruapekapeka. He declined repeated overtures of peace, and prepared to meet the attack. On 9 Jan 1846 the artillery started a severe bombardment which lasted all day; Kawiti's two guns being silenced early. Believing that Sunday would be observed as Ra-tapu, Kawiti that night retired to the rear of the pa to rest. At dawn the abandoned breastwork was reconnoitred by the friendlies, and the troops were enabled to effect their entry unopposed into the main part of the pa. Alarmed too late, Kawiti fired one volley into the enemy and escaped to the bush in the rear, where Heke's troops were holding church service. After a fruitless effort to recover the work the insurgents withdrew. Embittered against Heke for his supposed lukewarm co-operation, Kawiti on 29 Jan offered to make peace. He was afterwards reconciled with Nene, and lived quietly for the rest of his life.

Unlike other leading chiefs of the north, Kawiti refused until old age to accept the Christian religion. At the suggestion of the Rev Henry Williams (q.v.) he attended divine service for the first time in Nov 1851, and he moved his residence to Pakaraka to be close to his friend. On 2 Feb 1853 he was baptised (taking the name of Te Ruku, Duke). He died on 5 May 1854. Kawiti stuck tenaciously to the native customs of chivalry.

His son, MAIHI PARAONE KAWITI, who took control of the tribe, was a good Christian. In Jan 1858, as a token of lasting peace, he re-erected the flagstaff on the hill at Kororareka. When the King movement was inaugurated Maihi was offered, but declined, the King governorship of the northern district. A conservative Maori of the old school, he wielded great influence amongst the Ngapuhi. He died at Waiomio on 21 May 1888.

Buller; Carleton; Marsden, L. and J.; S. P. Smith, Wars; Cowan (p); Buick, First War (p).

Reference: Volume 1, page 243

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 243

🌳 Further sources

Michael Cormac Keane

Michael Cormac Keane

KEANE, MICHAEL CORMAC (1880-1929) was born at Hokitika, the son of Michael Keane, and educated at the Christchurch Boys' High School where he gained a junior scholarship (1896). At Canterbury College he was a brilliant mathematician, winning exhibitions in 1897 and 1898. He graduated B.A. in 1900 (senior scholarship in mathematics) and M.A. in 1901 with first class honours in the same subject. He contributed frequently to the College magazine and showed remarkable facility in verse. Entering journalism on the staff of the Lyttelton Times, Keane was afterwards on Truth (later called the Evening News), of which he was sub-editor when he was appointed in 1904 to the staff of the Evening Post. In this and later positions he wrote humorous columns which for years maintained a high standard of brilliance in both prose and verse. He was associate editor of the New Zealand Times in 1906 and of the Dominion from 1907 till 1913, when he was appointed to the same position on the Press. In 1919 he became editor, holding the position till his death on 22 Jun 1929. Keane wrote much verse of good quality, examples of which appear in anthologies, in the Sydney Bulletin and other journals.

Who's Who N.Z., 1924; The Press, 24 Jun 1929; Evening Post, 22 Jun 1929.

Reference: Volume 2, page 274

🌳 Further sources


Volume 2, page 274

🌳 Further sources

Jackson Keddell

Jackson Keddell

KEDDELL, JACKSON (1831-1910) was born in Kent and educated at Arno's Court, Somersetshire. In 1850 he became a cornet in the 16th Lancers, but shortly resigned and emigrated to Australia, where in 1853 he joined the Victorian Mounted Police. He was present at Eureka Stockade. While holding the rank of sub-inspector he paid a visit to Otago (1861) during Branigan's organisation of the mounted police in that province. On the discovery by Hartley and Reilly at the Dunstan in 1862, he was appointed warden there. In the following year Keddell raised a troop on the goldfields for service in the Maori war. He served under General Cameron through the Waikato campaign and in 1864 was promoted major. In 1868 he was appointed resident magistrate and warden on the Thames fields, and some time later went into partnership with his colleague L. Broad as mining agents. He was resident magistrate at Coromandel (1870-79), in Central Otago (1879-85), Greymouth (1885-92) and Oamaru where he died on 17 Nov 1910.

Keddell married first (1864) May, daughter of William Corbett, chief postmaster at Auckland; and second (1882) a daughter of R. McCracken, Otago.

Gilkison; Cycl. N.Z., iv (p); Otago Daily Times, 5 Dec 1910.

Reference: Volume 1, page 243

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 243

🌳 Further sources

James Kelham

James Kelham

KELHAM, JAMES, was employed in the office of the New Zealand Company before coming to the colony in the London (1842). He was in business as an accountant in Wellington, and was the first chairman of the chamber of commerce (1856-58). Kelham represented Wellington City in the Provincial Council (1856) and in Parliament (1853-55). He was a strong supporter of Featherston in provincial politics and chairman of his election committee in 1857. After retiring Kelham lived at Waiwetu Road, Hutt, till his death in 1882.

N.Z.C.; Ward.

Reference: Volume 1, page 243

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 243

🌳 Further sources

Edward Kellett

Edward Kellett

KELLETT, EDWARD (1865-1922) was born in Dunedin, educated there and trained as a carpenter. Taking an interest in trade unionism, he was president of the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners and organising secretary. During the war of 1914-18 he was a member of the Otago and Southland Military Service Board and afterwards of the Repatriation Board. He served on the West Harbour Borough Council for many years till 1919, when he was elected to represent Dunedin North in Parliament. He died on 15 May 1922.

N.Z.P.D., 29 Jun 1922; Otago Daily Times, 16 May 1922.

Reference: Volume 1, page 244

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 244

🌳 Further sources

Charles Frederick Christian Kelling

Charles Frederick Christian Kelling

KELLING, CHARLES FREDERICK CHRISTIAN (1818-98) was born and educated in Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany, and at the age of 26 came to New Zealand with his brother and other Germans in the Skjold. They settled at Waimea East, where the brothers farmed together for several years. Charles then moved to Upper Moutere, where he resided for the remainder of his life. Like his brother, he took a great interest in the emigration of Germans to New Zealand, and he also participated in public affairs as a member of the Nelson Provincial Council for 12 years (for Moutere 1861-69; and for Waimea West 1869-73). He died on 28 Dec 1898.

Parltry Record; Nelson P.C. Proc.; The Colonist, 30 Dec 1898.

Reference: Volume 1, page 244

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 244

🌳 Further sources

John Fedor Augustus Kelling

John Fedor Augustus Kelling

KELLING, JOHN FEDOR AUGUSTUS (1820-1909) was born in Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany, where he had a high school education and studied surveying. He farmed for a while on the estates of Count Ranzau, and in 1844 left for New Zealand in the Skjold as one of the leaders of the second migration of Germans for Nelson, in which the count took an interest. He settled at Waimea East, took up 350 acres for farming and in 1855 purchased a run of 8,000 acres in Marlborough. There he pastured 4,000 sheep until 1877, when he bought a large farm at Stanley Brook, Motueka. In 1853 he was a director of the Settlers' Cattle Fair association, and in the following year he organised the Nelson Agricultural association, of which he was secretary to 1862. Kelling was elected in 1854 to the first Waimea road board. He was chairman of the board to 1860, and also of the central education board. He was elected to the Provincial Council for Waimea East, which he represented 1857-63 and 1865-75. In 1860 he was for a few months member of Parliament for the same constituency. He was appointed a justice of the peace in 1859. In 1863 he visited Europe and acted as immigration agent for the New Zealand Government, which was interested in obtaining more German settlers.

In 1867 Kelling was appointed consul for New Zealand for the North German Confederation. This position he held until 1871, when he became consul for the German Empire, a post which was abolished on his recommendation in 1884. The Kaiser presented him with the Order of the Crown in recognition of his services. Kelling was a lieutenant in the New Zealand militia during the Maori war, but did not serve in the field. He died on 24 Oct 1909.

Nelson P.A.C. Proc.; N.Z.P.D., 26 Oct 1909; App. H.R., 1863, D5; Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Cycl. N.Z., v (p); The Colonist, 27 Oct 1909; N.Z. Times, 25 Apr 1907.

Reference: Volume 1, page 244

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 244

🌳 Further sources

James Whyte Kelly

James Whyte Kelly

KELLY, JAMES WHYTE (1855-1938) was born at Carluke, Lanarkshire, educated at the parish school and apprenticed to tailoring, at which he worked in Scotland and England. Having married Elizabeth, daughter of James Millar (Motherwell), they sailed for New Zealand in the Aldergrove (1875). Kelly worked for Thomas Millar (Invercargill) till 1890, in which year he contested Invercargill in the Labour interest (defeating Feldwick and J. W. Bain). He was re-elected in 1893 (defeating Joseph Hatch) and again in 1896 (defeating Scandrett and John Sinclair). In 1899 he was defeated by J. A. Hanan. Kelly was a borough councillor and mayor of South Invercargill, secretary of the Southland trades and labour council, and chairman of the Southland Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants. He died on 15 Dec 1938.

Cycl. NZ., iv; Who's Who NZ., 1908; Lyttelton Times, 8 Dec 1890; Timaru Herald, 17 Dec 1938; Otago Daily Times, 22 Dec 1938. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 1, page 244

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 244

🌳 Further sources

John Kelly

John Kelly

KELLY, JOHN (1807-83) was a native of County Tyrone, Ireland. As a young man he joined the Royal Engineers and came with a detachment to Australia, where he superintended the construction of government buildings in Tasmania and New South Wales. In 1836 he retired from the army and crossed to Bay of Islands, where he lived for several years. He was present at the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. Kelly acted as guide to a detachment of the 80th Regiment during Heke's trouble. About 1843 he removed to Auckland, erected a house on a piece of land which he had bought at Mt Eden and continued to practise as a surveyor. He represented the Pensioner Settlements in the Provincial Council (1856-59). He died on 14 Apr 1883.

Auckland P.C. Proc.; N.Z. Herald, 16 Apr 1883.

Reference: Volume 1, page 244

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 244

🌳 Further sources

John Liddell Kelly

John Liddell Kelly

KELLY, JOHN LIDDELL (1850-1925) was a native of the village of Calder, near Airdrie, Scotland, where his father was employed as a blacksmith and was known as a poet and orator. At the age of 11 John entered upon his seven years apprenticeship to the Airdrie Advertiser, where he learned clerical work, kept accounts and reported the law courts. In 1870 he married, and in 1875 he was sent to Rutherglen, where he published, managed and edited the Rutherglen Reformer and acted as district representative of the Glasgow Herald and Evening Times. He was already doing exercises in verse which developed later into a happy and sometimes playful muse.

In 1881 Kelly left Scotland in the Algoa Bay for New Zealand and, finding his way to Auckland, joined the staff of the Star as a compositor and reader. He later became sub-editor, and in 1885 went in the schooner Janet Nicoll to report for the Government and the Auckland chamber of commerce on trade openings in the Pacific islands. His report was published in 1885. This voyage inspired Kelly to write his poem Tahiti and the libretto of a comic opera Pomare (1885).

In 1888 he left the Star to become part proprietor and editor of the New Zealand Observer which he controlled until an unfavourable verdict for damages led to his parting with his interest. He then reported in Parliament for a while and became sub-editor of The Globe (Dunedin). A few months later he joined the literary staff of the Lyttelton Times, of which he was sub-editor until being appointed in 1898 editor of the New Zealand Times.

On leaving this post (in 1906) Kelly edited for a short time the Tribune, at Hilo, Hawaii, and the Ashburton Guardian, and then took up his residence in Auckland, where he did a variety of literary work.

In 1902 Kelly published a collection of his verse under the title Heather and Fern. He adventured a little into philosophy with such pamphlets as The Cult of the Occult and The End of Time, and finally into British Israelitism. He died on 10 Dec 1925.

Kelly, op. cit.; Who's Who N.Z., 1908; N.Z. Times and Auckland Star, 11 Dec 1925.

Reference: Volume 1, page 244

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 244

🌳 Further sources

Maurice Kelly

Maurice Kelly

KELLY, MAURICE (1785-1888) was born in Queen's County, Ireland, the son of a peasant farmer. At 15 he went to sea, trading to North and South America, India and New South Wales. Returning to Ireland, he enlisted at Carlow in the 3rd Buffs, from which he deserted a few weeks after landing in New South Wales. Sharing the colonel's passion for cock fighting, he was leniently treated, but he again took to the bush and after five years of country life crossed to Whangaroa, where he worked for a sawmiller (Snowden) for three years. Returning to Sydney in the brig Guide, he spent a few years in Australia and finally came to New Zealand in the Hannah Watson (Captain Stewart), Whitaker being a fellow passenger. Landing at Kaipara he worked at bushfelling at Elmslie's, Wairoa. When the capital was moved to Auckland Kelly was engaged sawing timber at Lucas Creek and Kauri Point. He then went into business for himself in association with Dr Lee and others at Smale's Point, preparing timber for Sydney, California and China. They had 500 acres at Lucas Creek, and Kelly owned 10 bullock teams. Having married a widow (Mrs Fairs, who died 1885) he sold out and took up a freehold of 2,000 acres at Wade (1848), where he built a hotel and operated a sawmill and a carrying business. He took part in many provincial elections and was in the Provincial Council for Northern Division (1859-61). He died on 24 Jun 1888.

