Dictionary of NZ Biography — Surname Index M
| Name | Biography | Reference |
|---|---|---|
William MacAlister | William MacAlisterMACALISTER, WILLIAM (1860-1936) was born in Scotland and came to Invercargill as a boy. His first employment, at the age of 14, was in Blackwood's wine store, where he worked long hours and rose to a responsible position. On the invitation of the Rev R. Fairmaid, he attended a revivalist meeting addressed by the Rev Dr Somerville which imbued him with the determination to prepare for the New Hebrides mission field. Studying hard during his short hours of leisure, he matriculated and, winning a church bursary, left for Dunedin to study divinity at Otago University. His passion for classics turned his thoughts from mission work to education as such, and he accepted a post under the Southland education board as head teacher at Wairio. While there (1885-89) he graduated B.A. (1888). Transferring to the staff of the Southland Boys' High School, he became acquainted with G. D. Braik (afterwards inspector), and together they became interested in the study of law. Macalister decided to read for his LL.B., and eventually took up law and accepted a partnership with his elder brother John (1896). From 1909 to 1925 he was crown prosecutor in Invercargill. He was a successful pleader and an authority on local body law, acting as counsel for many bodies and assisting in the drafting of legislation. He was president of the Southland law society. Macalister's passion for education never flagged. He and others instituted in the early nineties the collegiate classes association and in 1896 assisted to form the Southland technical classes association (out of which arose the Technical College). He was a member of the education board (1897-1914) and chairman (1899-1905); a member of the board of governors of the Southland High Schools (1897-1914) and chairman (1902-14); one of the founders of the Southland High School Old Boys' Association; and was on the council of Otago University (1912-13). Macalister served one term on the Invercargill borough council; was first president of the Greater Invercargill Association; a trustee of the Invercargill Savings Bank and for 25 years a director (10 years chairman) of the Southland Times Co.; foundation president of Invercargill Rotary; founded a society for the study of economics, and was keenly interested in the League of Nations Union. Southland B.H.S. Reg.; Southland Times, 27 Jul 1936. Reference: Volume 2, page 4 | Volume 2, page 4 🌳 Further sources |
James MacAndrew | James MacAndrewMACANDREW, JAMES (1820-87) was born at Aberdeen, and educated there and at the Ayr Academy, before going into mercantile life. His training was completed in London. In 1845 he became a member of the London branch of the Otago Lay Association, importing into their discussions with the Colonial Office great industry, tact and untiring hopefulness. In 1850 he purchased the iron schooner Titan, 161 tons, loaded her with merchandise on account of himself and his friends, and sailed with his family and a select party. They arrived in Otago on 17 Jan 1851. Macandrew soon became a leading member of the Constitutional Association, which was agitating for self government for the colony. He established his business at the corner of Manse and Stafford streets, and while the store was being erected visited in his schooner the northern settlements of New Zealand. His remarkable energy was matched by unconquerable confidence in the future of the Colony. With Reynolds on board, the Titan sailed with a cargo of Otago produce to sell in Australia and California, bringing back merchandise and live stock for the province. Macandrew assisted in the establishment of lime-kilns in the Kaikorai valley and of flourmills at Green Island. He despatched the first shipment of wool direct to London. In the yards of James Adam he had two ships built, the Star and the Bon Accord, and he infected the Provincial Council with his passion for communications. In 1858 he employed the Queen in the intercolonial and coastal trade. As the first steamer which visited Dunedin, she received a salute of 24 guns on dropping anchor in the harbour. The Pirate and the Pride of the Yarra followed under his auspices. He advocated a fast mail service with Great Britain, and originated the line by way of Panama. He took a leading part in promoting the breakwater at Oamaru and the Dunedin-Port Chalmers and Clutha railways, and he moved in the Council for the construction of the graving dock, which as Superintendent he opened. He made an arduous journey to Southland, and saw the first building erected on the site of Invercargill. When the first Provincial Council was elected in 1853 Macandrew was returned for the Dunedin Country district, and when the Council met he was elected speaker, resigning a few days later to become a member of the executive. The day after his election to the Council he was returned unopposed as M.H.R. for Dunedin. It was he who moved that each sitting should open with prayer to Divine Providence. After a long debate the form of prayer was adopted. Macandrew was a member of the first executive (1854), before the introduction of responsible government. In the province his position continued to become substantial. He was a member of the first town board of Dunedin (1855). For three years (1856-59) he was speaker of the Provincial Council, and when Cargill retired at the end of 1859 he was elected Superintendent. It seemed likely that with his undoubted ability, his patent sincerity, his optimism and magnetic influence over the affections of his fellows, Macandrew could in a few years have attained to the highest position in New Zealand. That was rendered impossible by a painful incident. A shortage was disclosed in the public funds in connection with emigration. Called to account, Macandrew indignantly repudiated any dishonesty, complained that the investigation was prompted by hostile parties in the province, and, meeting it with contumacy, was declared guilty by the Council, and on its petition removed from the superintendency. Richardson assumed the office in accordance with the constitution, and was duly elected (Jun. 1861), but Macandrew actually polled 189 votes against Richardson's 292 though he fought the campaign from within the walls of the prison. By 1865 Macandrew was again in the General Assembly as the representative of Bruce, and two years later, when the superintendency fell vacant, he defeated Thomas Dick by 2,259 votes to 1,892. He was never again in danger of being displaced. At the last superintendency election (1878) he polled 3,702 votes, Gillies 2,759 and Graham 26. The faith and affection of the people of Otago never altered. He was their David, but, as a biographer has said, 'the excellent talents of economy and administration were denied to him. His mind was never disciplined, nor was his judgment sound. He was given a specious and original genius, which enabled him to initiate many important public movements and to see further into the future than men who made better ministers of public works. He set a pre-eminent example of patriotism and public spirit.' For the remainder of the provincial period (1867-76) Macandrew was the undisputed Superintendent of Otago. In colonial politics Grey, one of his closest personal friends, took him into his ministry (1877-78) as Secretary for Lands and Minister of Immigration and Public Works, and he was in the Stout-Vogel government of 1884. He represented Clutha (1866-70), Port Chalmers (1871-75), Dunedin City (1875-79) and Port Chalmers again (1879-87). While in Grey's ministry he obtained from Parliament the authorisation of three important railways, the North Island Main Trunk, the Midland, and the Otago Central. He favoured easier terms of land settlement, and obtained the insertion in the land bill of 1884 of a clause providing for grants of land to Highland crofters. He considered they would make excellent settlers, and, with his customary optimism, pictured 40,000 families being brought out under this scheme. He was a firm believer in the union of English-speaking peoples as a factor in securing the peace of the world, and on his motion Parliament carried a resolution embodying this aspiration (1885). As a Scot, Macandrew's interest in education amounted almost to a religion. He was active in setting apart large reserves from the provincial estate. In 1869 he gave valuable evidence before a parliamentary committee in favour of a university in Dunedin, and when Parliament refused to accede to his proposals he introduced them in the Provincial Council. The University was eventually founded in 1870 under a provincial ordinance. Macandrew was a member of the University council until his death. It was the last public body that he attended, and on his deathbed he remarked: 'It is my wish and hope that Otago University will get a royal charter to grant degrees. It is a matter I have had much at heart for many years.' As Superintendent, Macandrew took a keen interest in the founding of the Normal Training College in Dunedin, the Benevolent Institution, the Industrial School at Caversham, and the Otago Boys' High School. It could never be said of him that he placed his own interest first. A critical biographer wrote after his death: 'Neither as a member of the community nor as a politician can selfishness be written against the name of James Macandrew.' His weakness was his 'absolute lack of business capacity or attention to detail.' He imagined on a generous scale, but could not study the minutiae of his schemes. He never imagined with an eye to profit or praise for himself. Macandrew died on 28 Feb 1887. His wife (Elizabeth Hunter Reynolds) died on 28 Feb 1875. Otago P.C. Proc.; N.Z.P.D., pass.; Gisborne (p); Saunders; Hocken; Reeves; Cox; Brett's Almanac, 1879; Public Opinion, 21 Oct 1882; Otago Witness, 27 Apr 1861; Otago Daily Times, 24 Nov 1875, 14 Feb 1880 (p). Portraits: Parliament House; painting (by Miss Sperrey) in Otago University. Reference: Volume 2, page 4 | Volume 2, page 4 🌳 Further sources |
Douglas Hastings MacArthur | Douglas Hastings MacArthurMACARTHUR, DOUGLAS HASTINGS (1839-92) was born in Edinburgh and received a good education, including languages. Arriving in Nelson at the age of 18, he worked on a farm at Collingwood for two years and then visited with some success the diggings at Marlborough, Otago and the West Coast. Returning to Nelson, he took a farm at Takaka, on which a considerable amount of gold was obtained. When the Manchester block was settled Macarthur was appointed (1874) a sub-agent for the Emigrants' and Colonists' Aid Corporation, and when Halcombe relinquished the management of the Feilding settlement he was appointed to succeed him (1878). Macarthur was mayor of Feilding for three years, chairman of the Manawatu highway board, chairman of both Manawatu and Oroua counties, and captain of the Manchester Rifles. He was elected M.H.R. for Manawatu in 1884 (defeating Fraser), and in 1887 (defeating Stevens); and for Rangitikei in 1890 (defeating Arkwright). He was a man of considerable ability and force of character, and was offered a post in the Atkinson cabinet (1887) but differed on customs policy. The loans to local bodies act was introduced by him. Macarthur died on 24 May 1892. Cycl. NZ, i (p); Rangitikei Advocate, 25 May 1892. Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 4 | Volume 2, page 4 🌳 Further sources |
Thomas George MacArthy | Thomas George MacArthyMACARTHY, THOMAS GEORGE (1833-1912) was born in London. Attracted by the gold rush, he came to Victoria in the early fifties, and in 1864 crossed to Otago. After following mining for a time, he established a brewery at Charleston, where he took an interest in the Reefton mines. In 1877 he bought a brewery in Wellington, and six years later a second. Macarthy was a director of the Bank of New Zealand, chairman of the Wellington-Manawatu Railway Co., managing owner of the barque Weathersfield (which traded between London and the Colony), and president of the Wellington Racing Club. He took an active interest in the Industrial Exhibition of 1896-97, making himself responsible for its financial success. He died on 20 Aug 1912, leaving a large bequest to endow education and charitable objects in Wellington. Cycl. NZ., i (p); Evening Post, 20 Aug 1912. Reference: Volume 2, page 5 | Volume 2, page 5 🌳 Further sources |
James Livingstone MacAssey | James Livingstone MacAsseyMACASSEY, JAMES LIVINGSTONE (1842-80) was born at Carrickfergus, County Antrim, Ireland, the son of an Independent minister. As a boy he came to South Australia, and was articled to Gwynne (afterwards a judge) and Lawrence, where he showed great aptitude for the law. He moved to Melbourne and went into the office of Mr Stephen, afterwards also a judge. The gold discoveries attracted him to Otago, and he entered the office of Richmond and Gillies in Dunedin. He was admitted to the bar in 1865, and entered into partnership with G. K. Turton, and later also with John Hyde Harris. Macassey soon became a leader of the bar, and was engaged in most of the important cases in the province. He had few rivals as a pleader, and conducted nisi prius cases and banco work with great zeal and ability. He practised later in partnership with Allan Holmes and with F. R. Chapman (q.v.) and eventually with his brother-in-law, C. C. Kettle. Macassey twice contested parliamentary seats (against Mervyn and Pyke), and in 1872 was elected to the Otago Provincial Council for Wakari, which he represented, however, for only a few months. In 1875 he published reports of cases heard before the Supreme Court in Otago and Southland and on appeal (1861-72). He married Elizabeth, daughter of C. H. Kettle (q.v.). His death occurred on 9 May 1880. Macassey's son, Percy SEABORN KETTLE Macassey (1875-1936), was crown prosecutor in Wellington. Cycl. N.Z., iv (p); Saturday Advertiser, 15 May 1880; N.Z. Law Jour., 1930, 410; Otago Daily Times, 10 May 1880; The Dominion, 19 Jun 1936. Reference: Volume 2, page 5 | Volume 2, page 5 🌳 Further sources |
Allan MacDonald | Allan MacDonaldMACDONALD, ALLAN, who was a sheep farmer at Tolaga Bay, was elected to Parliament for East Coast in 1879 as a supporter of Grey (defeating G. B. Morris). He resigned in 1884. In 1888 he was a director of the East Coast Land Co. Macdonald went to Victoria in 1893 and was not later heard of. NZP.D., 1879-84. Reference: Volume 2, page 6 | Volume 2, page 6 🌳 Further sources |
Robert Gordon MacDonald | Robert Gordon MacDonaldMACDONALD, ROBERT GORDON (1854-1931) was born in Caithness, Scotland and educated at Aberdeen University. (L.F.P.S. Glasgow 1876; L.R.C.P. 1881; M.D. Brussels, 1895.) After some years as house surgeon in Glasgow hospital, and as a ship's surgeon, he arrived in Otago in 1882 and practised in Dunedin. He was a member of the City Council (1916-19). MacDonald was particularly interested in Scottish literature and the Gaelic society and was president of the Caledonian society and the Burns Club. He published in 1928 The Highlanders of Waipu. His death occurred on 14 Sep 1931. Otago Daily Times, 16 Sep 1931. Reference: Volume 2, page 6 | Volume 2, page 6 🌳 Further sources |
Thomas Kennedy MacDonald | Thomas Kennedy MacDonaldMACDONALD, THOMAS KENNEDY (1847-1914), a son of Thomas R. Macdonald, of Fort William, Scotland, was born in Boulogne-sur-Mer, and educated in Dundee and Adelaide, Australia. Coming to New Zealand in 1871, he was employed as a clerk in the barracks in Wellington, and later established the firm of T. K. Macdonald and Co., auctioneers, land and estate agents. He was a founder and director of the Wellington Tramways Co. and of the Equitable Building and Investment Co. (1877). In 1877-78 Macdonald served in the Wellington City Council. He was chairman and manager of the Wellington Woollen Manufacturing Co. (1886-96). He was elected to represent Wellington City in the House of Representatives in 1890, but retired in 1891. He was a member of the royal commission on the Public Trust office (1891) and of that on Polhill Gully (1892), and was chairman of the harbour board (1906-07). Macdonald was called to the Legislative Council in 1908, and resigned in 1911. He died on 17 Oct 1914. NZPD., 1891, 1903-11, 10 Oct 1914; Who's Who NZ, 1908; Cycl. NZ, i (p); Evening Post, 18 Oct 1914. Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 6 | Volume 2, page 6 🌳 Further sources |
Thomas Morell MacDonald | Thomas Morell MacDonaldMACDONALD, THOMAS MORELL (1835-1909) was a son of Dr Alexander Macdonald, who gave up a medical practice in Scotland to become a missionary in Samoa, where his son was born. In 1840 they returned to Kent, and in 1850 came out to New Zealand. After serving his articles with Frederick Whitaker (q.v.), Macdonald was admitted to the bar in 1861, and practised in Invercargill, in partnership with William Russell. He married Charlotte Clements (1843-94), only daughter of Thomas S. Forsaith (q.v.). Macdonald was a member of the Southland Provincial Council for Invercargill (1864-66) and for Campbelltown (1869-70). He was solicitor to the Council until its abolition, when he was appointed crown solicitor. He was chairman of the Southland education board for 11 years, and of the Southland Times to 1896. He was a member of the Presbyterian synod. Macdonald died on 15 Mar 1909. Cycl. NZ, iv (p); Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Southland Times, 16 Mar 1909. Reference: Volume 2, page 6 | Volume 2, page 6 🌳 Further sources |
Walter MacDonald | Walter MacDonaldMACDONALD, WALTER (1829-99) was born in Mooncoin, County Kilkenny, Ireland, and educated at All Hallows College, Dublin. Coming to Auckland in 1858, he was ordained three years later, and after serving his first appointment in the Bay of Islands, he was in charge of St Patrick's Cathedral, Auckland, for many years. He was also private secretary to Bishop Pompallier and was later raised to the dignity of Monsignor and appointed chamberlain by Pope Leo XIII. In 1886 he was transferred to Panmure, where he died on 31 Dec 1899. Cycl. NZ, ii (p); Sk. Reference: Volume 2, page 6 | Volume 2, page 6 🌳 Further sources |
William MacDonald | William MacDonaldMACDONALD, WILLIAM (1840-90), who was born in Scotland, began as a pupil teacher at the age of 13, and later was tutor in the Larchfield Academy. Entering Edinburgh University, he graduated M.A. with honours and was for a time assistant to the classics professor. He was on the classical staff of the Edinburgh High School (1872-77). In 1874 he became president of the Educational Institute of Scotland. In 1877, having been selected as rector of the Otago Boys' High School, he was created an honorary LL.D. of Edinburgh University. In 1878 he took up the position in Dunedin, which he held until resigning in 1885. For three years he was a member of the Otago University council (1882-85) and he was first president of the New Zealand Educational Institute. He died on 16 May 1890. Cycl. NZ, iv; Otago BHS. Reg. (p); Otago Daily Times, 13 Nov 1878, 17 May 1890, 3 Aug 1983 (p). Reference: Volume 2, page 7 | Volume 2, page 7 🌳 Further sources |
William Donald Stuart MacDonald | William Donald Stuart MacDonaldMACDONALD, WILLIAM DONALD STUART (1862-1920) was born at Mount Merringoort, Victoria, the son of a cattle raiser. Arriving in New Zealand in 1882, he settled on the East Coast of the North Island. He was for five years (1882-87) overseer of the Ngatapa station, and later manager of other large runs. He became a member of the Farmers' Union, and president of the Poverty Bay Farmers' Club, a member of the Gisborne Harbour Board, of the Cook Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, and of the Waiapu County Council. When the district was divided he became chairman of the Waikohu County Council. In 1908 he was elected M.P. for Bay of Plenty and in 1909 he became junior whip for the Ward Government. In 1912 he was a member of the Mackenzie administration (as Minister of Public Works and of Native Affairs) and in the National ministry of 1915 he had control of agriculture and of mines. He was also president of the Board of Trade and a member of the Lands Commission. On the defeat of Ward in 1919, Macdonald became leader of the Liberal party. He died suddenly on 31 Aug 1920. N.Z.P.D., 1 Sep 1920; N.Z. Herald, 1 Sep 1920. Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: , page | , page 🌳 Further sources |
William Kenneth MacDonald | William Kenneth MacDonaldMACDONALD, WILLIAM KENNETH (d. 1879) was born in Inverness-shire, Scotland, and came to New Zealand in 1852 after 10 years in Australia. With his brother (A. R. Macdonald) he bought the Orari estate in Canterbury. In 1859 he married a daughter of Captain Macpherson, of the 59th Regiment. He was a member of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, a founder of the Christchurch Club, and represented Geraldine in the Canterbury Provincial Council (1871-72). Cycl. NZ, iii; Acland. Reference: Volume 2, page 7 | Volume 2, page 7 🌳 Further sources |
Francis Joseph MacE | Francis Joseph MacEMACE, FRANCIS JOSEPH (1837-1927) was born at Madeira and educated in Leamington and at Islington, London. He came to New Zealand in the St Michael (1852) with his parents, who took up land at Omata. There, in company with Wellington Carrington, he gained much experience of the natives, and when the fighting commenced in 1860 he enlisted in the volunteers under Burton. While scouting he discovered a force of about 500 hostile Maori in position near Waireka. The settlers were at once assembled in the stockade and shortly afterwards firing began (resulting in the death of Ford, Passmore, Shaw and two boys). Mace carried despatches to New Plymouth, and acted as guide to Captain Cracroft and the force from H.M.S. Niger in the attack on Waireka (Mar 1860). For this he was presented by the Government with a revolver. He then joined the mounted troop, and for two years was orderly to Colonel Carey. He had his horse shot under him, and was himself twice hit. Mace received the thanks of the Government for his services in this campaign and was offered a commission, which he declined. In 1862 he was promoted from sergeant to ensign, and serving with his mounted troop under Colonel Warre was constantly in action. Several times with a strong escort he carried despatches between New Plymouth and Opunake. The services of Mace and the mounted volunteers were highly spoken of by Warre, who described his courage as proverbial. In Jul 1863 he was promoted lieutenant and recruited 215 men in Otago for the military settlers. He became captain in Sep 1863. Leading these mounted troops later, he frequently distinguished himself, Haultain remarking that the mounted volunteers in Taranaki were second to none. Mace was wounded in an ambuscade at Warea, where he was surrounded by 70 natives. At the taking of Ahuahu he had his horse killed under him. In 1864 he was specially mentioned (with Rodriquez) for conspicuous courage and coolness in carrying out wounded men under fire. They received the New Zealand Cross at the end of the war (Jan 1877). Returning to civil life, Mace was a member of the Provincial Council for Omata (1873-76), of the Oakura road board (20 years a member, and some time chairman); of the school committee and the licensing committee. He married (1863) a daughter of Hamer Arden. He died on 7 Aug 1927. Taranaki P.C. Proc. and Gaz.; N.Z. Gaz.; Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Cycl. N.Z., vi (p); Gudgeon, Defenders of N.Z. (p); Cowan, N.Z. Wars, i (p); Taranaki Herald, 8 Aug 1927. Reference: Volume 2, page 8 | Volume 2, page 8 🌳 Further sources |
Thomas MacE | Thomas MacEMACE, THOMAS (1808-91) was born in England, brought up to commercial life, and lived for some years in Portugal and Madeira. He settled at Funchal in 1838 and received a decoration from the King of Portugal for his services in repulsing an attack by pirates on a military post which was deserted by the garrison. Mace with his family and several others (including Antonio Rodriquez, q.v.) came to New Zealand in the St Michael, arriving on 2 Dec 1852. He settled at Omata. During the Maori war Mace was sent to Nelson in charge of a party of elderly refugees (1860) and while there was engaged in the customhouse. On returning to Taranaki he again took up his farm. He was a member of the Provincial Council for Omata (1865-69). He died on 25 Jun 1891. (See F. J. MACE.) Taranaki P.C. minutes and Gaz; Taranaki Herald, 26 Jun and 3 Jul 1891 Reference: Volume 2, page 8 | Volume 2, page 8 🌳 Further sources |
George MacFarlan | George MacFarlanMACFARLAN, GEORGE (?-1868) was born in England and educated at Shrewsbury and at Trinity College, Cambridge, graduating with first-class honours in classics. In 1863 he was admitted to the bar at the Inner Temple, and in the following year he came to New Zealand. From 1867 until his death (on 12 Oct 1868) he was member for Lyttelton in the House of Representatives. N.Z.P.D., 1867-68. Reference: Volume 2, page 8 | Volume 2, page 8 🌳 Further sources |
John MacFarlane | John MacFarlaneMACFARLANE, JOHN (1827-1859), the first minister of the Church of Scotland in New Zealand, had been for some years successfully ministering at the Martyrs' Church in Paisley when he was chosen in 1839 to accompany the Scottish emigrants in the Bengal Merchant. Arriving at Port Nicholson on 20 Feb 1840, he held the first service six days later near Petone beach. Thereafter he preached every Sunday in Bethune's store on the Hutt river. He built his house in Clyde terrace, Petone. After the removal of the town to Thorndon, services were held at first in Hunter's premises and later in the Exchange in Customhouse quay. MacFarlane also preached in the native chapel at Te Aro and in the courthouse at Thorndon. He preached in Gaelic at Kaiwarra for the benefit of the Highland settlers, the first sermon in that tongue being delivered on 20 Jun 1841. For some weeks, until the arrival of the first Anglican clergyman, MacFarlane ministered to the wants of all the Protestant colonists. As the result of a visit to Nelson in 1842 he appealed to the missionary committee for a minister for that district. The draft constitution of the first Presbyterian church in Wellington was unanimously approved in Mar 1843. In the following month arrived the Rev James Duncan, who had been chosen by the Reformed Church of Scotland as missionary for the Maori in Manawatu. He made his headquarters in Wellington while studying the language, and during that time assisted MacFarlane at St Andrew's Church, which was opened on 7 Jan 1844. MacFarlane was deeply interested in the Mechanics' Institute. He left for Scotland in Oct 1844 by the Bella Marina, the church being closed during his absence. Owing to the state of his health he did not return to New Zealand, but settled as minister at Lochgilphead, Inverary, Argyllshire, where he died in Mar 1859. Ward; Rev A. B. Kilroy in the Outlook, 23 Feb 1938; Dickson (p); N.Z. Colonist, 23 Aug 1842; Wellington Independent, 26 Jul 1859; Evening Post, 6 Sep 1938 (p). Portrait at St Andrew's Church, Wellington. Reference: Volume 2, page 9 | Volume 2, page 9 🌳 Further sources |
John Sangster MacFarlane | John Sangster MacFarlaneMACFARLANE, JOHN SANGSTER (1818-80) was born at Haddington, East Lothian, the son of a minister of the Established Church. In 1837 he went to New South Wales as an officer of the commissariat department, but resigned shortly afterwards and studied navigation. He then purchased a schooner and entered into the Auckland-Sydney trade. In 1844 he settled in Auckland, and joined Captain Salmon as merchants and coastal traders, interested mainly in the East Coast. In 1849 Macfarlane visited California in command of the Daniel Webster. On his return he was associated with Captain Read in the Poverty Bay trade, and afterwards carried on business in Auckland under the style of J. S. Macfarlane and Co. He retired in 1876 to devote his time to public affairs and directorates. The latter included the Bank of New Zealand, the New Zealand Insurance Co. (of which he was a director from the beginning until his death), the Fiji Banking Co., the Auckland Steam Packet Co., the Auckland Rope Manufactory and the Parnell Soap Co. He paid much attention to steam communications with outlying ports, especially the north and the East Coast, and for a while had the steamers Iona, Rowena and Southern Cross in service. He was also heavily interested in the timber trade. His advocacy was instrumental in getting a railway constructed to the Thames goldfields. Macfarlane represented Waitemata in Parliament (1876-79, being defeated by R. Wood). He was a frank, outspoken speaker, a man of remarkable energy and force of character. In 1871 he resigned from the commission of the peace to assert his independence. He was a liberal patron of the turf and owned some good horses, notably Kauri Gum, which won the champion cup in Otago. Macfarlane died on 2 Feb 1880. N.Z.P.D., 1876-79; N.Z. Herald, 3 Feb 1880; App. H.R., 1871 G1. Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 9 | Volume 2, page 9 🌳 Further sources |
Thomas MacFarlane | Thomas MacFarlaneMACFARLANE, THOMAS (1811-85) was born at Glasgow, Scotland, and as a youth became a clerk to an advocate in Edinburgh who was later elevated to the bench (as Lord Curriehill). Macfarlane took a deep interest in social movements, and particularly in the establishment of an institution in Edinburgh for the deaf and dumb. On the death in 1860 of his elder brother John (who arrived in Wellington in the London in 1840) Macfarlane came to New Zealand and took his place in the business of Henderson and Macfarlane, then the largest employers in the province. He continued in New Zealand the interests which had commanded his attention in Edinburgh, and was prominently associated with the acclimatisation society, the archery and lawn tennis club, the ladies' benevolent society and the bowling club. Macfarlane also played his part in politics. In 1867 he was elected to Parliament for the Northern Division, which he represented to 1870. He had an exhaustive knowledge of bankruptcy law, was for some years a trustee in bankruptcy and at the time of his death a curator of intestate estates and a visiting justice at Auckland gaol. He died on 10 May 1885. Guthrie Hay; N.Z. Herald, 25 May 1885, 18 Jun 1894; Southern Cross, 7 Sep 1860. Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 9 | Volume 2, page 9 🌳 Further sources |
Thomas MacGibbon | Thomas MacGibbonMACGIBBON, THOMAS (1839-1925) was born in Glasgow and arrived in New Zealand in 1849 with his parents by the Mooltan. After living in Caversham, Otago, he engaged in farming and in 1872, with his father and brother, he started in business as general merchants in Gore and Mataura. He became a member of the Southland education board and later chairman, and its representative on the Otago school commissioners, and had a seat on the Mataura borough council. In 1905 Macgibbon as a Reform candidate defeated R. McNab for the Mataura seat. He retired in 1908 and was a member of the Legislative Council (1914-21). He was a member of the Otago University council (1913-20), and of the board of governors of McGlashan and Columba Colleges, and for many years an elder of the church. He died on 27 Sep 1925. (Macgibbon's father spelled his name M'Gibbon.) N.Z.P.D., 29 Sep 1925, 18 Jul 1926; Cycl. N.Z., iv; Who's Who N.Z., 1908, 1924; Beattie, i 82, ii 67, 71, 122; Otago Daily Times, 28 Sep 1925. Reference: Volume 2, page 9 | Volume 2, page 9 🌳 Further sources |
Donald MacGregor | Donald MacGregorMACGREGOR, DONALD, was born in 1824 at Wick, Caithness-shire, Scotland, and was a rope and twine manufacturer. He came to New Zealand first in 1850, was attracted by the gold diggings in New South Wales and Victoria, but returned in 1855, to Nelson. He prospected in the Collingwood district, and discovered the Quartz Ranges. In 1864 he bought land on the West Coast, where he bred high quality cattle. From Apr 1875 till the abolition of the Provincial Council, he occupied the seat for Buller, and he was chairman of the Hampden road board. Some years before his death he retired to live in Nelson. Cycl. NZ., v (p). Reference: Volume 2, page 11 | Volume 2, page 11 🌳 Further sources |
Duncan MacGregor | Duncan MacGregorMACGREGOR, DUNCAN (1843-1906) was born at Aberfeldy, Perthshire, and was educated in that parish and at Breadalbane Academy, from which he proceeded on a bursary to Aberdeen University, maintaining himself there by teaching. He graduated M.A. in 1867 after a distinguished career. At Glasgow University he won the coveted Ferguson scholarship in mental science, open to graduates from all Scottish universities. He took his medical degree at Edinburgh in 1870, and in that year was selected as the first professor of mental science and political economy at Otago University, to which he came in the Wild Deer (1871). Macgregor soon gave evidence of the rare width and depth of his philosophy, liberal reading and pronounced views on social questions. Many future leaders of New Zealand sat at his feet (including Stout, T. W. Hislop, Findlay, Wilding, Downie Stewart, Denniston and Dr Fitchett). In the lecture room and as a peripatetic philosopher rambling with his students, he formed a cult of political thought and wielded considerable influence on the intellectual and social life in New Zealand. He was a man of great stature and strength, excelled in robust sports, and throughout life enjoyed the Highland gatherings of his people. In 1873 he was appointed inspector of lunatic asylums in Otago, and from 1876-82 he was medical superintendent of the Dunedin asylum. In 1886 the Stout Government appointed him Inspector-general of Asylums and administrator of the hospital and charitable aid act. As an administrator he was clear, decisive and bold. He wrote his reports in the striking and forceful English which also characterised his series of articles (in the New Zealand Magazine) on the problem of poverty. He declined the doctorate of Edinburgh, and was awarded that of Aberdeen without being consulted. Macgregor died on 16 Dec 1906. Ross; Evening Post, 17, 18 Dec 1906; N.Z. Times, 17 Dec 1906; Thompson, Hist. Univ. Otago; App. H.R., 1879, H.1. Reference: Volume 2, page 11 | Volume 2, page 11 🌳 Further sources |
James MacGregor | James MacGregorMACGREGOR, JAMES (1830-94) was born in Callander, Perthshire. By dogged persistency and hard work he won his way through the University, was ordained, and preached his first sermon in his native parish. He had charge of Barry, near Dundee, and afterwards of Paisley, from which he was appointed professor of systematic theology in the New Free College in Edinburgh. In 1881, seeking lighter work, he came to New Zealand, and had charge of Columba Free Church at Oamaru, where he preached periodically in Gaelic. Macgregor had a gifted and cultured intellect and was an accomplished writer, rather in the style of Carlyle. He published a series of theological text books. His death occurred on 8 Oct 1894. (See William CUNNINGHAM MACGREGOR) Oamaru Mail, 9 Oct 1894; Otago Witness, 7 Jul 1881 (p). Reference: Volume 2, page 11 | Volume 2, page 11 🌳 Further sources |
John MacGregor | John MacGregorMACGREGOR, JOHN (1850-1936) was born in Aberfeldy, Perthshire, where he received his primary education. He then went to Edinburgh University, graduating M.A. (1874). A brother of Dr Duncan Macgregor (q.v.), he was also intended for medicine, but was attracted to law, and on arriving in Dunedin (1875) he entered the office of Robert Stout (q.v.), whose sister Jessie (d. 1890), the daughter of Thomas Stout, of Lerwick, Shetland, he married in 1878. He was admitted to the bar in 1877, and after a few months in Timaru he practised in Dunedin (in partnership with Peter Duncan) until his retirement in 1927. Macgregor was a very capable lawyer, especially in constitutional law, and a man of deep culture and Liberal opinions. He was particularly interested in education, and was a member of the Otago education board for 12 years and chairman for two years. He wrote frequently to the press well-considered articles on industrial relations and on social matters generally (notably on the population question). He was called to the Legislative Council in 1892, but before the expiration of his term he gave it to be understood that he would not accept reappointment, as he believed that some criticism by a member of the cabinet of his action in Parliament suggested that it was his duty to vote for the party which appointed him. He was called again by the Reform Government in 1914, and reappointed for two subsequent terms, retiring in 1935. In Parliament Macgregor devoted much attention to reform in social laws. He was responsible for the legitimation act, which provided that a father, by marrying the mother of his illegitimate children, could thereby legitimise them. The divorce law he had amended to equalise the position of husband and wife and to add desertion, failure to maintain, and habitual drunkenness to the grounds of dissolution. W. D. Stewart says Macgregor was an idealist with great force of character and an unusual mastery of legal principles and constitutional law. For many years he was a brilliant polemic writer on politics, with a profound knowledge of political philosophy. He was the first real critic of the system of compulsory arbitration. Macgregor's principal pamphlets were: Money Bills (1895), Parliamentary Government in New Zealand (1896), Marriage and Divorce (1897), Liberalism True and False (1899) and Industrial Arbitration in New Zealand (1901). He died on 25 Nov 1936. N.Z.P.D., pass. (notably 10 Sep 1937); Who's Who N.Z., 1908, 1924, 1932; Cycl. N.Z., iv; W. D. Stewart, Bell; Otago Daily Times, 17 Oct 1892, 18 Sep 1899, 26 Nov 1936 (p). Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 11 | Volume 2, page 11 🌳 Further sources |
William Cunningham MacGregor | William Cunningham MacGregorMACGREGOR, WILLIAM CUNNINGHAM (1862-1934) was born at Paisley, Scotland, the son of the Rev James Macgregor (1830-94, q.v.). He was educated at Watson's College and the University of Edinburgh, and came to New Zealand at the age of 19 years. He studied at Otago University, where he passed his final law examinations in 1883 and in the same year received the Canterbury law society's gold medal. He was a keen sportsman, playing cricket for the Carisbrook club (Dunedin) and Rugby for the Dunedin club. In 1898-99 he was champion of the Otago Golf club. Macgregor practised in Dunedin from 1890 to 1920, and was president of the Otago law society in 1898. In 1903 he became a partner in the firm of Smith, Macgregor and Sinclair, and he was for many years legal adviser to the City Council. In 1914 he became crown prosecutor for the Otago district, and he took silk in the same year. In July 1920 he was appointed Solicitor-general. While in control of the Crown Law Office, he had to assume most of the duties of Attorney-general during the absence in Geneva of Sir Francis Bell. In 1923 he became a judge of the Supreme Court, and he retired in 1934, and died on 26 Aug of that year. During his earlier years at the bar Macgregor was a frequent contributor to the press, both in England and New Zealand. He took a keen interest in British imperialism, and was the author of Ideals of Empire (1908). He married in 1902 Dora Louisa, daughter of G. W. Harris, of Mt Gambier, South Australia. Who's Who NZ., 1924, 1982; The Dominion, 28 Aug 1934. Reference: Volume 2, page 12 | Volume 2, page 12 🌳 Further sources |
Alexander MacKay | Alexander MacKayMACKAY, ALEXANDER (1833-1909), born at Edinburgh, was educated at Norfolk House Academy, Southsea, and came to Nelson with his uncle (J. Mackay, senr) by the Slains Castle (1845). While engaged in farming, he learned the Maori language and he accompanied his cousin (James Mackay) when he purchased the Kaikoura block from the natives (1859), and afterwards on his explorations and negotiations on the West Coast. In Feb 1860 they proceeded up the Buller river to the Grey. As his uncle was trying to find a route through Devil's Grip to Nelson, he returned to economise the expedition's food supplies. In 1864 Mackay was appointed commissioner of native reserves in the South Island and civil commissioner. His knowledge of the history of the South Island tribes, which was unsurpassed, is obvious in the introductory pages of his monumental Compendium of Official Documents relative to Native Affairs in the South Island (1873). In 1882 Mackay was transferred to Wellington as commissioner of native reserves for New Zealand, and he frequently sat as a commissioner under the native land frauds prevention act. In 1884 he became a judge of the native land court. He died at Feilding on 18 Nov 1909. Mackay married (1863) a daughter of William Gibbs (q.v.). App. H.R., 1876, G3a, 1891, Ses ii G4, 7, 7a; Cycl. N.Z., i; Hindmarsh; Reid; Harrop; Mackay, N.Z. Times, 19 Nov 1909; Evening Post, Reference: Volume 2, page 12 | Volume 2, page 12 🌳 Further sources |
James MacKay | James MacKayMACKAY, JAMES (1804-75) came to New Zealand in the Slains Castle, settling in Nelson early in 1845 on a farm in the Wakapuaka block which he had bought from the New Zealand Company. Disputes about the native title caused him a great deal of trouble. In the first New Zealand Parliament Mackay was M.H.R. for the Town of Nelson (1853-55). He favoured responsible government and took a leading part in establishing the forms and privileges of Parliament. He was convenor of the committee which considered the customs tariff and brought steam communications under the notice of the House. The incident in which he was assaulted by Sewell and others belongs to the fight for responsible government. Mackay sat in the Nelson Provincial Council for Nelson (1857-61). He died on 31 May 1875. N.Z.P.D., 1854-55; Parltry Record; Nelson P.C. Proc.; Saunders; Rusden; Thomson; The Colonist, 4 Jun 1875. Reference: Volume 2, page 12 | Volume 2, page 12 🌳 Further sources |
James MacKay | James MacKayMACKAY, JAMES (1831-1912) was born in Scotland, and at the age of 13 sailed for New Zealand in the Slains Castle, arriving at Nelson Jan 1845. His father (James Mackay, 1804-75, q.v.) having purchased land at Wakapuaka, they commenced farming there, but soon had difficulty with the Ngati-Tama, who disputed the sale of their land. In the seven years James spent with his father he learned a great deal about stock and farming, and in 1852 he took a run at Cape Farewell and 1,500 acres of freehold land fronting on Golden Bay. While raising sheep and cattle on these properties, he commenced a series of important explorations, the first (in 1856) being to the head waters of the Aorere and the Takaka rivers. He was an intrepid and fearless bushman and, having mastered the Maori language, was able to use natives in his exploration. In 1855 he met Donald McLean (q.v.), who was much impressed with his qualifications. Early in 1857 Mackay, with Maori companions, started from Cape Farewell and walked to the Mawhera (Grey) river, which they ascended for 50 miles. With the chief Tarapuhi, Mackay explored the river higher up; he sounded the bar and ascertained that small vessels could enter, and returned to Nelson (walking along the coast) to show specimens of coal from Brunner's seam and to report that the pakihi lands of the Mawheraiti were suited for pastoral occupation. In Jan 1858 Mackay was appointed assistant native secretary for the South Island, his first duty being to set apart native reserves. On the resignation of Domett, Brunner and Heaphy he became sole commissioner of reserves and adjusted most of the disputes. When gold was discovered at Collingwood he had to negotiate with the native owners. He settled many disputes on behalf of miners and natives, and in Oct 1858 was appointed warden on the field. In 1859 he was sent to the East Coast to negotiate the purchase of the Kaikoura block. This done, he was sent to acquire the whole of the West Coast from Cape Farewell to Milford Haven. Crossing the divide, he encountered at lake Sumner the Nelson surveyor, John Rochfort, with a party defining the provincial boundaries. The combined party crossed the saddle into the Teremakau by way of the Hurunui and Harper's Pass and then separated, Rochfort proceeding to lake Brunner and the Grey, and Mackay to the Teremakau and the sea. Mackay met with great difficulty in his negotiations owing to the reluctance of the Maori to part with the country from which they derived greenstone, and their anxiety as to adequate reserves. In Aug 1859 he tried, with one Maori, to reach Nelson by way of the Inangahua saddle, but had to return to Greymouth and walked on to the Buller, where he found the cutter Supply and so reached Nelson. He proceeded to Auckland to interview the Governor (Gore-Browne), and in Feb 1860 set out again for the coast fully authorised to agree to the reserves asked for by the Maori chiefs. Travelling overland to the Maruia plain and the source of the Grey river, Mackay reached Mawhera pa in seven weeks. The schooner Gipsy arrived about the same time with government supplies, and nearly three weeks later Haast, who had also travelled by the Maruia and the Grey, reached the pa. Mackay started with a strong party of Maori and pakeha, and covered a distance of 135 miles to Okarito, where the hui was to be held. Having discussed the sale with the chiefs there, the party proceeded to Bruce Bay (40 miles). From here the travellers returned to Mawhera pa, at the mouth of the Grey, where the deed was signed on 21 May 1860, Mackay signing on behalf of the Government. At the end of 1858, with Major John Lockett, Mackay made an exploration of the headwaters of the Takaka and Karamea, discovering Mts Lockett and Peel and the Diamond lakes. His last expedition on the coast (in 1862) was for the purpose of blazing a track up the Aorere river to the mouth of the Heaphy. On this occasion he walked from Karamea to Westport in one day. Mackay reached Collingwood by way of the Heaphy, previously unexplored, and the Aorere. He left the West Coast in Jul 1863. On the outbreak of the Waikato war he was summoned to Auckland, and in his capacity of assistant native secretary had charge of the Maori prisoners. His intimate knowledge of the people and their language gave him great influence, and he was sent to the Thames as civil commissioner (May 1864) to assist in settling the natives who had been in rebellion and returned to their homes after Orakau (Mar-Apr 1864). In these negotiations Mackay came into conflict with the senior military officer (Colonel Greer) when he insisted on explaining clearly to the King tribes who wished to surrender that their lands had been confiscated. Greer put him under arrest. On the discovery of gold at the Thames (Jul 1867), Mackay impressed upon the Government his conviction that this providential occurrence would offset the depression which overhung the Colony. In cooperation with the chief Wirope Hoterini Taipari, he negotiated agreements with the Ngati-Tama-Tera, the Ngai-te-Rangi and the Ngati-Maru, which enabled the field to be opened, and in collaboration with miners' representatives he drew up satisfactory rules. As warden and resident magistrate Mackay showed remarkable energy and judgment in his administration, providing in turn for the subsequent rushes at Kauaeranga and Kennedy's Bay. His position was rendered so difficult, however, by the jealousies of the provincial and general Governments, that he tendered his resignation. The Government insisted that he should carry on the duties of the native office, at any rate to the end of the year, and he continued to render useful service as civil agent and commissioner at native gatherings in Waikato and Thames. In 1869 Mackay intended to oppose Gillies for the superintendency of Auckland, but left the field to Williamson. He was elected to the Provincial Council for Thames in 1870 and again at the end of the year, sitting till 1873. He was then agent for the General Government in Waikato. In 1875 he petitioned against the return of Sir George Grey as M.H.R. for Thames, on the ground that he had already been elected for Auckland City West. The select committee decided against him. In 1879 Mackay was again for a short time resident magistrate and warden at Greymouth. He stood for Auckland City North in 1887, and was narrowly defeated by Cadman for Coromandel. Mackay died on 13 Oct 1912. Auckland P.C. Proc.; Nelson P.C. Proc. and Gaz.; App. H.R., 1869 A15, 16, 17, 18, 1873 G3, 1876 Il; Parltry Record; Thames Jubilee (p); Reid; O. S. Meads, unpublished thesis on C. Heaphy; Hindmarsh; N.Z. Herald, 23 Feb 1889; Westport Times and Star, 28 Dec 1926; Auckland Star, 29 Dec 1892. Reference: Volume 2, page 13 | Volume 2, page 13 🌳 Further sources |
James MacKay | James MacKayMACKAY, JAMES (1857-1907) was born at Duns, Berwickshire, educated in Edinburgh and went to sea, serving as apprentice in ships of the Henderson line between England and New Zealand. Leaving the Timaru in 1875, he worked his way from Dunedin to Invercargill, was employed for some time at the Mataura paper mills, made another round voyage in the Waimea, and then settled in New Zealand, driving wagons over the Rimutaka and at other jobs. In 1884 he made a round voyage in the Lady Jocelyn, taking frozen meat from the North Island to England, and then worked for the Wellington harbour board for some years. In 1891 he was appointed to the staff of the newly organised Labour department, to which he gave many years valuable service. The state farm at Weraroa was one of his projects. Mackay was active in friendly societies, being a prominent member of the freemasons, oddfellows and foresters. He died on 23 Sep 1907. Cycl. N.Z., i (p). Reference: Volume 2, page 13 | Volume 2, page 13 🌳 Further sources |
Jessie MacKay | Jessie MacKayMACKAY, JESSIE (1864-1938), the eldest daughter of Robert and Elizabeth MacKay, was born at Rakaia Gorge in Canterbury. Her father for many years managed Raincliff and Opuha stations, and was afterwards in charge of the Manawatu Land Co.'s property in the North Island. Educated in her own home, she had obtained a good grounding in the English classics before she entered the Normal School in Christchurch. During her teaching service she was in charge of the schools at Kakahu Bush (1887-90) and Ashwick Flat (1893-94). In 1889 her first book of Ballads appeared, to be followed in 1891 by The Sitter on the Rail, a volume especially interesting because, polemical as well as poetical, it revealed first her own peculiar blend of inspiration. For 10 years she was lady editor of the Canterbury Times. In 1908 was published another book of verse, From the Maori Sea, and in 1909 appeared her most considerable collection, Land of the Morning, which contains poems which will stand to her name in a New Zealand renascence. It contains also songs such as "For Love o' Appin" which is worthy of inclusion in any Scottish anthology. "The Burial of Sir John McKenzie" is a striking tribute to a great land reformer, the Gracchus of New Zealand. Both were inspired by the memory of the evictions of the Scottish crofters; and the one by enactment, the other by song, strove to save this young country from like abuses. In 1926 appeared a small gift volume, Bride of the Rivers, and in 1935 another volume of greater merit called Vigil. Her poems are included in anthologies here and overseas. A fine humanitarian, Jessie MacKay worked for many causes, for women's rights and for small nationalities. Her vigorous, trenchant articles won her a wide public. She was sent as delegate in 1921 to the Irish conference at Paris. She toured through France, Germany, England, Scotland and Ireland and met many of the leading minds of the day. In 1935 her admirers here and overseas presented her with a testimonial of their esteem. In 1936 the State, acting on wise suggestions, raised literature to the status of a national service by granting her a pension and placing her on the civil list. In an autobiographical sketch which she wrote for an Australian paper, she spoke of the busy thirties in which "the new century found me a city dweller, heading on to be a journalist of sorts, thanks to two large-hearted editors—Samuel Saunders of the Lyttelton Times and William Fenwick of the Otago Witness. No need to rehearse how A. G. Stephens gave me a foothold in Australia ere I knew I had one in New Zealand, nor how the slender sheaf of verse gathered then was finally bound up into Land of the Morning in 1909 and a tiny Melbourne booklet of the following year. And there is less than no need to name this and that claim and cause of a battle-weary age, going far to stifle the small silvery call that poets hear: that would be nearer a story of endings than one cares to think upon." Of her causes perhaps the dearest to her was that of prohibition. A year or two before her death she wrote passionately: "How willingly I would give up my little bit of fame if my causes might prosper." To the very end she worked for Scottish home rule. She, foretelling world-events, dubbed herself Cassandra, and indeed there was something vatic in her gift. Something native leapt into our literature at her coming. She represents the period of transition, when New Zealand first became country-conscious, and we are fortunate in the gift and in the integrity of such a pioneer. E.D. Annals N.Z. Lit.; Acland; E. M. Dunlop in N.Z. Herald, 11 Jun 1904; Star-Sun, 23 Aug 1938 (p); The Press and The Dominion, 24 Aug; J. Cowan in N.Z. Railways Magazine, 1 Jan 1937. Reference: Volume 2, page 14 | Volume 2, page 14 🌳 Further sources |
John MacKay | John MacKayMACKAY, JOHN (1851-1937) was born in Fifeshire, Scotland, came to Dunedin in the Storm Cloud (1860) and was educated at the public schools and the Otago Boys' High School (1863-64). He then spent some years in the office of his brother Joseph, owner of the Bruce Herald, Milton, and after 12 months with Mills, Dick and Co., established himself as a printer in Dunedin (1871). He was associated with Thomas Bracken as printers of the Saturday Advertiser in Dunedin. He was also for a while in partnership with George Fenwick (q.v.), and afterwards senior partner in Mackay, Risk and Munro. He sold out this interest in 1888, and became factory manager for the Evening Star. In 1896 Mackay was appointed Government Printer, an office which he held till 1916. He took some little part in local affairs, being a member of school committees in Dunedin and an elder of the First Church, of St John's Church in Wellington and the Island Bay Church. He married (1879) Euthenia, daughter of D. McCorkindale (Dunedin). His death occurred on 3 Mar 1937. Who's Who N.Z., 1908. Reference: Volume 2, page 14 | Volume 2, page 14 🌳 Further sources |
Joseph MacKay | Joseph MacKayMACKAY, JOSEPH (?-1918) was born in Scotland, and gained his M.A. degree at King's College, Aberdeen. He taught in a grammar school at Bristol and in a Presbyterian school in Australia, and in 1865 came to New Zealand to take up the position of mathematics and assistant master at Nelson College. This he held till 1881, being also in charge of the boarding establishment. From 1881 to 1891 he was headmaster of Wellington College, which under his guidance had considerable success in civil service and competitive examinations. After retiring he farmed at Midhirst, Taranaki, where he died in June 1918. A son, CHARLES EVAN MACKAY (1875-1929) was mayor of Wanganui (1906-13, 1915-20). He was shot while acting as a press correspondent in Berlin on 3 May 1929. Nelson Coll. O.B. Reg.; Leckie (p); The Times, 6, 7, 8 May 1929. Reference: Volume 2, page 14 | Volume 2, page 14 🌳 Further sources |
Thomas MacKay | Thomas MacKayMACKAY, THOMAS (1826-91) was born at Inverness, Scotland, and educated and trained as a civil engineer. He practised until middle age in Ireland and came to Nelson in 1871, the family settling at Aniseed Valley. Following a visit by the Governor (Lord Normanby), he was appointed to the land purchase branch of the Public Works department, being later Government agent on the West Coast and trust commissioner for native reserves; deputy land tax commissioner (1879), and trustee of West Coast (North Island) settlement reserves (1882-84). In 1890 he was a commissioner, with Rees and Carroll, on the operation of native land laws. He had almost finished his dissenting report when he died (13 Jun 1891). App. H.R., ii 1891; Gla; Evening Post, 15 Jun 1891. Reference: Volume 2, page 14 | Volume 2, page 14 🌳 Further sources |
Edmund Augustus MacKechnie | Edmund Augustus MacKechnieMACKECHNIE, EDMUND AUGUSTUS (1823-1901) was born at St Christopher's, West Indies, a son of the Rev Charles Mackechnie, an army chaplain. Coming to New South Wales with his father, he became associate to his relative, Sir Alfred Stephen, and was admitted a solicitor. After practising for some years he came to Auckland (1870), where he was in partnership with MacCormick and later with G. Nicholson. He was a member of the City Council (1882-85) and chairman of the hospital board, but his main interests were literary and scientific. He was president of the Auckland Museum and Institute and of the Society of Arts. On his death (on 17 Jan 1901) Mackechnie bequeathed to the Auckland Institute his books and £2,500 to be applied to the purchase of scientific works, and to the Society of Arts a like sum, which was devoted to the erection of the art gallery in Kitchener Street. Lyttelton Times, 2 Dec 1885; N.Z. Herald, 18 Jan 1901, 8 Nov 1902; Auckland Star, 17 Jan 1901. Reference: Volume 2, page 14 | Volume 2, page 14 🌳 Further sources |
James Tannock MacKelvie | James Tannock MacKelvieMACKELVIE, JAMES TANNOCK (1824-85) was born in Glasgow, his father being an officer in H.M. Customs. He was educated in Glasgow, and trained to mercantile life. For some years he was in business in Liverpool, where he became manager of the Birkenhead Steam Ferry Co. He came to New Zealand in 1867 and was associated as a partner with Brown and Campbell until 1872. Meanwhile he invested shrewdly and successfully in mining ventures on the Thames field. He was one of the four owners of the Golden Crown (1869-70). Retiring in a few years with a large fortune, he returned to England. In 1877 he made the first of a series of gifts to the City of Auckland, in this instance a collection of English coins. In the next eight years he donated valuable books and works of art to the Auckland Public Library and the Art Gallery. Mackelvie died on 4 Jun 1885, leaving a sum of £40,000 for the art gallery. Barr; Weston; Auckland Star, 28 Jul 1885; N.Z. Herald, 23 Dec 1882, 9 May 1883, 24 Jul 1885, 28 Nov 1890, 23 Apr, 13 Sep 1892. Portrait: Auckland Art Gallery (by L. J. Steele). Reference: Volume 2, page 15 | Volume 2, page 15 🌳 Further sources |
Francis Wallace MacKenzie | Francis Wallace MacKenzieMACKENZIE, FRANCIS WALLACE (1824-92) was born at Tarral, Tarbat, Ross-shire, the son of George MacK. Ross, and was commissioned as ensign in the Bombay Native Infantry (1841). He served with the 8th Infantry in Scinde (1843), being present at Hyderabad. Promoted lieutenant (1845), he was appointed interpreter in Hindustani to his corps and two years later quartermaster and interpreter in Hindustani and Mahratti. In 1851 he received a bonus for proficiency and was promoted captain (1856). On retiring he came to Victoria, and in 1855 landed at Auckland from the Kestrel. He travelled by the Waikato and Wanganui rivers to Wellington, prospected thoroughly the grazing lands of Marlborough, and eventually settled on the Pomahaka runs, South Otago, in company with Pinkerton. Later he bought the freehold of Glenkenich. Mackenzie represented Clutha in the Provincial Council (1863-70), and was M.H.R. for Mataura (1881-84). He contested Waikaia against Valentine (1887). He was a member of the first Clutha county council, and later chairman of the council and the charitable aid board. He died on 5 Dec 1892. India Office records; Otago P.C. Proc.; C.A. Macdonald; Beattie ii; Roberts, Southland; Tapanui; Otago Daily Times, 6 Dec 1892. Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 15 | Volume 2, page 15 🌳 Further sources |
James MacKenzie | James MacKenzieMACKENZIE, JAMES, was born in Ross-shire, Scotland, about 1820, and was brought up as a shepherd. In 1847 he came from Australia to New Zealand, and he was employed for a time as drover and shepherd in Southland. He selected a run in south Otago, and appears to have gone north with his bullock and dog in search of stock. In March 1855 a mob of 1,000 sheep was found to be missing from the Levels run, in South Canterbury. It was tracked westward through the low passes to the plains beyond, now called the Mackenzie country, where Mackenzie was apprehended. He was suspected of having stolen other sheep, which he had driven over rough unexplored country and some of which were traced as far south as Southland. Mackenzie was brought to trial at Christchurch and sentenced to five years' imprisonment. After several escapes and attempts, his sentence was remitted and he was deported. To Mackenzie belongs the credit of exploring much of the mountainous back country of Canterbury and Otago. It is believed that he died in Australia. Justice department records; Woodhouse; Acland; Cant. O.N.; J. C. Andersen; Beattie ii; Lyttelton Times, 18 Apr, 20 Jun 1855. Reference: Volume 2, page 15 | Volume 2, page 15 🌳 Further sources |
Thomas MacKenzie | Thomas MacKenzieMACKENZIE, SIR THOMAS (1854-1930) was born in Edinburgh, the son of David Stewart Mackenzie, and came to New Zealand with his parents in the Robert Henderson (1858). He went first to the Green Island school, then to the North East Valley and finally to the Stone School in Dunedin. Then he took positions in commercial offices in Dunedin and Port Chalmers. At the age of 20 he joined the Survey department in Wellington, and he was engaged in triangulation in the Hutt valley and surveying the Paraekaretu and Manchester blocks. Returning to Otago, he took part in the survey for the Walton Park railway line. In 1877 he opened a store at Balclutha. He was on the borough council (1881-87) and was two years mayor. Having sold his business (1886), he was elected in 1887 as M.H.R. for Clutha (defeating J. W. Thomson), and he represented that electorate till 1896, when he retired from politics for a few years. In the late eighties he was associated with the Atkinson party, and throughout the Ballance and the early years of the Seddon administration he was a consistent critic of their policy. In 1889 Mackenzie was commissioned by the Government to inquire into the produce trade in Great Britain, and in 1894 he was a member of the tariff commission. On his retirement in 1896 he went to London as the representative of the Canterbury Farmers' Cooperative association, and remained there for three years. On his return he took up his residence in Kaikorai valley. The resignation of Sir John McKenzie in 1900 furnished an opportunity of re-entering Parliament, and he was elected M.H.R. for Waihemo, and re-elected in 1902 and 1905 for the same seat (then called Waikouaiti). In 1901 he was a member of the royal commission on education, and in 1903 he was chairman of the parliamentary commerce committee. Meanwhile he had been mayor of Roslyn (1901-02) and had done service on other bodies, including the Otago education board (1893-96, 1900-08; chairman 1906-07), the Otago High School governors (sometime chairman and treasurer), the hospital and charitable aid board, and the benevolent trustees. Owing to another adjustment of electoral boundaries he lost his seat in 1908, and was next elected for Taieri. At the following election (for the same reason) he sought a seat in the North Island, and was returned for Egmont, defeating B. Dive (1911). Mackenzie had now moved towards the Liberal party, and after the election in 1908 he joined the Ward cabinet as Minister of Industries and Commerce and later of Agriculture, Tourists and Health Resorts (6 Jan 1909). At the elections of 1911 the ministry received a setback, and on Parliament assembling the Government was saved by the casting vote of the Speaker (Feb 1912). Sir Joseph Ward resigned and Mackenzie was then elected leader of the Liberal party and called upon to form a ministry. He took office on 28 Mar 1912, but as soon as Parliament met his party was defeated by 41 votes to 33, and he resigned office (10 Jul). On 22 Aug he resigned his seat in Parliament to accept the high commissionership in London, which he administered with marked ability until 1920. Besides the heavy duties devolving upon him in connection with the war, Mackenzie was a member of the Pacific Cable board (1912-20), the war graves commission, the Dardanelles royal commission and the conference on safety of life at sea (1913), and was a delegate at the peace conference (1919). He was created a K.C.M.G. (1916), and promoted to G.C.M.G. (1920); was a grand officer of the Crown of Belgium, and honorary LL.D. of Edinburgh University. In 1898 he was elected F.R.G.S. On returning to New Zealand Mackenzie was called to the Legislative Council (1921), and he was a member till his death (14 Feb 1930). He married (1884) Ida Henrietta, daughter of Charles Nantes (Geelong, Victoria). She died in 1926. Mackenzie was keenly interested in exploring and natural history. In 1881, with Professor Scott and James Allen, he walked from Wakatipu by the Harris saddle to Martin's bay. In 1885 he made his first exploration (in the Tautuku forest), and in 1888 he was associated with Quinton McKinnon (q.v.) in the search for Professor Mainwaring Brown, who was lost between Manapouri and the West Coast sounds. He discovered a pass between Manapouri and Hall's Arm. In 1892 he had charge of the search for McKinnon. His travels in 1894 disclosed three practicable passes between Manapouri and Dusky Sound. In 1896 he completed his explorations, and made a comprehensive report to the Government on the geology, fauna and flora of the area. He was president of the New Zealand Bird Protection Society. N.Z.P.D., pass.; Evening Star (p), Evening Post 14 Feb 1930; Otago Daily Times, 31 Aug, 12, 29 Oct 1888; 17 Mar 1896. Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 17 | Volume 2, page 17 🌳 Further sources |
James MacKintosh | James MacKintoshMACKINTOSH, JAMES (1827-97) was born at Lochinver, Sutherlandshire, emigrated to Victoria as a young man, and with his brother took up an estate at Moonee Ponds, where they bred horses, cattle and sheep. Mackintosh represented East Bourke in the Victoria Legislative Assembly (1859-60). In the sixties he came to Southland and purchased the Strathmore estate of 3,000 acres in the Otautau district, and later the Gladfield estate of 14,000 acres. Both were much improved, and eventually disposed of when Mackintosh retired to live in Invercargill (1884). He formed the Aparima road board, which at first functioned as a farmers' club, was a member of the Southland education board from 1880, and was chairman of the first Wallace county council. In 1887 he contested the Mataura seat in Parliament against G. F. Richardson (q.v.), and in 1890 he was elected for Wallace, which he represented to 1896, being then defeated. He was a promoter of the Southland Freezing Co., and an advocate of a state bank. Mackintosh did much for the development of the western district. He died on 9 May 1897. Otago Daily Times, 8 Jun 1897; Southland Times, 11 May 1897. Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 18 | Volume 2, page 18 🌳 Further sources |
Samuel Meggitt MacKley | Samuel Meggitt MacKleyMACKLEY, SAMUEL MEGGITT (1829-1911) was born at Leeds, the son of Dr T. Mackley. Educated at the Leeds Grammar School, he studied medicine but, his health being poor, he came to New Zealand in the Sir Allan McNab (1857) and settled first at Nelson. He made early visits to the West Coast on foot, once walking with Creighton as far as the Grey. At Okarito he found gold on the beach. On 21 May 1860 he witnessed at Greymouth the deed of sale of the West Coast to the Government, and in 1861 he took up a run on the Waipuna plains, up the Grey river, being the first European to settle there. He chartered a vessel to move his family to their new home. In 1863 he travelled overland to Canterbury by the Ahaura saddle and the Waiau river, and brought back sheep for his station. Claiming to have found gold in the Buller river as early as 1859, he wrote to the Lyttelton Times in 1862 predicting that the West Coast would prove to be a goldfield. In 1860 Mackley married Miss Trist (Devonshire). He was a justice of the peace, and represented Grey in the Nelson Provincial Council (1869-72). He died on 8 Nov 1911. Hindmarsh; Reid; Cycl. N.Z., v (p); Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Grey Star, 1 Feb 1928; Grey River Argus, 10 Nov 1911. Reference: Volume 2, page 18 | Volume 2, page 18 🌳 Further sources |
James MacKy | James MacKyMACKY, JAMES, who was born in the North of Ireland, came to New Zealand in the forties and settled at Auckland. He was elected by the Southern Division to the Legislative Council for the province of New Ulster (Sep 1852). In 1861 he was a member of the committee which proposed to grant an award for a payable goldfield in the province. Reference: Volume 2, page 18 | Volume 2, page 18 🌳 Further sources |
John MacKy | John MacKyMACKY, JOHN (1820-91) was a native of County Londonderry, Ireland, where he received the first of his education. He studied for the ministry of the Presbyterian Church at Glasgow University, graduating M.A. (1839). In 1842 he was ordained by the Derry presbytery, and appointed to the charge of Fahan, County Londonderry, where he laboured until being called by the mission directors of the Presbyterian Church of Ireland for the New Zealand field (1853). He sailed the following year in the Cashmere with his parents and his own family. On his arrival he established the church at Otahuhu, holding services in the store near the wharf until the church at Otara was completed. For 20 years he lived on his farm at Papatoetoe until the completion of his manse permitted him to move in (1872). During that time he ministered to a very wide district and made many long journeys on horseback. In 1862 he was moderator of the first General Assembly of the Church. In 1890 he retired with the rank of pastor emeritus of Otara. His death occurred on 23 Jan 1891. Dickson (p); N.Z. Herald, 24 Jan, 5 Feb 1891. Reference: Volume 2, page 18 | Volume 2, page 18 🌳 Further sources |
Richard Cockburn MacLaurin | Richard Cockburn MacLaurinMACLAURIN, RICHARD COCKBURN (1870-1920) was born in Selkirk, Scotland, a member of a family distinguished in science and law, and a descendant of Professor Colin Maclaurin (1698-1746). Coming to New Zealand by the Ada in 1874, he attended the Auckland Grammar School and Auckland University College with a junior university scholarship (1887), graduating B.A. (1890) and M.A. (1891) with first-class honours in mathematics. In 1891, elected to a foundation scholarship, he entered St John's College, Cambridge. He was bracketed with the senior wrangler in the first division of the first class, part ii of the mathematical tripos, and won Smith's prize for the same subject. Taking up the study of law, he entered Lincoln's Inn, was awarded the McMahon law studentship, and a prize for the best dissertation on a legal subject. In 1897 he was elected a fellow of St John's College, and won the Yorke Prize in 1898. After studying philosophy at Strasburg University, he was appointed professor of mathematics at Victoria University College, Wellington (1899); serving in this capacity till 1907, he became in that year professor of law and was dean of the faculty of law in the college, until he left New Zealand. He became a fellow of the University of New Zealand in 1901, and in 1904 Cambridge University conferred on him the degree of LL.D. Of extraordinary brilliance and versatility, of great wisdom, humanity, and practical shrewdness, Maclaurin's mind was one of the most remarkable ever to serve learning in this country. It was not such as New Zealand could hope indefinitely to retain. For a year (1908) he was professor of mathematical physics at Columbia University, New York, and in 1909 he became president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which before he died (on 5 Jun 1920) he built into a great and wealthy college. Its activities when he took charge were scattered in various buildings in Boston, and with endowments inadequate for proper laboratories and salaries, the authorities were contemplating effacement by merging with Harvard University. Maclaurin's dynamic force and magnetic personality resulted in 11 years in the housing of the Institute in a magnificent block of buildings on the Cambridge bank of the Charles river, with endowments placing it beyond the fear of absorption by the wealthier University. He was affectionately known as 'Maclaurin of Tech.' His wife was Alice, daughter of William Young, of Auckland. His publications include Title to Realty (1901), a treatise on the Theory of Light (1908), and various scientific memoirs. Maclaurin was a brother of JAMES SCOTT MACLAURIN (1864-1939), D.Sc. Government analyst in New Zealand. Who's Who N.Z., 1908; H. G. Pearson, Richard Cockburn Maclaurin (1937) (p); N.Z. Times, 25 Sep 1920; Evening Post, 7 Oct 1937. Reference: Volume 2, page 19 | Volume 2, page 19 🌳 Further sources |
Charles Richard Alder Lendrick MacLean | Charles Richard Alder Lendrick MacLeanMACLEAN, CHARLES RICHARD ALDER LENDRICK (1833-96) was born at Dublin and educated at Dublin University with a view to taking holy orders. After being ordained, he came to New Zealand to undertake duty in the Nelson diocese. He had qualified in law when he joined the staff of Nelson College as assistant in 1863, and he was headmaster (1864-68). On his resignation he was appointed registrar of the Supreme Court at Nelson. Maclean was M.P.C. for Buller (1873-75), and edited the Colonist for a short time. In 1875 he started to practise law at Bulls. In 1879 he contested the Rangitikei seat against Major Willis. About 1884 he removed to Kaikoura, but he came back to Feilding on the death of his wife and died there in 1896. Maclean was an active freemason. Initiated in the Southern Star lodge at Nelson (1871), he helped to found a lodge at Bulls and was P.D.G.S.W. (1888). Family information; Nelson Coll. Reg.; Rangitikei Advocate, Sep 1879. Portrait: General Assembly Library. Reference: Volume 2, page 19 | Volume 2, page 19 🌳 Further sources |
Hester MacLean | Hester MacLeanMACLEAN, HESTER (1868-1932) was born in New South Wales, a daughter of Harold Maclean, Comptroller-General of Prisons. She attended a private school in Sydney, and received her nursing certificate in 1893 at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney. She was matron of the Kogarah Hospital (1894-97), and of the Women's Hospital, Melbourne, and in 1900 came to New Zealand as assistant-inspector of hospitals. In 1906 she joined the New Zealand Army Nursing Service as matron-in-chief, and from 1914 until she retired in 1923 she was director of the division of nursing in the Health Department. During the war of 1914-18 she both nursed abroad and organised detachments of nurses in New Zealand, being awarded the Royal Red Cross and the Florence Nightingale medal. She was the first president of the New Zealand Trained Nurses' Association, edited Kai Tiaki (the New Zealand nurses' journal) and in 1932 published her reminiscences Nursing in New Zealand. She died in Wellington on 2 Sep 1932. Who's Who N.Z., 1932; Maclean, op. cit. (p); Evening Post, 2 Sep 1932 Reference: Volume 2, page 20 | Volume 2, page 20 🌳 Further sources |