N.Z. Herald, 24 Mar 1888 (p).

Reference: Volume 1, page 244

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 244

🌳 Further sources

Thomas Kelly

Thomas Kelly

KELLY, THOMAS (1830-1921) was born in Isle of Man and educated there. In 1855 he came to New Zealand by the Cresswell with his parents. They acquired land at Bell Block, Taranaki, where Kelly afterwards farmed for many years. He served in the Maori wars, becoming an ensign in the Taranaki militia in 1865.

Kelly was first a member of the Provincial Council in 1863, representing New Plymouth until 1869. For the last three years of that period he was provincial secretary under H. R. Richmond (q.v.). Thus early he strenuously advocated the construction of railways and roads to open up the country as the best means of combating the Maori. He was responsible for much road and bridge construction, and was active in initiating the section of railway between New Plymouth and Waitara (1873).

Elected to the House of Representatives for New Plymouth Town in 1869, he sat continuously until 1884. During this period he promoted with great energy legislation for the development of communications in Taranaki. The harbour ordinances of the province were re-enacted as required after the abolition, and Kelly was for many years a member and some time chairman of the board. He was also on the land board, the education board and the Taranaki county council. When the abolition of the provinces was imminent he was persuaded to return to the Provincial Council to assist in the winding up of provincial affairs. In Oct 1874, he was elected for Grey and Bell, and he succeeded Atkinson as provincial secretary for the balance of the provincial term, being afterwards one of the general Government agents.

In Parliament Kelly was for eight years chairman of the public petitions committee. After his defeat by O. Samuel (1884) he remained in private life for some years until being called to the Legislative Council by the Ballance government (1892). His term was twice renewed, and he finally retired in 1913. He was a consistent Liberal in politics, a staunch supporter of the Ballance and Seddon governments and an advocate of a state bank. For many years he was a leader writer for the Taranaki Herald. Kelly died on 21 Sep 1921.

N.Z.P.D., 23 Sep 1921; Taranaki P.C. Proc. and Gaz; Taranaki Herald, 7 Jul 1884, 21 Sep 1921

Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 1, page 245

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 245

🌳 Further sources

William Kelly

William Kelly

KELLY, WILLIAM (1840-1907) was born in County Louth, Ireland, and educated in Ardee. He then went into mercantile life. Having married, he came to New Zealand in 1863 and almost immediately undertook commissariat contracts for the troops operating in Waikato and the East Coast. In 1865 he established himself in business at Opotiki, where he had several vessels trading with Auckland and other ports.

Kelly represented Pensioner Settlements in the Auckland Provincial Council (1872-73) and Opotiki (1873-75). In 1870 he contested the East Coast seat in Parliament against Mackay and Skeet and won. He was defeated by Morris at the election of 1875, and contested the seat five times before regaining it by defeating Judge Gill and Kerr (1887). He then represented the constituency, which was called alternately East Coast, Tauranga and Bay of Plenty, until 1896. In 1897 Kelly was called to the Legislative Council. He died on 19 Sep 1907.

N.Z.P.D., 19 Sep 1907; Cycl. N.Z., ii (p); N.Z. Herald, 20 Sep 1907. Portrait: Parliament House.

KEMP, HENRY TACY (1818-1901) was born in Norfolk, England, and came to New Zealand with his father, James Kemp (q.v.) in 1819. He was educated at the mission school at Waimate and afterwards at a grammar school in Norwich, England. Returning to the colony just before the Treaty of Waitangi, he entered the public service on 6 Feb 1840, and as a cadet on Hobson's staff assisted to indite the documents relating to the inauguration of British rule. He was subsequently engaged on land purchases and in 1843 was appointed secretary and interpreter to the land claims commissioners (Godfrey and Richmond). He escorted Dieffenbach overland from Bay of Islands to Kaipara and Manukau, and was present at the apprehension of the murderer of the Roberton family and the capture of Pomare's pa (1845).

In 1846 Kemp relieved Dr Shortland at Wellington, and as Native Secretary was present at the capture of Te Rauparaha, prevented the seizure of Major Last at the Hutt as a hostage, and assisted to organise the friendlies under Wi Tako (q.v.). He was with Sir William Fox when he fixed the site of Picton, and in 1847 traversed Wellington province collecting statistics for the blue book. In 1848 he carried through the Ngai-Tahu purchase in the South Island.

About this time Kemp translated into Maori Robinson Crusoe, The Pilgrim's Progress and Whately's Organisation of Labour. The first two were popular and were soon sold out. He also published on his own account First Step to Maori Conversation (which ran to three editions).

In 1849, having been appointed a justice of the peace, he accompanied Bell in the fruitless effort to purchase the Wairarapa block. Next year he negotiated the purchase of the Remuera block at Auckland for Β£5,000 (with an eventual profit to the treasury of Β£27,000). In 1851 Kemp was district commissioner for the purchase of native lands in the north, and later civil commissioner and resident magistrate in Auckland, district land officer and inspector of native schools. After serving in that capacity for 10 years he resigned. In association with Paora Tuhaere and Te Wheoro, Kemp succeeded in opening up communication with the King tribes and obtaining the appointment of Mair as magistrate at Alexandra. After his retirement he was employed for five years by the Auckland provincial government on native duties. He died on 24 Oct 1901.

Kemp married Maria Williams, daughter of J. A. Wilson (q.v.). She died on 21 Jan 1889.

N.Z. Gaz. 1841, p. 129; App. H.R., 1891, ii G7; Hocken; Kemp, in N.Z. Herald, 1901 (9, 16, 23, 30 Mar, 6 Apr); N.Z. Herald, 28 Oct 1901.

Reference: Volume 1, page 245

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 245

🌳 Further sources

James Kemp

James Kemp

KEMP, JAMES (1798-1872) came from Wymondham, Norfolk. A smith by trade, he was selected by the C.M.S. to proceed to New Zealand with the Rev J. G. Butler (1819). He sailed in the convict ship Baring to Sydney, and with Marsden in the General Gates to Bay of Islands, where they arrived on 29 Jul 1819. The Kemps were stationed at Kerikeri, where he helped to build the school and remained as smith and storekeeper. He also taught in the school and at one time had 200 natives under instruction.

Kemp was a zealous and high-principled man; Marsden more than once praised him as "a missionary of the right sort and the couple as very choice people." He served until 1852, when he severed his connection with the mission. He died on 21 Feb 1872 (his wife Charlotte having predeceased him by 12 years). Kemp's wooden house at Kerikeri, built in 1819, is still occupied by his family.

Marsden, L. and J., and Lieutenants; Stock; Kemp letters in Hocken Library; Williams papers; N.Z. Herald, 23 Feb 1872.

Reference: Volume 1, page 245

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 245

🌳 Further sources

Sampson Kempthorne

Sampson Kempthorne

KEMPTHORNE, SAMPSON (1809-73) arrived in Auckland in 1842 by the St George, bringing a number of farming settlers, and made a livelihood farming near St John's College and surveying. In 1849 he was nominated to the Legislative Council of New Ulster. He died on 14 Nov 1873. Kempthorne married (1838) Marianne, daughter of the Rev Josiah Pratt (1768-1844). She died on 24 Sep 1884.

Cycl. NZ

Reference: Volume 1, page 245

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 245

🌳 Further sources

John Pratt Kempthorne

John Pratt Kempthorne

KEMPTHORNE, JOHN PRATT (1849-1931) was the son of Sampson Kempthorne, and was born at Auckland. Educated at the Grammar School under Dr Kinder (q.v.), he settled at Nelson (1868) and at the age of 20 became a theological student at Bishopdale (Nelson). In 1873 he accompanied Bishop Suter to England and, having passed first, he was the gospeller at his ordination (by the Bishop of Canterbury) on 21 Sep.

Kempthorne was curate of Stoke (1874-76); became a priest in 1876, and was appointed curate of All Saints, Nelson, and headmaster of the Bishop's school. In 1878 he was appointed vicar of Reefton, and married Mary Louisa, daughter of Dr L. Boor. In 1880 he became vicar of Trinity, Greymouth, and he built the new church before being appointed to the Cathedral church at Nelson (1885). In 1916 he was elected a canon, and appointed vicar of Brightwater and Archdeacon of Waimea. He retired in 1926 and died on 18 Sep 1931.

Kempthorne was closely associated with all diocesan activities, and for 30 years was commissary of the bishop. For many years he was president of the Harmonic Society. He left a widow and a large family, three of his sons being in holy orders. He was a grandson of the Rev Josiah Pratt, secretary of the C.M.S. (1802-23). His son, Leonard STANLEY (1886-) became Bishop in Polynesia (1923).

Williams Papers; Who's Who N.Z., 1924; Nelson Gazette, 1 Oct 1931; New Zealander, 11 May 1864; Nelson Evening Mail, 5 Oct 1926.

Reference: Volume 1, page 245

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 245

🌳 Further sources

Rua Kenana

(Hepetipa)

Rua Kenana

(Hepetipa)

KENANA, RUA, or HEPETIPA (1869-1937) was born in Maungapohatu in the Urewera Country, and as a young man worked on sheep stations on the East Coast. Not of chiefly rank, but possessing a strong personality and a gift of oratory, he returned to the isolation of the Urewera country to present his version of Pakeha learning, and soon began to demand recognition as leader and prophet. Sir Joseph Ward, intervening in the internal tribal rivalry in 1905, supported the hereditary chief, but Rua's power and influence continued to increase. He established a farming settlement at Maungapohatu, and a trading station. As priest of his new religion, Rua wore his hair long, took seven wives - the number prescribed, as he claimed, by holy writ - and built a large temple. In 1910 he was arrested and fined for selling liquor to natives. Charged again with the same offence in 1916, he resisted arrest and in the struggle several men were killed. After a trial which lasted 47 days, Rua was sentenced to a year's imprisonment in Auckland. On his return home he continued to exercise a considerable influence over his followers, who regarded him as divine. On his death (21 Feb 1937) hundreds of Maori gathered at Matahi for the tangi, to be disillusioned when on the third day his prophecy that he would rise from the dead was not fulfilled. Rua had during his lifetime 12 wives, and more than 70 children.

The Dominion, 24 Feb (p), 5 Mar, 28 Apr 1937; Evening Post, 25 Feb 1937 (p); N.Z. Herald, 4 Apr 1916 (p); The Press, 16 Jan 1919.

Reference: Volume 1, page 245

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 245

🌳 Further sources

Thomas Kendall

Thomas Kendall

KENDALL, THOMAS (1778-1832) was born at North Thoresby, Lincolnshire, on 13 Dec 1778. Educated in the parish school, he was afterwards engaged teaching privately in a home near his birthplace. Later he was with a family which brought him under a strong religious influence and first turned his thoughts towards the church as a profession. While here he was interested in agriculture, and worked for two years on a small farm of 15 acres. Having married, he returned to his native village, and endeavoured to make a livelihood as a linen draper and grocer. A speculation in hops drew him to London, where he spent some years as a school teacher and became associated with religious organisations. His enthusiasm for the evangelical movement in the Church of England brought him in touch with the Church Missionary Society, to which he was highly recommended during Marsden's visit to England in 1809. The committee approved of him, but considered he should further qualify himself before entering the mission field. It was consequently not until 1813 that he sailed for Australia in the transport Earl Spencer. Kendall and his wife acted as schoolmaster and schoolmistress on board, and in consideration of remaining three years in the Colony were to receive the customary land grant.

When Marsden purchased the Active (in 1814), Kendall was free from his school duties and able to embark upon the first missionary voyage to New Zealand. He completely fulfilled Marsden's instructions and hopes, and prepared to accompany him to Bay of Islands, leaving his two daughters in Sydney. Prior to sailing he was gazetted a justice of the peace at Bay of Islands. Marsden established the mission at Rangihoua, Kendall being in charge, with John King and William Hall as assistants. The basis of the mission was to give instruction in European arts and crafts. Kendall was keenly interested in the Maori language, and suggested to the Society (1815) the propriety of sending out some person of talent who could assist in writing it down. His little volume A Korao no New Zealand; The New Zealander's First Book (published in 1815), was of great assistance to Professor Lee in compiling his Maori grammar. In 1816 Kendall opened a school at Rangihoua, at which in a few weeks 60 native pupils were receiving instruction. Already, however, there were signs of dissension amongst the missionaries. Kendall being a layman, his colleagues refused to acknowledge the authority vested in him by Marsden or the Society. Lack of discipline on the one hand, and constant alarms from warring tribes on the other, militated seriously against the success of the mission. The school closed after two years for lack of support; and the missionaries, forbidden to trade with the natives on their own account, were often in serious want. Marsden was vexed by many complaints which the missionaries made against each other. Though there were already signs of moral deterioration in Kendall's ardent and overbearing character, Marsden continued to repose confidence in him. In 1819, when he brought to Bay of Islands the Rev J. G. Butler, the first ordained minister for the mission in New Zealand, Marsden insisted that the missionaries should bind themselves not to engage in private trading. Before long Kendall was not only openly selling muskets to the natives, but he refused to acknowledge the authority of either Butler or the committee of missionaries.