Thomas Every MacLean | Thomas Every MacLeanMACLEAN, THOMAS EVERY (1819-1901) was born in Cornwall, and came to New Zealand with his brother Robert in the Constantinople in the fifties, intending to settle in Canterbury. While the ship was being repaired in Auckland, they decided to settle there, took up a farm at East Tamaki, and became well known breeders of good stock. Later MacLean became interested with John Williamson and Thomas Russell in a large farming property at Cambridge, which was carried on under the style of MacLean and Co., and afterwards became the Auckland Agricultural Co. MacLean took a great interest in blood stock, and imported many stud Herefords and Shorthorns, Clydesdale horses and Leicester and Down sheep. The sire Musket was imported by the Auckland Agricultural Co. A later company, the New Zealand Stud and Pedigree Stock Co., engaged MacLean's attention. He was a prominent supporter of the Cambridge Farmers' Club and the Auckland Agricultural Association. MacLean took an active part in local government, being chairman of two road boards (Pakuranga and Paparoa). From 1865 to 1872 he represented Franklin in the Provincial Council, and for a considerable period (1868-70) he was deputy-superintendent of the province. During the war he raised and commanded the Howick troop of cavalry volunteers. In 1873 MacLean was called to the Legislative Council. He was unable to devote sufficient time to his duties and resigned his seat, which became vacant owing to absence for two sessions (1876). He died (unmarried) on 12 Aug 1901. Cycl. N.Z., ii; N.Z. Herald, 20 Jul 1875, 13 Aug 1901. Reference: Volume 2, page 21 | Volume 2, page 21 🌳 Further sources |
Bernard MacMahon | Bernard MacMahonMACMAHON, BERNARD (1810-89) was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and brought up to agricultural life. Coming to Nelson by the Whitby in 1841, he settled in Riwaka, and for 13 years represented Motueka in the Provincial Council (1860-73). After its abolition he became a member of the local county council. Nelson P.C. Proc.; Cycl. N.Z., v (p). Reference: Volume 2, page 22 | Volume 2, page 22 🌳 Further sources |
David MacMillan | David MacMillanMACMILLAN, DAVID (1836-1904) arrived in New Zealand by the Rose of Sharon in 1857, and engaged in farming at Southbridge, Canterbury. In 1874 he was elected to the local school committee, and he later served on the education board. He was for 20 years a member of the Selwyn county council (1876-96), and for 11 years chairman. At the general election of 1881 he defeated J. D. Enys for the Coleridge seat in the House of Representatives, which he held until 1887. He also served on the Canterbury land board (1883-1900), the Canterbury plantation board, the Lyttelton harbour board, the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral association (president 1897), and the Ellesmere association (president 1894), and was a member of the Canterbury Agricultural College board of governors. He died on 6 Jul 1904. Cycl. N.Z., iii; The Press, 7 Jul 1904. Reference: Volume 2, page 23 | Volume 2, page 23 🌳 Further sources |
George MacMorran | George MacMorranMACMORRAN, GEORGE (1853-1920) was born in Dumfries-shire and educated at Biggar, where he commenced teaching. He afterwards attended the Free Church Training College and the Andersonian University in Glasgow, and was then appointed a tutor in the Homerton Training College, London. Returning to Glasgow, he was a junior master in the Highland Society schools from 1874 to 1881, when he came to Otago. In the following year he was appointed first assistant at the Mt Cook Boys school in Wellington, and in 1884 he became headmaster of the Terrace school. There, during a period of 35 years, he achieved marked distinction as a teacher. He was a prominent supporter of the New Zealand Educational Institute and during the war of 1914-18 acted as inspector under the Wellington Education board. Macmorran published in 1900 Some Schools and Schoolmasters of Early Wellington. He died on 6 Oct 1920. Macmorran, op. cit.; Butchers; Evening Post, 16 Oct 1920. Reference: Volume 2, page 23 | Volume 2, page 23 🌳 Further sources |
Donald MacPherson | Donald MacPhersonMACPHERSON, DONALD (1822-82) was born in Scotland, and as a young man emigrated to Australia, where he lived for some years. In 1862 he brought a shipment of horses to the Otago goldfields. The venture was not profitable, and Macpherson went to Dunstan and opened a store. In this he was very successful and became well off. Establishing a punt on the river at Clyde, he opened up communications with the mining and agricultural country on the other side. In Mar 1865 Macpherson was unexpectedly elected to the Provincial Council for Manuherikia. Springing a surprise upon the runholders, a large body of miners appeared at the place of nomination and proposed Macpherson in opposition to F. D. Bell (q.v.). He was elected by a large majority and attended the Council for two sessions, retiring in 1867. Benevolent and imperturbable in disposition, Macpherson encountered adversity in later years. Eventually he realised his impoverished estate and returned with his wife and daughter to Scotland, where he was killed by a railway train (in Jan 1882). Ross; Otago P.C. Proc.; Don; Saturday Advertiser, 25 Mar 1882. Reference: Volume 2, page 24 | Volume 2, page 24 🌳 Further sources |
Farquhar MacRae | Farquhar MacRaeMACRAE, FARQUHAR, an ordained minister, was selected as headmaster by a commission set up in Auckland in 1861 to consider the founding of a superior school. He came to New Zealand in 1863 as principal of the High School, for which purpose he closed his private school in England. In 1869 he took over the headmastership of the Auckland Grammar School, which was forced to close in 1883 for lack of funds. Macrae was an outstanding educationalist. N.Z. Herald, 30 Jan 1883. Reference: Volume 2, page 24 | Volume 2, page 24 🌳 Further sources |
George McRae | George McRaeMcRAE, GEORGE (1800-64) was born in Inverness-shire. As a young man he responded to the invitation of Lord Selkirk to raise 200 men to form a free company for Canada. They sailed in 1816 for Hudson's Bay, where he remained for six years and married. Returning to Scotland in 1822, he took charge of a sheep farm for Major Gilchrist, and six years later became manager of the Duke of Sutherland's Blairich estate. On the death of his father (1841) McRae sailed for New Zealand with his family in the Mary Ann, reaching Nelson in 1842. For eight years he farmed two sections at Waimea south, with 88 acres for cattle rearing. In 1848 he acquired Lake Rotoiti, but sold it two years later and bought Blairich and Braes of Sutherland, in the Awatere. McRae represented Awatere in the Marlborough Provincial Council (1861-63). He died on 3 Sep 1864. Cycl. N.Z., v; Marlborough Express, 3 Sep 1864, 16 Apr 1870. Reference: Volume 2, page 24 | Volume 2, page 24 🌳 Further sources |
Thomas MacReady | Thomas MacReadyMACREADY, THOMAS, sat in the Auckland Provincial Council for Auckland West (1867-73) and for Newton (1873-75). He was a member of the first City Council (1873-75) and of the city board of commissioners. For some years he was in business as a jeweller, and later built the Star Hotel, of which he was proprietor. He also owned the Duchess of Marlborough Hotel. Reference: Volume 2, page 24 | Volume 2, page 24 🌳 Further sources |
John Commons McVay | John Commons McVayMcVAY, JOHN COMMONS (1844-1914) was born in Auckland, where his father arrived from New South Wales in 1841, and was educated at Gorrie's academy. Having served an apprenticeship as a saddler, he took charge of a business in Napier (1869) and started on his own account in 1873. He married (1871) Miss Craig (Belfast). McVay was a member of the Napier borough council for 20 years and mayor 1901-02; a member (and chairman) of the harbour board; a member of the charitable aid board, of the first school committee and the High School board of governors and a trustee of the children's home. He was a founder and president of the Hawke's Bay Racing club and a member of the Hawke's Bay racing commission. He was a director of the Napier Gas Co. and Blyth's Ltd. He died on 10 May 1914. Cycl. N.Z., vi; Hawke's Bay Herald, 11 May 1914. Reference: Volume 2, page 25 | Volume 2, page 25 🌳 Further sources |
John MacIntosh Madden | John MacIntosh MaddenMADDEN, JOHN MACINTOSH (1856-1923) was born at Wakefield, Yorkshire, commenced painting when quite young, and afterwards studied at the South Kensington School of Art, where he won many diplomas. In 1877 he came to New Zealand, and he was for some decades prominent in artistic circles in Christchurch. In 1893 he founded the Palette Club, which was of great assistance to artists. Madden was art master at Christ's College for 25 years. He exhibited at the exhibitions regularly, and also occasionally at the Royal Academy. Examples of his work appear in several of the leading galleries in New Zealand. Madden died in Apr 1923. Lyttelton Times, 30 Apr 1923. Reference: Volume 2, page 25 | Volume 2, page 25 🌳 Further sources |
Andrew Thomas Maginnity | Andrew Thomas MaginnityMAGINNITY, ANDREW THOMAS (1849-1918) was born in Wellington, his father (an Irishman) having come to New Zealand in the ranks of the 65th Regiment in 1847. He was educated in the regimental school, at Finnimore's Commercial School and Toomath's Commercial and Grammar School; passed the civil service examination in 1868, and became a junior clerk in the Treasury. In 1873 he was chief clerk in the Telegraph department; in 1875 assistant secretary for telegraphs; in 1876 Secretary, and in 1879 postmaster and clerk to the magistrate and warden and receiver of goldfields revenue at Collingwood. Having studied law there, Maginnity was admitted a solicitor in 1886 and entered into practice (the firm being later Maginnity, Son and Houlker). Maginnity was a school commissioner, a member (and chairman) of the Nelson education board and the harbour board, member of the Victoria University College council and a trustee of the Nelson School of Music. He was chancellor of the Anglican diocese (1907-18), a member of the general synod and of the Victoria lodge of freemasons. As a young man he served in the Greytown cavalry, and with No. 2 division Armed Constabulary against Titokowaru. He was captain in the first torpedo company of volunteers, which was largely recruited from the post and telegraph service, and later of H battery (Nelson); and was a promoter of the Nelson defence rifle club and of the swimming association. In 1914 Maginnity was called to the Legislative Council by the Reform Government. He died on 12 Mar 1918. N.Z.P.D., 1914-18; The Katipo, Aug, Oct 1895; Who's Who N.Z., 1908; The Colonist, 13 Mar 1918. Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 25 | Volume 2, page 25 🌳 Further sources |
Michael Maher | Michael MaherMAHER, MICHAEL (1830-74) was born in London of Irish stock, and came to New Zealand with his parents in one of the first three ships to arrive at Nelson (Jan 1842). Some years later he took up farming on the Waimea plain, moved again to Wairau, and finally settled in the Kaituna district. He represented Pelorus in the Marlborough Provincial Council (1863-65). Maher died in Jan 1874. Cycl. NZ, v (p) Reference: Volume 2, page 25 | Volume 2, page 25 🌳 Further sources |
Harold James Del Monte Mahon | Harold James Del Monte MahonMAHON, HAROLD JAMES DEL MONTE (1873-1938), a son of Lieut-Colonel Owen Mahon, was born in Auckland, and educated at the Auckland Grammar School and at Auckland University College, where he graduated B.A. in 1891. He began teaching at the Wellesley Street school in 1892, and in 1894 went to the New Plymouth High School as junior assistant master. In 1897 he returned to the Auckland Grammar School as English and commercial master. In 1906, he spent a year at the University of Jena, returning to become senior English master at the school. In 1921 he became second master, and in 1928 headmaster. After nearly 50 years association with the school, Mahon retired in 1935. He was a member of the New Zealand University senate (1916-21) and of the Auckland University College council from 1912, being chairman at the time of his death (on 29 Mar 1938). Mahon married (1909) Beatrice, daughter of John Brown. Who's Who N.Z., 1908, 1924; N.Z. Herald, 30 Mar 1938 (p). Reference: Volume 2, page 25 | Volume 2, page 25 🌳 Further sources |
James Mahoney | James MahoneyMAHONEY, JAMES (1823-90) was a native of Macroom, County Cork, and joined the Franciscan Order as a young man. He received his theological training in St Isidore's College, Rome, from 1847, and was ordained in 1851 for work in the Irish province of the Franciscans. He spent six years at Killaloe, three at Limerick, two at Galway and four years in Egypt (including Suez and Suez). Suffering in health there, he went to Frascati, Italy, and in 1867 to Auckland. Mahoney was priest at Parnell, Thames, Coromandel and Tauranga (where he built the handsome Catholic church). In 1887 he was appointed vicar-general. He died on 20 Aug 1890. N.Z. Herald, 21 Aug 1890. Reference: Volume 2, page 25 | Volume 2, page 25 🌳 Further sources |
William Joseph Mahoney | William Joseph MahoneyMAHONEY, WILLIAM JOSEPH (1848-1903) was born at Pallas Grean, County Limerick, and educated there and at Mount Mellary seminary, Waterford, and St Mary's College, Dundalk, and at Dublin (where F. Redwood, q.v., was a professor). Ordained priest, he came to New Zealand in 1874, and in the following year was appointed assistant at Nelson to Garin (q.v.), on whose death in 1889 he became head of the church in Nelson. Mahoney did valuable work in the erection of new buildings and the development of the orphanage at Stoke. He was made a dean in 1899, and in the following year celebrated his jubilee as a priest. He was keenly interested in athletics. Mahoney died on 12 Apr 1903. Cycl. N.Z., v; The Colonist, 14 Apr 1903. Reference: Volume 2, page 25 | Volume 2, page 25 🌳 Further sources |
David Forsyth Main | David Forsyth MainMAIN, DAVID FORSYTH (1831-80) was a barrister of the Inner Temple, and came to Otago in the early sixties. He was elected in 1867 to represent Manuherikia in the Otago Provincial Council, in which he sat till 1870. He represented Port Chalmers in the House of Representatives (1867-70), and on retiring was appointed registrar of lands and deeds in Dunedin (1872). He stood for Caversham against Barron in 1879. Main in 1869 took up the Taieri Lake station. His death occurred on 27 Jul 1880. Parltry Record; Evening Star, 28 Jul 1880. Reference: Volume 2, page 25 | Volume 2, page 25 🌳 Further sources |
George Martin Main | George Martin MainMAIN, GEORGE MARTIN (1835-1902) was born in Scotland, and came to New Zealand as a lad and worked at Robertson's rope walk in Auckland. He was then apprenticed as a compositor in the New Zealander office, became a compositor on the New Zealand Herald (1863) and later foreman. In 1880 he joined the literary staff, on which he was for some years parliamentary representative and contributor of a weekly column under the name of 'Mercutio.' Main was treasurer, and later president, of the New Zealand Institute of Journalists. He compiled for publication a history of the Auckland press. He married Hannah, daughter of Benjamin Gittos. Cycl. N.Z., ii; Auckland Star, 9 Jul 1902. Reference: Volume 2, page 25 | Volume 2, page 25 🌳 Further sources |
Gilbert Mair | Gilbert MairMAIR, GILBERT (1797-1857) was born at Deveron, Peterhead, Scotland. As a boy he made several voyages in trading sloops belonging to his father, a small shipowner who sustained some losses during Napoleon's wars. He first visited Kororareka in his own vessel in 1821, and settled at Bay of Islands in 1824. Leaving his own ship, he assisted Henry Williams to build the Herald, which he commanded in the mission service between Bay of Islands, Sydney and Bay of Plenty, until she was wrecked on Hokianga bar (1828). Mair married in 1827 Elizabeth (1809-70), daughter of W. G. Puckey (q.v.). They lived at Paihia till 1832, when Mair settled as a trader and merchant at Wahapu. He witnessed the declaration of independence of the Maori chiefs (1835) and the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi (1840). Mair dealt in stock, buying and selling horses from Valparaiso. With Busby (q.v.) he was interested in land at Ngunguru and they exported timber, gum and flax to Sydney and sent the first kauri gum to the United States. Their schooners traded from Bay of Islands to Poverty Bay. In 1842 Mair sold his Wahapu property, taking a government grant at Whangarei in exchange. In 1845 he warned the naval authorities that Heke intended to attack Kororareka on the following day, and took his family to Auckland for safety. They returned to Bay of Islands in 1846, and to Whangarei in 1847. Mair died on 16 Jul 1857. Sherrin and Wallace. Reference: Volume 2, page 25 | Volume 2, page 25 🌳 Further sources |
Gilbert Mair | Gilbert MairMAIR, GILBERT (1843-1923) was the son of Gilbert Mair (q.v.), and was born at Wahapu, Bay of Islands. As a young man he gained a facile command of the Maori language while assisting his father in the purchase of kauri gum. He was something of a horseman, a botanist and a good cricketer. In 1860 Mair was articled to the Surveyor-general at Auckland, and four years later he received his provincial certificate. He was assisting in the survey of native lands purchased by the Government between Waikato heads and Raglan when the war broke out (1863). When the fighting began on the East Coast (1865) he was engaged as clerk and native interpreter at Tauranga. He at once joined the Waikato Regiment (Col. Haultain's) and thereafter was constantly engaged with the enemy. At Irihanga (18 Jan 1867) he had his baptism of fire, and at Whakamarama he led the attack, had his horse shot under him and carried the body of Jeffs out of action. He was mentioned in despatches. At Kaituna, when second in command of the Arawa contingent, he swam a river at midnight with his men. Attacking the Waitaha tribe in their pa at Te Puke, he destroyed their stores and food. At Taumata (4 Feb 1868) he led the attack on the enemy rifle pits and was promoted to an ensigncy on the spot by Haultain (who was present). After being present at Te Akeake, Paengaroa and Te Kakai he distinguished himself in the second action at the last-named place (which was held by a Ngati-Porou force), and carried a wounded chief out under fire. In the Rotorua campaign Mair commanded 100 men of the Ngati-Pikiao under Pokiha Taranui when they cut off a force of 400 Waikatos at Puraku (Mar). For this he was mentioned and promoted to lieutenant. In the Whakatane campaign he raised during one night a force of Ngati-Rangitihi and hastened to relieve the Ngati-Awa at Rauporoa (Mar 1869). They were too late to achieve their objective, but diverted Te Kooti from his next attack on Whakatane and chased him into the forest. On 6 May Mair led the attack which secured the enemy post at Te Harema (Urewera), and on the following day he pursued Te Kooti, killing 20 of his men, including the notorious Peka Makarini (Baker McLean), whom he shot. In one of the last engagements he killed Patara and Wi Heretaunga. In the second campaign (2 Feb 1870) he made a forced march from Te Papa to Rotorua in time to engage Te Kooti, who was attacking Ohinemutu with 400 men. He continued the pursuit with the Arawa Flying Column No. 1. Mair was now promoted captain. (He was awarded the New Zealand Cross on 1 Apr 1886.) He and Preece spent two years on dangerous patrol duty in the Urewera (1870-72). After the war he was native interpreter to the House of Representatives; Government agent at Tauranga and land purchase officer in several districts. He was at different times president of the Ikaroa Maori land board; official member of the Arawa Maori council, and native resident magistrate. He was aide-de-camp to Roberts at Parihaka (1881). Mair enjoyed the full rank of chief of the Arawa. In later years he entertained distinguished visitors on behalf of the Government. After retiring, he farmed at Waiotapu and Bay of Plenty. He married (1888) Eleanor Kathleen (d. 1893), daughter of John Sperrey, Commissioner of Taxes. Mair's death occurred on 29 Nov 1923. Jackson (p); Gudgeon (p); Cowan ii (p); N.Z. Herald, 30 Nov 1923. Reference: Volume 2, page 26 | Volume 2, page 26 🌳 Further sources |
William Gilbert Mair | William Gilbert MairMAIR, WILLIAM GILBERT (1832-1912) was born at Wahapu, Bay of Islands, the eldest son of Gilbert Mair (q.v.). He was educated in part by John Fogan, an American settler, and afterwards at the mission school, Waimate, and St John's College, Auckland. He then farmed for a few years with his father at Deveron, Whangarei, and in 1853 went to the goldfields of Australia, where he spent three years. Mair was an accomplished Maori linguist, and when the Waikato war broke out he joined the Colonial Defence Force cavalry under Nixon (1863). At the battle of Rangiaowhia (21 Feb 1864) he was in the van of the fighting when Nixon was wounded. Getting a door from a neighbouring hut, he helped to carry him out under heavy fire. He was present also at Hairini and at Orakau (Mar-Apr). When the siege had continued for some days General Cameron ordered Mair, owing to his coolness and knowledge of Maori, to advance and communicate with the defenders. While he parleyed he was covered by the rifles of the King soldiers in pits within a few yards of him, one of whom fired and cut his revolver strap. Cameron's invitation to the defenders to surrender in order to save the lives of the women and children evoked the historic reply "Ka whawhai tonu, ake, ake, ake"; the firing was renewed and the pa carried by assault. Mair led the assault and endeavoured (but failed) to save some women, including Hini-i-Turama from the fury of the soldiers. (See TAPSELL.) At the end of this campaign Mair was appointed native resident magistrate at Taupo. When fighting broke out in Bay of Plenty and on the East Coast he was promoted major in the militia. His command, the Arawa native contingent, was constantly in action in the difficult country south of Bay of Plenty and in the Urewera. Forcing his way through from Rotorua to Matata, he captured Te Teko pa brilliantly, the prisoners including the prophet and eight others implicated in the murder of Fulloon. When the campaign was over he again settled as magistrate at Waikato, his special duty being to cultivate a good understanding with Tawhiao and his chiefs. This he achieved with signal success, and eventually all laid down their arms. In 1871 Mair married Janie Cathcart Black (Sydney). In 1882 he was appointed a judge of the native land court and the appellate court. In 1899, after the bombardment by British, German and American warships in Samoa, he was appointed to assess the damages suffered by residents. Mair died on 8 Jul 1912. Jackson (p); Gudgeon (p); Cowan (p); Who's Who N.Z., 1908; N.Z. Herald, 9 Jul 1912. Reference: Volume 2, page 26 | Volume 2, page 26 🌳 Further sources |
James Pillans Maitland | James Pillans MaitlandMAITLAND, JAMES PILLANS (1831-1902) was born at Edinburgh, the son of Joseph Maitland, of Kirkcudbrightshire. Educated at the Loretto School and the Edinburgh Institution, he entered the office of Cunningham Borthwick to learn the profession of an accountant and actuary. In 1851 he came to New Zealand in the Slains Castle, and walked to the Molyneux with J. L. C. Richardson to meet his brother and uncle (F. Pillans, q.v.). In 1854 he bought the Crescent estate (at Kaitangata) and Hillend, which he managed till 1861, when he was appointed magistrate at Clutha and Tokomairiro. In 1876 he was commissioner of crown lands, and he was employed on several royal commissions. He married (1855) Ann, daughter of Robert Williams. Maitland was a keen fisherman and a strong supporter of the acclimatisation society (of which he was president 20 years). He was president of the Otago Rugby football union and the Carisbrook cricket club, and chairman of the Carisbrook Ground Co. He retired in 1901, and died on 22 Aug 1902. Jourdain; John Wilson; Otago Daily Times, 25 Aug 1902. Reference: Volume 2, page 26 | Volume 2, page 26 🌳 Further sources |
Charles Thomas Major | Charles Thomas MajorMAJOR, CHARLES THOMAS (1869-1938) was born at Auckland, the son of C. Major. He was educated at Nelson College (where he commanded the cadets in 1888), and at Auckland University College (B.A. 1891; M.A. 1899, first-class honours; B.Sc. 1893). Joining the staff of King's College, Auckland, in 1893, he was later assistant master at St John's College. In 1896 he became English master at Nelson College, but soon returned as first assistant to King's. He served with the 5th contingent of New Zealanders in the South African war, being in command of the Auckland company and afterwards of the artillery battery. (D.S.O. 1901.) On returning to New Zealand he was for three years at Nelson College, and then took charge of the preparatory school at Scotch College, Melbourne (1904). In the following year he became headmaster of King's College, Auckland, which he controlled with great success until 1926. The amalgamation with St John's College was effected in 1913, and a fine new block of buildings was erected at Mangere. Major retired in 1926, but continued to interest himself in the creation of a preparatory department at Remuera. In the war of 1914-18 he commanded the Auckland military district (C.B.E. 1918). He died on 21 Nov 1938. Nelson Coll. Reg.; Who's Who N.Z., 1932; N.Z. Herald, 22 Nov 1938. Reference: Volume 2, page 26 | Volume 2, page 26 🌳 Further sources |
Maketu | MaketuMAKETU (?-1847), a Whanganui chief of inferior standing, was of middle age at the time of the arrival of the New Zealand Company's agents (1840). He was the only objector to the sale of land there, but yielded to the authority of Turoa. Always hostile to British authority, he led a Whanganui taua which was sent down in 1846 to help Rauparaha and Rangihaeata, but was not allowed by Wiremu Kingi te Rangitake to pass Waikanae. Maketu was killed in the attack on Wanganui on 19 May 1847. Cycl. NZ, i; Cowan. Reference: Volume 2, page 26 | Volume 2, page 26 🌳 Further sources |
Tuiti Makitanara | Tuiti MakitanaraMAKITANARA, TUITI (1874-1932) was born at Wairau (1874), a son of George McDonald. He was educated at Wairau, and from 1902 was farming at Koputoroa and practising as a native agent. Later he farmed at Hokio and Queen Charlotte Sound. He was good at boxing, wrestling and football. Makitanara represented the Southern Maori in Parliament from 1928 till his death on 24 Jun 1932. He belonged to the Rangitane and Muaupoko tribes. Reference: Volume 2, page 26 | Volume 2, page 26 🌳 Further sources |
Frederick de Carteret Malet | Frederick de Carteret MaletMALET, FREDERICK DE CARTERET (1837-1912) was born at St Heliers, Jersey. Arriving in Auckland in 1861, he spent four years farming in Otago and Canterbury. In 1865 he was appointed to the provincial post of warden's clerk at Hokitika and clerk to the resident magistrate, which position he later held in Christchurch from 1868. He was appointed registrar of the Supreme Court at Christchurch (1876) and, taking up the study of law, he was admitted to the bar in 1881. He practised in Christchurch till 1887. Malet was registrar of the New Zealand University (1872-74) and secretary of the Canterbury College board of governors (1873-76). He remained a member of the board till 1895 and was chairman (1885-94), and a member of the Agricultural College board of governors from 1895-97. For two years (1891-93) he was managing director of the Lyttelton Times Co. In 1908 he became Government director of the Bank of New Zealand, and later a director of the Christchurch Meat Co. He died on 21 Mar 1912. Malet married a daughter of Archdeacon Wilson. Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Hight and Candy; Lyttelton Times, 22 Mar 1912. Reference: Volume 2, page 27 | Volume 2, page 27 🌳 Further sources |
Jean Michel Camille Malfroy | Jean Michel Camille MalfroyMALFROY, JEAN MICHEL CAMILLE (1839-97), a son of Jean Baptiste Malfroy, a miller, was born at Lons-le-Saulnier, in the department of Jura, France. Emigrating to Victoria in the early fifties, he worked at Bendigo and Ballarat, and a few years later came to New Zealand and settled on the West Coast. For a time he was mayor of Ross. Appointed in 1886 as resident engineer of the Government sanatorium in Rotorua, he made a study of the geysers of the district, especially at Whakarewarewa, and published Geyser Action at Rotorua (1892). In 1889 he represented New Zealand at the Paris Exhibition, where he was made a chevalier of the Legion of Honour. In 1893 he reported on the Hanmer springs. Malfroy died on 22 Jan 1897. Cycl. N.Z., ii (p); N.Z. Herald, 24 Jan 1897. Reference: Volume 2, page 27 | Volume 2, page 27 🌳 Further sources |
Christopher Maling | Christopher MalingMALING, CHRISTOPHER (1843-1917) was born at Nelson a few months after the death at the Wairau of his father, Thomas Awdas Maling (a son of William Maling, of Kidside, Westmoreland), who was chief constable at Nelson. Maling served in the wars against Te Kooti, showing great skill as a scout. In the final pursuit of Titokowaru, Whitmore formed a small corps of guides in charge of Lingard (q.v.). When Lingard was invalided a few weeks later, Maling was put in command, with the rank of sergeant. He rendered most efficient service throughout. With two men he carried out a dangerous reconnaissance of two days and two nights to ascertain the direction taken by Titokowaru after his departure from Turangaika (Feb 1869). On 7 May he had a narrow escape when his scouts fell into an ambush near Manawa-iwi, near Ngaputahi. Maling carefully reconnoitred the enemy's position before the final fight at Porere (Oct 1869), and afterwards did good service at Tapapa and carrying despatches from Fraser at Tauranga to McDonnell at Taupo. He received the New Zealand Cross for his services, which continued until Jun 1870, when the Europeans were withdrawn from the operations against Te Kooti. Three out of the nine members of the corps were killed and four wounded. Maling was afterwards given a captain's commission in the militia. The book by Hamilton Browne, With the Lost Legion in New Zealand, appears to be based upon a diary kept by Maling throughout these operations. Maling was afterwards employed in the Lands and Survey department and the Post and Telegraph department. He had an official position for a while in Japan, and spent his last years in England, where he died in Feb 1917. N.Z. Army records; Cowan; Gudgeon; Nelson Evening Mail, 16 Feb 1877. Reference: Volume 2, page 27 | Volume 2, page 27 🌳 Further sources |
John Willoughby Mallock | John Willoughby MallockMALLOCK, JOHN WILLOUGHBY, was born in London. He studied medicine without fully qualifying, but often gave advice to remote settlers. He arrived in Canterbury by whale boat before the first fleet, and took up the Heathstock run, erecting a whare. The Lances afterwards became partners, and Mallock moved to Horsley Downs. It was due to him that the partnership survived the slump of 1868-71. On one occasion he rode a match against William Hyde Harris from Horsley Downs into Christchurch, taking both horses as the stake. In 1871 Mallock acclimatised the Australian magpie. He represented Waipara in the Provincial Council 1866-75, and was a member of the first Waipara road board. His death occurred in 1879. Canterbury P.C. Proc.; Acland; The Press, 4 Feb 1903, 14 Aug 1930. Reference: Volume 2, page 27 | Volume 2, page 27 🌳 Further sources |
William George Malone | William George MaloneMALONE, WILLIAM GEORGE (1859-1915) was educated privately in England and France and arrived in New Zealand in 1880. For two years he served in the Armed Constabulary and thereafter farmed in the Taranaki bush country (1883-93). Malone was chairman of the Ngaire road board and a member of the Hawera county council and of the Taranaki hospital and charitable board (1885-90), and clerk and treasurer of the Stratford county council (1890-97). Having meanwhile commenced to read law, he was admitted a solicitor (1894) and barrister (1899), and established the legal firm of Malone, McVeagh and Anderson, of New Plymouth, Stratford and Inglewood. He was a keen volunteer, being captain of H company of the Taranaki Regiment (1900), and adjutant (1903). When the war of 1914-18 broke out, he volunteered for service and was appointed to command the 1st battalion Wellington Regiment in the Expeditionary Force; was in the fighting on the Suez canal, Senussi and Gallipoli, and was killed on 8 Aug 1915. He was a fine soldier and disciplinarian, and created a noteworthy esprit de corps. Who's Who N.Z., 1908; 50 Years Rugby in Taranaki, 1885 (p); Studholme. Reference: Volume 2, page 27 | Volume 2, page 27 🌳 Further sources |
Mamaku | MamakuMAMAKU (?1790-1887) was one of the most celebrated chiefs of the Whanganui river. He belonged to the tribe Ngati-Haua te Rangi. He was a son of Te Ora Kairakau, and grandson of Whakaneke, and was born at Makokoti, 108 miles up the Whanganui river, where he afterwards established his own pa. A fine specimen of Maori, with strong limbs and noble, aquiline features, he is said to have defeated a taua of Ngati-Maniapoto at Otamakati (near Mount Hikurangi) about 1821. He wished to join Te Rauparaha in the heke to Kapiti, but Pehi Turoa objected and turned his migration back. During the first migration of Ngati-Raukawa under Rua-maioro, they attacked Mamaku's pa, but the 800 defenders, under Mamaku, with the help of Whanganui under Pehi Turoa, drove them off, Rua-maioro being killed. In 1829, when Ngati-Raukawa and Ngati-Awa attacked the Whanganui pa at Putikiwaranui for interfering with the previous heke, Mamaku escaped in spite of the efforts of Te Rauparaha to catch him. Pehi Turoa was besieged almost to the point of starvation. Mamaku was present at Ohariu in 1835 as the guest of Ngati-Tama, but took no part in the massacre. Well disposed towards the Europeans, he welcomed them at Port Nicholson, and erected huts for J.C. Crawford and others in 1840. Though advanced in years, Mamaku led the taua which attacked the post at Boulcott's farm in the Hutt valley, where the 58th Regiment were surprised and suffered some losses (16 May 1846). He fought on the retreat through Pahautanui and the Horokiwi valley. At Whanganui he tried to curb his people, but warned the settlers that if they brought the soldiers into the district he would attack them. He was anxious to meet the soldiers in battle. After the murderers of the Gilfillans had been punished, Mamaku took the field to help the Ngati-Ruaka. On 9 Jun 1847 an attack was made on a party of the 99th Regiment engaged in a reconnaissance, farms were plundered and raids made close to the stockade. Mamaku then retired up the river, having raised the mana of the Maori soldier by his expedition. He refused the overtures of Hori Kingi te Anaua to return and make his peace with Sir George Grey, but eventually yielded to those of the Rev R. Taylor, and was brought into town by Major Wyatt (17 Feb 1848). He complained that he was not properly paid for his share in the land at Poneke, and eventually Grey gave him a few pounds, remarking that he was the only Maori by whom he had ever been deceived. For some years thereafter Mamaku lived at his pa up the river. Crawford visited him in 1862 at Tapui-kumara, above Ongaruhe. While engaged in a dispute with the Ngati-Tu over the ownership of the flourmill at Maraekowhai, he took some prisoners and asked Governor Browne what he should do with them. Mamaku was one of the chiefs mentioned as eligible for the position of Maori king (1857), but declined to be nominated. In 1860 he remained in seclusion up the river, his people fearing treachery if he visited Whanganui. He was one of the last chiefs baptised by the Rev R. Taylor, when he assumed the name of Hemi Topine (James Stovin). He also at one time used the names Topine te Mamaku te Ika Nui-o-Roto-o-te-Pukenga, and Te Karamu and Ngatai. Mamaku is said to have been present in the reserve line at Orakau (Apr 1864). He was much influenced by the Hauhau cult. Jealous of the prominence that was given to Topia Turoa when he declared against Te Kooti, Mamaku sent his wife to Topia asking for arms to defend himself against Te Kooti (1869). Te Kooti was with Mamaku's people on the river, and for a while Mamaku was disposed to help him and to induce Titokowaru to join forces. He received Topia defiantly and ordered him to return to Wanganui, but Topia insisted and Mamaku yielded, sending a message to Te Kooti to move out of the district. He died in June 1887. Lindauer (p); S.P. Smith, Taranaki; Power; Crawford; Downes (and in Polyn. Jour., Mar 1936); Cowan (p); Taylor; Wanganui Herald, Jul 1887. Reference: Volume 2, page 28 | Volume 2, page 28 🌳 Further sources |
Henry Manders | Henry MandersMANDERS, HENRY (?-?) came to Otago in the sixties. He represented Lakes in the Otago Provincial Council for a few months at the end of the period (1875). In the following year he was elected to Parliament for Wakatipu, which he represented until 1879. He was in partnership with Haughton (q.v.) as mining agents at Queenstown. Manders died on 5 Jan 1891. N.Z.P.D., 1876-79; Otago P.C. Proc. Reference: Volume 2, page 28 | Volume 2, page 28 🌳 Further sources |
Rewi Manga Maniapoto | Rewi Manga ManiapotoREWI MANGA MANIAPOTO (? 1815-94), one of the last fighting chiefs of the Ngati-Maniapoto, was a man of high rank, claiming descent from Hoturoa, who navigated the Tainui canoe to New Zealand, and was related to Te Heuheu Iwikau. His father was one of the chiefs of the taua from Waikato which took Pukerangiora (1831) and he accompanied his father on this campaign. Coming under the influence of the Roman Catholic missionaries, he was baptised as Rewi, a name that he renounced in the height of the King movement. On the outbreak of the Taranaki war Rewi was sent to inquire into the causes of the quarrel, and Waikato and Ngati-Maniapoto acted upon his report that the resistance of Wiremu Kingi te Rangitake (q.v.) was justified. Rewi showed great courage in the Taranaki fighting. He was one of the leaders in the desperate night attack on No. 3 redoubt at Huirangi, which was repulsed with great loss. He took Wiremu Kingi back with him to Kihikihi. Moved by the conviction that the government intended to undermine Maori nationality, he threw himself with fiery energy into the King movement. It was he who hoisted the King flag at the meeting at Ngaruawahia when Potatau was elected King. He was regarded as the King's prime minister and was (T. S. Grace says), "a far greater man than the King himself." He did actually resent the King's trying to exercise influence over his tribe (Ngati-Maniapoto). When Gorst (q.v.) arrived at Te Awamutu charged with the duty of inaugurating English civilisation and education amongst the Maori, Rewi adopted an attitude of stern hostility. He personally warned Gorst to leave, and wrote to Governor Grey a letter, which was never answered, exhorting him to remove his representative before he came to harm. The Waikato and Ngati-Haua sections of the Kingite Maori condemned Rewi's conduct, since the land at Te Awamutu was in possession of the King; but he persisted in his opposition, took offence at Gorst's paper, Pihoihoi Mokemoke, and organised a party to remove the offending magistrate. He looked on while Aporo sacked the office of the paper and ejected Gorst from his post (24 Mar 1863). Though he maintained that he was averse to fighting, and his sincerity is beyond question, the impetuosity of Rewi did much to precipitate war. When he received a letter from the King meeting at Mataitawa (Taranaki) reporting that the Governor had completed the barracks at Tataraimaka Rewi replied, without consulting his fellow chiefs, "Strike the pakeha!" He himself mustered a taua and moved to Hangatiki with the intention of creating a diversion by canoeing down the Waikato river and raiding the settlements at Te Ia. Overruled by Wiremu Tamihana and others, he led his men into the Hunua forest. Rewi fought with great energy throughout the Waikato campaign. It was against his advice that the King forces made their stand at Orakau in a weak position chosen by the older men. For three days they held out against an overwhelming British force, replying to General Cameron's demand to surrender with the historic defiance: "Ka whawhai tonu, ake, ake, ake!" ("I will fight on for ever and ever"). Eventually he decided to evacuate the pa in the night and the operation was carried out, successfully, though with the loss of about half of the Maori force. Reaching the Puniu river, Rewi halted to rest the remnant of his force (about 60 men) and then retreated into the heart of the King country. Though he was not a practising Christian, Rewi insisted that the campaign should be carried on according to the customs of the pakeha, and sternly discountenanced mutilation of the dead and other ancient observances with regard to them. Early in the war a reward was offered for his apprehension, but no further steps were taken against him and the government had good reason in later years to value the influence which he exerted in improving the relations between the two races. He welcomed Sir Donald McLean's visit to Waikato in 1869 as "a streak of light before the dawn." When Te Kooti visited Waikato in that year to obtain assistance from the King tribes Rewi accompanied him back to Taupo to see whether he was as invincible as was supposed. After Te Kooti's defeat at Porere Rewi returned to Waikato, angrily declaring that Te Kooti's gods were imposters. In later years Rewi's influence was eclipsed by that of Tamati Ngapora (q.v.). When he relented towards the government and desired to meet the Duke of Edinburgh at Ngaruawahia it was Tamati who objected and prevailed. Nevertheless Manga, as Rewi was called after the war, was always a man of importance in the King country, and he exerted his influence constantly in the interests of the Maori and of good fellowship with the pakeha. He saved the life of James Mackay (q.v.) in 1873 when his investigations into the death of Timothy Sullivan at Pukekura brought him into disfavour with the King natives. In 1879, at the invitation of the Native Minister (Hon J. Sheehan), Rewi paid his first visit to Auckland for twenty years. He received a cordial welcome, both popular and official, attended many banquets, and returned to Waikato in company with the Governor (Sir Hercules Robinson). In 1883 he joined in the petition from the King country against land-selling, drink and immorality, and he resisted successfully the endeavour to introduce liquor amongst the King Maoris by licensing a public-house at Otorohanga. Once more, in 1890, Rewi visited Auckland by invitation to participate in the jubilee celebrations. He was for some years in frail health and lived quietly at Kihikihi in a house built for him by the government. There Seddon visited him in Mar 1894. In Apr at the public expense a monument was erected to Rewi as "an upholder of good between the European and Maori nations and a constant supporter of the seal of the treaty of Waitangi." Two months later, on 21 Jun 1894, he died, widely honoured by both races. Physically Rewi was below the average height and somewhat slender. Europeans found him after the war careworn, sad and thoughtful. App. H.R., 1860-80, pass.; T. S. Grace (p); Gorst, Maori King and N.Z. Revisited (p); Cowan (p); Sketches (p); White (p); N.Z. Herald, 23 Jun 1894 (p). Reference: Volume 2, page 116 | Volume 2, page 116 🌳 Further sources |
Manihera | ManiheraMANIHERA (?-1847), a chief of the NgatiRuanui tribe, who lived for many years at Waokena and Whareroa. Soon after the arrival of the missions he became conspicuous for his piety and devotion. At a Christmas meeting at Whanganui (24 Dec 1846) he accepted the suggestion of the Rev Richard Taylor that he should proceed as a missionary to the NgatiTuwharetoa. The losses suffered by that tribe at Waitotara in 1841 had, however, not been expiated and Enau, a brother of Herekiekie, warned him that it was a foolhardy adventure, like walking over the dead bodies of the tribe. Nevertheless Manihera and Kereopa (also of Waokena) left on their pilgrimage. Visiting first Poroutawhao, they remonstrated with Rangihaeata for his hostility to the British, and disregarding his warning, they proceeded on their journey by way of the East Coast and Rotorua. At Taupo Manihera felt a presentiment of death, but rejected all warnings and proceeded to Pukawa. Both were killed by the people whom they had gone to visit (12 Mar 1847). Manihera remained firm in his faith, praying for his slayers. Herekiekie was absent at the time of the murder. At Taylor's invitation he agreed to make peace with Ngati-Ruanui and a missionary was settled at Poutu. Taylor; W. Williams. Reference: Volume 2, page 28 | Volume 2, page 28 🌳 Further sources |
Frederick Edward Maning | Frederick Edward ManingMANING, FREDERICK EDWARD (1811-83) was born in Dublin, a grandson of Archibald Maning, and on his mother's side of the Rev John Barrett, D.D., vice-provost of Trinity College. His father, Frederick Maning, emigrated to Tasmania with his family in the Ardent in 1824, and nine years later Maning shipped in the brig Mary and Elizabeth for Hokianga, where he settled permanently. He conceived a warm attachment to the Maori people, and married a sister of the Rarawa chief Hauraki, who sold him 200 acres of land at Onoke (1839). Hauraki was killed in Heke's war (1845), a narrative of which was published by Maning (1862). A skilful boxer and wrestler, Maning delighted in the company and the games of the natives, and was highly respected by them. For some years, in partnership with Kerry, he kept a store at Onoke. He was present at the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, and took part in the duty of interpreting for the chiefs. His knowledge of the Maori language was unsurpassed. In 1865 Maning was appointed a justice of the peace, and shortly afterwards a judge of the native land court. His familiarity with native history and customs was of inestimable service, and many of his judgments are quoted as classics. Particularly noteworthy are the pronouncements on the intricate Rangitikei-Manawatu case arising from the conquests of Te Rauparaha, and on the Te Aroha purchase. In 1863 Maning published the first edition of Old New Zealand, of which he shortly afterwards made a determined effort to destroy all copies. It has since been reprinted in numerous editions. In 1880 he wrote the story of Hinemoa and Tutanekai, which was published in the following year as Hinemoa; a Maori Love Story. In 1885 he published Maori Traditions. His last book on New Zealand disappointed him, and he destroyed the manuscript with the intention of rewriting it. Maning went to London in the early eighties and died on 25 Jul 1883. He was buried in Auckland on 8 Dec. Maning, op. cit.; Buick, First War; Cox; Sherrin and Wallace (p); Webster; Maning letters in Turnbull Library; Scholefield, Hobson; Williams; Rusden; N.Z. Herald, 28 Jul, 13 Aug, 10 Dec 1883, 17, 29 Mar 1892; H. T. Kemp in N.Z. Herald, 16 Mar 1901; E. M. Dunlop in N.Z. Herald, 4 Jun 1904; N.Z. Railways Magazine, Jul 1933 (p). Reference: Volume 2, page 28 | Volume 2, page 28 🌳 Further sources |
Samuel Manning | Samuel ManningMANNING, SAMUEL (1841-1933) was born in Suffolk and educated at Needham Market school. He came to New Zealand in the Egmont (1856), and was variously employed until 1865, when he established at Christchurch the brewing firm of S Manning and Co. In 1882 this was sold to a company of which he was managing director till 1889. Manning was a trooper, and later an officer, of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry. He was a member of the Heathcote road board from 1875; a member of the City Council, and mayor in 1890. He was chairman of the Crown Ironworks and a director of the Mutual Benefit Building Society, the Provident and Industrial Insurance Co., and the Kaiapoi Woollen Co. He died on 21 Nov 1933. Christchurch Times, 22 Nov 1933. Reference: Volume 2, page 28 | Volume 2, page 28 🌳 Further sources |
Walter Manning | Walter ManningMANNING, WALTER (1854-1929) was born in London, attended school to the age of 13, and was apprenticed to a London engineering shop. He then went to sea as an apprentice with his uncle in the barque Warren Hastings and sailed later in the Isabella Blythe to the East Indies. In 1873 he left his ship, the Duke of Edinburgh, in Wellington, and joined the ketch Clematis trading on the coast. He served in several other larger ships before joining the Government steamer Luna. He gained a home trade master's certificate in the ketch Falcon and became captain of the Shepherdess and the Otaki. He was then mate of the New Zealand Shipping Co.'s Jane Douglas (1876) and commanded the Stormbird before joining the Union Steamship Co. in 1881. He commanded their vessels for 36 years, including 23 years in charge of the Lyttelton-Wellington steamers Penguin, Rotomahana, Marama and Maori. Manning wrote Below and Above the Water Line and Interned. He died on 12 Feb 1929. The Dominion and The Press, 14 Feb 1929 (p) Reference: Volume 2, page 28 | Volume 2, page 28 🌳 Further sources |
Katherine Mansfield | Katherine MansfieldMANSFIELD, KATHERINE (1888-1923), née Kathleen Beauchamp, was born at Wellington on 14 Oct 1888, the third daughter of Sir Harold Beauchamp (q.v.). She lived during her childhood at various homes in Wellington and Karori, and was educated in the first instance at the Karori school and afterwards at Miss Swainson's school (later known as Marsden School) in Fitzherbert terrace. While there she evinced a taste for writing, and contributed to the school magazine verse and prose which showed the spark of inspiration. In 1903, with her two elder sisters, she was taken to England and entered a finishing school known as Queen's College, in Harley street, where she edited the college magazine. She was there three years, and incidentally attended the Royal Academy of Music for the study of the 'cello. Reaching New Zealand on her return in Dec 1906, Kathleen soon became impatient of the narrow surroundings and unartistic society of the young country. The desire to write became a passion from which she could find no respite in counter attractions, and she persistently begged her parents to allow her to return to London to make her way in the world of letters. She had read much more deeply and adventurously than most girls of her age. She studied earnestly the reactions and emotions of human beings as she met them in her daily life; and she practised her hand at simple, reflective prose and modest but competent verse. As early as 1904 she had written lyrics, two of which were set to music by her uncle (F. V. Waters) and sung by him at a public dinner. Though this sojourn of 20 months was her only experience of her native land after her childhood, she utilised it to garner impressions and to perfect her literary style. With delicate sensibility and photographic precision she recorded her sum of human experience, which in the years to come was to be somewhat restricted. She had already dedicated herself to literature before she left England, and her life in New Zealand during those months was engrossed in a struggle with her parents to be allowed to try her wings in London. She read in the library of Parliament a good deal of philosophy (including Heine, Nietzsche and Dr Inazo Nitobe), and much modern poetry, drama and French literature. She received some encouragement from T. L. Mills and E. J. Brady, editor of The Native Companion, and at length, in Jul 1908, when she was only 20 years of age, she left for England. She had already, in her contributions to the Native Companion and Harpers' Bazaar, used the nom de plume 'Katherine Mansfield,' by which alone she is known in the literary world. 'Ambition is a curse,' she wrote in her diary, 'if you are not proof against everything else; unless you are willing to sacrifice yourself to your ambition.' Within three years of her return to London Katherine Mansfield had established her reputation as a writer of short stories of exquisite workmanship and fine sensibility. In 1911 appeared In a German Pension. Meanwhile trials and experience of a deeply emotional kind came to her. On 2 Mar 1909 she made an injudicious marriage (with George Bowden) which meant nothing to her spiritually and greatly embarrassed her for some years. It was not dissolved till 29 Apr 1918, when her life had already for some years been linked with that of J. Middleton Murry. In 1910 and 1911 she contributed to The New Age, and in 1911-13 to Rhythm and The Blue Review, of which Murry was associate-editor. In 1915, with the help of Murry and D. H. Lawrence, she compiled and edited a magazine called The Signature. The war of 1914-18, despite its distractions, brought about the renewal of a friendship with her young brother (Leslie) which had been the dominating factor in her personal life. It was broken again, all too soon, by his death on active service (7 Oct 1915). Her own ill-health was promoted by the alarms and deprivations of war, and tuberculosis was now established in her system. She suffered another severe shock in the death of her mother (on Aug 1918). Through it all Katherine Mansfield wrote fervently and meticulously, never satisfied with the quality of what she had done and always feeling, as she told A. R. Orage, that 'there is not one that I dare show to God.' She could not read anything she had written without feeling self-contempt. For her matter in these days of intellectual poverty and withdrawal from the world she turned to the treasured memories of her childhood, from which she wrought finely polished gems of prose and verse. Her own most exacting critic, she sent back to the crucible again and again; and when she died she begged her husband to 'tear up and burn as much as possible. He will understand that I desire to leave as few traces of my camping ground here as possible.' As her strength failed and she had to remain an invalid she wrote that she was 'dying of the poverty of life ... I am tired of my little stories, like birds bred in cages.' She and Murry were married on 30 Apr 1918. She died at Fontainebleau on 9 Jan 1923, already at the age of 35 the best known and most highly esteemed of New Zealand writers. Much of Katherine Mansfield's best work was done for the periodical press, notably the Athenaeum and the Adelphi. Collections were published at different times, of which the most noteworthy are Prelude (1918), Je ne Parle pas Francais (1919), Bliss (1920), The Garden Party (1922), The Dove's Nest (1923), Something Childish (1924), The Aloe (1930). Her collected Poems were published in 1923; her Journals (edited by Murry) in 1927; her Letters in the following year, and a volume of reviews, Novels and Novelists, in 1930. The Aloe was an early draft of Prelude. A bibliography of Katherine Mansfield's work, by Ruth E. Mantz, appeared in 1931; and a Life, by Miss Mantz and J. Middleton Murry, in 1933. In 1921 the Femina-Vie Heureuse committee submitted Bliss, in conjunction with Rose Macaulay's Dangerous Ages and Brett Young's The Black Diamond. Two years later it submitted Prelude. G. H. Scholefield, chapter in Beauchamp's Reminiscences, 1937; Mantz, op. cit.; D.N.B.; K. Mansfield, Letters and Journals; Annals N.Z. Lit.; Quarterly Review, Nov 1929. Reference: Volume 2, page 29 | Volume 2, page 29 🌳 Further sources |
Thomas Anstey Mansford | Thomas Anstey MansfordMANSFORD, THOMAS ANSTEY (1822-80) was born in Bath, the son of an army surgeon who served in the Peninsular War. Educated for law, he passed in 1843 and acquired a profitable connection in Bath. He came into some money on the death of his father, and emigrated to New Zealand (1860), obtaining his first employment as chief clerk in the resident magistrate's court at Auckland. Two years later he was appointed magistrate at Port Chalmers, where he lived for many years. He was retrenched from the service for a short time in 1867 and returned to practise, but was afterwards appointed magistrate at Dunedin, and in 1878 at Wellington. He was also for a time district judge. Mansford died on 13 Oct 1880. Otago Daily Times, 18 Oct 1880; N.Z. Times, 5 Nov 1880. Reference: Volume 2, page 29 | Volume 2, page 29 🌳 Further sources |
William Hemming Mansford | William Hemming MansfordMANSFORD, WILLIAM HEMMING (1820-90) was born at Bath, the son of a doctor. Trained as a civil engineer, he was engaged in surveying railway lines in England. He arrived in Otago by the Blundell (1848) and bought land at Port Chalmers, where he promoted the first jetty and bonded store. From 1855-58 he represented Port Chalmers in the Otago Provincial Council. When the customs office was moved to Dunedin Mansford established an import business in Stafford street, opening stores when the gold rush began at Gabriel's Gully, and later in Milton. He also farmed at Warepa and Coomb Hay (on the Tokomairiro river). Mansford was again in the Provincial Council, as member for Matau (1863-65). He was one of the first to promote the flax industry in Otago. In 1874 he was appointed registrar of Otago University, which position he held until his death on 22 May 1890. Evening Star, 23 May 1890. Reference: Volume 2, page 29 | Volume 2, page 29 🌳 Further sources |
Samuel Manson | Samuel MansonMANSON, SAMUEL (1815-90) was born and educated at Caprington, Ayrshire. In 1842, with his wife and family, he came to New Zealand in the Thomas Harrison, intending to settle at Wellington. His brother (Dr David Manson) died on the voyage. Finding difficulty in getting land, Manson joined the Deans brothers and John Gebbie when they moved to Canterbury in Sinclair's schooner (Feb 1843). While the families remained at Port Levy in charge of Gebbie, the others went by whaleboat up the Avon to Riccarton, where Manson erected the first house on the Canterbury plains. He remained in Riccarton two years, and in 1845 settled with his family and the Gebbies at the head of the bay, where he established a dairy farm, 'Kainshill,' selling the produce to Wellington until the arrival of the Canterbury settlers. He died on 18 Apr 1890. Cycl. N.Z., iii; The Press, 19 Apr 1890. Reference: Volume 2, page 29 | Volume 2, page 29 🌳 Further sources |
Walter Baldock Durant Mantell | Walter Baldock Durant MantellMANTELL, WALTER BALDOCK DURANT (1820-95) was the son of Dr Gideon A. Mantell (1790-1852), LL.D., F.R.S., the geologist; author of Medals of Creation and the atlas of fossil remains. Born at Lewes, Sussex, England, and educated at Brighton, he studied medicine at London University, but did not proceed to his degree. At the age of 20 he came to New Zealand in the Oriental (arriving Jan 1840). He took up land at Wainui, but was disappointed, and returned to town, and accepted employment with the New Zealand Company. He assisted to form the settlements at Wanganui and Taranaki, where with Nairn he investigated the moa bone deposits at Waingongoro. In 1841 he was clerk to the magistrates at Wellington; in 1842 postmaster, and in 1845 superintendent of military roads. In 1848 he was appointed by the Governor commissioner for the extinguishment of native titles in the Middle Island. He resided most of his time in Otago, and succeeded in arranging the purchase of 30,000,000 acres of land for something like £5,000 cash. In 1851 he was appointed commissioner of crown lands for Otago, holding the position for five years. He did not get on well with the Otago people. While visiting England (1855-59), Mantell was told that the New Zealand Government did not propose to honour the promises he had made to the Maori as to schools, hospitals and reserves. He tried to obtain an interview with Henry Labouchere, the Secretary of State, to protest, but was refused, and accordingly he resigned his position in New Zealand. Returning to the colony (1860), he was elected in the following year M.H.R. for Wallace (which he represented for five years). In Jul 1861 Fox took advantage of his knowledge of Maori matters to appoint him Native Minister for a few months. Domett made him a member of his executive (1862-63) as Secretary for Crown Lands, and for a few weeks as Postmaster-general. In the Weld ministry, too, his services were requisitioned as Native Minister (Dec 1864-Jul 1865), and for a few weeks as Native Secretary (Apr-Jul 1865). He did not stand for re-election in 1866, but a few months later was called to the Legislative Council, of which he remained a member until his death, on 7 Sep 1895. Mantell's knowledge of Maori language, customs and remains was most intimate, and he contributed many papers to the proceedings of the New Zealand Institute, notably on the moa beds of Waingongoro (Taranaki) and Waikouaiti (Otago), and the drawings in the Takiroa caves, Waitaki valley. He was one of the founders, and some years secretary, of the New Zealand Institute, and was president of the Wellington Philosophical society (1870). Mantell married first (1863) Mary Sarah (d. 1873) daughter of Edward Prince; and second (1876) Jane (d. 1906), daughter of Benjamin Hardwick (Beckenham, England). App. H.R., 1858, C3; 1873, G2c; 1886, G16; 1888, 18; Parltry Record; Cycl. N.Z., i; Encycl. Brit. (11th ed), vol 17; Trans. N.Z. Inst, vols 1, 3, 5; Col. Gent.; Hocken; Mantell letters and diaries in Turnbull Library; Ward (p); Gisborne; Saunders; Rusden; Mackay; Lyttelton Times, 6 Jun 1879; Athenaeum, 20 Nov 1852; Evening Post and N.Z. Times, 8 Sep 1895. Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 29 | Volume 2, page 29 🌳 Further sources |
Horomona Marahau | Horomona MarahauMARAHAU, HOROMONA, as a boy accompanied his father on warlike expeditions, including the taking of a pa at Whaingaroa, and afterwards a great cannibal feast at Hanga. He was present at two victorious fights at Maungatautari. After an attack by Ngati Raukawa on Horomona's pa he pursued the assailants, but was badly defeated and narrowly escaped with his life. Other fights occurred at Kawhia and at Mokau, where again Marahau was severely defeated. He returned to attack Mokau and took savage revenge upon his enemies, killing two hundred (who were eaten), but sparing the chief on account of a kindness he had done his brother. He made later forays against Poverty Bay, Kapiti and Whanganui and then took part in the Taranaki wars. Attacked and defeated at Waitara by Te Rauparaha, Marahau retreated to Pukerangiora, where he was besieged until relieved by Te Wherowhero and Waharoa. In the assault by Ngapuhi at Matakitaki he was amongst the prisoners. He afterwards escaped, and gathering his warriors, returned to Poverty Bay and inflicted great losses upon the tribes there, killing 600 at one pa. Shortly afterwards he became blind. He first met the missionaries at Otawhao, and at Matamata he heard the Rev Henry Williams preaching. He was converted and baptised with the name of Horomona (Solomon) and soon afterwards became a catechist and teacher under the Church Missionary Society (1845). For some years he assisted the Rev J. Morgan with his Scripture classes and with great earnestness and energy carried the Gospel to heathen tribes. The Southern Cross and Southern Crown (1855); Angas, New Zealanders and Savage Life. Reference: Volume 2, page 30 | Volume 2, page 30 🌳 Further sources |
John Edwin March | John Edwin MarchMARCH, JOHN EDWIN (1836-1916) was born in St Stephens, Cornwall, and educated at the Royal Naval College, Greenwich. Arriving in Lyttelton by the John Taylor in 1853, he engaged in sheep farming for a time. In 1863 he was appointed clerk in the Immigration office as an employee of the Canterbury Provincial Council. Five years later he was assistant immigration officer and administrator of charitable aid; and in 1872 chief immigration officer for the Middle Island. His later appointments were secretary to the hospital and charitable aid board (1878), steward of village settlements (1886) and superintendent of village settlements for the Colony (1891). In 1895 this office was extended to Australasia, and he wrote a valuable report on the subject. In 1906 March became inspector and supervisor of workers' dwellings. He was a prominent churchman, and a member of the Canterbury diocesan synod for many years. He died in Timaru on 22 May 1916. Who's Who N.Z., 1908; The Press, 22 May 1916 Reference: Volume 2, page 30 | Volume 2, page 30 🌳 Further sources |
John William Allman Marchant | John William Allman MarchantMARCHANT, JOHN WILLIAM ALLMAN (1841-1920) was born at Belgaum, India, the son of Dr Allman, surgeon of the 4th Regiment. Educated at Queenswood College, in Hampshire, after his father's death he adopted the name of his stepfather, with whom he was engaged on railway works in Brazil. In 1860 he joined the survey staff in Victoria and, having passed his examinations in 1862, he came to New Zealand the following year and practised at Invercargill. In 1865 he joined the lands and survey department, and surveyed the boundaries of the Nelson goldfields. In 1875 he became deputy inspector of surveys under the native land acts; in 1876 geodesical surveyor; in 1879 chief surveyor in Wellington province; in 1884 commissioner of crown lands and in 1902 surveyor-general. He retired in 1906 and died on 22 Dec 1920. Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Jourdain; N.Z. Times, 23 Dec 1920. Reference: Volume 2, page | Volume 2, page 🌳 Further sources |
Maria Elise Allman Marchant | Maria Elise Allman MarchantMARCHANT, MARIA ELISE ALLMAN (1869-1919) was born in Wellington, a daughter of J. W. A. Marchant, Surveyor-general (1901-06). She was educated privately, and at Wellington Girls' High School, of which she was dux in 1887. After teaching for two years at Miss Swainson's private school, she attended Canterbury College. (B.A. 1892; M.A. 1894). She was later on the staff of Wellington Girls' High School (1890-95). In 1896 she was appointed headmistress of Otago Girls' High School, which position she held for 10 years. At the time of her death (on 15 Nov 1919) she was headmistress of St John's Girls' College, Invercargill. Cycl. NZ., iv (p); Otago G.H.S. 1871-1921 (Jubilee magazine), 1921 (p); Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Otago Daily Times, 17 Nov 1919. Reference: Volume 2, page 30 | Volume 2, page 30 🌳 Further sources |
John Marmon | John MarmonMARMON, JOHN (1800-80) was born in Sydney, the son of an Irish stonemason. At the age of five years he went to sea with Captain Mullory in a whaler, calling at Bay of Islands, where he met some Maori chiefs. He spent the next five years at school and again went to sea, as cabin boy to Captain Garbet, of the brig Comerel. The vessel called at the Macquarie islands, at Three Kings and Bay of Islands, obtaining there a cargo of spars. On this voyage (1811) Marmon met Tapsell (q.v.), then carpenter of the whaler Catherine. While trading for sandalwood and other native produce they met at Nukuhiva Captain Porter of the U.S.S. frigate Essex, who had lost a boat's crew by being cast ashore. In 1816 Marmon shipped with his old owners (Underwoods) for the island trade, again in the King George, which was to land sealers on the west coast of the South Island. On arriving at Borabora, Tahiti, he ran away and lived for two years under the protection of the Tahitians, returning to Sydney in the brig Hawser. After several voyages to Tasmania he shipped in the Government brig Earl of Bathurst, Captain King, for extensive explorations in northern Australia (including Dampier archipelago and Isle of France). Having been apprehended in Sydney in possession of a stolen watch, he received a sentence of one year's imprisonment, which he worked out aboard the Government ship Henrietta, carrying convicts and stores from port to port. In Nov 1823 he was in the Macquarie under Captain Kent, returning some Otago chiefs to their homes and calling at numerous ports in the South Island. Marmon spent some weeks aboard H.M.S. Tees. He left his own ship in Hokianga and was taken under the protection of the Ngapuhi chief Muriwai. There he married Ihipera, daughter of Raumata (better known as Hone Kingi) and took up his permanent residence, being given a piece of land at the junction of Waihou creek and Hokianga harbour. He claims to have co-operated with Muriwai in saving the brig Glory from being captured when she was in Hokianga with Te Rauparaha and Te Hiko on board (1826). He seems also to have been present when the brig Wellington was recaptured from the convicts through the instrumentality of the Rev Henry Williams. He died on 2 Sep 1880. Thomson; Webster; N.Z. Herald, 13 Sep-11 Dec 1880. Marmon's narrative (last cited) is to be accepted with reserve. Reference: Volume 2, page 30 | Volume 2, page 30 🌳 Further sources |
James Henry Marriott | James Henry MarriottMARRIOTT, JAMES HENRY (1799-1886) was trained as an optician and instrument maker, but had also some experience of journalism before coming to New Zealand in the Thomas Sparks (1842). He was a Shakespearean actor and in the early years of the Wellington settlement he was prominent in theatrical undertakings, playing parts himself and providing the scenery and decorations. In 1844 he helped to build the Olympic theatre in Wellington, for which he made the decorations and scenery and later manufactured from whale-oil the gas for lighting purposes. He erected the Britannia saloon and the Aurora tavern (afterwards the Lyceum theatre). Marriott wrote verse on occasion. The Constitutional Budget, a book of doggerel and songs intended to further the struggle of the Constitutional Association for representative government, was published in 1858. He was shortly afterwards appointed sergeant-at-arms of the Provincial Council. Marriott was one of the founders of the Oddfellows' lodge and hall. He later kept a stationer's shop in Wellington, and acted as government inspector of weights and measures. He made many drawings, and some of his engravings of historic events in Wellington were produced in the Illustrated London News and other journals. He died on 25 Aug 1886. His daughter Alice was a celebrated actress, some time lessee of Sadler's Wells theatre, London. She died in 1900. Wellington P.C. Proc.; Margaret Lane, Edgar Wallace (1939); Carter; Ward; N.Z. Times, 27 Aug 1886; Evening Post, 26 Aug 1886; Scholefield, in N.Z. Railways Magazine, Aug 1939; N.Z. Spectator, 24 Nov 1855. Reference: Volume 2, page 30 | Volume 2, page 30 🌳 Further sources |