Still interested in his Maori studies, he suddenly determined to go to England, taking with him his protector, Hongi, and Waikato to assist in putting the Maori language into writing. Hongi's private wish was to obtain muskets and other weapons with which to avenge himself upon the Ngati-Whatua and the Ngati-Paoa. Against the advice of both Marsden and the committee, Kendall sailed in the New Zealander (2 Mar 1820), leaving his wife and large family to care for themselves. The Society strongly censured him for leaving New Zealand without permission and for bringing Maori chiefs to England. It adjured Kendall to eschew private trading; to devote his whole time henceforth to the work of the mission; to extend cultivations and stock-raising, and to govern the affairs of the mission through quarterly meetings of the missionaries, schoolmasters and lay settlers, each taking the chair in rotation. Kendall's ambition of being ordained was gratified. The party returned to Australia in the transport Speke, and reached Bay of Islands in the Westmoreland (11 Jul 1821).

Before long not only was Kendall selling muskets to the natives, but he vigorously defended his action against the remonstrances of Marsden. Charges of immoral living were now made and admitted, and Marsden wrote suspending Kendall from the service of the mission. He arrived in person with Henry Williams (q.v.) in 1823, and conveyed the decision of the Society dismissing Kendall from its service. He refused to allow the erring missionary to remain in New Zealand, though he had the protection of Hongi. Kendall gained the day through the wreck of the Brampton as she was leaving the Bay in Sep. In Mar 1823 he removed to Kororareka, and later took up his residence under the protection of Pomare at Matahui. Living practically as a Maori, he continued his study of the language and customs and corresponded intermittently with Lee and with the Missionary Society.

In Feb 1825, seeking change, Kendall sailed with his family by the St Patrick for Valparaiso, where he spent two years as clergyman and schoolmaster in the service of the English community. In Jun 1827 he returned to New South Wales in the ship Elizabeth and received from Governor Darling (in consideration of his service in New Zealand) a grant of 1,280 acres of land at Ulladulla, in the southern district. There he engaged in the timber trade, for which he purchased a small vessel and commanded it himself. She overturned in a squall at Shoalhaven in Sep 1832 and he was drowned. His son Basil, who was in the business with him, had served for some years in the Chilean and Brazilian navies under Lord Dundonald. He was the father of Henry Clarence Kendall (1841-82), the Australian poet.

Marsden, L. and J., and Lieuts.; Ramsden; S. P. Smith; Carleton; Hocken, in Trans. N.Z. Inst., v, 33.

Reference: Volume 1, page 246

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 246

🌳 Further sources

Walter Kennaway

Walter Kennaway

KENNAWAY, SIR WALTER (1835-1920) a native of Exeter, was a son of William Kennaway, of a well-known Devonshire family. When his education was finished (at the Mount Radford school, Exmouth), his father purchased land orders in the proposed Canterbury settlement for the three brothers (Walter, Laurence and John).

Walter arrived in Lyttelton in the ship Canterbury in Oct 1851, and they at once took up a small farm in the Heathcote valley, which was worked by John for many years. In company with F. W. Delamain, Laurence and Walter squatted in 1854 on the Alford run, in the forks of the Ashburton. They claimed 50,000 acres, but were eventually awarded 20,000. The partnership with Delamain was dissolved in 1860, and the Kennaways took up the Opawa and Rollesby runs. Later they had a run farther south, with out-station at Burke's Pass, where they endured the hardships of early settlers in Canterbury. Some of their experiences are recounted in Laurence Kennaway's book Crusts (published after his return to England in 1874). When they took up the Burke's Pass place they had to go 180 miles in order to get clean sheep, and had then to drive them by a circuitous route along the foothills in order to avoid scab-infected country. Walter was one of the first to drive a bullock wagon through Burke's Pass.

Kennaway made an attempt in 1865 to get into the Provincial Council (for Geraldine) but was defeated by William Gosling by 11 votes to 5. Two years later he was elected to the Provincial Council for Mount Cook. This he represented 1867-70, and Seadown 1870-74. He was a member of Hall's executive in 1870 and 1871, and in 1872 he formed an executive which held office until the first week of 1874. Kennaway came into office as the result of a motion he moved in the interests of the out-districts, which he believed were not being fairly treated in the expenditure of public moneys. Once his administration was defeated by a single vote, but the mover was taken into the executive, which then carried on. As secretary for public works, Kennaway had control of the construction of railways in Canterbury under the Vogel development policy, and the letting of the contract for harbour improvement at Lyttelton. He was eventually defeated on a proposal of his government to introduce a general manager of railways from England. He resigned from the Council.

Kennaway had some part in drafting the Canterbury education ordinance. This established a non-sectarian system which provided that on one day in each week teachers of religion could enter the schools to teach the Bible to their own pupils. He was also responsible for setting aside over 300,000 acres of public lands as endowments for Canterbury College, the School of Agriculture and other institutions. He was a governor of Canterbury College (1873-74) and for some years commissioner of crown lands.

In 1874 Kennaway accepted the post of secretary to the Agent-general in London, which he filled for the next 31 years under Featherston, Vogel, Bell and Reeves. In 1886 he was a commissioner for the Colonial and Indian Exhibition in London. In 1889, for his services in connection with the exhibition in Paris, he was made an officer of the French Academy. In 1891 he received the C.M.G.

Kennaway retired in 1909, and in that year was knighted. He died on 24 Aug 1920. He married (1864) Alicia, daughter of J. E. Jones. The Kennaway brothers about 1874 returned to live in Devon.

Canterbury P.C. Proc.; Acland; Cox; Kennaway, op. cit.; N.Z. Times, 29 Apr 1909; The Press, 13 Nov 1909, 21 Jun 1930 (p).

Reference: Volume 1, page 247

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 247

🌳 Further sources

Alexander Kennedy

Alexander Kennedy

KENNEDY, ALEXANDER (?-1887) was the son of a Presbyterian minister of Jura and Colonsay, in Argyllshire. He settled in Napier in the early fifties and was a partner in the mercantile firm of Watt, Kennedy and Watt. Later he established the firm of Routledge, Kennedy and Co. Kennedy sat in the Provincial Council for Napier Town from 1863-75, and was a member of the executive (1865, 1867 and 1869).

Reference: Volume 1, page 247

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 247

🌳 Further sources

Alexander Kennedy

Alexander Kennedy

KENNEDY, ALEXANDER, who was of Scots birth, came to New Zealand from Sydney in the Nimrod (1840) as manager of the Banking Company established at Bay of Islands and later managed the Auckland branch (1841-45). He then became manager of the Union Bank of Australia at Auckland, of which he had charge until 1861. In that year Kennedy was associated with the flotation of the New Zealand Bank (the Bank of New Zealand). The first office was opened at Auckland on 16 Oct, followed by that at New Plymouth (18 Nov); Dunedin (2 Dec) and Wellington (15 Jan 1862). Kennedy was appointed (15 Jul 1861) inspector and general manager. He retired from the Bank in 1869 and went to England. While in London in 1873 he published an interesting book of reminiscences of New Zealand and in 1885 A Visit to Lake Rotorua. In 1845 Kennedy took his turn of duty digging trenches for the defence of Auckland and he was a member of the Legislative Council of New Zealand (1846-47) and of New Ulster (1848). He published in 1852 Notes of a Short Tour into the Interior made by canoe on the Waikato and Waipa rivers.

Parlty Record; Kennedy, op. cit.; Wellington Independent, 20 Dec 1861

Reference: Volume 1, page 247

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 247

🌳 Further sources

David Kennedy

David Kennedy

KENNEDY, DAVID (1864-1936), who was born in Lyttelton, was educated at St Mary's College, Dundalk, Ireland, and at University College, Dublin, at Barcelona, and at the Gregorian University in Rome (qualifying D.D.). Ordained in 1891, he was appointed to the Marist seminary at Meeanee, Hawke's Bay. This he equipped as an official meteorological station, and he was made a fellow of the Royal Astronomical and Meteorological Societies. In 1909 he was appointed rector of St Patrick's College, Wellington. In 1914 he represented New Zealand at the general chapter of the Marist order, and after a second term at the seminary he was appointed to the parish of Temuka. Kennedy was first rector of novitiate house at Highden, Palmerston North, till 1928, when he was called to be provincial of the order in Australasia. In 1926 he was provincial procurator. He died at Palmerston North on 10 Mar 1936.

St Patrick's College 1885-1935 (p); Who's Who N.Z., 1908, 1924, 1932; Evening Post, 10 Mar 1936 (p); Eileen Duggan in The Dominion, 11 Mar 1936.

Reference: Volume 1, page 247

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 247

🌳 Further sources

Joseph Bond Kennedy

Joseph Bond Kennedy

KENNEDY, JOSEPH BOND (1841-1913) was born at Kennedy's Bay, Auckland. His father, John Kennedy, after whom the bay was named, came to New Zealand in the Buffalo and loaded that vessel and the Pelorus with spars for the Admiralty. He was murdered in 1843. Joseph was brought up by his Maori mother. When quite young he went to Auckland and shipped as a seaman. Before he had attained his majority he was in command of a small vessel trading to Melbourne. He first visited Poverty Bay in 1851 in the Fly, and was employed for some years by Captain Read in the coasting trade, commanding the Tawera and the Julius Vogel. In 1874 he was appointed harbourmaster of Gisborne. In 1892 he resigned to commence a lightering business, which expanded into the prosperous firm of Kennedy and Co. He married first (1867) a half-caste woman of the Opotiki tribe. Kennedy died on 19 Jun 1913.

Cycl. NZ., ii (p); Poverty Bay Herald, 5 Jan 1924.

Reference: Volume 1, page 247

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 247

🌳 Further sources

Martin Kennedy

Martin Kennedy

KENNEDY, MARTIN (1836-1916) was born in Ireland, and emigrated to Australia in 1860.

After spending 12 months on the diggings in Victoria, he came to Otago, and with his brothers was in business in Queenstown till 1865, when he moved to the West Coast. He was a merchant in Greymouth for 20 years. Meanwhile he had been interested in goldmining, and had acquired a share in the colliery at Brunnerton (1874). The coal business absorbed the whole of his time from 1880, and he became sole proprietor of the mine and the steam colliers. In 1888 he amalgamated his interest in the Grey Valley Coal Co. and sold the ships to the Union Steamship Co.; and in 1889 he moved to Wellington and became managing director of the Staples Brewery Co. Kennedy contested the superintendency of Westland in 1874 (Bonar, 534; Kennedy, 383; J. White, 223; C. Hoos, 50). He was chairman of the Greymouth harbour board from 1885 and a member of the Westland county council. He was M.H.R. for Grey Valley (1876-78). Kennedy was a director of the Bank of New Zealand for many years, representing the shareholders from the time of the reconstruction till his death (on 25 Aug 1916). He was a strong supporter of the Roman Catholic church, and endowed the Kennedy scholarships at St Patrick's College. He was a knight of St Gregory.

N.Z.P.D., 29 Jun 1917; Cycl. N.Z., i; Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Beauchamp; N.Z. Times, 26 Aug 1916.

Reference: Volume 1, page 247

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 247

🌳 Further sources

Courtenay William Aylmer Thomas Kenny

Courtenay William Aylmer Thomas Kenny

KENNY, COURTENAY WILLIAM AYLMER THOMAS (1839-1905) was born in Burma, the son of the commandant of Madras presidency. Educated at Harrow and intended for the army, he joined with the 88th (Connaught Rangers) for the Crimea. He was severely wounded in one of the early engagements, and was invalided home. Promoted captain, he came to New Zealand to convalesce and, his regiment having been ordered to India, he resigned his commission and came to Wellington (1858). For many years he had a sheep farm at The Rocks, Queen Charlotte Sound.

Kenny was one of the oldest justices of the peace, and was commissioner of crown lands for Marlborough (1862-65), M.P.C. for Picton (1865-66); deputy-superintendent of the province in 1865 and M.H.R. for Picton (1868-81). He was called to the Legislative Council in 1885, and remained a member till his death (on 12 Dec 1905).

N.Z.P.D., 28 Jun 1906; Cycl. N.Z., v (p); Marlborough Express, 12 Dec 1905. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 1, page 247

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 247

🌳 Further sources

William Henry Kenny

William Henry Kenny

KENNY, WILLIAM HENRY (1811-80) was the son of Major W. C. Kenny, of the 73rd Regiment (Black Watch). He got his ensigncy in the same regiment in 1828. (Lieut. 1832; capt. 1841.) He served in the Mediterranean and in the Canadian rebellion, being present at the engagements at St Eustache, Napierville and elsewhere.