Samuel Marsden | Samuel MarsdenMARSDEN, SAMUEL (1765-1838) was born at Farsley, Yorkshire. His father was a blacksmith and small farmer of undistinguished birth, a good living man and a Wesleyan Methodist. Samuel went to the village school and then to the free Grammar School at Hull, but left early to enter the shop of an uncle at Horsforth, near Leeds. Showing a disposition to enter the Church, he was adopted by the Elland Clerical Society and placed at Magdalene Hall, Cambridge (1790). There he became a friend of Charles Simeon, one of the founders of the Church Missionary Society. A diligent, unassuming student, he attracted the attention of William Wilberforce, through whose influence he was offered in 1792, before being ordained, a chaplaincy in the convict colony of New South Wales, where Wilberforce was most anxious to have a good type of man. Marsden hesitated to accept, but his firmness of principle, intrepidity of spirit and strong judgment had so impressed his friends that he was prevailed upon, and in 1793 he was appointed second chaplain. Having been ordained in the meantime, and married at Hull to Elizabeth Fristan (1772-1835), he proceeded to London and joined the convict ship William (1 Jul 1793). On the voyage out Marsden had his first insight into the rough characters of the convicts and of the ship's company. Arriving in Port Jackson on 10 Mar 1794, he took up his abode with his wife in the barracks at Parramatta. Shortly afterwards, owing to the resignation of the senior chaplain, Marsden assumed that post. To his regret, he was prevailed upon to accept also the position of a magistrate of the colony. This not only required him to inflict punishment upon evildoers, which he did reluctantly, but it also brought him into conflict with leading citizens and with fellow magistrates of doubtful antecedents (with whom he occasionally refused to sit). Besides interesting himself in the moral welfare of the colony, which he found in a shocking state, Marsden took up the hundred acres of land allotted to each civil servant, and before long he had established a farm which became a model for convicts and free settlers. By this means the Colony became less dependent than it had been upon food supplies imported from England. While chaplain in New South Wales, Marsden took a keen interest in the South Sea missions of the London Missionary Society. Though his work in New Zealand was carried out under the auspices of the Church Missionary Society, he remained for many years the adviser of the London Society. In 1808 he sailed on furlough to England, taking samples of his own wool to be made into cloth, and proposals for the reform of the convict system in the Colony. He persuaded the Home Government to introduce manual training for the convicts and to allow a certain number of their wives to accompany them overseas. He also obtained concessions for female convicts in the Colony, whose working and living conditions were degrading in the extreme. During an interview with George III he was promised two merino sheep from the royal flocks. When he returned to New South Wales in 1810, Marsden took with him not only a library for the use of convicts and settlers, but several tradesmen to instruct the convicts; and a number of farm animals-horses, cattle, sheep and poultry-to improve the livestock of the Colony. He had, moreover, persuaded the new Church Missionary Society to take an interest in the natives of New Zealand, and believing that the arts of civilisation should go hand in hand with the Gospel, he got two laymen, William Hall and John King, designated by the Society to open a mission in New Zealand. In the same ship, the Ann, by which he returned to Australia, Marsden discovered and befriended a young Maori of good birth, Ruatara, who had been deceived and cheated by English shipmasters on his visit to England. Ruatara learned some agriculture while staying at Parramatta and when some months later he returned to his native land he took with him a quantity of seed wheat, with full instructions as to sowing. Having purchased on his own responsibility the brig Active, for the benefit of the mission service in New Zealand, Marsden wished to proceed in her to install Hall and King as the nucleus of the mission, for which Ruatara's influence at Bay of Islands had prepared the ground. Being refused the requisite leave of absence to go himself, he sent the Active in 1814, with Hall and Kendall (q.v., who had been sent out from England to supplement the mission). They returned to the Colony bringing a number of Maori chiefs to stay at Parramatta. Governor Macquarie then gave Marsden full permission to proceed to New Zealand to establish the mission. It had become clear to him that steps must soon be taken to regulate the intercourse between the Maori and residents of New South Wales and to protect the natives against lawless whites. Marsden sailed from Port Jackson on 19 Nov 1814, with a party of 36, including Kendall, Hall and King, the chiefs Hongi, Ruatara, Korokoro and Tui, a smith and two sawyers. After touching at North Cape to communicate with the natives, and spending a night at Whangaroa to settle a long-standing feud between the Whangaroa and Bay of Islands tribes, Marsden proceeded to Bay of Islands, where the Active anchored on 23 Dec, not far from a village belonging to Ruatara. The landing of a horse struck the natives with amazement. At 10 o'clock on Christmas morning, Marsden held the first Christian service in New Zealand, a great crowd of natives attending, with all the principal chiefs. Preaching from the text 'Behold, I bring you glad tidings of great joy' (St Luke ii, 10), Marsden was attentively listened to, though his hearers did not understand what he said. He showed his fearless and trusting character by allowing 28 chiefs, fully armed, to accompany him in the Active on a cruise to various ports. At Bay of Islands he purchased one hundred acres of land for the purposes of the mission, and then returned to Sydney, taking 10 chiefs with him. A few days after his departure the chief Ruatara died. At the instigation of Marsden the chiefs Tuhi and Titore were sent to England in H.M.S. Kangaroo, were well treated while there, and kept as fully employed as possible learning useful arts, and helping in the compilation of a Maori dictionary. When they returned Marsden accompanied them back to New Zealand in 1819, and took advantage of the visit to select a site for a mission station at Kerikeri, in Hongi's territory. On the earnest entreaty of Tuhi he promised that another would shortly be established in the territory of the disappointed Korokoro, at Whangaroa. Undaunted by the hostilities of the warring tribes, Marsden during his three months' stay in New Zealand on this occasion journeyed more than 700 miles, visiting many disputants and prevailing upon them to abandon their expeditions. At the request of the Admiralty he visited New Zealand again in the following year in H.M.S. Dromedary, to inquire into the use of New Zealand timber for spars. They were anxious years for the new mission. The return of Hongi from England, elated with his experiences and flushed with the possession of firearms, disturbed the relations of all the northern tribes, revived the bloody wars of earlier days, and encouraged the natives to treat the whites with contempt. On a visit in 1823, Marsden had to dismiss a missionary for trading in arms, but he took with him a pillar of strength for the New Zealand field, the Rev Henry Williams, with his wife and family. The hope that he had entertained of seeing the Maori tribes organised as a political unit was frustrated by the ambitions of Hongi, who aimed at the supreme kingship. On Marsden's fifth visit, in 1827, the outlook was still gloomy in the extreme. The Wesleyan mission at Whangaroa having been destroyed, the Rev Mr Turner sought refuge at Parramatta. Marsden hurried across in H.M.S. Rainbow to prevent the abandonment of his mission, which he found happily surviving the storm. The strong personality of Williams was equal to the occasion. On his seventh and last visit (1837) Marsden landed at Hokianga (with his youngest daughter) and crossed to Bay of Islands, where he joined H.M.S. Rattlesnake for a cruise round the coast as the guest of Captain Hobson. He believed that the early inauguration of British sovereignty in New Zealand was inevitable. Though his main interest in later life was the New Zealand mission, Marsden continued to be the trusted adviser of the London Missionary Society in regard to its establishments in the Pacific islands. On his return from England in 1810 he found at Parramatta the disheartened missionaries who had fled from Tahiti, and encouraged them to return-as they eventually did-and to persevere in that field. He even proposed going himself to the Friendly Islands if necessary. It was not necessary, and he had the satisfaction of seeing the island missions one after another firmly established. He assisted generously missions of all denominations and made himself personally responsible for considerable sums of money on their behalf. From the time of his first arrival in New South Wales Marsden frequently came into conflict with his fellow officials on account of his strenuous efforts to improve the condition of the convict population. The training farm attached to his parsonage at Parramatta developed into an important institution in connection with the manual training of Australian blacks, convicts and Maori visitors. Orphan schools were established on his urgent advocacy. His efforts to reform the living and working conditions of female convict workers in the cloth factory brought him into a bitter controversy. He was removed for a while from the magistracy, but completely vindicated in the report of the Bigge commission. On the establishment of a bishopric in New South Wales, Marsden ceased to be the senior chaplain of the Colony, a respite from administrative cares which he welcomed with advancing years. Mrs Marsden had died in 1835, and his own health declined rapidly after his last visit to New Zealand. He died on 12 May 1838. Marsden was a man of great energy, decision and honesty of purpose; pious, but endowed with a keen knowledge of the world and men. Single-minded to a degree, he had his main interest in later life in the missions to the different branches of the Polynesian race; but he never relaxed his advocacy of measures of reform in the sordid conditions of life in New South Wales. J. R. Elder, Letters and Journals of Samuel Marsden, 1932 (p), and Marsden's Lieutenants, 1934 Carleton; Hist. Rec. Aust.; McNab, Murihiku Marsden MSS. in Hocken and Turnbull Libraries Ramsden; Scholefield, Hobson; Buller; Smith, Wars; Stak. Reference: Volume 2, page 31 | Volume 2, page 31 🌳 Further sources |
Thomas Marsden | Thomas MarsdenMARSDEN, THOMAS (1810-76) was born at Hensingham, Cumberland, the son of a resident of Derbyshire. He arrived in Nelson by the Prince of Wales (1842) and took up a property of 900 acres at Stoke, of which he did not get the crown grant till 1852. He also owned land for a while near Blenheim. Marsden represented Waimea East in the Nelson Provincial Council (1858-61). He died in 1876. Nelson P.C. Proc.; Cycl. NZ, v (p). Reference: Volume 2, page 31 | Volume 2, page 31 🌳 Further sources |
James Marshall | James MarshallMARSHALL, JAMES (1843-1912) was born in Scotland. He first settled in Southland, but was attracted to the West Coast by the gold diggings. He spent many years as miner, storekeeper and hotelkeeper at Granville, Orwell Creek and Nobbs, and about 1880 settled as a farmer at Totara Flat. He took a prominent part in public affairs, being a member of the Grey county council, the education board, the charitable aid board and harbour board. In 1902 Marshall was called to the Legislative Council, of which he was a member at the time of his death (on 9 Oct 1912). N.Z.P.D., 9, 10 Oct 1912; Col. Gent.; Grey River Argus, 9 Oct 1912. Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 31 | Volume 2, page 31 🌳 Further sources |
John Williams Marshall | John Williams MarshallMARSHALL, JOHN WILLIAMS (1814-91) was born at Yarmouth, Norfolk, the eldest son of Captain Marshall, R.N. In 1836 he was appointed ensign in the 65th Regiment, with which he served in the Canadian rebellion (1837-38), in England (1841) and in New South Wales (1846). He came to Bay of Islands with his regiment (1846), and took part in the campaign at Hutt and Pahautanui. In 1858 the regiment moved to Auckland and in 1860 to Taranaki. On the conclusion of the Taranaki campaign Marshall retired with the rank of major and settled at Tututotara, Rangitikei (1862). He had a command in the militia and volunteers in subsequent troubles. He married (1849) Mary Frederica, daughter of W. Swain: son, F.L.S. (q.v.). After her death (1854) he married Jane Mary Boulter (d. 1884). Marshall's death occurred on 25 Nov 1891. Ward (p); J. G. Wilson (p); Col. Gent; Cowan; Rangitikei Advocate, 25 Nov 1891; Marton Mercury, 27 Nov. Reference: Volume 2, page 31 | Volume 2, page 31 🌳 Further sources |
John Parker Marshman | John Parker MarshmanMARSHMAN, JOHN PARKER (1823-1913) was born in Bristol. He arrived in Wellington in the forties and was employed under Captain J. Thomas on the survey of Canterbury and on the construction of a road through the Ngahauranga gorge. He became treasurer to the Canterbury provincial government, and on the opening of the Ferrymead railway to the Heathcote ferry in 1863, he was appointed general manager of Canterbury railways. Work was begun on the southern railway, and three years later the Christchurch-Lyttelton line was opened. A year before the abolition of the provincial government Marshman was appointed commissioner of waste lands, and under the general Government he became Canterbury's first commissioner of crown lands (1876-84). He was a close friend of Samuel Butler, who painted his portrait. Marshman published a small book Canterbury in 1864. He died on 23 Nov 1913. Festing Jones; The Press, 4 Feb 1935 (portrait by S Butler), 25 Nov 1913. Reference: Volume 2, page 31 | Volume 2, page 31 🌳 Further sources |
Albin Martin | Albin MartinMARTIN, ALBIN (1813-88) was born at Silton, Dorset, the son of a clergyman. He was educated at Salisbury Grammar School and Jesus College, Cambridge (where he became acquainted with Sir George Grey, q.v.). He was interested in art, and studied in London under Linnell (fellow students including D. Cox, Copley, Fielding and W. Turner), while he was a friend of the poet painter W. Blake and George Richmond. He studied also in Italy under good masters. On succeeding to a family estate, he returned to Dorset and assisted Alfred Ball in his studies. Martin came to New Zealand in the Cashmere (1851), and took up land at East Tamaki which he cultivated until 1882, when he retired to live in Ellerslie. He was a member of the Provincial Council for Franklin 1865-69, and was a strong separationist. In the war he joined the Otahuhu Royal Cavalry under Colonel Nixon, but did not see active service. He was a consistent follower of his art, and was one of the promoters of the first Art society in Auckland, of which he was treasurer and vice president. He exhibited regularly and held exhibitions of his own oil paintings at various times. He was a prominent member of the Anglican synod and a supporter of the Ellerslie church, which he helped to establish. Martin died on 7 Aug 1888. Auckland P.C. Proc.; Cycl. NZ., ii (p); N.Z. Herald, 27 Nov 1880, 13 Aug 1888. Reference: Volume 2, page 31 | Volume 2, page 31 🌳 Further sources |
Arthur Anderson Martin | Arthur Anderson MartinMARTIN, ARTHUR ANDERSON (1875-1916) was a son of Thomas Martin (of the New Zealand railways) and was educated at the Lumsden school and the Lawrence district high school. Passing the civil service examination, he became a cadet in the Government Life Insurance department, but left the following year (1894) to study medicine at Edinburgh University. After a brilliant course, he graduated M.D. and served as a medical officer in the South African war. His experiences were described in articles in the British Medical Journal. Martin then practised at Palmerston North. In 1914 he visited the United States and Great Britain with the intention of establishing a radium institute in New Zealand, but, the war breaking out, he served with the Royal Army Medical Corps in France, and was several times mentioned in despatches. His book, A Surgeon in Khaki (1915) is one of the best descriptions of field service published. On returning to New Zealand Martin was one of the commission appointed to investigate the outbreak of cerebro-spinal meningitis at military camps. He then returned to active service (as major N.Z.M.C.) with the New Zealand division, and died of wounds in France on 17 Sep 1916. Studholme; Martin, op. cit.; N.Z. Times, 21 Sep 1916. Reference: Volume 2, page 31 | Volume 2, page 31 🌳 Further sources |
Edward Martin | Edward MartinMARTIN, EDWARD (1821-88) was born in northern Ireland and came to New Zealand in the Lady Nugent (1841). The family included his brother, John Martin (1822-92, q.v.). In 1846 he joined Kettle's survey party to lay out the Otago block, and he was retained in the employ of the Otago Association to construct the track to south Otago. With James Cullen and Duthie, Martin contracted for the construction of the Jetty Street wharf in Dunedin. In 1851 he took up a section in Tokomairiro between the main road and the bush, where he lived thereafter. In 1861 he visited the diggings at Gabriel's Gully with fairly good results and in 1868 he took up more land at Mount Misery for his Moneymore property. Martin was one of the first in Otago to use the portable steam engine and threshing machine. He assisted Arthur Burns (q.v.) to fix the site of the Mosgiel woollen mill. His death occurred on 24 Nov 1888. Cycl. NZ.; G. Brown; J. A. Duthie in Bruce Herald, 13 Apr 1931; Otago Daily Times, 28 Nov 1888. Reference: Volume 2, page 31 | Volume 2, page 31 🌳 Further sources |
James Crosby Martin | James Crosby MartinMARTIN, JAMES CROSBY (1856-1926) was born in England, and came to Canterbury with his father, Thomas Martin (1825-1900), a farmer, of Leithfield, Canterbury. Educated at the Riccarton school and at Christ's College (1869-72), he was articled to a law firm in Christchurch and admitted to the bar in 1881, joining the firm of Duncan and Cotterill. Martin was appointed crown solicitor in Christchurch in 1884, and stipendiary magistrate in Wellington in 1894. In 1897 he became Public Trustee, and three years later a judge of the Supreme Court. He had held that position for a few months when he resigned and went to Australia. Returning shortly afterwards, he entered into practice at Auckland with Devore and Cooper, and later with Devore alone. In a few years he retired to live at Russell, where he took a keen interest in the sport of fishing and in the history of the Bay of Islands. He occasionally returned to practice (notably when he acted as crown prosecutor in the murder trial of Denis Gunn). Martin was a good oarsman at Christchurch and Wellington and was a volunteer for many years (including eight as captain of E battery of artillery). He married (first) a daughter of E. Saunderson, of Great Peaks, Canterbury, and second Mrs Simms, daughter of Mrs Marshall (Brisbane). He died on 11 Jun 1926. Lyttelton Times, 14 Jan 1901; NZ Herald, 15 Jun 1926. Reference: Volume 2, page 33 | Volume 2, page 33 🌳 Further sources |
John Martin | John MartinMARTIN, JOHN (1822-92) was born at Maghera, county Down, Ireland, the son of a retired clergyman who had taken to farming. When John was 19 years old both his parents died of typhus, and the problem of providing for the family fell to an uncle, Dr Espie, late R.N. On his advice the whole family sailed by the Lady Nugent for New Zealand (Oct 1840). When they reached Port Nicholson John, with his knowledge of horses, found little difficulty in getting employment as a carter and with pick and shovel. On one occasion when prospects were not good he travelled on foot to Wanganui, through country not too friendly; and when hostilities broke out in the Hutt valley he did duty as a member of the Wellington militia, spending nights on sentry at Polhill gully, an approach to the town which it was feared that the hostile natives might make use of. Carting supplies and munitions to the troops, Martin made several profitable journeys to the Hutt. Two of his brothers, Edward and Robert, went to Otago on the staff of Kettle (1846), and John established in Manners street a prosperous business as a merchant, woolbuyer, and auctioneer. He made, also, investments in town lands, chiefly on the Te Aro flat. In 1847 he married Miss Baird (of Edinburgh) and they lived in Ghuznee street, Martin square being formed on portion of his property. In 1859-61 Martin was interested with J. C. Smith (q.v.) in a run at Tuapeka, Otago. The goldfields gave them a good market for meat, but the run was resumed by the Government. By 1860 he was a substantial member of the community, and he took part in most of the commercial enterprises of early Wellington. He was a member of the town board (1863-76). Martin had a hot temper, and was plainly not the type of man for public life. With all his shrewd sense and undoubted ability, he lacked the faculty of working harmoniously with men of different temperament. When he stood for the Provincial Council in 1865 he was almost at the bottom of the poll. Nevertheless he was a good citizen; a staunch Presbyterian, and a member of the building committee of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church (1866). Gradually divesting himself of retail interests, Martin devoted himself more fully to financial and pastoral matters. In 1868, with his co-surety, W. B. Rhodes, he ran Cobb's coaches for a time. In 1879 he purchased for £85,000 from G. M. Waterhouse the Waihenga property of 34,000 acres. He subdivided portion of it for the town of Martinborough and for adjoining small farms, and on the remainder of the estate raised stock in a systematic manner. Another of his interests was shipping. He was associated with T. Henderson (q.v.) in the ownership of the Circular Saw Line of steamers (including the Wellington, Taranaki, Airedale and Phoebe), which was afterwards sold to the Union Steam Ship Co. At the end of the seventies, when the fleet of the New Zealand Steam Navigation Co. was put up at auction, Martin bought it for £15,000. In public life he was apt to be a silent member, rarely speaking but attending with great regularity the sessions of the Legislative Council (to which he was called by the Grey Government in 1878). Martin died on 17 May 1892, a few months after his wife. In 1875 he presented to the city Martin's Fountain, which for many years stood in the open space in front of the Union Bank of Australia, but is now at Oriental Bay. 'Within a mile of Martin's Fountain' in the early days meant something like 'Within sound of Bow bells'. N.Z.P.D., 13 Sep 1872; Cycl. N.Z., i (p); Ward; J. A. Thomson; N.Z. Times, 18 May 1892; Evening Star, 28 Mar 1898; Evening Post, 29 Oct 1929 (p). Reference: Volume 2, page 33 | Volume 2, page 33 🌳 Further sources |
Samuel McDonald Martin | Samuel McDonald MartinMARTIN, SAMUEL McDONALD, was born at Kilmuir, Isle of Skye. Highly gifted and possessed of marked literary attainments, he emigrated to New South Wales and took up land for sheepfarming. In 1839 he visited New Zealand, and made purchases of land from the natives in prospect of the declaration of British sovereignty. Returning to Sydney, he convened a meeting of Australian land claimants and on the arrival of Hobson (q.v.) in Jan 1840 he led deputations, one seeking assurances as to their titles; another to present an address of welcome. In partnership with another land claimant, Martin purchased machinery in Sydney to start a sawmill at Coromandel harbour. He visited Cloudy Bay and Port Nicholson, meeting E. J. Wakefield and Te Rauparaha at Kapiti. Reaching Coromandel via Bay of Islands, he now encountered unexpected obstacles in gaining possession of his land at Coromandel, where Taraia had robbed his sawyers. After an arduous visit to Matamata he returned to Bay of Islands and reported to Hobson on the prospects for settlement of the Thames valley. A month or two later a meeting of land claimants at Coromandel adopted a protest to the Government of New South Wales against the recent land ordinance and the seizure of sovereignty in New Zealand. The association for mutual protection deputed him to wait on Hobson, and he received assurances which encouraged claimants to proceed with their improvements. Martin returned to Sydney at the end of 1840, discouraged with events in New Zealand. He was appointed a magistrate of the territory (Nov 1841), but resigned a few months later. He came back to the Colony in Jan 1842 to edit the first paper at Auckland, the New Zealand Herald and Auckland Gazette, founded by a Sydney joint stock company. Henceforth he opposed Hobson's Government at every step, and eventually called on the sheriff to convene a public meeting demanding the Governor's recall. The feud continued during the administration of Shortland, who was represented on the directorate of the paper by three government servants (of the four directors). Early in 1844 the paper closed down, the plant being sold to make way for a new paper edited by the Attorney-general (Swainson). Governor FitzRoy befriended Martin, asked his advice and called him to the Council (Jun 1844), of which he was a member until Mar 1845. Martin left New Zealand in that year and with W. Brown (q.v.) petitioned the House of Commons protesting against the ill-treatment of the Maori by settlers. Though very much attached to New Zealand he did not return, but spent the last few years of his life as a stipendiary magistrate at Berbice, British Guiana, where he died 22 Sep 1848. In 1842 he published his letter to the Secretary of State and in 1845 a more pretentious volume of letters on New Zealand, containing much information and controversy. S.M. Martin, op. cit; N.Z. Herald, 1, 8 Jun 1895. Reference: Volume 2, page 33 | Volume 2, page 33 🌳 Further sources |
William Martin | William MartinMARTIN, SIR WILLIAM (1807-80) was born in Birmingham, the youngest son of Henry Martin. He was educated at King Edward VI Grammar School in Birmingham, and in 1826 went to St John's College, Cambridge, where he was a contemporary of Selwyn (q.v.). In 1829 he graduated (as 26th wrangler and 4th classic), and took the second chancellor's gold medal. Two years later he was elected a fellow and tutor of his College. In 1832 he proceeded M.A., and in June of that year entered Lincoln's Inn to read for the bar. He was called in 1836 and two years later resigned his fellowship. He never entered law chambers, but was with Cracknell, an equity draughtsman and conveyancer. Martin contended through life against a delicate constitution, and he was not reluctant when Bishop Selwyn suggested that he should come to New Zealand in the position of chief justice. Though he was not suited to the rough life of the colonies, he welcomed escape from the drudgery of the law in England. He married Mary Ann, daughter of the Rev W. Parker, a prebendary of St Paul's, and sailed in Apr 1841 for New Zealand. Swainson and Outhwaite (q.v.) were fellow passengers in the Tyne, and during the voyage much time was devoted by the trio to consideration of the rules which would be necessary to govern the practice of the Supreme Court in New Zealand. He arrived in Wellington in Aug, and took up his duties in Auckland in Sep. Mrs Martin came to New Zealand a few months later. Shy and retiring, Martin shrank from publicity, and suffered acute mental distress when presiding at criminal sessions. At an early stage he became interested in the Maori people, and during his 30 years in New Zealand he was as sincere and strenuous an advocate of their rights as his judicial position allowed. Presiding at the trial of Maketu for the murder of a European, he took great pains, with the help of G. Clarke as interpreter, to expound the English law as clearly as possible, hoping thereby to impress the Maori mind with its advantages over the customs of their race. In passing sentence of death, the first inflicted on a Maori by a pakeha court of justice, Martin uttered with deep emotion: 'Maketu, in your own emphatic language, I bid you go to your forefathers.' A natural alliance was formed between Martin, Selwyn and Swainson on behalf of the Maori people. It was this alliance that dissuaded Shortland (Oct 1842) from making war upon defiant tribes at Tauranga. In the same month Martin at Wellington refused to give instant judgment on an application for a warrant to arrest Rangihaeata. He reserved judgment partly because the hearing was ex parte and partly on a technical doubt as to the act under which the application was made. Early in 1843 he refused the warrant, thereby possibly delaying the outbreak which occurred at Wairau later in the year. Martin in these early years made many arduous journeys on foot all over the North Island, holding asizes and meeting his new colleague (H. S Chapman, q.v.) to discuss points of procedure. He had many close friendships with chiefs of the first rank, notably Te Heuheu, Te Wherowhero, Tamati Ngapora and Tamati Waka Nene. An accomplished philologist, he made good progress with the Maori language, and was soon able to converse with the chiefs on equal terms. In Oct 1843 he commenced the erection of a native chapel close to his home in Auckland. In 1844, pursuant to an engagement made months before, he walked overland to join Selwyn at Taupo, where he met Te Heuheu on terms of mutual respect. Te Wherowhero's dying message was a request to Martin to be good to his people. Martin's natural disposition to champion the cause of the natives brought him under criticism by the impatient settlers of the New Zealand Company, whose desire to establish themselves in life was apt to run counter to the best interests of the native occupants of the land. In 1847 Martin joined with Selwyn in a spirited protest against Earl Grey's instructions regarding the new constitution, and they pressed their view insistently upon Governor Grey. Martin drew up a clear statement of the case under the title England and the New Zealanders, which was printed at the college press in 1847. In it he contended that the instructions to the Governor 'involve a breach of the national faith of Britain and a violation of established law.' The protest, written in a manly and temperate tone, won the day, and did not require to be published, but copies at a later date gained publicity through inadvertent channels. Meanwhile the rules of the courts, owing to the long distance between Auckland and Wellington and the difficulties of travel, made slow progress. Once Martin was to walk overland to meet his colleague at New Plymouth; at another time at Wanganui or Taupo. In 1851 we find him writing to Chapman lamenting the delay in constructing the codes of procedure; it seemed that yet another year would be necessary to complete the forms and rules for the first two classes of actions, tort and contract. "It is impossible to desire," he wrote (31 Mar 1851), "that the foundations of our great work should be laid without adequate consideration, and I should be sorry if you supposed that I found in the delay anything surprising or unreasonable... Our work has come to be in the place of sons and daughters... It is not only amongst the clearest of professional duties but it is the only directly parental interest which is given to me. I am quite willing, and perhaps I am by natural disposition of my own more inclined than you or any energetic man would be, to do the slow plodding and preliminary labour of the work-to dig and delve and get the ore to the surface; but, that done, thenceforward let the whole work be a common one, otherwise it will never be worthily done." Nevertheless they did together produce in 1852 a report on the supreme court procedure. Martin was at this time inspector of schools, and in this capacity he travelled through the North Island. He and Mrs Martin were keenly interested in the education of the Maori, for whom they kept a school and hospital free. In particular they were attached to Ngapora, whose great influence with the Waikato tribes was an important factor in delaying, if it could not prevent, the Waikato war. Throughout his administration of his high office his philo-Maori sympathies brought him under constant criticism. Yet Governor Gore Brown, with whom later he was not always in agreement, testified (17 Sep 1857) that Martin's 'learning, piety, absolute independence of local politics, give him great influence over both Europeans and natives, and he enjoys the universal respect and esteem of all classes of both races.' Indifferent health caused Martin to visit England in 1855. There he discussed with Sir John Patteson a trust deed bill for the Church in New Zealand. He spent some months also in Italy, and returned to New Zealand in Sep 1856. A year later he resigned his position, receiving a pension of £333 a year (increased the following year to £500). He received the honorary degree of D.C.L. from Oxford University while in England in 1858. He then returned to New Zealand in the Kingston (reaching Auckland in Dec 1858) and settled quietly at his home at Taurarua, where he devoted himself with a single mind to the interests and education of the Maori and the affairs of the Church of England. Though he never took holy orders he wore clerical costume and participated regularly in church observances. He personally prepared native candidates for the priesthood. At the first General Synod (1857) he rendered valuable service in drafting the constitution and statutes. Martin was made a knight bachelor in 1860. In the next few years he became more deeply involved in controversy over the Taranaki and Waikato wars. He dissented strongly from the policy which led to the Taranaki war, and in a thoughtful pamphlet gave a full and calm statement of the views of the friends of the Maori. When the Government promulgated a warning against too free discussion of native affairs and sent a copy to him, he with great propriety refrained from making his statement public. The Governor invited him (Dec 1860) to accept a seat on a council of advice on native affairs, but he retained his independence. Contending that the people of Wi Kingi te Rangitake (q.v.) were entitled to all the treatment due to subjects of the crown, he pleaded with Britain for justice and with Wi Tamihana te Waharoa against war. It was a land war, he said, begging the Government not to meet the King movement with force (May 1861). With his passionate sympathy for the Maori people Martin felt very keenly the protraction of the struggle. In Nov 1863 he drew up a protest against the confiscations, which Grey sent to the Secretary of State (Jan 1864). Writing with dignity and feeling, he called upon the Government to distinguish between the loyal and the disloyal. Again in 1865 he protested against the new law for the settlement of the confiscated lands. Writing to Chapman (7 Mar 1866) he said: 'We seem to be slowly floundering towards the end of the war. The apparently great advantage of the Colonial over the Queen's forces is to be reduced by three considerations: 1. That the Maoris do not fight as well in a bad cause as in what they regard as a good one-not so well for the follies and crimes of the Hauhaus as in defence of their own soil and their nationality. 2. That the Colonial forces have been aided by large bodies of resolute natives acquainted with the country. 3. That the narratives of their doings have proceeded always from friendly sources and sometimes from themselves. Still there may be a balance after these abatements.' Deeply as he deplored the war against the Maori tribes, Martin's talents were always at the disposal of the Government for constructive purposes. In Jan 1871 he drew up an exhaustive statement of amendments required in native law; he assisted Donald McLean in drafting his native lands act of that year, and he published his Notes on the Best Method of Working of the Native Lands Act. Though modest and gentle in disposition, Martin was endowed with great moral courage; as a judge patient, wise and sagacious. After the conclusion of the war he continued his interest in the education of Maori students at St Stephen's College. He was now for the first time really free and able to devote time to his early study of languages. To the classics which he mastered at Cambridge he had added a deep knowledge of Maori and other Pacific tongues. Bishop Patteson venerated him as friend and scholar. In 1874 Martin decided to return to England. They sailed on 14 Apr and took up their residence at Torquay. To the end the vigorous scholarship of Martin flowered in fresh studies, the soundness of which was acknowledged by Max Muller. In 1876-78 he published two volumes on Inquiries Concerning the Structure of the Semitic Languages, and at the time of his death (8 Nov 1880) he was preparing notes on the New Testament. Three days before his death he wrote: 'My civil work is done. My ecclesiastical work is done; and now I leave it in God's hands. I pray for the Church of England. I embrace all Christians in the bonds of Catholic unity.' Lady Martin, who assisted in all the activities of her husband, died on 2 Jan 1884. Her book Our Maoris was published in 1888. G.B.O.P., 1849/1120; information from Sir F. R. Chapman; N.Z.P.D., pass. D.N.B.; Annals of Col. Church; Martin, op. cit. Rusden; Saunders; Reeves; Kennedy; Clarke. Portraits: Supreme Court, Dunedin; General Assembly Library; Turnbull Library. Reference: Volume 2, page 34 | Volume 2, page 34 🌳 Further sources |
William Martin | William MartinMARTIN, WILLIAM (1823-1905) was born at Lesmahagow, Lanarkshire, and served his time as a gardener. While attached to the botanic gardens in Edinburgh, he attended night classes and the School of Art. He was foreman at Chilwell Hall, in England, before emigrating to New Zealand in the Philip Laing (1848). He was for a short time at Anderson's Bay and Green Island and then took up land at Fairfield, where he carried on an extensive gardening establishment with considerable success. Dr Lauder Lindsay was his guest while on a botanical and geological visit to Otago in 1861. In 1855 Martin was elected to represent Eastern district in the Otago Provincial Council, of which he was a member till 1863. He was keenly interested in education (being chairman of the district schools committee), and was a deacon and elder of the East Taieri and Green Island churches. By crossing the veronica lavaudiana with the hulkeana Martin produced a profusely-leaved and flowering variety which he called veronica fairfield. He died on 25 Nov 1905. Otago P.C. Proc., 1855-63; Otago Daily Times, 4 Dec 1905; Lauder Lindsay, Contributions to New Zealand Botany, 1868. Reference: Volume 2, page 34 | Volume 2, page 34 🌳 Further sources |
William Miles Maskell | William Miles MaskellMASKELL, WILLIAM MILES (1840-98) was born in Hampshire, the son of a Protestant clergyman who joined the Roman Catholic church. He was educated privately, and later at the Roman Catholic College of St Mary Oscott and in Paris. He then joined the army, and served for three years with the 11th (Devonshire) Regiment. In 1860 he came to New Zealand in the William Miles, spent some time on a sheep station in Canterbury, and then took up a run at Kaikoura, where he remained till 1864. Then he spent eight years farming in north Canterbury. Maskell represented Sefton in the Provincial Council (1866-75), and was a member of the executive (as provincial secretary and treasurer) in the last year, including the winding up of the province. He contested a parliamentary election against J. E. Brown. After the abolition of the provinces Maskell was registrar of the University of New Zealand until his death (on 1 May 1898). In 1884 he removed to Wellington. About 1873 Maskell took up the study of entomology, and particularly of scale insects, upon which he became a recognised authority after the death of Signoret. His Account of the Insects Noxious to Agriculture and Plants in New Zealand (1887) is a standard work on our scale insects; and he also contributed 27 elaborate memoirs to the transactions of the New Zealand Institute. His description of the Weka Pass rock paintings is noteworthy. His collection of specimens he left to Canterbury Museum. He married (1888) Miss McLean. Cycl. N.Z., i (p); J. Park in Otago Daily Times, 25, 26 Mar 1925; Trs. N.Z. Inst., vols 1 (p. 13-20, 52-63); 31; N.Z. Times, 2 May 1898. Reference: Volume 2, page 34 | Volume 2, page 34 🌳 Further sources |
William Stephen Maslin | William Stephen MaslinMASLIN, WILLIAM STEPHEN (1850-1929) was born in Brentford, Middlesex, and emigrated to New Zealand in the Maori in 1858 with his parents, who settled in Geraldine. On his father's death (1864) he took charge of the sawmill and store. In 1872 he became a member of the Geraldine school committee, of which he was afterwards chairman. He married (1873) Hannah, daughter of M. Clough (Timaru). Maslin was a founder of the Geraldine town board, and first mayor (holding the position for 20 years). He was a member for many years of the South Canterbury hospital and charitable aid board and of the South Canterbury education board. In 1893 he won (as a Liberal) the newly constituted Rangitata seat in Parliament, defeating E. G. Wright. In 1896 this electorate was eliminated, and at the following election (1899) he was defeated for Ashburton by McLachlan. At six subsequent elections (to 1919) he contested seats. Maslin was a strong prohibitionist, the founder of the Good Templars in Geraldine, and a member of the licensing committee. His death occurred on 20 Dec 1929. Who's Who N.Z., 1908, 1924; Cycl. N.Z., iii (p); Otago Daily Times, 4 Dec 1922; The Press, 22 Dec 1929. Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 34 | Volume 2, page 34 🌳 Further sources |