Returning to England, he served in the northern district and in Wales during the Chartist troubles. In 1843 he became staff officer of Pensioners at Sheffield. In 1847 he came to New Zealand in the Ramillies with the first detachment of the New Zealand Fencibles, and was gazetted major in the militia (Aug 1849) and resident magistrate. (Brevet-major, 1854; brevet lieut.-colonel 1859; major unattached 1861.) He received the thanks of the Government for his prompt disposal of the force for the protection of the City. When the Waikato war broke out he was in command of the Auckland garrison, then reinforced by sailors from the Iris, recruits for the 65th Regiment, and artillery and engineer details, and later by two companies of the 40th Regiment and three of the 65th. Being relieved by Colonel Carey, of the 18th Regiment, he sold out (Apr 1863) with the rank of regimental major and brevet lieut-colonel, and was appointed quartermaster-general to the New Zealand forces on the staff of Maj.-General Galloway (1863-64). In 1867 he was promoted colonel in the militia, and appointed inspector of volunteers for the North Island. He resided most of his life at Otahuhu.

Kenny was a member of the Legislative Council from 1853 until his death (17 Aug 1880). His widow died on 25 Jun 1889, aged 74.

War Office records; N.Z.P.D., 1853-80; Gudgeon (p); N.Z. Times, 10 Sep 1880; N.Z. Herald, 18 Aug 1880. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 1, page 247

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 247

🌳 Further sources

Harry Kenrick

Harry Kenrick

KENRICK, HARRY (1832-86) was born in Denbighshire, Wales, and educated privately in England. As a young man he tried his fortune on the Australian gold fields, where he was present at the Eureka stockade affair. He returned to England, and in 1861 came to New Zealand and settled on new country in Canterbury, where he started a sawmill. He was at Waimea, Nelson, when he was appointed clerk of court at Greymouth (1865). He was clerk of the warden's court on the West Coast, and was afterwards resident magistrate there (1877), and at Gisborne, and native land trust commissioner.

In 1879 he was appointed to succeed Fraser as warden and resident magistrate on the Thames goldfield. There he adopted a new policy as regards pegging out and registration of claims. The Te Aroha goldfield, reported on 11 Sep 1880, was declared open by Kenrick on 25 Nov, when 20 natives and 850 Europeans took out licenses. It was regarded as a model goldfield. His administration was marked by high integrity and a remarkable knowledge of the law and regulations affecting goldmining. He was frequently consulted in the drafting of new laws. When he died (31 Jul 1886) a fine memorial was erected over his grave by the business men and miners of the field.

W. G. K. Kenrick (information); Weston; Te Aroha, the Fortunate Valley (p) (1930); Thames Advertiser, 2 Aug 1886.

Reference: Volume 1, page 248

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 248

🌳 Further sources

William Charles Kensington

William Charles Kensington

KENSINGTON, WILLIAM CHARLES (1845-1922) was born at Criccieth, Wales, the son of Charles J. W. Kensington. He was educated at Grosvenor school, Bath, and King's school, Bruton, Somerset. He served in the campaigns on the East Coast in 1863 and 1864, and was gazetted ensign in the 1st battalion militia in 1865. Having joined the New Zealand government service in 1863 as a survey cadet in Waikato, and passed his examinations in 1866, he was engaged as an inspector of surveys under the native land act and a special commissioner to investigate disputes in Hawke's Bay. In 1871 he was deputy-inspector of surveys, and in 1876 chief draughtsman in the Auckland office. In 1902 he was appointed Under-secretary for Crown Lands. He inaugurated the land drainage branch and had control of the afforestation branch. He retired in 1912, having been awarded the I.S.O. in 1909.

Kensington married (1867) Emily (d. 1869), daughter of G. Owen Ormsby; and (1873) Amy (d. 1906), daughter of Colonel W. H. Kenny. He died on 20 Aug 1922.

Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Jourdain (p); N.Z. Herald, 31 Dec 1901; The Dominion, 21 Aug 1922.

Reference: Volume 1, page 248

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 248

🌳 Further sources

Augustine Keogh

Augustine Keogh

KEOGH, AUGUSTINE (1858-1917) was born in Dublin and educated in Marist colleges there, in Dundalk, and in France. He graduated with honours at the Royal University of Ireland, made his religious profession in 1879, and was ordained in 1883. Possessing great literary and classical accomplishments, he became a member of the teaching staff of his old school, St Mary's, Dundalk, of which he became rector at an unusually early age.

In 1899 a breakdown in health necessitated a year's rest, after which Keogh was appointed rector of St Patrick's College, Wellington (1901). A strong individualist, he left an impress on the life of the college and on the tone and the discipline of the boys. He established the cadet corps and the school infirmary and founded San Antonio at Miramar. He was the author of the college song, Blue and White. Dr Keogh retired in 1909, and was afterwards parish priest at Hastings. He died in 1917.

St Patrick's College, 1885-1935 (p).

Reference: Volume 1, page 248

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 248

🌳 Further sources

James Kerr

James Kerr

KERR, JAMES (1834-1901) was born in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, and served his time on the Dumfriesshire and Galloway Herald, afterwards working for two years on the Dumfriesshire Courier. He emigrated to Melbourne in 1858, visited the Owens diggings, and was employed for three years on the Melbourne Age (George Fisher, q.v. being a fellow employee). In 1861 he came to Otago, and he was employed by the Otago Daily Times for four years. Then, with Arnot and Keogh, he founded the Grey River Argus (1865), which eventually became a limited liability company. Kerr was a member of the borough council, and a member and chairman of the harbour board and the education board. He was a director of the Gas Co. and a trustee of the racecourse. As a freemason he was deputy district grandmaster.

Called to the Legislative Council in 1892 by the Ballance government, he was an active member until his death (on 25 Aug 1901).

Cycl. N.Z., v (p); N.Z.P.D., 26 Aug 1901; N.Z. Times, 17 Oct 1892; Grey River Argus, 26 Aug 1901. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 1, page 248

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 248

🌳 Further sources

John Kerr

John Kerr

KERR, JOHN (1830-98) was born in the south of Scotland and came to Nelson with his parents in the Fifeshire (1842). His father, John Kerr (1801-63) was an agricultural labourer and, having taken up a farm at Waimea West, used one of the first ploughs in the settlement (25 May 1842). He represented Waimea West in the Provincial Council (1857-63). After leaving school, the son assisted on the farm, but eventually took service in the Government brig. From this he settled at Port Underwood and engaged in whaling there and at Tory Channel. Some years later he opened a store. Kerr also represented Waimea West in the Provincial Council (1873-75) and later was M.H.R. for Waimea (1885-87) and for Motueka (1887-90). He had many interests in sawmilling and landowning, was part owner of the Tamdale station, and owned the Lake run at Rotoiti, where he died on 3 May 1898.

Cycl. NZ, v; The Colonist, 10 May 1898.

Reference: Volume 1, page 248

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 248

🌳 Further sources

Charles Henry Kettle

Charles Henry Kettle

KETTLE, CHARLES HENRY (1820-62) was born at Sandwich, Kent, received a good education, and was mathematics master at Faversham school in his native county when he decided to emigrate to New Zealand. He was a passenger by the Oriental, which reached Port Nicholson on 31 Jan 1840. Among his fellow-passengers were E. Betts Hopper, F. A. Molesworth and H. W. Petre, who had a quantity of machinery and merchandise and went into business together as millwrights and engineers on the banks of the Hutt river. Kettle was employed by them as a clerk until Sep 1840, when Betts Hopper lost his life in a boating accident. Thrown on his own resources, Kettle joined Mein Smith's survey staff, where his mathematical knowledge was soon of marked assistance. He was appointed an assistant surveyor, and was in charge of the party which opened up the Ohariu valley in 1841. For two years he was engaged in explorations and surveys in Porirua, Port Nicholson, and Upper Hutt. In May 1842, with Alfred Wills, Kettle made an adventurous journey round the Tararua mountains, exploring at the same time a good deal of the Rimutakas. They left Karekare, near Foxton, the headquarters of the survey staff on 5 May, proceeded up the river and reached the gorge on the 11th. Passing through to the eastern side of the ranges, they turned south through thick bush into the Wairarapa valley. After two attempts to find a passage from Wairarapa lake to the Hutt valley, they eventually succeeded and reached Wellington on 8 Jun, having traversed a considerable tract of country not previously crossed by white men.

The surveys were suspended owing to the financial difficulties of the Company, and Kettle in 1843 returned to England by the Brougham. He arrived to find the New Edinburgh scheme still being talked about, and threw himself into it with enthusiasm. With George Rennie he paid a visit to Edinburgh to study the lay-out of the old town, with a view to the new Edinburgh having the advantage of the good points of the old. When eventually the operations of the Company were resumed, Kettle was appointed surveyor and civil engineer for a period of three years at Β£400 a year, specially to carry out the surveys for New Edinburgh. Before leaving he married Amelia Omer (Dover). They took their passage in the Mary Catherine, and reached Wellington on 2 Feb 1846.

Kettle collected a staff in Wellington, and three weeks after his arrival there he landed at Koputai, near Otago heads. His first work was to survey the town of Port Chalmers and to sound the harbour for the benefit of the expected shipping. Then he undertook a journey on foot in south Otago through the Taieri and Tokomairiro plains as far as the Nuggets, with the object of dividing into suitable survey contracts the whole of the Otago block. This work having been let out to various parties, he returned to Dunedin and started to lay out the future city. At the end of 1846 he brought his house up to the site of the new town.

When the first ships arrived, Kettle was present to welcome them and to show the leaders the layout of their town. As chief surveyor for the Company, he came into collision with Cargill over the custody of the land office and documents. Kettle decided to settle in Otago. He took part in the meeting in 1851 which called upon Valpy to decline nomination to the Legislative Council. He was one of the first four magistrates of the province, and as such attended all of the meetings which had to decide on public works and similar undertakings. During 1851 Kettle made two long explorations in the interior to inspect lands for settlement west of the Otago block. He had now been appointed a government surveyor, a position which he held until 1854. During the last three years he was also deputy registrar of deeds for the province. Kettle then selected land in the south Otago district, from the top of the Kaihuku ranges to the Clutha, and established his homestead in 1854 at Kaihiku bush, with a woolshed of rough timber thatched by the natives. He was an exemplary employer, and many farmers well-known in later years commenced in his service. He went in for merino sheep, and in 1855 had a flock of 2,000. He is sometimes credited with having been the first to sow gorse and broom for live hedges.

Kettle gave up farming in 1860 and returned to live in Dunedin. He stood for a Dunedin seat in the Provincial Council, but received only 18 votes. In the following year he was elected to represent Bruce in the House of Representatives. In 1862 Kettle was appointed provincial auditor. He died on 5 Jun 1862, a young man who would undoubtedly have taken a high position in the province. Hocken says that he and Strode were generally to be found on public questions in opposition to the general body of the settlers. They were not Scots; they were not of the body of emigrants; they were both nominated officials of the general Government. Kettle was a man of high principle and a steady, earnest, and practical Christian. He took a keen interest in social movements, and especially in the Young Men's Christian Association, of which he was a founder and some time president. In 1855 he led the young temperance movement of Otago, being elected honorary secretary of the Otago Maine Law League. He was a good cricketer. (See J. L. MACASSEY and SIR JOHN ROBERTS.)

N.Z. reports; G.B.O.P., 1844/556; Otago P.C. Proc.; Cycl. N.Z., iv (p); Otago Journal; Hocken; Ward; J. A. Thomson; E. J. Wakefield; Otago Daily Times, 6 Jun 1862, 4 Apr 1930 (p).

Reference: Volume 1, page 249

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 249

🌳 Further sources

Alfred Kidd

Alfred Kidd

KIDD, ALFRED (1851-1917) was born at Hounslow Heath. He arrived in Auckland at the age of 13, and after working on a farm at Mangere for three years he settled at Thames for seven years. He then became providore to the Waikato Steam Navigation Co. In 1875 he moved to Auckland, and became landlord of the Commercial Hotel, which he ran for 20 years. He was president of the licensed victuallers' association.

Kidd served on the City Council (1885-88 and from 1891) and was mayor of Auckland in 1901. He was a governor of the Auckland Grammar School, chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board and the Aka Aka Drainage Board and a trustee of the Auckland Savings Bank. He was one of the founders of the Druids order in Auckland, of the Masonic Grand Lodge of New Zealand and the United Friendly Societies' Dispensary. He was in Parliament for City of Auckland (1902-05) and for Auckland Central (1905-08), and acted as senior Government whip under the Seddon and Ward administrations. He was president of the Auckland Racing Club and owned several successful horses (notably St Hippo). Kidd died on 25 Aug 1917.