John Mason | John MasonMASON, JOHN (?-1843) the first missionary in charge of the Whanganui district, arrived there on 20 Jun 1840, with Mr and Mrs R. Matthews, and settled on the south side of the river at Putiki. There he built a chapel, while his wife kept the school. In Aug he exerted himself without success to dissuade the Ngati Tuwharetoa from proceeding to attack the Waitotara tribe, but shortly afterwards he acquired an influence over Te Heuheu by treating his sick daughter. In the first year of his mission Mason opened 13 chapels and 15 schools, and in the second he erected a brick church, which was opened on 19 Jun 1842. He had baptised 300 adults when he was drowned in Jan 1843 while fording the Turakina river on his way to Wellington. Chapple and Barton Reference: Volume 2, page 34 | Volume 2, page 34 🌳 Further sources |
Thomas Mason | Thomas MasonMASON, THOMAS (1818-1903) was born in England, and came to New Zealand in the Olympus (1841). He settled in the Hutt valley, and lived there continuously except for a short visit to Tasmania. Mason was a skilled horticulturist and at Taita had one of the finest gardens in the province, his bulbs being noteworthy. He was a member of the Society of Friends. In 1853 he was on the education commission set up by the Provincial Council. In 1868 he was chairman of the Hutt special association. He was a member of Parliament for the Hutt (1879-84), being throughout a supporter of Atkinson. Later he was chairman of the Hutt county council. He died on 11 Jun 1903. J. G. Wilson; Evening Post, 11 Jun 1903. Reference: Volume 2, page 34 | Volume 2, page 34 🌳 Further sources |
William Mason | William MasonMASON, WILLIAM (1810-97) was born at Ipswich, England, and studied architecture under Sir E. Blore. He was engaged on the construction of Lambeth and Buckingham palaces (1831) and afterwards on church work for the Bishop of London. His design of a poorhouse for the poor law commissioners was used in their institutions at Kingston, Ipswich and elsewhere. In the late thirties Mason went to New South Wales, where he practised for a few years. In 1839 he was appointed superintendent of works in the new administration preparing to proceed to New Zealand with Captain Hobson. He sailed in the storeship Westminster, and remained at Bay of Islands until the capital was moved to Auckland. On arrival there he erected his own frame house at Mechanics' Bay and set up for the Governor the house which had been brought out from England in the Platina. Mason was two years superintendent of public works. In 1841 he designed and erected St Paul's Church on Point Britomart. He then became a farmer in his spare time. He erected a flourmill, and took part in establishing a packet service between Auckland and coastal ports. In 1845 he was a lieutenant in the Auckland militia, and was on service during Heke's rising. He was one of the promoters and a part proprietor of the first New Zealand Herald (1841-42). In 1852 he was elected an alderman of the city. In 1861 Mason was elected to Parliament for the Pensioner Settlements, which he represented until 1866. In 1862 he was commissioned by the Bank of New Zealand to design their offices throughout New Zealand. When superintending the erection of the bank in Dunedin he decided to settle there, and he practised for many years, at first with W. H. Clayton (N. Y. A. Wales being one of their apprentices). They designed the Dunedin Exhibition (1865), the Supreme Court and many other buildings. Mason was elected first mayor of the city (1865-68) and during his two terms did much on a limited income to reduce the levels of the streets and improve them. Again he farmed for a time (at Otepopo), and on retiring (1875) he went to live first at Queenstown and later at Paradise, returning to Dunedin about 1894. He died on 22 Jun 1897. Mason was a keen marksman, winning the first prize offered by the Government for rifle shooting and being second for the Colonial belt at the first annual competitions. Cycl. N.Z., iv (p); J.K. Davis; Craig; Evening Star, 24 Jun 1897; New Zealand Herald, 9 Jul 1897. Reference: Volume 2, page 34 | Volume 2, page 34 🌳 Further sources |
William Ferguson Massey | William Ferguson MasseyMASSEY, WILLIAM FERGUSON (1856-1925) was born on 26 Mar 1856 at Limavady, County Londonderry, Ireland, the son of John Massey, a tenant farmer. He was educated in the National school there and at a secondary school kept by a classical scholar named Brandon. He was a quick learner and, in addition to the usual classical subjects, studied some political economy. While he was still at school his father sold the farm and emigrated to New Zealand. Not pleased with the prospect at Kaipara, where he had acquired a bush section, he did not settle there, but bought a farm at Tamaki. There he was engaged when William arrived in the City of Auckland on 11 Dec 1870. His fellow passengers included F. W. Isitt and W. J. Williams (q.v.), both later prominent in the Methodist Church and in the national life of New Zealand. Massey worked with his father until reaching the age of 17 and then, to learn more of farming, obtained a position with John Grigg (q.v.) who had been a neighbour at Tamaki. He was employed for more than two years at Longbeach, Canterbury. He then spent a few months with his people at their new farm at Mangere, and at the age of 21 purchased a small threshing machine and leased a farm of 100 acres. In 1882 he married Christina Allen Paul (1863-1932; C.B.E. 1918; Dame Gr. Cross 1926), the daughter of a neighbouring farmer. Massey soon became a member of the Mangere road board and chairman of the school committee, an office-bearer of the Masonic lodge Manukau, and in 1890 president of the Mangere Farmers Club. This local organisation, which was afterwards replaced by the Farmers' Union, was formed to resume some of the duties and interests previously cared for by the Auckland Agricultural Association (known later as the New Zealand Agricultural and Pastoral Association). A show was held in 1890 under the auspices of the Farmers Club and as a result the old association was resuscitated in 1891, Massey being its first president. He became a member also of the National Association, a conservative political organisation; and of this also he was president for the Auckland district. It was partly due to the suggestion of Sir William Fox that Massey aspired to public life. At the end of 1893 he contested Franklin, which had been represented in Parliament for many years by Major Hamlin. He was defeated by Benjamin Harris by a narrow majority. A few weeks later the Waitemata seat became vacant through the unseating of Richard Monk as the result of a petition. Massey stood and defeated Jason Palmer (q.v.), who had previously held the seat. Later in the year he accepted the duties of Opposition whip. At the next election (1896) he stood for his own district (Franklin) where he defeated Harris by 474 votes. That seat was held without interruption until his death. An inveterate fighter and a firm freeholder, he entered with zest into the debates on land tenure, condemning out of hand any form of landlordism, whether state or private. In debate after debate the opposition assailed the leasehold policy of the Liberal government, which was the subject of an important commission in 1905. The Opposition was without a leader in the sessions of 1900-02, Captain Russell having relinquished the leadership to sit merely as member for Hawkes Bay, while the whip managed the affairs of the Conservative party. At last, in Sep 1903 Massey was elected leader. He galvanised the opposition into life and led it steadily forward to its victory in 1912. Meanwhile it suffered a severe setback at the general election in 1905, at which the public registered its disapproval of personal attacks which had been made on the Prime Minister by members who seemed to have some association with the Conservative party. The death of Seddon robbed the Liberal party of some of the profits of a sweeping victory. Yet Massey was 10 years leader before the swing of popular opinion brought him into office. Throughout this period the freehold principle was the principal divergence between the two parties. At the election of 1911 Sir Joseph Ward failed to carry the country, and when Parliament met (on 15 Feb 1912) the first policy vote resulted in a tie: 39 for and 39 against. The Speaker (Guinness) cast his vote in favour of the party in power, and Parliament adjourned to enable the Prime Minister to decide upon his course of action. A new ministry was formed from the Liberal side of the House under the leadership of T. Mackenzie, who assumed office on 28 Mar and carried on against the protest of the Opposition until the normal time for assembling Parliament. When Parliament did meet Massey at once moved a vote of no-confidence in the ministry and this was carried, on 5 Jul by 41 votes to 33. He was sent for by the Governor, and on 10 Jul his ministry was sworn in, the first from the Conservative side of the House since 1890. Massey in addition to the Premiership assumed the portfolios of Lands, Agriculture and Labour, most of which he held continuously until his death 13 years later. With him were the following ministers: James Allen (Finance and Education), W. H. Herries (Railways and Native Affairs), William Fraser (Public Works, Mines and Industries and Commerce), A. L. Herdman (Attorney General and Minister of Justice), F. H. D. Bell (Internal Affairs and Immigration), R. H. Rhodes (Postmaster-general and Public Health), F. M. Fisher (Customs and Marine) and Maui Pomare (as representative of the Native race). In his first session Massey passed an act placing the civil service under the control of a public service commissioner, and another amending the land settlement law in such a way as to give to crown tenants under the renewable lease or lease-in-perpetuity the right to acquire the freehold of their sections. This measure affected 13,175 state tenants and holdings aggregating about three million acres of land. In the realm of industrial relations, which could never for long be ignored, he was impelled by the events of 1912, when a stubborn strike of miners at Waihi was not terminated without violence, to try to devise a new method of adjusting disputes by the formation of proposals for settlement. This did not serve, however, to appease the grievances of labour, and at the opening of his second year of office Massey had to deal with a more formidable disturbance originating in a strike by shipwrights, which extended to the waterside workers at Wellington and eventually to a large body of labour throughout the Dominion. As the export of primary products was jeopardised at the height of the season, special constables were enrolled, and some violent clashes occurred before the dispute was terminated. During this struggle the New Zealand Labour party developed its unity and organisation and emerged as a permanent factor in the political field. Whatever may have been Massey's intentions in the field of social and economic reform, his administration was destined to be governed by events over which he had no control. Devoutly attached to the Imperial connection, he had espoused without reservation the defence measures of the Liberal government, and appreciated the material which it had prepared for the emergency which arose in the middle of 1914. On naval policy he differed slightly, but only in method. Whereas Ward adhered to the policy of paying a contribution towards the maintenance of the British Navy, with the proviso that a squadron should be maintained in New Zealand waters, Massey adopted the policy of his far-seeing Minister of Defence (Allen), who in conference with the Imperial authorities had recommended that the maritime spirit in New Zealand should be fostered and that co-operation in naval defence could best be achieved by creating a new centre of strength in the form of a New Zealand navy. Nevertheless, when war with Germany became imminent, Massey's Government agreed that H.M.S. New Zealand should be freed from any restrictions and used wherever the Admiralty should consider most advantageous. She accordingly remained in Europe, and was thus able to take her place in the first line of defence in the North Sea. When war broke out Massey made an immediate declaration of New Zealand's loyalty and solidarity with the Empire, and her willingness to do what was required by the Imperial plan of defence. With a single-mindedness and energy comparable with that displayed by Seddon 15 years earlier, and with the knowledge that Parliament and the country were almost unanimously behind him, Massey faced the heavy burden of responsibility involved. Before the end of Aug the German colony of Samoa had been occupied by New Zealand troops (without fighting), and on 16 Oct the Expeditionary Force, which had been made possible by the defence measures of the past six years, sailed for Egypt, to finish training there and participate in the fighting against the Turks in Gallipoli. Though unreserved in his attachment to the British cause, Massey showed no disposition to leave all decisions to the British Government. Before the first Expeditionary Force sailed he threatened the resignation of the cabinet if the Governor accepted the responsibility of dispatching it inadequately convoyed. Throughout the war he frequently protested against the methods adopted both in the operations and in the economic arrangements that were necessary between the two countries. The general election on 10 Dec 1914 was fought under the influence of war, which usually favours the Conservative cause. The outcome was that Massey had a following of 40 in the new Parliament, Ward had 34 and Labour appeared with a compact body of 6 members, whose adherence to the Liberal cause at any moment might place the Government in jeopardy. Convinced that with such a precarious majority he was no longer justified in taking upon his own party the whole responsibility of administering the government in a time of crisis, Massey made overtures to the other party leaders which resulted in the formation of a National Government to carry New Zealand through the war. On 12 Aug 1915 the new cabinet was sworn in, with Massey as Prime Minister and Minister of Lands and Labour; Allen (in charge of the onerous portfolio of Defence); Herries (Railways and Native Affairs); William Fraser (Public Works) and Bell (Immigration). Ward became Minister of Finance and Postmaster-general, and his followers in the ministry were McNab (Justice and Marine), G. W. Russell (Internal Affairs and Health), A. M. Myers (Customs, Munitions and Supplies), W. D. S. Macdonald (Agriculture and Mines) and J. A. Hanan (Education). On the death of McNab in Feb 1917 T. M. Wilford became Minister of Justice and Marine, and D. H. Guthrie came in in 1918 to relieve Massey of the settlement of returned soldiers on the land. With the ranks thus closed, Parliament proceeded to create a national register (1 Aug 1916). The New Zealand division recovered from the losses it sustained in the unsuccessful operations against the Turks, and was removed to the western front, where it first went into action at Flers on 15 Sep. The first ballot for service under the compulsory act was held on 16 Nov, and thereafter the division was maintained at full strength by conscription. The only opposition to this measure came from the Labour party, whose principles were against compulsion for military service and whose hopes of social reform had been set back by the exigencies of the war. Massey and Ward were deeply engrossed in the multifarious demands of the war, and paid several visits to England to attend meetings of the Imperial War Cabinet. At the War Conference in 1917 the status of the dominions was fully discussed, and it was laid down, in a resolution which Massey seconded, that each dominion was autonomous, and that all were entitled to be consulted before the Imperial Government entered upon any act of foreign policy. Massey was in Europe in 1918, and finally in 1919 to attend the Peace Conference at Versailles, where he affixed his signature and the seal of the Dominion to the treaties of peace and the covenant of the League of Nations, and assured himself that Samoa should not be returned to Germany but should be placed under a mandate and governed by New Zealand. He received the freedom of London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast, York, Bristol and Manchester and the honorary degrees of the Universities of Oxford, Edinburgh and Belfast, and was made a freeman of the Company of Clothworkers, London. Before he returned to New Zealand it became clear that he and the Liberal leader could not agree on the methods to be adopted in settling the returning soldiers. The gap became more pronounced, and on 21 Aug 1919 Ward and his Liberal colleagues withdrew from the National ministry to fight the general election under their old party colours. Massey reformed the cabinet on 25 Aug, inviting William Nosworthy, J. G. Coates and J. B. Hine to assume the portfolios surrendered by the seceding ministers. The elections, which were held on 17 Dec, returned the Reform party to office, with the largest majority that Massey ever commanded as Prime Minister. The state of parties was: Reform 44; Liberal 18; Labour 8; independent Labour 3; other independents 7. Ward lost his seat, as did also one of Massey's colleagues (Hine). Massey re-constructed his cabinet, taking in E. P. Lee (as Minister of Justice), C. J. Parr (as Minister of Education and Health), and a little later G. J. Anderson (as Minister of Internal Affairs). His task now was to resettle the country, to demobilise its soldiers, industries and war departments, and to move away, if possible, from the elaborate system of controls and prohibition which had grown up in the war. The attempt to repeal the various moratoria failed. They were even extended to protect other interests as it became obvious that the prosperity of the agricultural classes depended on the disposal of the accumulated stores of meat and wool without causing a slump in prices. Out of these difficulties grew the meat control board (1922) and the dairy export control of the following year. The difficulties of the position increased rather than diminished as the election of 1922 approached, and Massey's health began to show signs of the strain of 10 years of arduous administration and political turmoil. The appeal to the country gave him no grounds for optimism. The state of the House after the polling (on 7 Dec 1922) was as follows: Reform 38; Liberal 21; Labour 17; Independent Labour 1; Independent 3. Faced with the probable co-operation of Labour with the Liberal party (which would make the voting equal) and the possibility of four Independents voting against him, he met his last Parliament in no very hopeful circumstances. Sir James Allen had gone to London as High Commissioner, and the ministry had been strengthened by the appointment of W. Downie Stewart as Minister of Internal Affairs and Customs. In 1923 Massey lost by death two more valued colleagues (Herries and Fraser), and he was still bearing the load of the Treasury and several smaller departments in addition to the Prime Ministership. In 1924 it became evident that far-reaching adjustments would have to be made before the returned soldiers could be considered settled; and labour was becoming more and more restive under the steady increase in the cost of living. Massey's health suffered severely under the prolonged strain, and he died on 10 May 1925. Massey possessed many of the characteristics of his predecessor Seddon. Hearty, straightforward and genial, he had a faculty for drawing men to him, and he was not lacking in the power of weighing them up. He had most of the traits also of the north of Ireland Protestant, deep religious feeling, robust loyalty, boundless energy and industry and unflinching determination in moving towards a goal, which he generally saw plainly. His Imperialism was full-blooded, asking no questions, but permitting no liberties in the name of duty. He never hesitated to speak his mind in Imperial councils. Through the crisis of the war of 1914-18 he led his country unerringly. From the moment when he assured Britain that 'all we have and all we are are at the disposal of the Imperial Government,' he never questioned the final outcome or the wisdom of throwing all his weight into the issue. As a political leader Massey was very successful with the electorate. He was an astute and capable parliamentarian, but he was unfortunate in that he was only for a short time free of anxiety regarding his parliamentary majority. A farmer himself, he enjoyed the unwavering support of the farming community. Some of his dilemmas could be traced to his dependence upon that support at times when his own judgment pointed in other directions. Two of Massey's sons became members of Parliament: WALTER WILLIAM MASSEY (1882-) who was M.P. for Hauraki (1931-35) and JOHN NORMAN MASSEY (1885-) who was M.P. for Franklin (1931-35, 1938-). N.Z.P.D., pass. (notably 26 May 1925); Who's Who N.Z., 1905, 1924; Scholefield, W. F. Massey, A Personal Biography, 1925 (p); W. D. Stewart, Ball, The Dominion and Evening Post, 11 May 1925 (p). Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 36 | Volume 2, page 36 🌳 Further sources |
Edward Masters | Edward MastersMASTERS, EDWARD (1839-81), son of a builder, was born in Richmond, London, where he began life as a messenger boy. In 1849 he came to New Zealand with his parents. He chartered three ships, which he loaded with ironmongery and other merchandise and landed at Hokitika at the beginning of the gold rush and opened a store. In 1868 Masters became the first mayor of Greymouth, and in 1879 he was elected to the House of Representatives as member for Grey Valley. He resigned his seat in May 1881, owing to ill-health and died in Melbourne on 27 Nov. Cycl. NZ, vi; Harrop, Westland; Melbourne Herald, 29 Nov 1881; Wanganui Yeoman, 31 Dec 1881. Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 36 | Volume 2, page 36 🌳 Further sources |
Joseph Masters | Joseph MastersMASTERS, JOSEPH (1793-1873) was born in Derby, and after serving his apprenticeship as a cooper was for some years in the Life Guards. On receiving his discharge, he emigrated to Tasmania and worked at his trade till 1841, when he crossed to Wellington. There he started a brewery at Te Aro and later a cooperage at Lambton Quay. In 1846 he appears as a bugler in the Te Aro militia, enrolled for the defence of the town against hostile natives. Masters was keenly interested in small-farm settlements, and in a series of letters to the Independent suggested that blocks should be reserved from the runs in Wairarapa for this purpose. On 18 Mar, 1853 a public meeting was held at the Crown and Anchor. Masters and Carter, two of the committee then set up, waited on Governor Grey and requested his assistance. Eventually Greytown, Masterton and Carterton were proclaimed in accordance with the wishes of the Small Farm Association. Masters represented Wairarapa in the Provincial Council (1856-57) and again (1865-73). He was a candidate for Parliament in 1863, but did not go to the poll (Carter being elected). In 1865 he was brought forward for the Superintendency, but withdrew in favour of Borlase. He died on 21 Dec 1873. Wellington P.C. Proc. and Gaz.; Ward; MS. Turnbull Library; Carter; Wakelin; Wellington Independent, 13 Jan 1860, 9 Jul, 1 Nov 1864, 9 Aug 1866, 1 Dec 1870, 23 Dec 1873. Reference: Volume 2, page 38 | Volume 2, page 38 🌳 Further sources |
Wiremu Kingi Matakatea(Moki) | Wiremu Kingi Matakatea(Moki)MATAKATEA, WIREMU KINGI, or MOKI (? 1800-93), a Taranaki warrior whose heroic resistance saved his allied tribes from complete subjugation by the Waikato. After the great northern victory at Maru (1826) many of the refugees of Taranaki and Ngati-Ruanui fled to Moki's pa at Te Namu, about a mile north of Opunake. There in 1833, with a force of only 80 men and a gun which he had purchased with a cargo of flax, Moki was besieged by a strong taua from Waikato. Warned by hearing shots fired by the invaders, he led out a few men and formed an ambush at the crossing of a stream. Here he shot several of the enemy, and then retired into the pa of Te Namu, where they were besieged. While his unerring marksmanship with one musket caused many losses to Waikato, his brother Ngatai-Rakanui inspired the defenders with courage by his karakia and incantations. Many of the besiegers were struck down by rocks hurled from above, and fear of the rifle caused them to move to a safe distance. Five assaults failed, the last led by Kaihau. Waikato then retreated hastily, followed by Moki as far as Heimana stream. Though Kaihau had promised not to return, Moki removed with his people and Ngati-Ruanui to a stronger position at Ngateko, a few miles to the southward. From his skill with the musket he assumed the name 'Matakatea' (clear eyed). Next year a stronger taua under Te Wherowhero, Waharoa and others, invaded Taranaki, intending to capture Te Rei Hanataua, the principal chief of Ngati-Ruanui. After reducing his pa of Te Ruaki, they proceeded (with Hanataua as captive) to meet Matakatea at Waimate (Ngateko). The latter had been reinforced by parties of Ngati-Ruanui under Hukanui, Manaia and Titokowaru (q.v.), which brought the garrison up to 360. Again repulsed, Matakatea and Manaia shooting many of the attackers. The former then sallied out, surprised Waikato and inflicted great losses, in consequence of which Te Hanataua escaped. Gudgeon says that Waikato then wished to make peace and Matakatea arranged a great feast at which Te Wherowhero, Waharoa, Te Kanawa and Pae-tahune were entertained. Te Wherowhero said: 'This is my final peacemaking. I have ended-ended for ever.' While resting after this campaign, Matakatea heard of the trader Harriet being ashore at Okahu and, proceeding there, he saved some barrels of powder and intervened to stop the Ngati-Ruanui killing the pakeha castaways. He saved Mrs Guard and children and kept them on the other side of the river, and burned bodies of the dead to prevent their being eaten. The fine leadership and bravery of Matakatea baffled the superior arms of Waikato and ended their disastrous raids. Matakatea now came under the Christian influence of Te Awaitaia (q.v.), and was well disposed towards the pakeha and averse to continuing the tribal wars. In the early forties he was again challenged by Ngati-Tuwharetoa. In spite of his relationship with Te Heuheu, the younger chiefs of the inland tribe burned to pit themselves against Matakatea's military prowess, and induced Iwikau to join in a taua against Taranaki. Reluctant to fight, Matakatea visited his relatives Te Anaua and Mete Kingi at Whanganui, and with them went up the river to dissuade the taua from proceeding. Iwikau taunted him with cowardice, and chased the canoes of the retreating Taranaki and Whanganui until his own canoe ran alongside that of Matakatea. Failing to strike when the opportunity offered, Iwikau fell back under the ill omen, but continued following down the river. Eventually he occupied the abandoned pa of Patoka, while Matakatea occupied Te Ihupuku. Having no alternative but to fight, the latter led his forces out from his pa and besieged, starved and then assaulted Patoka, overwhelming the Taupo people with great slaughter and killing with his own hand the chief Tauteka. All the women he took with him to Taranaki, to be shortly released with an offer of peace. Ngati-Tuwharetoa never avenged this defeat, though the murder of Kereopa and Manihera (12 Mar 1847) arose out of it. In 1860 Matakatea, who had now assumed the name of Wiremu Kingi, took sides with Te Rangitake in the Waitara dispute and fought at Waireka (Mar) and elsewhere. Nevertheless he befriended and protected the passengers of the Lord Worsley when she was wrecked at Te Namu (1 Sep 1862) and they were in the hands of Taranaki and Ngati-Awa until they could be conducted safely to New Plymouth. In later years he exerted his influence in a friendly manner to restrain the Kingite tribes in Taranaki. He came under suspicion during the Hauhau war and was treated rather roughly, his property at Nukuteapiapi being destroyed by the troops. Again (in 1879) he became involved in the ploughing at Taranaki and was sent to gaol in Wellington. The Hon W. Rolleston, after visiting him, said that his being there was proof of the mismanagement of native affairs. Matakatea declined to accept his freedom except with other prisoners; they were not pouri, he said, since their hands were not soiled with crime. No charges were made against him. Matakatea died on 14 Feb 1893 at a very advanced age. AJHR, 1866 A8, p 9; S. P. Smith, Taranaki; Marshall; Cowan; T. W. Gudgeon, The History and Doings of the Maoris, 1820-40 (1885); Taranaki Herald, 24 Feb 1893. Reference: Volume 2, page 38 | Volume 2, page 38 🌳 Further sources |
Huria Matenga | Huria MatengaMATENGA, HURIA (JULIA MARTIN) (1843-1909) was a woman of some rank in the Ngati Awa, Ngati-Mutunga and Ngati-Tama, residing with her people at Croisilles Island, Nelson. On the night of 3 Sep 1863 the English brigantine Delaware, 241 tons, Captain Robert C Baldwin, was driven ashore in a fierce storm off Pepin Island, off Wakapuaka. The mate, Henry Squirrel, had been badly injured in attempting to carry a line ashore, when a small party of Maori people, including Huria Matenga and her husband Hemi, reached the scene. A line was cast as far as possible towards the shore, and Huria swam in and after a desperate struggle brought the end ashore. All hands were saved except Squirrel, who had been taken to his cabin and forgotten. He fell overboard and was drowned. The people of Nelson presented Huria with a gold watch and the Government voted her and her husband and brother-in-law £50 each. She died on 24 Apr 1909. (See TE PUOHO) Saunders (p); Broad; Brett, White Wings, ii (p); Ingram and Wheatley; The Colonist, 26 Apr 1909. Reference: Volume 2, page 38 | Volume 2, page 38 🌳 Further sources |
Felton Mathew | Felton MathewMATHEW, FELTON (1801-47) was born in Goswell Street, London, his family coming from Latton, in Wiltshire, and his father being a cooper and wine merchant and a member of the common council of the City of London. In June 1829 he was appointed assistant-surveyor (roads and bridges) in New South Wales. In Jan 1832 he married his cousin Sarah Louisa Mathew (1805-90), a sister of Keats's friend George Felton Mathew. In 1835 he became town surveyor at Sydney. In 1839 Mathew accepted an offer to accompany Captain Hobson as acting Surveyor-general of New Zealand. His diaries and journal letters, and those of his wife, give a very full account of Hobson's proceedings in the early months of 1840, often from a critical and unfriendly angle. After the successful negotiation of the Treaty of Waitangi, his first task was to select a site for the capital. Though Bay of Islands was the main centre of trade and the headquarters of the missionaries, neither Hobson nor Mathew considered it suitable. At the end of Feb Mathew visited the Waitemata with Hobson on the Herald, and the possibilities of the upper portion of the river were favourably noted. Mathew and Captain Symonds were to have been left to survey the isthmus and explore the Manukau and Waikato districts, while the Herald completed her southern tour; but Hobson's sudden illness in Mar necessitated a return to Bay of Islands before any real progress had been made. Despite his incapacity Hobson refused to delegate the task to his subordinates, and the delay thus occasioned rendered it essential to fix on a temporary site for the seat of Government at Bay of Islands. The arrival of the store-ship Westminster (17 Mar), with immigrants and stores, made it a matter of urgency to provide for a settlement. Kororareka was already settled; the available land was subject to conflicting land claims, and there was no room for development. Nevertheless Mathew advised the Governor to take over the place for government purposes and award compensation; but Hobson wisely refused to strain his limited authority by such an act. Busby's (q.v.) township of 'Victoria,' at Waitangi, though otherwise suitable for settlement, had no good anchorage. Mathew ultimately reported that Okiato, where J. R. Clendon (q.v.) had his dwelling and store, was 'the only spot in the Bay of Islands which is at all suitable for settlement, or calculated for the purposes of the Government'; and eventually an agreement was made (22 Mar) to purchase this site for £15,000. The Government took possession in May and 'Russell' (as Okiato was re-named in honour of the Secretary of State) remained the seat of government till the removal to Auckland in Mar 1841. The town of Russell, which Mathew surveyed and planned, did not materialise owing to the refusal of Gipps to sanction the purchase. Meanwhile Mathew was despatched in the cutter Ranger (Captain Carkeek) to explore the coast as far south as the Thames for a site for the permanent capital. He visited Whangarei (20-23 Apr), which he reported unsuitable except for a small settlement, and Mahurangi, with which he was more favourably impressed; but he was principally engaged in a thorough examination of the Waitemata and the Thames (27 Apr-30 May). The decision at which he arrived was that the spot previously noted by Hobson (near the present township of Hobsonville) was 'totally unfit for the site of the principal settlement, and indeed ill-adapted for a settlement at all,' having neither fresh water, wood, drainage, stone for roads and buildings, nor deep water near its shore. He recommended that the capital should be built on the Tamaki, near Panmure basin, on the lower slopes of Mt Wellington. The disadvantage of the river bar he considered not insuperable; smaller vessels could come upstream to the capital, while Waitemata (Auckland) might serve as a port for large ships. His judgment in this particular was not good, but he was right in attaching great importance to the isthmus between the Waitemata, Tamaki and Manukau, as 'the connecting link between the northern and southern portions of the Island ... the very key to the whole island, north and south, the centre through which every line of communication must unavoidably pass,' and in easy reach of the Waikato and Thames-Piako valleys, which 'must become the great agricultural district of the island.' Hobson was not convinced. As soon as he recovered, he revisited the Waitemata with Captain D. Rough (Jul), and rejected the Tamaki because of the difficulty of its river bar and channel in favour of the Waitemata shore near Ponsonby and Freeman's bay. In Sep Mathew returned in the barque Hannah Watson, with Symonds and others, to make preparations for the erection of the government buildings. The site was purchased from the Maori without difficulty (16 Sep; confirmed 20 Oct). Mathew chose Commercial bay, at the foot of present Queen street, as the place to erect the government store, and round this nucleus the town of Auckland rapidly took shape. The place was surveyed, and a plan of the town drawn by Mathew; the Governor took formal possession of Government House in Mar 1841, and in Apr the first sale of town lots took place. During the remainder of 1841, Mathew made fair progress with the survey, despite inadequate staff and lack of proper instruments. Besides surveying and planning the towns of Russell and Auckland, his department laid out some 250 small farms in the neighbourhood of the capital, and accomplished much preliminary work of exploration in the Manukau and Tamaki districts, at Mahurangi and Kaipara to the north, and at Wairoa and the Thames to the south-east. Mathew had the confidence of both Gipps and Hobson, and it was a surprise to all three to learn, in Nov 1841, that he was to be superseded by C. W. Ligar (appointed Surveyor-general by the Colonial Office). Government's intention in 1839 had been to make no permanent appointments till the results of Hobson's mission were known, Gipps and Hobson being empowered to nominate certain officers from local residents, on the distinct understanding that their appointment was provisional. Apparently Gipps did not make this condition clear; and when, in due course, Mathew's appointment was notified to the Home Government and approved, Gipps, Hobson and Mathew all regarded this as confirmation of a permanent appointment. The Colonial Office took a different view. Pending appeal, Mathew acted as Postmaster-general and chief police magistrate, and when the Colonial Government became financially embarrassed he resigned these posts and further declined the offer of appointment as deputy surveyor-general. In Jan 1845, he left New Zealand for England, to make a personal appeal to Lord Stanley. While in London, he provided much useful information to the Colonial Office and parliament on New Zealand. Stanley confirmed his appointment as deputy Postmaster-general and resident police magistrate, but on his return to New Zealand, Governor Grey refused to implement the Colonial Office's arrangements, as he considered the police magistrate should be a military officer. Mathew declined the post office, and, disappointed and broken in health, left Auckland for England in the Thomas King. He intended to travel via Panama, and died at Lima, Peru, on 26 Nov 1847. Family information from Mrs Hilda McCleary; Felton Mathew MSS.; P.R.O. London, series C.O. 209; N.Z. Archives; Internal Affairs dept.; G.B.O.P., 1840-42 (notably 1842/569). Reference: Volume 2, page 39 | Volume 2, page 39 🌳 Further sources |
Henry Matson | Henry MatsonMATSON, HENRY (1788-1867) joined the Sussex yeomanry in 1811, and two years later was commissioned as ensign in the East Kent militia, with which he served in Ireland. As a lieutenant in the 7th battalion of the 60th Rifles he served in Nova Scotia, and he was for five years in North America with the 3rd battalion. In 1823 he transferred to the 22nd Regiment. He was in Jamaica (1829-37) and, having been promoted captain (1838), he transferred to the 58th Regiment and came to New South Wales. Matson commanded the first detachment which came to Bay of Islands in 1845 and served under Colonel Despard in Heke's war. He was deputy-assistant-quartermaster-general in New Zealand, and was promoted brevet-major for his services. He was the first field officer gazetted to the Auckland militia. Retiring in 1850, he was appointed by Governor Grey a commissioner for the investigation of land claims. In 1849 he was a member of the Legislative Council. Matson represented the City in the Auckland Provincial Council (1856-61), and was a member of the executive (1857-58). He married Amelia, daughter of George Channing (Devon). She was a member of the Parnell borough council. Matson died on 1 Oct 1867. Buick, First War; Cowan; Southern Cross, 2 Oct, 2 Nov 1867. Reference: Volume 2, page 39 | Volume 2, page 39 🌳 Further sources |
Alfred Matthews | Alfred MatthewsMATTHEWS, ALFRED (1845-1925) was born in Wellington, the son of Charles Matthews, a sheepfarmer. Educated at a private school, he followed farming in south Wairarapa (at Wharepapa until 1870, and then at Waiorongomai). He was from 1875 a member of the Featherstone highway board (and chairman 1888-1901), and was also a member of the county council, treasurer of the south Wairarapa river board from its inauguration (1886-89) and chairman (1889-1925). He was on the committee of the Wellington Agricultural and Pastoral association throughout its existence (and president in 1896) and then a member of the Wairarapa association. Matthews was for six years a director of the Wellington Meat Export Co. He was one of the founders of the New Zealand Flock Book (1893), and was first president of the Romney Marsh stud breeders' association. He established a free public library and reading room in Featherstone in 1896, and was a member of the Featherstone Literary Institute for over 25 years. He died on 3 Sep 1925. Cycl. NZ, i (p); Who's Who NZ, 1908, 1924; The Dominion and Evening Post, 4 Sep 1925. Reference: Volume 2, page 39 | Volume 2, page 39 🌳 Further sources |
Joseph Matthews | Joseph MatthewsMATTHEWS, JOSEPH (1808-95) was born at Deddington, Oxfordshire. At the age of 23 he offered his services to the C.M.S., and he was appointed as reader and assistant chaplain to a convict ship for passage to Sydney (1831). There he was initiated as a catechist, and on 26 Mar 1832 he landed at Paihia, Bay of Islands. In 1833 he married the eldest daughter (1812-92) of the Rev R. Davis. Appointed to assist Puckey in establishing a station at Kaitaia, Matthews rendered valuable service there for many years, especially in carrying on meetings for native teachers and operating a small printing press. He attended St John's College in 1844, and was ordained priest (1859). Matthews died on 3 Nov 1895. Marsden, L. and J.; Ramsden; Davis; N.Z. Herald, 16 Nov 1895. Reference: Volume 2, page 39 | Volume 2, page 39 🌳 Further sources |
Richard Matthews | Richard MatthewsMATTHEWS, RICHARD (1811-93) was born in England and was a brother of the Rev. Joseph Matthews (q.v.). In 1832, under the patronage of the Rev. Dr. Wilson, rector of Walthamstow, he joined the service of the Church Missionary Society and was sent with Captain FitzRoy in the Beagle to accompany back to their homes the Tierra del Fuegians who had visited England. Darwin considered him a man of quiet resolution, rather eccentric and not energetic. On landing in Tierra del Fuego (Jan 1833) he was so ill-treated by the natives that FitzRoy advised him to re-embark. He continued the voyage, assisting Darwin with his specimens. Landing at Bay of Islands in Dec 1835, he joined his brother at Kaitaia, where he taught in the mission school. He sawed timber and built a weatherboard house at Awanui north, and also made bricks. In 1837 he was accepted as a lay catechist. He served for a while under the Rev. John Mason on the opening of the mission in the Whanganui district (Jun 1840). Taking up his abode on the west bank of the river at Putikiwaranui, he had charge of the district as far as Waitotara. He mediated with eventual success in the quarrels of the Taupo and Taranaki tribes, which culminated in the battles at Patoka and Ihupuku (1841). Matthews left Whanganui soon after but was again there in 1847. He died on 27 Jan 1893. Marsden, L. and J.; Ramsden; Joan Barlow; Chapple and Barton; N.Z. Herald, 24 Feb 1893 Reference: Volume 2, page 40 | Volume 2, page 40 🌳 Further sources |
Sybilla Emily Maude | Sybilla Emily MaudeMAUDE, SYBILLA EMILY (1862-1935), daughter of T. W. Maude (q.v.), was educated in Christchurch and Blackheath (London). After training as a nurse at Middlesex Hospital (1889-92), she was matron at Christchurch hospital. In 1896 she commenced district nursing, making her home at first with the Anglican sisters of the community of the Sacred Name. Assisted financially by Sir Heaton and Lady Rhodes, her association expanded considerably and was very successful. Miss Maude also inaugurated open-air camps for tuberculosis, the first at New Brighton and the second at Wainoni. She received the O.B.E. (1934), and died on 12 Jul 1935. The Press, 13 Jul 1935. Reference: Volume 2, page 40 | Volume 2, page 40 🌳 Further sources |
Thomas William Maude | Thomas William MaudeMAUDE, THOMAS WILLIAM (1832-1905) was born at Langham Hall, Essex, the son of the Rev Thomas Maude, Hasketon Rectory, Woodbridge, Suffolk. Educated at Winchester College and Balliol, Oxford, where he graduated M.A., he came to New Zealand in the Royal Stuart in Jan 1855. Maude was engaged in sheepfarming for a year or two at Mount Thomas, which he and a brother leased from J. T. Brown. They also had a place at Burke's Pass. In 1857 he gave up farming and accepted a post in the customs at Lyttelton, under W. I. W. Hamilton. In the following year he was appointed clerk to the resident magistrate's court at Christchurch (the magistrate being John Hall). In due time this post had attached to it the duties of registrar of electors and deputy-sheriff for Canterbury. Later he became chief clerk in the provincial secretary's office and keeper of the provincial records. In 1861 Maude was elected to the Provincial Council for Ashley, which he represented until 1862. He represented Sefton 1862-66, and Heathcote 1866-67. Shortly after his first appearance in the Council, he became a member of the executive, under the presidency of Wilkin, and later of Case. He was twice in office in 1866, under Stewart. He retired from the Council in 1867, when he accepted office under the General Government as deputy-registrar of births, deaths, and marriages, registrar of electors and returning officer. He was an ideal official. The Lyttelton Times said in 1862 that he was very young for the position he held, but had a grave disposition, a good-tempered face, and a mild, obliging manner. He was not then a striking speaker. In 1860, as sheriff, Maude called the meeting at which Moorhouse propounded his tunnel proposals and had them overwhelmingly approved. In 1867 he was appointed receiver of land revenue and a commissioner and treasurer of the waste lands board; in 1868 registrar of deeds, and coroner; and in 1871 deputy-commissioner of stamps. When the portfolio of Resident Minister in the Middle Island was created Maude was appointed under-secretary (Reeves being the first Minister), and he held the post until it was abolished. In 1872 he was again elected to the Provincial Council for Rangiora (1873-76), and he was a member of the Montgomery executive as secretary of public works (1874-76). On the abolition of the provinces Maude was employed by the Public Works department as land purchase officer, and entrusted with the purchase of all private lands necessary for the construction of railways north and south from Christchurch. In 1876 he took advantage of a visit to England to read at Lincoln's Inn, and was duly called to the bar. In 1880 he was admitted to the New Zealand bar, and he joined the firm of Harper and Co. He was the only person in New Zealand who was at that time both a barrister and solicitor and a justice of the peace. Maude was a fellow of Christ's College. He was a nominated member of the board of governors of Canterbury College (1873-76), and an elected member (1882-93). For nine years he was a member of the North Canterbury education board. In the Church of England he was a member of the Cathedral chapter and for some time chancellor of the diocese, a member of the diocesan and general synods and chairman of committees of both bodies. For a quarter of a century Maude was one of the proprietors of the Lyttelton Times, having entered into partnership with Reeves and Hamilton when Bowen sold his interest. For many years he was director of the company which afterwards purchased the paper. Maude married (1861) a daughter (d. 1904) of J. T. Brown (Mt Thomas). He died on 5 Apr 1905. Canterbury P.C. Proc.; Acland; Christchurch Star-Sun, 11, 12 Jul 1935 (p); The Press, 6 Apr 1905, 19 Jul 1930 (p). Reference: Volume 2, page 40 | Volume 2, page 40 🌳 Further sources |
Ri Maumau | Ri MaumauMAUMAU, RI (?1812-88), a chieftainess of Ngapuhi and Rarawa, of very illustrious lineage, who attended the confederation of chiefs (1828). She followed Heke in many of his journeys, and was sent by him to Waimate in 1845 to be out of harm's way in the new style of warfare. There she lived a solitary existence, though frequently consulted, till her death (21 Apr 1888). Hare Hongi in N.Z. Herald, 5 May 1888. Reference: Volume 2, page 40 | Volume 2, page 40 🌳 Further sources |
Robert Maunsell | Robert MaunsellMAUNSELL, ROBERT (1810-94) came of a very old Irish family, and was born at Milford, near Limerick. He received his early education at Waterford and proceeded to Trinity College, Dublin, where he took first place amongst 72 freshmen. Graduating B.A. in 1833 with a high place in classics, he intended to read for the bar, but turned from law with a view to offering his services for the mission field. He was accepted by the Church Missionary Society, and entered the training college at Islington. He was ordained deacon by Bishop Blomfield in 1833, and priest in the following year. Without delay Maunsell sailed for Australia, and crossed to New Zealand in the Active. He was stationed at Mangapouri on the Waipa, in Nov 1835. There he made an assiduous study of the Maori language, of which he soon had a scholarly mastery. Maunsell was sent to Puriri for a few weeks, and then to assist Brown at Matamata and eventually to Tauranga. He travelled much between the Bay of Plenty and Waikato during the campaigns of Waharoa (1836), and persuaded the taua of Ngati-Haua not to eat the flesh of their victims. After further adventures Maunsell reached Maraetai, near Waikato Heads. Here he opened a mission station (1836) with agricultural farm, church and day schools, which for a few years was very successful. In 1839 700 pupils were presented for examination. Volkner came here as his assistant; F. D. Fenton taught music and Stack arrived in 1853 to manage the farm. The habits of industry and steadiness which characterised the people of lower Waikato have been ascribed to the regular discipline and training of Maunsell's regime. Maunsell devoted much time to translating portions of the Scriptures, but his manuscript was destroyed in the burning of his house. He was one of the committee of four appointed in 1844 to revise the Maori prayer book. In 1847 he revised the Old Testament, and in 1850 the Maori grammar. It is said that while he spoke in English he thought in Maori. Trinity College recognised his high scholarship by awarding him the honorary degree of LL.D. (1849). Owing to the decrease of the native population Maunsell, on the advice of Grey, decided to move the station from Maraetai some miles up the river. The move was effected in 1853, and the new station established at Kohanga, where Volkner supervised the preparatory work on an additional area of land given by the Maori for the agricultural school. The industrial work was successful, but the farm failed owing to the poor soil. In the first year both oats and potatoes yielded less than the seed. The food shortage was serious for the mission. On the outbreak of the war in 1863 Maunsell's influence with the Maori failed, and he was compelled to send his family to Auckland. He himself took the field as chaplain to the troops, in which capacity he buried the dead after Rangiriri. At the end of the war he went to live in Auckland. He was appointed archdeacon of Waitemata but resigned (1868) to become incumbent of St Mary's, Auckland, which position he held to 1883, when he retired. From 1870-83 he was archdeacon of Auckland. He died on 19 Apr 1894. Maunsell was described as tall, gaunt and loosely built, with a strong, weatherbeaten countenance. Col. Gent.; Morton; typescript letters of G. and R. Maunsell in Turnbull Library; Stack; Buller; Gorst; Thomson; N.Z. Herald, 20 Apr 1894 (p); Auckland Star, 23 Feb 1927. Reference: Volume 2, page 41 | Volume 2, page 41 🌳 Further sources |
Mauparaoa | MauparaoaMAUPARAOA, in the first half of the nineteenth century, was a fighting chief of Ngati Kahungunu living at Mohaka. Taken prisoner by the Ngapuhi, he became one of their war leaders. He was on Pomare's expedition to Waikato in 1826, and assumed command after the leader's death, escaping with Moetara and very few followers to Manukau. It was said that some men of Ngati Kahungunu who were living as prisoners at Otuihu were responsible for the death of the Ngapuhi woman, which led to the war between Titore and Pomare, Mauparaoa being allied with Pomare and Whareumu. In March 1845 Mauparaoa joined Heke with his followers and was engaged in the fighting against the British troops. He died at Te Karetu. S.P. Smith; Best, Tuhoe. Reference: Volume 2, page 41 | Volume 2, page 41 🌳 Further sources |
Ebenezer Maxwell | Ebenezer MaxwellMAXWELL, EBENEZER (1862-1937) was born at Kilmore, Victoria, a son of the Rev Andrew Maxwell and nephew of Alexander Johnston (q.v.). He came to New Zealand in 1866 and attended the Crofton Grammar School, Wellington. For three years he was in an insurance office, and then in a legal office. He joined the Armed Constabulary for the Parihaka operations (1881) and served for seven years, mostly in clerical employment at Opunake and in the Defence department at Wellington. For 14 years he was sheepfarming at Opunake, and thereafter at Marumarunui until 1911, when he became a valuer, assessor and consulting forester. He took a great interest in tree planting, and was at different times a member of the Egmont National Park board, the Empire Forestry Association, the New Zealand Forestry League and the New Zealand Institute of Horticulture. His publications include Afforestation in Southern Lands, Forestry in New Zealand, New Zealand Forest Trees and Comparative Rate of Growth. He was some years chairman of the Parihaka road board, and the Egmont county council; 28 years on the New Plymouth harbour board (seven years chairman), a director of the Opunake Wharf Co., and the Taranaki Farmers' Mutual Insurance Co., and a provincial office-bearer of the Farmers' Union. He was captain of the Opunake Mounted Rifles (1900), and major of the 1st battalion (1904). Maxwell married (1896) Pattie, daughter of James Johnston, Aberdeen. He died on 30 Mar 1937. Cycl. N.Z., vi (p); Who's Who N.Z., 1932; E. Maxwell, op. cit. and Recollections and Reflections of an Old New Zealander (1935) Reference: Volume 2, page 41 | Volume 2, page 41 🌳 Further sources |
Joseph Prince Maxwell | Joseph Prince MaxwellMAXWELL, JOSEPH PRINCE (1847-1933) was born in Buckfastleigh, Devonshire, and educated in England. Coming to New Zealand in the early seventies, he entered the railway service and rose to be General Manager (1881), and later railway commissioner. Maxwell designed the Timaru breakwater and was connected with the west coast harbour works. He served on a number of commissions, had an extensive consulting practice and was a director of the Wellington Trust and Loan and other companies. In 1879, with G. Beetham (q.v.) he ascended Mount Ruapehu and viewed the crater lake. With his wife Helen (who was a daughter of George Hunter, q.v.) he was one of the founders of the Wellington convalescent home. He died on 8 Jun 1933. Who's Who N.Z., 1908, 1924; Beetham, The Ascent of Ruapehu; Evening Post, 10 Jul 1933. Reference: Volume 2, page 41 | Volume 2, page 41 🌳 Further sources |
Joseph May | Joseph MayMAY, JOSEPH (1816-90) came to Auckland in the forties and settled near the City, farming and breeding stock. He married Helen Wilson (Edinburgh), who arrived by the Delhi (1840). He resided for 25 years in Epsom. May was elected to the Provincial Council in 1855, and sat throughout the provincial period (for Northern Division 1855-57; Southern Division 1859-61; Raglan 1861-73; Eden 1874-75). He was a member of the executive in 1856, 1862 and 1869-70, and deputy superintendent in 1870. He stood for Parliament without success in 1855, and represented Franklin 1874-75, making a notable speech against provincialism. May died on 10 Feb 1890. Auckland P.C. Proc. and Gaz.; N.Z.P.D., 2 Sep 1875; N.Z. Herald, 11 Feb 1890. Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 41 | Volume 2, page 41 🌳 Further sources |
Frank Mayne | Frank MayneMAYNE, FRANK (1867-1929) was a native of Dublin. Educated at Hatfield Hall, University of Durham, he graduated B.A. (1891) and M.A. Ordained deacon (1892) and priest (1893), he was assistant curate at St Cuthbert's, Wells, and senior class-master at Wells Cathedral School (1891-93), curate of All Saints, Wellington, Somerset (1893), assistant-master at Christ's College, Christchurch (1894-95), vicar of St John's, Roslyn (1896); canon of St Paul's Cathedral, Dunedin (1900), and of St John's Cathedral, Napier (1906). He was appointed dean of the diocese of Waiapu (1918). Mayne married a daughter of R. J. S. Harman (Christchurch). He died on 3 Sep 1929. Who's Who N.Z., 1924; Cycl. N.Z., iv, vi (p); Hawkes Bay Herald, 4 Sep 1929 Reference: Volume 2, page 41 | Volume 2, page 41 🌳 Further sources |
Duncan McArthur | Duncan McArthurMcARTHUR, DUNCAN (1806-88) was born in the western Highlands of Scotland. He was for some years landlord of the Tontine hotel at Peebles, and then erected a fine hotel at Oban, where he did much to attract tourists to the district. Arriving in Otago in the early fifties, he decided to settle in Southland. McArthur was a member of the Makarewa road board and the Southland Provincial Council. After the reunion of the province with Otago he represented Makarewa in the Otago Provincial Council (1871-73) and was a member of the provincial executive in 1871 and 1872. He was later an inspector of forests under the General Government. His death occurred on 25 May 1888. Pantry Record; Otago P.C. Proc.; Southland Times, 26 May 1888. Reference: Volume 2, page 4 | Volume 2, page 4 🌳 Further sources |
James McBeth | James McBethMcBETH, JAMES, was a member of a family which came to Wellington from Glasgow in 1840 by the Bengal Merchant. He took a keen interest in public affairs, and was secretary of the Wellington Political Society for the reform of the Provincial Council (1855). McBeth settled in Picton, where he was a partner in the firm of Beauchamp, McBeth and Co. In 1863 he became a member of the Picton town board, of which he was chairman the following year. He represented Picton in the Nelson Provincial Council (1864-65). Marlborough P.C. minutes; Beauchamp. Reference: Volume 2, page 5 | Volume 2, page 5 🌳 Further sources |
Richard McCallum | Richard McCallumMcCALLUM, RICHARD (1863-1940) was born in Marlborough, the son of Archibald McCallum. Educated at the Blenheim and Renwick schools, he qualified in law and was admitted to the bar in 1885. He was a member of the Wairau River Board (1892), of the Wellington education board (1897), of the Blenheim borough council and twice mayor of Blenheim. In 1893 he was appointed crown solicitor for Marlborough, a post which he resigned in 1911 on being elected member of Parliament for Wairau (which he represented until 1922). He was a member of the Legislative Council from 1930-37. McCallum was a member of the Marlborough College board of governors from 1899, of the Victoria University College council (1904-35) and of the General Council of Education for some years from 1918. He died on 1 Feb 1940. Who's Who N.Z., 1932. Reference: Volume 2, page 274 | Volume 2, page 274 🌳 Further sources |
William Wilson McCardle | William Wilson McCardleMcCARDLE, WILLIAM WILSON (1844-1922) was born in Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland, educated at the local grammar school, and in 1862 came to New Zealand in the Chariot of Fame. After working on an Ashburton sheep station, he was employed by a nurseryman in Christchurch, and for six years he was engaged in his own nursery in Dunedin (1869-75). He was in business in Masterton till 1884, when he moved to the Pahiatua district to found the Pahiatua settlement. He was a member of the first Masterton borough council, of the Masterton trust lands trust and parks trust and of the school committee. An advocate of the deferred payment system of land tenure, he was a member of the Wellington waste lands board and of the land commission of 1905. He had a seat on the Wairarapa north county council, was the first chairman of the Pahiatua road board, and a member of the Wellington education board. In 1900 he went to live in Kawhia. From 1907-14 he was a member of the Legislative Council. Later he lived at Kawhia, and was a member of the Auckland land board. He died on 4 Jan 1922. McCardle married (1866), Janet Catherine, daughter of Captain James Martin, of the ship Margaret. Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Cycl. NZ, i (p); NZ. Herald, 21 Mar 1905; The Dominion, 7 Jan 1922. Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 5 | Volume 2, page 5 🌳 Further sources |
Patrick Kinney McCaughan | Patrick Kinney McCaughanMcCAUGHAN, PATRICK KINNEY, who from 1879 to 1881 was member for Riverton in the House of Representatives, was for some years manager of the New Zealand Agricultural Co.'s estates at Waimea, Southland. N.Z.P.D., 1879-81; Riverton Rec. Reference: Volume 2, page 5 | Volume 2, page 5 🌳 Further sources |
William Anson McCleverty | William Anson McClevertyMcCLEVERTY, WILLIAM ANSON, received his ensign's commission in the 48th Regiment in 1824. (Lieutenant, 1825; captain, 1829; major, 1841; lieut-colonel, 1845.) He served in India against the Rajah of Coorg in 1834. In 1846 he came to New Zealand by the Agincourt, under orders from the Colonial Office to assist the New Zealand Company in the selection of land and the fixing of exterior boundaries. In 1847 he made his final report, which was given effect to by the issue of deeds to the chiefs residing in the different districts. McCleverty was gazetted in 1846 Superintendent of the Southern district; in 1847 deputy-assistant quartermaster-general in New Zealand, and in 1848, as commander of the forces in New Zealand, he was appointed a member of the executive council of New Munster. He was in charge at Wellington during the earthquake of 1848. Promoted colonel in 1854, he left New Zealand in 1857 and rose to major-general and commander of the forces at Madras. In 1876 he was promoted general. G.B.O.P., 1846/337, 1847/892, 1848/899; Army Lists, 1825, 1856-57, 1876; Grimstone; E. Wilson; Jellicoe; Cowan; Ward. Reference: Volume 2, page 5 | Volume 2, page 5 🌳 Further sources |
Elizabeth Reid McCombs | Elizabeth Reid McCombsMcCOMBS, ELIZABETH REID (1873-1935), a daughter of Daniel Henderson, of Kaiapoi, was educated at the West Christchurch school and at the Christchurch Girls' High School. In 1903 she married James McCombs (q.v.). Always interested in social work, she was secretary for some years of the Children's Aid Society and president of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, and an executive member of the Canterbury Progressive Liberal Association. In 1921 she was elected a member of the Christchurch City Council, and she held that position until her death (on 7 Jun 1935). From 1927 she was chairman of the electrical committee. In 1921 she gained a seat on the North Canterbury hospital board, and in 1927 she became a member of the tramways board. She also served on the domains board. At the general elections of 1928 and 1931 she unsuccessfully contested for Labour the Kaiapoi and Christchurch North seats, but on the death of her husband in 1933, she was elected for the Lyttelton district, being the first woman to gain a seat in the New Zealand Parliament. Her activities there were largely directed towards the interests of women and children. Who's Who N.Z., 1932; The Dominion (p) and Evening Post, 7 Jun 1935. Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 5 | Volume 2, page 5 🌳 Further sources |
James McCombs | James McCombsMcCOMBS, JAMES (1873-1933) was born in County Leitrim, Ireland, and arrived in New Zealand in 1876 with his parents, who settled in Christchurch. He attended the Sydenham and East Christchurch schools, and studied for the Anglican ministry, but turned to social and political work. Radical in outlook, he joined the Progressive Liberal Association, of which H. G. Ell was president. In 1908 he unsuccessfully contested the Christchurch East seat and in 1911 he was defeated in the Avon electorate. In 1913, standing as a Social Democrat, he entered Parliament as member for Lyttelton, which seat he held continuously against strong opposition until his death on 2 Aug 1933. McCombs was an astute parliamentarian, an incisive speaker and an effective debater. He played an important part in the development of the parliamentary Labour party. From 1913 to 1917, and from 1931 to 1933, he was a member of the Christchurch City Council, and for some time chairman of the finance committee. He was president of the Canterbury No-license council, and a member of the New Zealand Alliance. While employed in the drapery trade, he was president of the Canterbury drapers assistants' union; and he was a founder of the Burgesses' Association. In 1903 he married Elizabeth Reid Henderson (q.v.). N.Z.P.D., 1918-33; Who's Who N.Z., 1924, 1932; Post, 2 Aug 1933. Reference: Volume 2, page 5 | Volume 2, page 5 🌳 Further sources |
Henry McCulloch | Henry McCullochMcCULLOCH, HENRY (1821-1905) was the son of a naval captain and was himself a lieutenant in the Royal Navy before retiring to settle in South Australia. From there he came to Southland, taking up land at Clifden before 1859. In 1861 he joined the government service, and for a year he represented Riverton in the Southland Provincial Council (1861-62), being an executive member. In 1862 he was appointed provincial auditor, and in the same year married Mary F., daughter of D. Shea-Lawlor, an old settler in the district. He was resident magistrate from 1862 to 1890. He died on 8 Apr 1905. Riverton Rec.; Southland Times, 10 Apr 1905. Reference: Volume 2, page 5 | Volume 2, page 5 🌳 Further sources |
William McCullough | William McCulloughMcCULLOUGH, WILLIAM (1843-1925) was born at Wylam, near Newcastle-on-Tyne, and at the age of two was taken to Ireland and brought up at Limerick, where he was educated in the normal school. He came to Auckland with his parents in 1859, worked on their farm at Mangapai for a few years, and in 1864 went to the goldfields on the West Coast. When the Thames fields opened (1867) he was attracted there but, meeting with little success at mining, he joined the staff of the Thames Evening Star in 1869 (being the first mining reporter on the field). Eventually he owned the paper. He afterwards acquired the Thames Advertiser, amalgamated it with the Star in 1912, and eight years later disposed of the property to a local company. McCullough took a keen interest in his district and filled every important position in the gift of the people. He was mayor of Thames in 1879, chairman of the hospital board, the harbour board and the High School governors. Returning to Auckland, he bought a printing business. He was the first president (to 1892) of the New Zealand Journalists' Institute. A Liberal in politics, he was called to the Legislative Council in 1892, retiring by effluxion of time in 1899. McCullough was a member of the Anglican synod. In the freemasons (Scottish constitution) he was provincial grand master in succession to Whitaker (1892), and he was district grand master for the North Island for more than a quarter of a century. He married a daughter of W. Errington. Who's Who N.Z., 1908, 1924; N.Z. Times and Auckland Star, 17 Oct 1892. Portrait: Parliament House; Weston. Reference: Volume 2, page 6 | Volume 2, page 6 🌳 Further sources |
Hugh McDermid | Hugh McDermidMcDERMID, HUGH (1820-77), arrived in Otago by the Philip Laing (1848), and erected the first sawmill at Sawyers Bay, Otago harbour. He settled at Port Chalmers, and was a member of the borough council, mayor of the borough for two years and a member of the Otago harbour board. He represented North Harbour in the Provincial Council (1868-70), and Port Chalmers (1872-75), and during that time was a member of the executive on three occasions (1868-69, 1872 and 1873-74). McDermid died on 6 Jan 1877. Otago P.C. Proc.; Otago Witness, Jubilee no. 1898; Evening Star, 8 Jan 1877. Reference: Volume 2, page 6 | Volume 2, page 6 🌳 Further sources |
Arthur Edward McDonagh | Arthur Edward McDonaghMcDONAGH, ARTHUR EDWARD (1811-52) held a junior commission in the 5th Fusiliers. He was appointed police magistrate at Hokianga in 1841, and two years later was transferred to the southern district of New Munster as assistant magistrate and treasurer. As magistrate he inquired into the affray at Wairau (1843), and issued a proclamation in Wellington affirming that the attack was not premeditated, that the Maori did everything possible to avoid a collision, and that no apprehension need be entertained of an attack on Port Nicholson. As adjutant of the Wellington militia McDonagh commanded the force which advanced to Pauatahanui and was present at Battle Hill on 6 Aug 1846. He afterwards had charge of the European and native workers making the road to Porirua. He was a justice of the peace for New Munster (1848). McDonagh married (1844) Ann Eliza, daughter of H. Ross. He died on 26 Nov 1852, when he was police inspector for the southern district. Grimstone; Cowan; Ward; N.Z. Spectator, 27 Nov 1852. Reference: Volume 2, page 6 | Volume 2, page 6 🌳 Further sources |
James McDonald | James McDonaldMcDONALD, JAMES (1837-1900) was born in Scotland. He was a lime merchant and operated a small kiln on Otago Peninsula. In 1876 he purchased the lime kiln portion of the Horseshoe Bush estate, near Milburn, and laid a railway to his limeburning kilns, of which in 1881 he had three. In 1886 he erected cement works in Dunedin (at Vogel and Cumberland streets). Shortly afterwards his business was acquired by the Milburn Lime and Cement Co. He died on 12 Mar 1900. In 1888 McDonald defeated Robert Gillies for the Bruce parliamentary seat, and in the following year he was defeated in turn by Gillies and Driver. McDonald was an enthusiastic supporter of Highland games and other forms of sports and showed riding and light harness horses. He kept greyhounds and once won the Waterloo cup. Milburn School historical souvenir (1938); Poverty Bay Herald, 30 Sep 1881. Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 6 | Volume 2, page 6 🌳 Further sources |
Thomas McDonnell | Thomas McDonnellMcDONNELL, THOMAS (1788-1864) was born in County Antrim, Ireland, and entered the Royal Navy in 1804 as a midshipman. In that year he was present in the Veteran at the attack on Boulogne. In 1809 he commanded one of the boats in the attack on the French fleet in the Basque roads, and he was in a gunboat at Walcheren. In 1810 he was appointed lieutenant in command of the sloop Opossum, in which he saw service against slavers on the west coast of Africa. He had further service in Europe and the West Indies in the Hero, Narcissus, Hercules and Valiant, and took part in the blockade of New York in 1814. At the conclusion of peace in 1815 McDonnell went on half-pay and joined the East India Company's service. He commanded one of the Company's ships in the Red Sea, where he made certain explorations, and he conveyed the embassy to Siam. McDonnell travelled a good deal in India, and accompanied Sir Frederick Henniker in a tour of Egypt. He afterwards fitted out an opium clipper for trade in China and the Islands. He seems to have visited Sydney first in 1828-29; and in 1830 he was commanding the brig Elizabeth in the China seas. About this time he visited Kaipara and Hokianga, and named Port McDonnell in Hawke's Bay. He made a report to the Admiralty on the supply of kauri spars from New Zealand. Having purchased land on the Hokianga harbour from a Sydney firm, McDonnell came to New Zealand in the Lady Flora and established a dockyard at Horeke, which was managed by Frederick Russell. In 1831 he purchased the Sir George Murray, in which he brought his family to New Zealand. In 1835 they built the schooner Tui. McDonnell did a considerable trade with the natives, and in the supply of spars for H.M. ships. These were got in the neighbourhood of Horeke and rafted down Hokianga harbour. In 1835 he made an agreement with some chiefs at Bay of Islands to open the entrance to Hokianga. This he achieved in the following year. At that time he had the largest mill on the Hokianga (about three miles above the mission station). He owned two ships and employed a good number of people. Part of McDonnell's journal was published in 1834. In 1835 he persuaded the Secretary of State to appoint him an additional British Resident for the Hokianga district. He took a leading part in the government of the white community, with the assistance of the Hokianga chiefs, but came into conflict with Busby, who complained of his taking independent action. In 1837 he gave up his duties as a resident. In 1839 McDonnell visited Great Britain, where he disposed of his rights to the New Zealand Company for £5,000 and a salary of £300 a year. He returned to New Zealand in 1841, but was again in England in 1844, when he gave evidence before the parliamentary committee on New Zealand. During Heke's war in 1845 McDonnell strongly fortified his yards at Horeke. He had by this time to a great extent lost his influence with the natives. He petitioned Parliament in 1846 for compensation. He died on 13 Sep 1864 (see THOMAS McDONNELL, 1832-99). G.B.C.P., 1844/556; App. H.R., 1856 ii, E3, D15; PRO. CO. 208; NZ. Archives BR. 1 and 2; NZC. Hist. Rec. Aust., ser. 1, xvi; O'Byrne, Naval Biographies; Earle; Sherrin and Wallace; E. J. Wakefield; H. E. M. Fildes in N.Z. Herald, 14 Jul 1934. Reference: Volume 2, page 7 | Volume 2, page 7 🌳 Further sources |