N.Z.P.D., 29 Aug 1917; Cycl. N.Z., ii (p); Who's Who N.Z., 1908; N.Z. Herald, 27 Aug 1917. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 1, page 249

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 249

🌳 Further sources

Robert Boyd Kidd

Robert Boyd Kidd

KIDD, ROBERT BOYD (1818-94) was born in northern Ireland and educated at Enniskillen school, from which he took a scholarship to Trinity College, Dublin. There he obtained a first exhibitionership, and he was ordained with a view to being elected a fellow of the University. While rector of Butley, Suffolk (1856) he published a Delineation of the Primary Principles of Reasoning, on the reading of which Dr Whately wrote that he "did not know a superior logician at that time." Precluded by ill-health from accepting a professorship at Queen's University, he arrived in Auckland in 1863. Kidd became editor of the New Zealander later in the year and acted until 1865. In company with Joseph N. Fowler he started a collegiate school in Auckland. From this he removed to Wesley College, where he taught classics and mathematics (1883) and finally became first headmaster of Auckland College and Grammar School. When the Grammar School was transferred to the old Albert barracks he became chief classical master and later registrar of the University College and secretary to the Grammar School governors. He was once a tutor at St John's College. He was a prominent freemason. His death occurred on 19 Jul 1894.

Cycl. N.Z., ii; N.Z. Herald, 20 Jul 1894.

Reference: Volume 1, page 249

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 249

🌳 Further sources

Edward Kidson

Edward Kidson

KIDSON, EDWARD (1883-1939) was born at Bilston, England, came to New Zealand as a child with his father Charles Kidson, and commenced his education at Nelson College (1896-1900). He won a junior scholarship and a Sir George Grey scholarship, and proceeded to Canterbury College, where he graduated (B.Sc. 1904; M.Sc. 1905; B.A. 1906; M.A. 1907; D.Sc. 1924). In 1905 he was appointed assistant magnetic observer at Christchurch under the Lands and Survey department. Three years later he joined the staff of the Carnegie Institution at Washington, and until 1914 worked on magnetic surveys in South America, Newfoundland, and Australia. In the war he served with the Royal Engineers (1915-18) forecasting and applying meteorology to gunnery at Salonika. (O.B.E.). He was then appointed to the Watheroo observatory in West Australia, and in 1921 became assistant director of the Commonwealth meteorological service. In 1927 he became director of the meteorological services in New Zealand, which during his administration developed rapidly to meet the increasing demands of aviation. Kidson presented at scientific conferences papers on his observations, and spent much time in the preparation of critical studies of the meteorological results of the Shackleton and Mawson Antarctic expeditions. He was a fellow of the Institute of Physics and of the Royal Society of New Zealand, and was in 1931 elected a member of the International Meteorological Committee. Kidson married (1919) Isabel M. Dann. He died on 12 Jun 1939.

Who's Who N.Z., 1932; The Dominion and Evening Post, 13 Jun 1939 (P).

Reference: Volume 1, page 249

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 249

🌳 Further sources

James Kilgour

James Kilgour

KILGOUR, JAMES (1812-97) was born at Musselburgh, Scotland, educated at the grammar school there and Edinburgh University (where he graduated M.D. in 1838). Going to Melbourne (1839), he took up a run at Tarrone, near Port Fairy, but lost his money on its being resumed, and was for some time agent of the colony in London. After practising in Victoria he came to New Zealand (1859), and practised at Nelson, Picton and Wellington, finally moving in 1869 to Thames. Kilgour was a justice of the peace, chairman of quarter sessions, mayor of Thames (1878), and first president of the School of Mines. In 1890 he went to reside in Parnell, where he died on 20 Sep 1897.

Cycl. N.Z., ii (p); Weston; N.Z. Herald, 1 Oct 1897.

Reference: Volume 1, page 249

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 249

🌳 Further sources

John Kinder

John Kinder

KINDER, JOHN (1819-1903) was born in London and educated at Cheam, Surrey, and Trinity College, Cambridge, where he gained a scholarship and graduated as a wrangler in 1842. He took private pupils until proceeding M.A. (1845). While at Cambridge he took much interest in ecclesiastical architecture, and became a member of the committee of the Camden Society. In 1847 he was ordained to a curacy in East London, but was almost immediately appointed by the master and fellows of his College to be headmaster of Alleyne's Grammar School at Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. He was ordained priest in 1849.

In 1855 Kinder was chosen by Bishop Selwyn as headmaster of the proposed Auckland Grammar School. During the 17 years that he held that position, he acted as chaplain to the Auckland garrison and was successively assistant minister of St Barnabas, Parnell (five years), St Mark's, Remuera (three years) and St Andrew's, Epsom (seven years). At St Andrew's he raised funds to erect a pretty church from his own plans. When Bishop Cowie reopened St John's College in 1871, Kinder was appointed master, and in 1873 the degree of D.D. was conferred upon him by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Resigning the headmastership in 1880, he was appointed examining chaplain. He retired a few years later. Kinder did much to improve the efficiency of the college, and to beautify the grounds. He installed windows commemorative of Selwyn, Patteson and Martin, and bequeathed his library to the College. He always opposed the removal of the college to Parnell, and eventually succeeded in getting it brought back to Tamaki. A fine scholar with a facile command of French and German, Kinder was a charming talker and an effective preacher. He published in 1901 a forcible pamphlet on the report of the synod commission on St John's. In his early years he came under the influence of Frederick Denison Maurice, the theologian, who was one of the founders, with Charles Kingsley, of the Christian Socialist movement.

Kinder married (1859) Marianne Celia (d. 1928), a daughter of Archdeacon A. N. Brown. He died on 5 Sep 1903.

Cowie; Purchas; Davis (p); N.Z. Herald, 7 Sep 1903.

Reference: Volume 1, page 249

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 249

🌳 Further sources

Edward King

Edward King

KING, EDWARD (1825-65) was born in Sussex, England, and arrived in New Zealand in 1850. He began business as a general merchant in Auckland, and with the exception of nine months spent on the Victorian diggings he continued successfully until retiring in 1863. On the outbreak of the Waikato war he was appointed superintendent of stores, but retired in Nov 1864. He was a director of the Auckland Bank and the Bank of New Zealand, and a trustee of the Auckland Savings Bank. He acted as secretary for the Auckland exhibit at the industrial exhibition in Otago, and for several land associations formed under the provincial ordinances of the early fifties. As a member of the Papakura association, he took part in developing the coal measures at Drury. King for many years rendered consistent public service. He helped to form several schools under the common schools ordinance (1859) and to found churches at Wairoa, Papakura and Drury. He was a churchwarden of St Matthew's, a member of the diocesan and general synods and secretary of the orphans' home. He helped to promote the Auckland horticultural society, of which he was secretary and treasurer, and also the acclimatisation society. King was a member of the Auckland Provincial Council for City of Auckland (1857-61) and for Auckland West (1861-65). He died on 27 Oct 1865.

Southern Cross, 28 Oct 1865.

Reference: Volume 1, page 250

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 250

🌳 Further sources

Henry King

Henry King

KING, HENRY (1783-1874) was born at Torquay on 7 Apr 1783, and at the age of 12 entered the Royal Navy as a midshipman in the Namur, in which he served five years. He was present at the battle of St Vincent, distinguished himself in many boat actions and, having been promoted third lieutenant, transferred to the Canopus. He served also in the Ambuscade and the Unite, from which he was invalided with a broken leg due to the fall of a topsail tie. On his recovery he was appointed first lieutenant in the Seahorse, in which he served against the Americans on the Potomac and at the taking of Alexandria. For his services in convoying a merchant fleet he was promoted commander. Admiral Cochrane, in recommending him, said that King rose from his sickbed while the ship was passing the hostile batteries and personally laid the first two guns, each of which disabled an enemy gun.

Retiring from active service on peace being proclaimed, King took employment as a bargemaster on the Bude and Holsworthy canal. Many years later he became interested in the Plymouth Company for the settlement of Taranaki and, accepting the position of chief commissioner, he sailed in the Amelia Thompson, arriving on 3 Sep 1841. He was at once gazetted police magistrate, but a few months later (following the absorption of the Plymouth Company) he was superseded as commissioner by Captain Liardet. He then, in company with George Cutfield, settled on his Brooklands section, bringing cattle from Australia in the Jupiter.

In 1848 he was appointed resident magistrate. The European population of Taranaki gave him little trouble, but the native question always called for tact and discretion. In 1852, having completed 10 years on the bench, King retired, and lived quietly at Brooklands until the outbreak of the war in 1860 obliged him to withdraw to New Plymouth. He died on 6 Jun 1874.

Wells; Taranaki Herald, 8 Jun 1874.

Reference: Volume 1, page 250

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 250

🌳 Further sources

John King

John King

KING, JOHN (1787-1854) was born at Swerford, Oxfordshire, and brought up as a shoemaker. He was engaged at this trade at Nether Worton, near Banbury, when Samuel Marsden visited England in 1809 in search of artisans to form the first mission to New Zealand. King entered the service of the Church Missionary Society, and took lessons in flax-dressing and twine-spinning with a view to introducing those crafts amongst the Maori. Sailing in the Ann with Marsden, he formed a close friendship with Ruatara (q.v.). King spent some years at Parramatta with Marsden before the opportunity occurred of proceeding to New Zealand. He married Hannah, daughter of Thomas Hansen (q.v.), captain of the Active, and they proceeded to New Zealand in Jan 1815 and settled at Rangihoua, Bay of Islands. King's duty was to act as catechist for the district and teach the people something of agriculture and making lines. His relations with Kendall were not pleasant. In 1819 they visited Hokianga together, being the first whites to do so. King rendered faithful service until his death (on 6 May 1854). Mrs King died on 27 Nov 1851.

Marsden, L. and J., and Lieutenants; Ramsden; Stock; New Zealander (Auckland), 27 May 1854.

Reference: Volume 1, page 250

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 250

🌳 Further sources

John King

John King

KING, JOHN (1810-62), an English solicitor, arrived in Wellington in 1844. He took little part in public life, but was a member of the Church of England education society and the Mechanics' Institute. After being defeated for the Provincial Council in 1855 he was elected for Wellington City in 1857 and sat till 1861. He died on 5 Jun 1862.

Reference: Volume 1, page 250

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 250

🌳 Further sources

Newton King

Newton King

KING, NEWTON (1856-1926), second son of Thomas King (q.v.) and brother of Sir Truby King, was born in New Plymouth and educated there at Crompton's private school. He began his career as clerk in the firm of Webster Brothers, and in 1879 established his own business as merchant and auctioneer. His activities as a stock and station agent eventually spread all over Taranaki. In many enterprises he was associated with Richard Cock (1851-1936, who was twice mayor of New Plymouth). They formed together the Crown Dairy Co., which in 1920 became Newton King, Limited. He was chairman of the New Plymouth Sash and Door Co. (1893-1926), and of the Ridd Machine Milking Co. (1909-26); a director of the Land and Building Society (1902); president of the Taranaki Jockey Club, the Agricultural Society (1903), the Chamber of Commerce; and a member of the New Plymouth Harbour Board.

In his youth King represented the province in football and was a member of the Taranaki Rifle Volunteers. He married Mary, daughter of Dr George St George. He died on 26 Jul 1926.

Cycl. N.Z., vi (p); Who's Who N.Z., 1908, 1924; Philpott (p); Evening Post, 27 Jul 1926.

Reference: Volume 1, page 250

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 250

🌳 Further sources

Frederick Truby King

Frederick Truby King

KING, SIR (FREDERICK) TRUBY (1858-1938) was born at New Plymouth, a son of Thomas King (q.v.). Educated privately at New Plymouth, he proceeded to Edinburgh University, where he graduated M.B., C.M. (1886) and won the Eccles scholarship. He spent two years studying public health, after which he took his B.Sc. degree. King had experience at the Edinburgh and Glasgow hospitals and, having married Isabella Cockburn (d. 1927), daughter of Adam Millar, he returned to New Zealand (1888) and took the post of medical superintendent of the Wellington hospital. Appointed in the following year medical superintendent of Seacliff asylum, he spent many useful years there, not merely in his official duties, but engaged in farming and fruitgrowing and in the breeding of pigs and other farm animals. His researches at that time had a considerable bearing upon his subsequent discoveries in the realm of infant feeding and the nutrition of the human body. In 1894 he returned to England to study brain pathology and nervous and mental diseases, and he became a member of the Psychological Association.

Shortly after this he began to attend regularly the agricultural conferences in New Zealand and to expound his eugenic theories to a wider audience. In 1905 he founded in Dunedin the Society for the Promotion of the Health of Women and Children (popularly known as the Plunket Society, from the name of its first patron, Lady Plunket). The society received a royal charter in 1916, when it became the Royal New Zealand Society for the Health of Women and Children. King wrote much on the subject of the Society's work in its early years, his chief publications being The Feeding and Care of Baby, The Natural Feeding of Infants, The Expectant Mother and Baby's First Month. These were very frequently reprinted. The propaganda and educational work of the society in a few years produced marked effects upon the infant death rate. In 1917 King was invited to undertake similar work in England and, in conjunction with Miss Patrick (q.v.), he established the Mothercraft training centre at Earl's Court. (C.M.G., 1917.) After the war he was attached as a child welfare expert to the inter-allied Red Cross conference and he visited Poland and Austria in the interests of the war victims relief committee.

In 1919 he introduced his system of infant feeding in Australia, and two years later he was appointed director of child welfare in New Zealand (in addition to the appointment of inspector-general of mental asylums). In 1924 he was on the committee to investigate mental degeneracy and sexual perversion, and he was on the prisons board (1925-27).

In 1925 King was created a knight bachelor. He retired in 1927, and died on 10 Feb 1938, when his remains were accorded a state funeral. Lady King for many years wrote child welfare notes under the name of "Hygeia."

Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Evening Post, 10 Feb 1938; The Dominion, 11 Feb (p).

Reference: Volume 1, page 250

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 250

🌳 Further sources

Thomas King

Thomas King

KING, THOMAS (1821-93) was born in London, educated at a commercial school, and entered the office of a member of the coal exchange. He had a good grip of business, and at the age of 18 was practically in charge of the office but, his health being delicate, he decided to emigrate to New Zealand. Having purchased two Taranaki sections, he sailed with his friend R. Chilman (whose sister Mary he married in 1846) in the William Bryan, arriving in Mar 1841.

King sold his goods to advantage, took employment at various trades, and in 1843 commenced an importing business. In company with Dorset he chartered the 12-ton schooner Carbon, which they operated in the coastal trade between Nelson, Wellington, New Plymouth and Manukau. After importing flour from Australia in 1844, King in the following year exported about 150 tons of Taranaki flour to various ports.

In 1848 he took up land at Mangorei, where in 1852 he was visited by Lord Robert Cecil (afterwards Lord Salisbury). He was elected M.H.R. for Grey and Bell (1853-55 and 1860), and he sat for some years in the Provincial Council (for New Plymouth in 1856; Grey and Bell 1857-61). He was also provincial treasurer. While in Parliament King exposed the plot to make peace with Waikato (1860). In the following year, the Bank of New Zealand having started business, he was appointed its first manager in New Plymouth, a position he held with conspicuous ability until 1876. Thereafter he again devoted much of his time to public affairs, being (for 10 years) chairman of the harbour board, and a director and sometime chairman of the New Plymouth Gas Co., the Taranaki Land, Building and Investment Co., the Sash and Door Co., the New Plymouth Savings Bank and the education reserves board. He died on 28 Apr 1893. Two of his sons were Newton King and Sir F. Truby King.

Wells; Taranaki Herald, 19 Jul 1854, 28 Apr 1893. Portrait: Taranaki Hist. Coll.

Reference: Volume 1, page 251

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 251

🌳 Further sources

William Cutfield King

William Cutfield King

KING, WILLIAM CUTFIELD (1829-61) was the only son of Captain Henry King, and came to New Zealand as a lad. Receiving his education in New Plymouth, he took up farming on a considerable scale at Woodleigh. He married Elizabeth Mary Richardson (1855). Possessing an independent character and pleasant manners, he was highly esteemed, and in 1857 was elected to represent Omata in the Provincial Council. During the Maori war King held a captain's commission in the Taranaki militia. In Nov 1860 he was elected to represent Grey and Bell in Parliament, but he did not take his seat. On 8 Feb 1861, while riding on his property at Woodleigh, then being pillaged by marauding natives, he was shot and killed.

N.Z.P.D., 6 Jun 1861; Wells; Cycl. N.Z., vi; Taranaki Herald, 9 Feb 1861.

Reference: Volume 1, page 251

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 251

🌳 Further sources

Andrew Kinross

Andrew Kinross

KINROSS, ANDREW (1829-1915) was born near Glasgow. Losing both parents early, he went to sea in 1847 and a year later emigrated to Australia and obtained employment at Langi Kal-Kal station. In 1852 he visited the goldfield at Fryers Creek, and then engaged in carrying to the goldfields. In 1853 he married, and in 1861 he came to Port Chalmers in the brig Dunedin. Shortly afterwards he settled at Invercargill, where he engaged in carrying to the goldfields. He opened a store at Queenstown in partnership with Brown and Pritchard and, having sold his teams, invested in house property and a farm at Myross Bush (1865).

Kinross was a member of the Southland Provincial Council for Invercargill (1869) and for Roslin (1869-70), and was on the executive. On the reunion with Otago he sat in the Otago Council (for Southland 1870; for Oteramika 1873-75). He moved a resolution affirming that all men over 21 years of age should be eligible to vote for superintendents and members of parliament or provincial councils. Kinross contested the Invercargill parliamentary seat against Shanks in 1878. He was elected to the Southland education board (1869), was a member of the land board from 1878-80 and 1885-1909, of the Southland county council, and chairman of the Myross school committee (1869), and the Lindhurst road board.

Kinross wrote a good deal of verse of passable quality, a selection of which was republished in My Life and Lays (1899). He died on 19 Nov 1915.

Southland and Otago p.c. Proc.; Cycl. NZ, iv (p); Kinross (p); Southland Times, 20 Nov 1915.

Reference: Volume 1, page 251

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 251

🌳 Further sources

Joseph James Kinsey

Joseph James Kinsey

KINSEY, SIR JOSEPH JAMES (1852-1936) was born at Plumstead, Kent, educated at the Royal Naval School at Greenwich, and for nine years was a master in the lower school at Dulwich College. He married (1872) Sarah Ann Garrard, and in 1880 arrived in New Zealand. Kinsey founded the shipping firm of Kinsey and Co., of which he was chairman at his death (on 5 May 1936). He was a foundation member of the Christchurch Liedertafel, a life member of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, a governor of Canterbury College (1894-97) and a Canterbury commissioner for the South Seas Exhibition at Dunedin (1889-90). He was keenly interested in Antarctic exploration, and acted as attorney for Captain R. F. Scott's two expeditions and for one of Sir E. Shackleton's. He received the Scott medal of the Royal Geographical Society (1914), and was knighted in 1917.

The Press, 6 May 1936; Evening Post, 10 May.

Reference: Volume 1, page 251

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 251

🌳 Further sources

Thomas Kirk

Thomas Kirk

KIRK, THOMAS (1828-98) was born at Warwick, England, and educated at Coventry, and was employed for some years at Newark's timber mills in that town. He married (1850) Sarah, daughter of William Mattocks, of Coventry, and in 1863 he came to Auckland in the Gertrude.

In New Zealand he devoted himself at once to the study of botany. In 1867 he explored the Great Barrier; in 1868 the east coast of north Auckland, in 1869 the Thames goldfield, in 1870 Waikato and in 1872 Rotorua and Taupo. He was for some years curator of the Museum and secretary of the Auckland Institute. In 1874 he was appointed lecturer in natural science at Wellington College (then affiliated with the University of New Zealand). He displayed a fine faculty for imparting knowledge, and it was a matter of regret when the relationship with the University ceased and he was appointed to the staff of Lincoln Agricultural College (1881). Kirk was elected a fellow of the Linnaean Society in 1871; was an original member of the Auckland Institute and a governor of the New Zealand Institute (1875-81 and 1887-88), and several times president of the Wellington Philosophical Society. In 1875 he published (in collaboration with J. Balfour) reports on the durability of New Zealand timbers, and thereafter was a constant contributor to the proceedings of the Linnaean Society, the Linnaean Society of New South Wales, Nature, the Journal of Botany and the Gardeners' Chronicle.

In 1885 Kirk became chief conservator of state forests, and he organised the Forestry department, which, however, was abolished as a measure of economy in 1888. In 1889 his Forest Flora of New Zealand was published by the Government. After retiring he made further explorations, notably in Stewart, Auckland and Campbell islands, the Antipodes and the Snares. At the time of his death he had made good progress with his magnum opus, The Students' Flora of New Zealand and Outlying Islands, which was completed by T. F. Cheeseman and published in 1899. It was said of Kirk that no other botanist ever acquired such a complete familiarity with the flora of New Zealand. Besides his books he contributed 122 botanical papers to the Transactions of the New Zealand Institute.

Kirk was a staunch Baptist, and was president of the New Zealand Baptist union (1892). He died on 8 Mar 1898.

Kirk, op. cit.; Trans. N.Z. Institute, vol 31, et pass.; Cheeseman, Manual of N.Z. Flora; Australian Association for the Advancement of Science, 1891; Leckie (p); Otago Daily Times, 10 May 1898; Evening Post, 9 Mar 1898.

Reference: Volume 1, page 252

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 252

🌳 Further sources

Thomas William Kirk

Thomas William Kirk

KIRK, THOMAS WILLIAM (1856-1936) was born in Coventry, a son of T. Kirk (q.v.), with whom he came to Auckland (1863). Educated at St James's School and Auckland College and Grammar School, he entered the geological survey as a cadet, and was on the staff of Dr Hector (1874-91). During this period he contributed to the New Zealand Institute, Nature, the French Journal of Conchology and other periodicals. He was elected a member of the New Zealand Institute (1878), of the Geological Society of Australasia (1887), of the Microscopic Society of London (1889) and a fellow of the Linnaean Society (1890).

In 1892 Kirk was appointed head biologist in charge of the horticulture division of the Department of Agriculture. The period of 18 years that he controlled the branch coincided with a great expansion of the fruit-growing industry, and Kirk's contribution to its success is embodied in a succession of scientific pamphlets and annual reports of high technical value. He initiated the series of leaflets for farmers, writing very many of them himself. He advised and carried out the first experiment in biological control of insect pests in New Zealand, using with complete success the Australian ladybird (vedalia) to control the cottony cushion scale.

Kirk married (1883) Edith Dixon Callcott (d. 1938), granddaughter of Jonas Woodward. He died on 19 May 1936.

Cycl. NZ, i (p); Kirk, op. cit.; The Dominion, 20 May 1936.

Reference: Volume 1, page 252

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 252

🌳 Further sources

William Kirk

William Kirk

KIRK, WILLIAM (1825-1915) was born at Ferry on Trent, near Gainsborough, educated at private schools and became a local preacher at 12. In 1846 he was ordained in London, and the following year sailed for the New Zealand mission field in the John Wesley.

After spending a few months in Auckland he was appointed (1849) to the station at Newark, Hokianga, where in 1848 he married Emma (1828-1906), daughter of the Rev J. Hobbs (q.v.). Four years later he was transferred to Wanganui. Proceeding thither in the schooner Hannah Leithart, which was wrecked on the bar of the river, they were assisted by the settlers to their station at Ohinemutu, far up the river. There they spent four years, living most of the time in a rough hut with earthen floor. Transferred to Canterbury in 1853, Kirk saw the first church of his denomination erected in Christchurch and another started in Lyttelton. From Waikouaiti he erected the first church in Port Chalmers, and then returned to the North Island, taking up a station and industrial school at Kai-iwi, which were broken up by the war of 1860. Thereafter Kirk served at Mangonui, Nelson, Wellington, New Plymouth, Auckland and Richmond, retiring in 1889. He died on 9 May 1915.

Morley; W. J. Williams; Methodist Conference, 1938; Cycl. N.Z., i.

Reference: Volume 1, page 252

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 252

🌳 Further sources

Matthew Middlewood Kirkbride

Matthew Middlewood Kirkbride

KIRKBRIDE, MATTHEW MIDDLEWOOD (1848-1906) was born at Ulleskelf, Yorkshire, educated there and came to New Zealand in the Portland (1863). He was first employed by Alfred Buckland in connection with the landing of cattle for the troops in the Waikato, and then settled with his people on a bush farm at Little Omaha, moving in 1872 to Mangere. He married in 1874 Grace, daughter of Alexander Bruce (Mahurangi) and took up a bush section near Ashhurst, Manawatu. Five years later he returned to the north and purchased a farm at Mangere. He was chairman of the Mangere road board and school committee, and a member of the cemetery and domain boards and the Auckland Provincial Agricultural Association (president two years). In the Farmers' Union he was president of the Auckland province and delegate to the annual conference (1901).

In 1902 Kirkbride defeated O'Rorke for the parliamentary representation of Manukau, which he represented till his death (on 4 Nov 1906). In his first session he secured the passage of his own farmers' mutual fire insurance bill. He was a member of the federation commission (1900).

N.Z.P.D., 27 Jun 1907; N.Z. Herald, 5 Nov 1906. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 1, page 252

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 252

🌳 Further sources

George Adam Kissling

George Adam Kissling

KISSLING, GEORGE ADAM (1805-65) was born at Murr, WΓΌrttemberg. Leaving school at the age of 14, he spent three years in the Moravian settlement of Kornthal, where he studied industrial arts in preparation for his admission to a theological course, which he commenced in 1823 in the Moravian college at Basle. He was ordained a minister of the Reformed Lutheran United Church, and in 1827 went to West Africa under instructions from the Basle Missionary Society to translate the Scriptures into the Bassu language. He was engaged for some years on this task and in charge of a native school. In 1833 he was appointed by the Church Missionary Society to a post in Sierra Leone, where he had charge of the two parishes of St Peter and St James at Bathurst and Charlotte. In 1837 he married and returned to Sierra Leone as headmaster of the native college at Fourah Bay. In 1840, owing to ill-health, they returned to England, and Kissling was ordained deacon and in the following year priest. He then decided not to return to Sierra Leone but came to New Zealand, arriving in May 1842. The Society had intended to station him in the south, but Bishop Selwyn appointed him in 1843 to Kawakawa, near East Cape, where he took up his duties amongst tribes which were rather turbulent and ill-disposed. In 1846 ill-health again compelled him to give up his charge, and he was for some years employed as chaplain in the neighbourhood of Auckland. In 1849 he was appointed to the parish of St Barnabas, his duties including the charge of the native girls' school. In 1851 he took charge of St Stephen's school at Taurarua, and in 1852 was appointed archdeacon of Waitemata, to which was added later the charge of the parish of St Mary's, Parnell. Kissling died on 9 Nov 1865.

Southern Cross, 10 Nov 1865; N.Z. Herald, 21 Sep 1891.

Reference: Volume 1, page 252

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 252

🌳 Further sources

Arthur Charles Knight

Arthur Charles Knight

KNIGHT, ARTHUR CHARLES (1833-1905), a son of the Rev. William Knight, of Steventon, Hampshire, came to New Zealand in the Samarang (1852) and, with his elder brother (Richard), took up the Steventon run in the Selwyn valley. He sold out in 1856 and bought a farm below Prebbleton. Knight was a member of the Canterbury Provincial Council for Lincoln (1866-75), and was on the executive (1869, 1871-72 and 1875). In 1869 he was head of the government. As secretary for education he moved to obtain an endowment for Lincoln College.

Knight married (1858) Caroline, daughter of the Rev. Thomas E. Hankinson. He died on 14 Dec 1905.

Canterbury P.C. Proc.; Acland; The Press, 16 Dec 1905.

Reference: Volume 1, page 252

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 252

🌳 Further sources

Charles Knight

Charles Knight

KNIGHT, CHARLES (1808-91) was born at Rye, Sussex, the youngest child of James Knight (who died a month after his birth). Two years later his mother married Thomas Godfrey, of Hawkhurst, Kent, by whom he was brought up with care and affection. He graduated in medicine at Guy's Hospital (F.R.C.S. 1869) and after practising for a while went to America.

In 1841 he decided to go to Australia, whither his brother William had gone in 1829 (afterwards to become auditor-general of Western Australia). Charles accepted the position of surgeon in the ship Lord Glenelg, in which Sir George Grey was sailing to assume the governorship of South Australia. Owing to drunkenness and mutinous behaviour on board, Knight took an active part in navigating the ship and actually commanded her from Port Albany to Holdfast Bay, where she arrived on 10 May. Soon after landing he was employed by Grey as a copying clerk. He had a good knowledge of botany and in 1842 sought unsuccessfully to be appointed curator of the botanic gardens, believing that he could extend the science of botany and horticulture and greatly improve the collection by exchanges with Europe and America. Grey appreciated Knight's 'cheerful and unwearying industry' and in 1843 confirmed his appointment in the Colonial Secretary's department. He acted as private secretary and had charge of the preparation of all blue books and other statistical returns for the Home government.

In 1844 Knight married Caroline Symes, who had arrived in the colony in 1839. In the following year the East India Company's ship Elphinstone arrived, bringing Grey's commission as Governor in New Zealand. Grey took Knight to the new government for the sake of his knowledge of finance and official routine. Arriving in Nov 1845, he was appointed auditor-general in Feb 1846 and at the end of that year he brought his wife and two children from Australia in the schooner John Lord, 70 tons. Wynyard, who succeeded Grey as administrator, depended much on Knight's knowledge of finance. In 1856 Knight was appointed manager of the colonial bank of issue, and in 1858 auditor of the accounts of the general Government. In 1861 he was deputed to inquire into charges against Macandrew (q.v.) of defalcation of provincial funds in Otago. In 1863 he was a member of the commission to investigate the claims for flax rewards.

On the removal of the seat of government Knight was appointed agent of the Government at Auckland for a short period. He was chairman of the commission in 1866 to investigate the civil service, and in 1867 was charged with bringing into operation the money order and savings bank. In 1868-69 he visited England with Grey, and on his return went with Vogel and Seed to negotiate a customs and mail agreement in Australia. He was a member of the board of advice under the Government annuities act 1869; was appointed auditor-general in 1870, and a commissioner of the board of audit in 1872.

Six years later Knight retired on pension. He lived thereafter in Wellington until his death on 3 Sep 1891. In 1857 Knight was elected a fellow of the Linnaean Society. His special study was lichens, his collection being now at Victoria College. He was president of the Wellington Philosophical Society (to which he presented various papers) and a fellow of the New Zealand Institute. He was a skilled lathe worker and received a silver medal for lathe tools at the first Wellington exhibition. Knight was aboard the White Swan when she was wrecked (1862).

South Aust. Archives; Evening Post, 4 Sep 1891; information from Dr C. Prendergast Knight. Portrait: General Assembly Library.

Reference: Volume 1, page 253

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 253

🌳 Further sources

John Knight

John Knight

KNIGHT, JOHN (1802-71) was born and educated in England and engaged in banking for many years. Arriving in New Plymouth by the Joseph Fletcher (1854), he found no opening in his own profession, so turned to his hobby (watch and clockmaking). Though retiring in disposition he was elected to represent New Plymouth in the Provincial Council (1861-65 and 1869-71). In the last term he was provincial treasurer. Knight was drowned in the Mangatuku river on 23 July 1871. He was a prominent freemason.

Family information through W. H. Skinner; Taranaki Herald, 26 Jul 1871

Reference: Volume 1, page 253

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 253

🌳 Further sources

Francis Knowles

Francis Knowles

KNOWLES, FRANCIS (1830-1916) was born at Limehouse, London, and educated at Stebon Heath House school, Stepney. After a few months in a law office he decided to become a teacher and qualified for the diploma of the College of Preceptors (1848). In 1855 he married, and two years later was ordained deacon. In 1851 he came to Lyttelton in the Travancore, and for seven years he conducted a school at Pigeon Bay, varied with short service as subeditor of the Lyttelton Times. In 1857 he was ordained deacon and appointed to the cure of Banks Peninsula. Ordained priest (1859), he was appointed vicar of Lyttelton, a position he held until 1872, when he was transferred to Merivale. From 1876-78 he was vicar of Balclutha, and in 1878 was appointed to Gladstone (Invercargill). He then became diocesan secretary, registrar and treasurer in Christchurch. In 1894 he was appointed honorary canon of the cathedral. Knowles died on 11 Sep 1916.

Cycl. N.Z., iii; The Press, 12 Sep 1916.

Reference: Volume 1, page 253

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 253

🌳 Further sources

John Knowles

John Knowles

KNOWLES, JOHN (1823-91) was born in London, educated there and was in the service of the New Zealand Company before coming to New Zealand as storekeeper and clerk in the Gertrude (1841). He remained in the Company's service until operations were suspended; then worked his passage to England and became connected with the Canterbury Association (1845). He came to New Zealand again in 1850, and a third time with E. G. Wakefield (1853). In 1855 he was appointed clerk in the Superintendent's office. He edited the Wellington Independent for nine years (1855-64), the Wanganui Chronicle for a short time, and was also connected with the New Zealand Spectator. In 1869 Knowles went to England as secretary with Featherston and Bell. Returning in 1871, he was appointed Under-secretary for Public Works and retired in 1883. He died on 3 Dec 1891.

N.Z.C. papers; Ward; N.Z. Times, 4 Dec 1891.

Reference: Volume 1, page 253

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 253

🌳 Further sources

Augustus Karl Frederick Koch

Augustus Karl Frederick Koch

KOCH, AUGUSTUS KARL FREDERICK (1835-1901) was born in Berlin, Germany, and studied at the Royal Academy. In his teens he was engaged at the barricades in Berlin in the rising of 1848. He graduated B.A. at Berlin University. He studied art under Mandel, the portrait painter and engraver, and made caricatures for Kladderadatsch.

In the interest of his health Koch went to sea and became second officer in an East India trader. Being in Auckland when the Austrian frigate Novara arrived (1858), he was attached to Hochstetter's staff as artist during his explorations in Auckland and Nelson, and he projected the first large map of Auckland. Most of his drawings are in the Colonial Museum at Vienna. He afterwards remained in the employ of the Government, surveying, mapping and subdividing in the neighbourhood of Auckland. He introduced the process in photography of printing from negatives. He was the first chief draughtsman in the province of Hawkes Bay, and prepared the first map of the province, and the first original plan of Napier. After spending some time on the Thames goldfield as a mining surveyor, Koch joined the public works department as chief draughtsman. He made the parliamentary map of the Auckland-Waikato railway. He was 30 years a member and 20 years chairman of the Thorndon school committee. Koch died on 31 Dec 1901.

N.Z. Times, 1 Jan 1902

Reference: Volume 1, page 253

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 253

🌳 Further sources

Mokena Kohere

Mokena Kohere

KOHERE, MOKENA (1812-94). One of the leading chiefs of Ngati-Porou, Kohere was the son of Pakura, who fell while leading an attack on Wharekura stronghold, near Te Kaha, Bay of Plenty, a fate fully avenged by the taking of Toka-Kuku pa, not far from Wharekura. Kohere was himself a warrior and wielded wide influence over the whole of the East Coast. Always friendly to the British and to the Christians, his instant taking up of the Queen's cause and uncompromising attitude towards Hauhauism and the Maori King movement brought him to the front. When the Hauhau emissaries arrived in 1865 he refused to receive them, and by raising the British ensign divided his people. He applied for arms and took the field. Biggs reinforced him with the Napier volunteers, but Waiapu was still in a precarious position, until the colonial forces under Major Fraser garrisoned Mokena's stronghold, Te Hatepe, on the night of 5 Jul 1865. On the following day, supported by the guns of H.M.S. Eclipse, they began their advance. At the surrender of Hungahungatoroa in Oct Kohere appealed to Ropata (q.v.) to make peace with the Ngati-Porou tribesmen who had sided with the Hauhau. About 500 surrendered under this promise and afterwards took the oath. Kohere was able to exhibit three Hauhau flags at Napier. He received a sword of honour from Queen Victoria (1870), and was one of the first two members of the Maori race called to the Legislative Council (1872). He resigned in 1887, and died on 4 Mar 1894.

A grandson, Henare KOHERE (1878-1916), was educated at Rangitukia native school and Te Aute College, and became a sheep farmer at East Cape. For saving the lives of seamen in the wreck of the scow Whakapai he received the Royal Humane Society's medal and certificate. He was a member of the New Zealand contingent at the coronation of King Edward VII and served in the war of 1914-18 with the Pioneer battalion with the rank of lieutenant. He died in France on 16 Sep 1916 of wounds received in action. His father was Hone Hiki Kohere, eldest son of Te Mokena Kohere, and his mother was Henarata, of Te Araroa.

Lambert; Cowan; Studholme.

Reference: Volume 1, page 253

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 253

🌳 Further sources

Parapara Pitiera Kopu

Parapara Pitiera Kopu

KOPU, PARAPARA PITIERA (?-1867), a chief of Ngati-Kahungunu at Wairoa, was descended from Kahungunu through Tuteihonga and was the son of Haputanga, who was killed in Pomare's attack on Kaimango. Kopu took to the bush with his grandfather, Rekehini, who adjured him to take revenge. After the fall of Titirangi (1832) Kopu and Henare Apatari went on with a strong force to Kaiuku, where they were besieged by Waikato and their allies. Still a young man, he led one of the war parties at Toka-kuku (1836), where Ngapuhi and Ngati-Kahungunu were victorious over the Bay of Plenty tribes.

The Treaty of Waitangi having brought peace amongst the tribes, Kopu led an armed party to Hauraki Gulf for the purpose of bringing back some of his people, who had been kept prisoners by Ngati-Maru since the invasions of Taraia, or had been sold to Ngati-Maru by Tuhoe in exchange for guns. They met with resistance from the local people and many casualties occurred in the fighting, including Kopu's brother.

By this time Kopu was under the influence of Christianity; he adopted civilised customs and took an active part in the Europeanisation of his people. He was a disinterested and public spirited chief, generous in the extreme. Through his marriage with Mere Karaka, a woman of illustrious descent, he extended his influence in the Wairoa district. When the Hauhau emissaries first approached the East Coast Kopu and Whanga, two of the most dependable chiefs in the district, threw their whole weight against the new doctrines. Mere Karaka, on the other hand, sympathised with Te Kooti in later years, and on this account made a voluntary renunciation of her rights to confiscated land. In Mar 1866 Kopu surprised Te Waru's brother (who surrendered with his followers), and two months later marched to Napier, cutting down all Hauhau poles. He and Whanga led the friendlies at Te Kopani and tried to restrain Ropata from killing the prisoners. A few months later he was engaged at the battle of Omarunui (Oct).

Kopu sold to the government early in 1867 the site of Wairoa and came under the displeasure of his people on account of a great gathering at which the chief agreed to the cession of 70,000 acres of land to the Government. He died on 11 Apr 1867, while his men were still in the field against Te Kooti. Kopu received a sword of honour from the Queen. He commanded his own schooner, the Effort.

Lambert (p); Sir Apirana Ngata (information); Waka Maori, 1873, p. 145.

Reference: Volume 1, page 255

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 255

🌳 Further sources

Korako

Korako

KORAKO, a chief and tohunga of the Ngaiterangi-Whakapito hapu at Waikouaiti, is said to have remembered Cook and to have treasured a tomahawk received from him. He was the grandfather of H. K. Taiaroa (q.v.) and lived at Kawakaputaputa (Southland). An experienced old warrior and cannibal, he came under the influence of James Watkin (q.v.) and, having put away his young wife, was baptised as Te Wakena and married to the older wife, Kupukupu (1848). Having lost several of his family in the swamping of a canoe (Mar 1841) he supported Watkin in resisting the making of a human sacrifice. Korako died on 31 Oct 1852.

Roberts, Southland; Pratt; Shortland; Selwyn, Annals.

Reference: Volume 1, page 255

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 255

🌳 Further sources

Korokoro

(Manuhikitea)

Korokoro

(Manuhikitea)

KOROKORO, or MANUHIKITEA (?1760-1823) of the Parupuwha hapu of Ngapuhi, lived at Paroa, Bay of Islands. He was implicated in the attack on Marion du Fresne in 1772. He was the elder brother of Tuhi, who had lived in England and spoke the language well. Korokoro (already an elderly man in 1820) had shortly before 1814 been on a long trading expedition as far as Port Nicholson. He went to Sydney in the Active in 1814, and lived with Marsden while the second voyage of the Active was in preparation. On the return to Bay of Islands Marsden reconciled Korokoro with the chiefs of Whangaroa. He pleaded with Marsden for a missionary to be settled at Rangihoua, near his island pa at Moturoa, urging that the long absence of his brother Tuhi in Australia and England gave him a claim. Tuhi agreed that Hongi had the superior claim as the more powerful chief. Eventually in 1819 Korokoro's offer was accepted, and the mission was established at Manawara. Marsden considered Korokoro a brave, sensible chief, who had good control over his people and was willing to stop fighting if he could make an honourable peace with his enemies at the Thames.

In 1818 he accompanied Te Morenga on his East Coast expedition, and early in 1820 he inflicted severe losses on the Thames tribe. He took part in Hongi's expedition against Rotorua (1823) and in Sep died of wounds at Katikati.

S. P. Smith, Wars; Carleton; Stack; Marsden, L. and J.

Reference: Volume 1, page 255

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 255

🌳 Further sources

Martin Krippner

Martin Krippner

KRIPPNER, MARTIN (1819-94) was born at Staab, in Bohemia, and at an early age entered the Austrian army, in which he saw some service and rose to the rank of captain. In 1859 he retired and came to New Zealand, taking up a 40-acre farm at Orewa, 25 miles north of Auckland. Having arranged with the Provincial Council, he returned to Bohemia and recruited emigrants to settle at Puhoi. By the time they arrived the Waikato war had broken out and, having a fair knowledge of Maori and English, he enlisted a German company for the 3rd Waikato Regiment. After service in the field, Krippner was placed in charge of Maori prisoners in the hulk at Auckland. At Puhoi later he was postmaster and schoolmaster, secretary and chairman of the road board and a member of the county council. He died on 1 Feb 1894.

Silk 1888.

Reference: Volume 1, page 255

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 255

🌳 Further sources

Kukutai

Kukutai

KUKUTAI, the leading chief of the Ngati-Tipa tribe in the early nineteenth century. He led the Ngati-Tipa contingent in the Amio-whenua expedition of 1821-22, and also accompanied the expedition to help the Ngati-Raukawa against Ngati-Awa and personally carried the overtures of peace after the engagement at Haowhenua. Just before the peace of 1822 he joined the Ngapuhi in making war on Te Rauparaha at Kawhia. When the Rev. R. Maunsell settled in his territory in the late thirties, Kukutai felt keenly the degradation (as he thought) of his grandson Ngataru being converted to Christianity, and afterwards dying, in the land of another tribe (at Kohanga). His sons Ngapaka and Waata had great difficulty in preventing him from killing a slave at the obsequies. Kukutai was killed at Te Ihutaroa in 1846, and the tribe elected his second son, Waata, to be chief.

Waata Kukutai was a man of remarkable talents and natural qualities. Closely tattooed, he had a fine, commanding figure and dignified manners, and he built himself a European house, though continuing to live in a whare close by. On becoming chief he moved his whole tribe to Kohanga, and all were baptised under the teaching of Maunsell and lived peaceably and usefully, engaged in farming and dwelling in European houses. In 1857 Kukutai was elected manager of the tribal farm, which was governed by a set of regulations one of which declared: 'Whether chiefs or slaves, we agree to work equally and to divide equally the fruits of our labour.' Kukutai was a friend of Governor Grey, and was appointed in 1857 an assessor to sit with the resident magistrate. Though he was opposed to land selling, he did not approve of the King movement, and at the meeting in 1857 he paraded all the Queen natives under the Union Jack. He stopped the use of liquor at Maori meetings and the holding of tangi-hui. In 1860 Kukutai gave evidence before the Waikato committee of the House of Representatives, and in the following year he was installed at Taupiri as a magistrate. Grey was present to explain his intentions towards the Maori people.

In the Waikato war he took the Government side, moved his people lower down the river to Te Ia, and furnished a water transport corps on the Waikato. He was a major in the New Zealand militia. After the war his people were enlisted for roadmaking and frontier guards. Their settlements at Taupiri and Kohanga were models of orderliness and efficiency. Kukutai was one of the most civilised of the North Island chiefs, but was rather reckless in his expenditure.

After his death, which occurred on 8 Jan 1867, his people became a prey to the general despondency into which the Maori people fell and their habits degenerated considerably. He was succeeded by his nephew Hori, who was reserved and kindly in disposition, but had not a strong character.

Morton; Cowan; N.Z. Herald, 5 Jul 1869; Gorst; App. H.R., 1856-67; W. Williams; Cowan; Maunsell; Stack, More Maoriland Adventures.

Reference: Volume 1, page 255

🌳 Further sources


Volume 1, page 255

🌳 Further sources

Te Pehi Kupe

Te Pehi Kupe

TE PEHI KUPE (?-1829), a famous chief of the early nineteenth century, was partly Ngati-Toa and partly Ngati-Awa. His mother, Waipuna-a-hau, was a sister of Rauhoe. (See TE PUOHO). His first wife, Tiaia, was of the Tainui hapu of Waikato. Te Pehi was the uncle of Te Rauparaha and superior to him in rank. A leader of great courage and sagacity, he took part in the heke Tahutahu-ahi, from Kawhia to Urenui (Sep 1821). On this he was accompanied by Tiaia, who prevented Te Rauparaha from killing Rangituatea and, with Te Akau, prevented the Ngati-Maniapoto from attacking the heke at the mouth of the Mokau river. In 1822 they moved on towards Kapiti, taking part en route in the reduction of the Whanganui pa at Putiki-wharanui. In 1823, while Te Rauparaha was engaged elsewhere, Te Pehi attacked the Muaupoko stronghold on Kapiti and captured it. Though older than Te Rauparaha and a very brave warrior, he accepted the domination of his nephew and faithfully supported him.

Having made up his mind, against the wishes of his people, to visit England, Te Pehi in Feb 1824 boarded the whaler Urania, which was passing through Cook Strait and refused to leave her despite the determined efforts of Captain Reynolds to put him ashore. Taking his turn of duty with the crew, he won the regard of all on board. At Monte Video he saved the life of the captain by jumping overboard and swimming to his assistance, and when they reached England he lived in the captain's household at Liverpool for some months. He took a great interest in agriculture and mechanics and was keenly anxious to obtain not only tools and agricultural implements, but also firearms to defend his people against the northern conquerors. The British government made Captain Reynolds an allowance for the maintenance of Te Pehi while in England, and arranged for his return passage to New Zealand by the storeship Thames in 1825. The government having discountenanced supplying firearms, Te Pehi obtained some in Sydney by bartering the clothing and agricultural implements which had been presented to him in England.

His visit to England imbued him with a great desire for civilised society, but on his return to New Zealand he found that three of his daughters had been killed by the Ngati-Apa at Waikanae. He soon took the field with Te Rauparaha in the conquest of the South Island, for the purpose of seeking satisfaction from the Ngai-Tahu for insults Te Rauparaha had received, and for harbouring Kekerengu. After the defeat of the Ngai-Tahu at Omihi, they were pursued and besieged at Kaiapohia. There Te Pehi and other chiefs were received into the pa as guests and all were killed (1829). Rangihiroa, a worthy but diffident old chief, was Te Pehi Kupe's younger brother.

Te Pehi Kupe's son, TE-HIKO-O-TE-RANGI, who succeeded him, had command of the tribe during his father's absence. He took part in the heke Tama-te-Uaua (1832) and was at Haowhenua (1834). He was a man of commanding stature and noble, intelligent physiognomy, sparing of words and dignified in manner. He treasured highly his father's injunctions to lead an upright life, and was more concerned to receive from the New Zealand Company in payment for the land articles of use and comfort than munitions of war. Not robust in temperament, he allowed Te Rauparaha to encroach upon his mana. He signed the Treaty of Waitangi (1840). Te Hiko married Topeora, a daughter of Rangihaeata.

Stack; Travers; Buick, Old New Zealander; E. J. Wakefield; S. P. Smith, Wars and Taranaki; Marsden, L. and J.; The New Zealanders (Library of Entertaining Knowledge, 1830) (p); N.Z. Times, 16 Oct 1906; N.Z. Herald, 9, 16 Oct 1886.

Reference: Volume 2, page 83

🌳 Further sources


Volume 2, page 83

🌳 Further sources

Thomas Alfred Sneyd Kynnersley

Thomas Alfred Sneyd Kynnersley

KYNNERSLEY, THOMAS ALFRED SNEYD (1840-74) was born in 1840 and entered the Royal Navy as a midshipman. His promotion was rapid until in July 1858 he was appointed mate and posted to the Syren for service on the south-east coast of America. Early in 1861 he was promoted lieutenant, but shortly afterwards was compelled to seek a better climate on account of his health. Kynnersley came to New Zealand and became a settler at Queen Charlotte Sound about 1861 or 1862, cultivating a small plot of ground, living in primitive fashion and spending his leisure time sailing boats.

In October 1864, through the influence (it is said) of Sewell, he was appointed warden and resident magistrate on the Pelorus goldfield, and shortly afterwards for the goldfields of the province. Towards the end of 1865 he was selected by A. Saunders (q.v.) for the important post of resident magistrate and warden on the newly opened goldfields in the south-west of Nelson province. In January 1867 he was appointed chief warden and commissioner, and two months later receiver of land revenue. The next Superintendent (Curtis) also had confidence in Kynnersley, whom he granted almost plenipotentiary powers, while the Provincial Council voted generous funds for the work. Though not yet 30 years of age he showed surprising tact, good sense and fairness in dealing with an independent and sometimes wilful class of men, and great judgment in superintending the construction of public works in his district. In March 1868 he dealt most tactfully with the Fenian outburst at Addison's Flat.

Feeling that his post, as an emergency one, was no longer necessary, he resigned in September in the hope of recruiting his health by a visit to England. While there he retired from the Navy (September 1869), and when he came back he was again appointed warden for Wangapeka and Upper Buller (February 1870). A few weeks later he was a member of the provincial executive. He resigned from the executive in June and in the following month was elected to represent Westland North in Parliament. The dual position (official and parliamentary) which he held until the dissolution at the end of the year did not escape criticism. In March 1872 he was elected to the Provincial Council for Grey, and for 12 months was a capable and prominent member. His health, however, steadily declined, and he died at Nelson on 31 January 1874.

Admiralty records; Proc. Nelson P.C.; Beauchamp; Hindmarsh; Reid; The Colonist, 24 Apr 1868; Westport Times, 6 Feb 1874.

Reference: , page

🌳 Further sources


, page

🌳 Further sources