Thomas McDonnell | Thomas McDonnellMcDONNELL, THOMAS (1832-99) was the eldest son of Thomas McDonnell (q.v.), and was born in the Philippines. As a child he came to New Zealand with his father, and he received most of his education at Hokianga. In 1853 he left for Melbourne to try his fortune on the goldfields, but two years later returned to New Zealand and received an appointment in the civil service, being stationed in Hawkes Bay and later at Coromandel. With his brother William he took up a sheep run in Southern Hawkes Bay. He was a capable Maori linguist and on the outbreak of the Maori war joined the Defence Force (Aug 1863) and served as a sub-inspector under Colonel Nixon in Auckland province. He was present at the actions at Mauku, Drury, Queen's Redoubt and Burt's Farm. In company with von Tempsky, he reconnoitred the enemy position at Paparata, narrowly escaping capture. For this he received the thanks of General Cameron. He took part in the Thames expedition under Colonel Carey. In the attack on Rangiaowhia (2 Feb 1864) he approached the large house with Mair and summoned the occupants to surrender. The reply was a heavy volley, in which Colonel Nixon was mortally wounded. McDonnell assisted him out of danger. Promoted captain, he was second in command of the Maori contingent in the fighting at Maketu and was slightly wounded in skirmishes. He was appointed magistrate at Cambridge, but had only been there a few months when his services were again required in the field. Promoted brevet-major (Jul 1865) and given command of the Whanganui contingent in the operations on the West Coast, he took an active part in the first assault at Weraroa (21 Jul) and then proceeded with the relief force to Pipiriki (19-30 Jul). Summoned away by the murder of Volkner, McDonnell served under Brassey in Bay of Plenty, being present at the actions of Kiorekino and Te Tarata (3 and 4 Oct). He pursued Kereopa and his people up the Waimana valley, taking their pa at Te Puia and defeating them in the Waimana gorge. He was soon recalled to the West Coast to serve as advance guide to General Chute's column. There he was in action at Moturoa, Te Putahi (7 Jan 1866), Ketemarae and Keteonetea; and was again wounded. The Government having decided to occupy the confiscated lands in Taranaki, McDonnell was given command of the protecting force and established his camp at Manawapou. His negotiations with the Ngati-Ruanui and the Tangahe were unsuccessful. After being several times ambushed, he retaliated by attacking the Hauhau position at Pokaikai. For this he was criticised, inasmuch as he had accepted a token of peace some days earlier. There were further stubborn engagements at Pungarehu and Ketemarae. In Apr McDonnell was promoted lieut-colonel and given command of the native contingent operating against the Hauhau in the Rotorua district, Henry Tacy Clarke being attached to his force. From this duty he was recalled to Patea to command a force of 100 men detailed to quell the Fenian disturbances in Hokitika. The situation in Taranaki was far from satisfactory. In May 1868 Booth issued warrants for the arrest of two principal fighting chiefs of Titokowaru, and requested McDonnell to execute them. By diplomacy he secured the return of some of the settlers' horses, but it soon became clear that hostilities were imminent. A message was sent to Wanganui recalling McDonnell, who hurried to Wellington for authority to raise a force of 400 men, of whom 100 should be natives. With the rank of inspector in the Armed Constabulary (Jul 1868), he hastened back to Taranaki to find that there had been a serious reverse at Turuturumokai (12 Jul). Placing Roberts in charge of that post, he made his plans for retaliation against Titokowaru's stronghold at Te Ngutu-o-te Manu. On 2 Aug, in thick fog, he approached the position with a force of 350 men, himself leading the frontal attack while von Tempsky attacked on the left. The defenders fled into the bush from which, after the whares had been burned, they maintained a harassing fire on the retreating force. McDonnell brilliantly extricated his men, the rearguard being commanded by Major Hunter. Both sides suffered some losses. On 7 Sep McDonnell again marched out from Waihi with 360 men, including 100 natives. The divisions were commanded by von Tempsky and Hunter, the natives being under Captain William McDonnell and Keepa te Rangihiwinui (q.v.). Striking into the forest for the position of Rua-ruru, McDonnell passed Te Ngutu unwittingly, and only learned of it from Keepa when the two European divisions had begun their assault. Believing that the position was strongly held, he could not make up his mind to push the attack. In these moments of indecision there were severe losses, the raw troops showing signs of panic. Both von Tempsky and Hunter wished to attack, but McDonnell ordered a retreat to the Waingongoro under Hunter's protection. Von Tempsky and Captain George Buck having been killed and many casualties sustained, Roberts collected the survivors and led them out of the bush. The force returned to Waihi somewhat demoralised, and McDonnell resigned his command, being succeeded by Whitmore, under whom he served. In the following operations he fell into an ambush and was again wounded. He was present at Tauranga-ika and Karaka flats (Feb 1869), and then resigned from the force. A few months later (Jul 1869) he was again called upon to operate against Te Kooti, a service for which he had every qualification. By the middle of Sep he had concentrated a mixed body of the Colonial Defence Force and native allies in the camp at Tokaanu. Te Kooti took up a position on the Ponanga saddle, between Taupo and Rotoaira. McDonnell moved out and established his field headquarters at Poutu, where he threw up earthworks. On 25 Sep the Maori contingent gallantly attacked Te Kooti's force, which was strongly entrenched, and threw them off the hill with great loss. The blow to Te Kooti's mana destroyed all hope of receiving help from the King tribes, and he withdrew to make a last stand in the fortified knolls and redoubt at Porere, on the banks of the Upper Whanganui river. Here McDonnell surrounded and attacked him (3 Oct 1869), storming the position and driving the survivors into thick bush to the westward. A few days later Te Heuheu Horonuku (q.v.) surrendered. McDonnell, having received native reinforcements under Topia Turoa and Keepa, then pursued the enemy, whom he drove out of Tapapa pa (24 Jan 1870) and defeated in a counter attack on the following day, seizing all his horses. He remained in the field some time longer, and then retired with a fine record of service, having been four times wounded, many times mentioned, and thanked by various governors and generals. It was not until 1886 that he was awarded the New Zealand Cross. In 1884 McDonnell contested the Waitotara seat against Bryce. Grace says that he was a soldier of outstanding courage and intrepidity. Whitmore says that he was more sinned against than sinning; the Government repeatedly gave him the shadow of authority, but constantly interfered in his operations, so that Te Kooti was permitted to regain the sanctuary of the mountainous Urewera country. McDonnell married first (1866) Rose von Dardebyyn (d. 1869), and second (1870) Henrietta Elise, daughter of Thomas E. Lomax, of London. He died at Wanganui on 8 Nov 1899. His memoirs, upon which he spent much time, have not been published. Cowan, Wars (p); Gudgeon (p); Grace; Whitmore. Reference: Volume 2, page 8 | Volume 2, page 8 🌳 Further sources |
David McEwen | David McEwenMcEWEN, DAVID (1818-1905) was born in Scotland and came to New Zealand in the Bengal Merchant (1840). He represented Hutt in the Wellington Provincial Council (1861-65) and was chairman of the Belmont road board. In 1863 McEwen made an exploration from Waikanae to the Hutt by way of Akatarawa. He moved to Manawatu in 1868, and died on 15 Jul 1905. Wellington P.C. Proc.; Press Association, 16 Jul 1905. Reference: Volume 2, page 8 | Volume 2, page 8 🌳 Further sources |
Richard McGhee | Richard McGheeMcGHEE, RICHARD, lived for many years in the Pensioner Settlements, which he represented in the Auckland Provincial Council from 1861 to 1865. In 1866 he withdrew from the General Assembly elections, because his opponent (De Quincey) was a strong separationist. He married in 1864 a daughter of Thomas Rogers, of Otahuhu. Reference: Volume 2, page 9 | Volume 2, page 9 🌳 Further sources |
Lauchlan McGillivray | Lauchlan McGillivrayMcGILLIVRAY, LAUCHLAN, received his theological training in Scotland. He married Catherine Anne (1814-1904), daughter of James Sloane, rector of the Peebles Grammar School, and they landed in Melbourne in 1840. After some years in Warrnambool (Victoria), Tasmania and Canada, they returned to Scotland and McGillivray was selected by the Colonial committee of the Free Church to be the first settled minister at Riverton. They arrived in 1860 and he was inducted in Apr 1861. He held the charge only two years, when he resigned from the ministry to take part in politics. He was a member of the Southland Provincial Council for Riverton (1869-70), and after the reunion he represented Southland for a few weeks in the Otago Council (1870). He was the first mayor of Riverton (1871-72) and represented Riverton in Parliament (1870-75). McGillivray moved to Kaiapoi shortly afterwards and died there. Southland P.C. Proc.; Riverton Rec. (p); Southland Times, 8 Aug 1904. Reference: Volume 2, page 9 | Volume 2, page 9 🌳 Further sources |
Edward McGlashan | Edward McGlashanMcGLASHAN, EDWARD (1817-89) was born at Edinburgh, and had substantially the same upbringing as his elder brother John (q.v.). His father's family having been publishers to the University, he received a good Scots education and went into the bookselling trade, of which he obtained a very good knowledge. John McGlashan's association with the Otago project inspired Edward to emigrate, but he was prevented by an accident from leaving in one of the first Otago ships. Before leaving Edinburgh he bought up the surplus stock of books of the well-known publishers, Chambers and Sons, and had it packed in accessible form to be sorted on the voyage. At the end of 1848 he sailed for Adelaide. He stopped for a while there and at Melbourne, and eventually reached Sydney, where he made a good profit on his books in a market which was rather bare at the time. McGlashan invested his capital in the purchase of stores and provisions, and when he reached Dunedin (1850) was again able to dispose of his stock advantageously. The first position that he took in Otago was that of registrar of the Supreme Court (over which Stephen presided). Unfortunately for him, there was little business and the judge was moved to Wellington. McGlashan leased from Valpy the sawmill and flourmill on the Water of Leith and gradually worked up a thriving business grinding wheat for the settlers, who hitherto had ground their own in steel hand mills. He carried on a store and auction room in Princes street, finding his commercial training of service. Meanwhile, in 1855, some of his capital was invested in land at Otepopo. In 1858 McGlashan dropped the auctioneering part of his business, and went into partnership with W. Carr Young as Young and McGlashan, merchants. They did exceptionally well until the diggings broke out. In 1862 the partnership was dissolved and McGlashan visited England. For some time he dealt largely in runs and stock, and owned the Mount Stokes station. He had an unfortunate steamer venture to the West Coast when the diggings opened up a market there. He was also sawmilling for a while in the Catlins district, and in connection with this ran the steamer Taiaroa on the coast. In 1876 he directed his attention to paper manufacturing, and established on the banks of the Leith the business which was afterwards carried on by Fergusson and Mitchell. He received the Government bonus for the first paper produced in Otago. Incidentally, he tried to interest British manufacturers in the possibility of using New Zealand tussock for paper-making, but the cost and difficulty of gathering left no margin of profit. In later life McGlashan was a director of several public companies. While living in south Canterbury he was chairman of the Timaru Milling Co., and he had a considerable holding in the New Zealand Shipping Co. McGlashan entered political life in 1853, when he was elected by Western district to the first Provincial Council, which ended in 1855. He differed from Cargill on matters of policy, and in 1854 advocated selling land at ten shillings an acre in order to induce immigration to the province. He was not able for many years to re-enter the Council, though he stood in 1861 and 1863. In 1871 he got back for North Harbour, for which he sat until the abolition. He aspired to higher honours when he contested the Superintendency against Dick (1865). Meanwhile McGlashan was elected M.H.R. for Dunedin City in 1860, but he resigned two years later. In 1871 he was returned for Roslyn, which he represented until 1875. After that date he dropped out of public life owing to indifferent health, and in 1881 he paid a long visit to Great Britain. On his return he settled on a farm near Timaru for three years, and then returned to live at St Clair. He died on 31 Jul 1889. His second wife was a daughter of George Bell (Dunedin). During a journey in south Otago McGlashan discovered on the banks of the Catlins river human remains which were believed to be those of the German doctor, G. F. R. Schmidt. Otago P.C. Proc.; App. H.R., 1871, H7, p. 27; Cycl. N.Z., iv (p); Hocken; McIndoe; Otago Daily Times, 1 Aug 1889; 28 Mar 1930 (p). Reference: Volume 2, page 10 | Volume 2, page 10 🌳 Further sources |
John McGlashan | John McGlashanMcGLASHAN, JOHN (1802-64) was born in Edinburgh of a family closely associated with the publishing business, and was educated at the High School and Edinburgh University. He studied law, and in 1824 was admitted to practise as a solicitor of the supreme court of Scotland. Increasing deafness incapacitated him from court work, and his practice did not thrive. He was an authority on certain aspects of law, and wrote several law books, of which some went into more than one edition. McGlashan became associated with the movement for the foundation of 'New Edinburgh,' and from 1846 onwards gave his whole time to the movement in the capacity of secretary to the Otago Association in Edinburgh. For six years he devoted himself whole-heartedly to the work of the Lay Association, and did a vast amount of work. But for him the scheme would probably not have been so well carried out. Through him 'the strange and unheard-of name of Otago became familiar as a household word in every county and parish in Scotland.' He circulated an incredible amount of information throughout Scotland, in handbills, newspapers, and through the Otago Journal, of which he published eight issues between Jan 1848 and Aug 1852. When the first ships had sailed McGlashan redoubled his efforts, and it was admitted that the despatch of 12 of the 14 ships that left for the colony under the Lay Association was due solely to his energy and persistence. While the controversy on the New Zealand constitution raged in England (1846-52), McGlashan watched it closely from the point of view of the Otago scheme. He was especially jealous that the proposals put forward by the Association in its printed literature should be honoured by the Government in the bill of 1852, and he wrung from the Colonial Secretary the promise of a charter which would enable the association to fulfil its commitments with prospective emigrants. Single-handed he obtained the inclusion in the bill of clause 78, which met this demand. Writing to him in 1852 Sir John Pakington (who piloted the measure through the British Parliament) warmly acknowledged his assistance. He had been in constant communication with the Colonial Office and with every member of Parliament whose interest could be of service to the cause. When the Constitution Bill had been passed McGlashan felt that his work at Home was fully completed, and he turned his face towards the colony. With his wife and family he sailed in the Rajah, which arrived at Port Chalmers on 8 Oct 1853. McGlashan was entertained at a public dinner and forthwith became a leading citizen of Dunedin. The first Provincial Council had already been elected, but he was soon in service in the capacity of provincial treasurer. Early in 1854 he was sent by presbytery to accompany Bannerman on a visit to the Church members living in North Otago, outside the Otago block. He was also appointed to a committee with Dr Burns to report upon the state of the Maori and half-caste population of the province, with a view to the amelioration of their condition. At the provincial general election in 1855, McGlashan was elected to the Council, in which he represented the Western District (1855-63). He was a member of the executive in 1855-59 as provincial solicitor and provincial secretary, and in 1858 was for a time deputy-superintendent. McGlashan's health received a severe shock when in 1861 an attempt was made to connect him with the financial scandal which caused the removal of Macandrew from the superintendency. The inquiry showed that he had no moral responsibility, and in the following year he was again a member of the executive. At the general election of 1863 he was nominated (in his absence) for the Waikouaiti seat, but was defeated by Vogel. McGlashan was outspoken in his criticism of Cargill and others for what he considered their betrayal of the Scottish basis of the settlement in extending the emigration scheme to embrace England and Ireland. In 1862 he was appointed registrar of deeds, and he was a member of the education and lands boards, secretary of the education board and treasurer of the road board. He undertook in 1864 to codify the provincial ordinances for the government, but death intervened (2 Nov 1864) as the result of injuries received in a fall from his horse. McGlashan married (1827) Isabella, daughter of William Macewen, lieutenant and adjutant of the 1st Royal Scots. She survived until 1888. McGlashan College now occupies the home of McGlashan at Balmacewen. Otago P.C. Proc.; N.Z.C. (Otago Association papers); Hocken; Otago Witness, Mar 1898 (p); Otago Daily Times, 24 Jan 1930 (p). Reference: Volume 2, page 10 | Volume 2, page 10 🌳 Further sources |
James McGowan | James McGowanMcGOWAN, JAMES (1841-1912) was born at Maxwell's Court, County Down, Ireland. His father having died, he commenced at the age of 15 to learn the trade of a baker, and afterwards served with a firm of storekeepers, flaxmillers and farmers. In 1864 he emigrated to Auckland, where he stayed for five years, and then opened a bakery and store at Thames, which he operated until his retirement from business in 1897. McGowan stood for Parliament in 1887, but was defeated by Fraser. After retiring he devoted his whole time to politics. He was twice mayor. Elected to Parliament for Thames in 1893, he was Government whip in the Parliament elected in 1896, and in 1899 became Minister of Justice and Mines. He held the same portfolios under Hall-Jones and also, with the addition of Immigration and Industries and Commerce, in the Ward cabinet, from which he resigned on 6 Jan 1909. McGowan's administration of the Mines department was noteworthy, and was marked by the opening of several state coal mines. As Minister of Justice also, he passed many acts reforming the system of justice and prisons, and inaugurated tree planting by prisoners. He was then called to the Legislative Council, of which he was a member till his death (on 7 May 1912). N.Z.P.D., 1893-1909; Parltry Record; Who's Who N.Z., 1908; N.Z. Herald, 7 Aug 1906. Reference: Volume 2, page 10 | Volume 2, page 10 🌳 Further sources |
Alexander McGregor | Alexander McGregorMcGREGOR, ALEXANDER (1829-1901) was born at Malagawatch, Nova Scotia, educated there and brought up to the sea. In 1857 he came to Victoria, and soon afterwards to Auckland, where he initiated a coastal service with Russell, Whangaroa and Mangonui. His first vessel was the schooner Fairy, followed by the Kiwi and Ivanhoe. In 1872 he built his first steamer, the Rowena, in the ownership of which he was associated with D. B. and W. Cruickshank, James Macfarlane, William Laird, George Fraser senr., R. Wyles, Reynolds, and Captain James Chapman. McGregor was master. The Iona was built in 1875, and later the Argyle, Staffa and Katikati. In 1881 the Northern Steamship Co. was formed, McGregor being general manager to 1888. He then purchased the Rose Casey for the Auckland-Waiwera-Mahurangi trade, for which the Orewa and Rob Roy were afterwards acquired, and the Kia Ora for the upper Thames. McGregor died on 11 Jan 1901. N.Z. Herald, 12 Jan 1901. Reference: Volume 2, page 11 | Volume 2, page 11 🌳 Further sources |
Alexander Innes McGregor | Alexander Innes McGregorMcGREGOR, ALEXANDER INNES (1838-1901) was born at Stonehaven, Kincardineshire, and educated at the local grammar school and at King's College, Aberdeen. He was interested in chemistry and came to New Zealand in 1870 under engagement to the distillery at Dunedin. When the distillery was closed down (1871), he settled at Maroa. He actively advocated the proclamation of a borough, became a member of the council and later mayor (for three years) and a member of the Lake Ellesmere trust. McGregor was a freetrader and a strong supporter of W. Montgomery (q.v.), on whose retirement in 1886 he won the seat and represented Maroa to 1890 (when the electorate was merged in Lyttelton). He was chairman of the high school and domain boards. McGregor died on 16 Jan 1901. Cycl. N.Z. iii. Reference: Volume 2, page 11 | Volume 2, page 11 🌳 Further sources |
Malcolm Charles McGregor | Malcolm Charles McGregorMcGREGOR, MALCOLM CHARLES (1896-1936), born near Hunterville, gained distinction as an Air Force pilot during the war of 1914-18. He was commander of Number 85 Squadron of the Royal Air Force, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with bar. Returning to New Zealand, he became a pioneer of commercial aviation and an organiser of the New Zealand air-mail and passenger services. In 1934 (with H. C. Walker) he took part in the Melbourne centenary air race from England to Australia, establishing a new record for light machines. He was killed at Rongotai aerodrome on 19 Feb 1936. G.H. Cunningham, Mac's Memories (1937) (p); The Press, 20 Feb 1936. Reference: Volume 2, page 12 | Volume 2, page 12 🌳 Further sources |
Felix McGuire | Felix McGuireMcGUIRE, FELIX (1847-1915) was born in County Fermanagh, Ireland, educated there and sailed for Australia in 1862. Early in the following year he crossed to Auckland, enlisted in the Waikato Regiment and was in action at Mauku. Having seen the Waikato campaign through, and been present at Te Ranga (Jun 1864), he visited the West Coast diggings; but a year or two later enlisted in the Wanganui Cavalry for the campaign against Titokowaru. He was mentioned in despatches, transferred to the commissariat and eventually given a commission. On leaving the service he entered into business as a storekeeper at Patea, prospered financially and took a leading part in public life. He was a member of the Provincial Council for Patea from 1873 until the abolition of the provinces, after which he became chairman of the county council. In the late seventies he moved to Hawera, of which town he was the first mayor; and in 1883 to Auckland, where he acquired business interests. He returned to Hawera in 1886, and in the following year accepted a suggestion made 10 years earlier by opposing Atkinson for the Egmont seat. After a finely organised contest he was narrowly defeated, but when Atkinson retired he gained the seat, which he represented from 1891. In 1896 the Hawera electorate was created and he represented it until 1902, when he was defeated by C. E. Major. In 1913 he again went to reside in Auckland. McGuire received many presentations in recognition of his public services as mayor, member of Parliament and captain of the Hawera Rifles, and his constant interest in charities and social movements. In his later years he farmed at Okaiawa. He married (1868) a daughter of J. Quin, of Wanganui. McGuire died on 6 Apr 1915. N.Z.P.D., 25 Jun 1915; Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Hawera Star, 7 Apr 1915. Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 12 | Volume 2, page 12 🌳 Further sources |
Alexander McHardy | Alexander McHardyMcHARDY, ALEXANDER (1831-99) was born at Strathdon, Aberdeenshire. As a young man he emigrated to Australia, where he spent three years but, finding the climate unsuitable to his health, he came to New Zealand in 1861 and settled in Hawkes Bay. He soon had a large business at the Spit in the export of cattle from Hawkes Bay to other parts of New Zealand, especially the goldfields of the South Island. In conjunction with E. J. Coleman, he acquired Blackhead station, where he soon created a fine cattle and sheep property. In 1888 the partnership was dissolved, and McHardy became the sole owner. He was specially noted for his breed of shorthorn cattle. He acquired also a fine sheep-raising property known as Longlands. He was president of the Hawkes Bay Agricultural and Pastoral association and of the Caledonian society and a member (and at times chairman) of the Patangata county council, the Hawkes Bay rabbit board and the local road board. He afterwards acquired the Beaulieu estate in the Manawatu, and became an inspiring patron of the Manawatu Agricultural and Pastoral association. McHardy died on 27 Sept 1899. Playne; Cycl. N.Z., vi (p); Daily Telegraph (Napier), 16 Oct 1925; Hawkes Bay Herald, 29 Sep 1899. Reference: Volume 2, page 12 | Volume 2, page 12 🌳 Further sources |
Hugh McIlhone | Hugh McIlhoneMcILHONE, HUGH, was elected in 1868 as member for Northern Division in the Auckland Provincial Council. In the following year he retired and was defeated by Farnall in the parliamentary elections for the same electorate. He was manager of St Mary's orphanage and of the state forests, resigning his position in 1886. McIlhone married a daughter of John McMullen (1806-88), of County Antrim, Ireland, who came to New Zealand in 1863. Reference: Volume 2, page 12 | Volume 2, page 12 🌳 Further sources |
Hugh McIlraith | Hugh McIlraithMcILRAITH, HUGH, was born in Ayrshire, in 1836, and brought up to sheep farming. In 1855 he came to Australia, and the following year arrived in Canterbury, settling in the Malvern hills district. In 1864 he married a daughter of William Lyon, of Wellington. McIlraith moved to the Amuri district in 1876. He was chairman of the Amuri road board and for three years (1882-84) sat as member for Cheviot in the House of Representatives. He was an original and life member of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral association, president of the New Zealand Trotting association and of the New Brighton club, and a Justice of the peace from 1865 until he resigned in 1896. He retired from farming in 1885. Cycl. NZ., iii (p). Reference: Volume 2, page 12 | Volume 2, page 12 🌳 Further sources |
James McIndoe | James McIndoeMcINDOE, JAMES (1824-1905) was born at Rothesay, Scotland, and educated in the parish school. He entered an office for business training, but was fond of farming and horticulture and became a member of the Bute farmers' association. He married Elizabeth, daughter of John Gillies (q.v.). His father being a member of the Otago Association, he saw the first two ships leave the Clyde for New Zealand, and when his father died he decided to emigrate. McIndoe sailed to Otago in the Alpine (1859) and commenced business as a merchant and auctioneer, but soon left for the goldfields. Returning to Dunedin, he was in business as a seed merchant till 1866. In 1867 he was elected to the Otago Provincial Council for Green Island and Caversham, which he represented till 1870. He was M.H.R. for Caversham for a few months in 1870. McIndoe took a great interest in the early history of Otago, and contributed many sketches and articles to the press (notably the Otago Witness) under the initials "J.M.I." A Sketch of Otago (published in 1878) is a useful manual and chronology. He was fond of walking and botany. McIndoe was a leading member of the Knights of Labour. In his later years he acted as a government valuer. He died on 4 Sep 1905. Otago P.C. Proc.; McIndoe, op. cit.; A. Brown; Cycl. NZ., iv (p); Otago Daily Times, 5 Sep 1905. Reference: Volume 2, page 12 | Volume 2, page 12 🌳 Further sources |
Raymond Francis McIntyre | Raymond Francis McIntyreMcINTYRE, RAYMOND FRANCIS (1879-1933) was the son of George McIntyre (Christchurch) and was educated at the Warwick House school. He studied art at the Canterbury College School of Art, gained the Canterbury Art Society's bronze medal for painting from life, and became a successful portrait painter. In 1909 he went to England, where he exhibited at the Goupil Gallery, the New English Art Club and the Royal Academy, and held two one-man shows in London. Some of his work was reproduced in the Studio and in Colour. As art critic for the Architectural Review, his work showed much independence and soundness. One of McIntyre's pictures was acquired for the National Gallery in Wellington. McIntyre died on 24 Sep 1933. Who's Who, 1933; The Press, 29 Sep 1933. Reference: Volume 2, page 274 | Volume 2, page 274 🌳 Further sources |
John Clark McKay | John Clark McKayMcKAY, JOHN CLARK, was member of the Southland Provincial Council for Waihopai (1861-64) and was on the executive in 1861-63, and in 1864. Reference: Volume 2, page 14 | Volume 2, page 14 🌳 Further sources |
John McKellar | John McKellarJOHN McKELLAR (d. 1883) was a well known racing owner and a patron of coursing, and introduced fallow deer into the Tapanui district. He had a store and auctioneering business in Tapanui and was the first mayor of the borough (1876). Two years later he bought the Brooksdale stallion from his father-in-law, W. Pinkerton (q.v.). Roberts, Southland; Col. Gent.; Beattie; Tapanui; Otago Daily Times, 4 Aug, 4 Oct 1892. Reference: Volume 2, page 14 | Volume 2, page 14 🌳 Further sources |
David McKellar | David McKellarMcKELLAR, DAVID, was born in the western Highlands of Scotland, the son of John McKellar, of Knebworth, Victoria, and went as a young man to Australia, where he married (1867) a daughter of the Hon W. Skene. He came to Otago from Australia and joined Alexander McNab in prospecting for land in Southland. From the Bluff they proceeded northward, and McKellar chose the Longridge property. The native grass was so long and coarse that it took him and his brother Peter more than a year to get their sheep to the station from the Bluff. McKellar grew his first crop of wheat in a bend of the Mataura river below Waikaia plains station. He did much exploring, largely in the company of George Gunn, and they gave their names to two lakes. He was the first pakeha to see the central part of Lake Wakatipu (1857-58), but was prevented by adverse winds from exploring it with a mokihi. The winter snow there seemed too severe for stock. In 1866 or 1867 he sold his Waimea property to G. M. Ball. On the departure of his brother John for New Mexico in 1877, he took over the management of the Brooksdale station at Tapanui. Failing to sell it in small farms, McKellar adopted intensive farming and American methods of pig-raising and spent much money on stock. In the early eighties he purchased land in Mexico, where he created a modern ranch, but constant troubles with the natives over the grazing of their cattle culminated in his being murdered (on 26 Jul 1892). Cycl. NZ, iv. Reference: Volume 2, page 14 | Volume 2, page 14 🌳 Further sources |
Duncan McKellar | Duncan McKellarMcKELLAR, DUNCAN, was born in Scotland. He had a good liberal education and was engaged at different times in journalism, teaching, mining, dredging, carpentry, timber rafting and bridge building. He settled in the Cromwell district just after the discoveries of Hartley and Reilly (1862), and was many years headmaster of the school. He represented Kawarau in the Provincial Council (1873-75), and was secretary for the goldfields in Reid's administration. McKellar died on 1 Aug 1890. Otago P.C. Proc.; Otago Daily Times, 4 Aug 1890. Reference: Volume 2, page 14 | Volume 2, page 14 🌳 Further sources |
Henry Scott McKellar | Henry Scott McKellarMcKELLAR, HENRY SCOTT (1834-1912), a son of Dugald McKellar, M.D., was born in Battersea, Surrey, and educated at Christ's Hospital in London. In 1852 he arrived in New Plymouth by the St Michael. After farming for a year he entered the Government service as clerk and landing waiter in the customs, and he became chief clerk at Lyttelton (1859); sub-collector in Christchurch (1863) and eventually inspector of customs (1887), and Secretary (1888). Retiring on pension in 1892, he settled in Palmerston North, where he died on 27 July 1912. McKellar married (1861) Sophia Louisa, daughter of Joseph Heywood, a London merchant; and (1871) Maria Russell, daughter of Colonel Hulme, of the 80th Regiment. For 30 years he was a member of the Anglican synod, and secretary of the Melanesian mission. Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Evening Post, 25 Jul 1912. Reference: Volume 2, page 14 | Volume 2, page 14 🌳 Further sources |
Peter McKellar | Peter McKellarMcKELLAR, PETER (1827-84) was born in Scotland and trained as a surveyor. He practised for some time in Glasgow before coming to Australia to join an elder brother. In 1855 he crossed to New Zealand to join Alexander McNab in exploring the Murihiku district for pastoral land. As a result he and his brother David (q.v.) for some years worked the Longridge and Waimea properties in Southland. After they separated, Peter acquired also Glenure (in the Hokonui district). He represented Oreti in the Southland Provincial Council (1864-65). On retiring from Longridge McKellar lived in Invercargill. His death occurred on 11 Nov 1884. Beattie, ii, 103; Otago Daily Times, 5 Dec 1884. Reference: Volume 2, page 15 | Volume 2, page 15 🌳 Further sources |
Edward McKenna | Edward McKennaMcKENNA, EDWARD (1830-1908) was born in Leeds, of Irish parentage, and came to New Zealand in 1846 as a non-commissioned officer in the 65th Regiment. He served through the Maori wars, and on 7 Sep 1863 was awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery in an engagement at Alexandra Redoubt, near Camerontown. He was also promoted from colour-sergeant to ensign, and received that rank in the militia (Dec 1865). On retiring (1867), he joined the New Zealand Railway department, being stationmaster in Kaiapoi, Invercargill, Ashburton, Palmerston North, Gore and Wanganui (1896). He retired from the railways in 1903, and died at Palmerston North 8 Jun 1908. Railway department records; Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Cowan; Cycl. N.Z., i; Evening Post, 9 Jun 1908; N.Z. Herald, 10 Jun 1903; N.Z. Graphic, 14 Oct 1893 (p); Auckland Weekly News, 27 Oct 1899 (p) Reference: Volume 2, page 15 | Volume 2, page 15 🌳 Further sources |
Duncan McKenzie | Duncan McKenzieMcKENZIE, DUNCAN (1808-93) was born in Prince Edward Island, and returned with his parents to the parish of Applecross, in Ross, Scotland, where he was educated. At the age of 21 he again emigrated with his family to Cape Breton Island, where he and his brother Murdoch engaged in seafaring, becoming master mariners and eventually shipowners. They prospered, left the sea and became storekeepers at St Ann's. When Norman McLeod (q.v.) in 1847 received a letter from his son suggesting that the colony should move to Australia, Duncan and Murdoch became the leaders of the movement, helped to finance and build the ships, and enrolled 300 of the settlers for the migration. McKenzie sailed in the Highland Lass, when she departed from St Ann's. After making a call at the Cape, they reached Adelaide on 10 Apr 1852, and Duncan with three other leaders explored as far as Mount Lofty to ascertain whether suitable land was available. Proceeding to Melbourne, they established a camp on the banks of the Yarra while the leaders prospected as far inland as Mount Disappointment and then acquired the schooner Gazelle and sailed for New Zealand. Arriving at Auckland in Jan 1853, they hired a longboat and sailed north to Whangarei and Waipu, where they selected an area of land for the Highland settlement. McKenzie established himself in business in Auckland as storekeeper, general agent and ship chandler, mainly to look after the interests of the settlers at Waipu, and to carry through the negotiations for a special settlement. He and Murdoch advanced the money to build the Flora Macdonald as a trading schooner for the settlers and eventually Duncan moved his abode to Marsden Point, Whangarei, where he established a store and depot. He financed the building of several ships, and himself took command on various occasions, notably of the Don, the Thistle and the Jessie. He did much to promote the development of the settlement, introduced the first threshing machine to Waipu and established saleyards at Cove. He took a prominent part in public life, and represented Marsden in the Provincial Council (1861-65) after the retirement of his brother Murdoch. McKenzie died on 29 June 1893. N. R. Mackenzie (p). Reference: Volume 2, page 15 | Volume 2, page 15 🌳 Further sources |
Murdoch McKenzie | Murdoch McKenzieMcKENZIE, MURDOCH (1812-84), a younger brother of Duncan McKenzie (q.v.), was born at Prince Edward Island, returned with his parents to the parish of Applecross, Ross, Scotland, at the age of two, was educated there and trained to the sea. At the age of 21 he returned to Cape Breton, became a master mariner and shipowner, and built a number of small ships at Baddeck. In the migration to Australia he sailed in the Highland Lass (Oct 1862), and took command when the captain was superseded at the Cape. After the settlement was established in New Zealand he bought the Aberdeen topsail schooner Gazelle and sailed her for some years. McKenzie sailed partly in his own interest the schooners Thistle, Flora Macdonald, Waverley and Kenilworth, the barque Martha and the brigantine Peerless, trading in the islands and all round the world. In later years he commanded the Three Cheers, Linda Weber, Handa Isle and Winona. He died on board the Winona on 3 Jul 1884. McKenzie was a member of the Auckland Provincial Council for Marsden (1859-61). Macdonald; N. R. McKenzie (p); Auckland P.C. Proc.; N.Z. Herald, 21 Aug 1884. Reference: Volume 2, page 16 | Volume 2, page 16 🌳 Further sources |
Roderick McKenzie | Roderick McKenzieMcKENZIE, RODERICK (1852-1934) was the son of a sea captain and was born in Ross-shire. He received his education at the Glasgow Academy, and afterwards entered the service of the London and Glasgow Engineering and Shipbuilding Co. Having visited Canada, he came to New Zealand in the City of Dunedin in 1869, being first attracted to the goldfields of Otago. He then moved to the West Coast, where he engaged in mining, engineering and bridge-building. He saw his first service in local bodies on the Westland harbour board and the Kumara hospital board. In 1893 he was elected to represent Buller in Parliament (defeating Eugene O'Conor). At the following election, having moved to Nelson, he was returned for Motueka, which he represented until his defeat by R. P. Hudson in 1913. McKenzie was chairman of committees from 1906, and in 1909 he joined the Ward Government as Minister of Public Works and Mines, holding office until its resignation (1912) and administering also the portfolio of customs. He was a member of the Nelson harbour board. McKenzie contested the Buller seat in 1932. He died on 9 Oct 1934. N.Z.P.D., 10 Oct 1934; Who's Who N.Z., 1908; The Dominion, 10 Oct 1934 (p). Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 17 | Volume 2, page 17 🌳 Further sources |
John McKenzie | John McKenzieMcKENZIE, SIR JOHN (1838-1901) was born on the estate of Ardross, in Ross-shire, in 1838, educated in the parish school, and then went to work on the farm of his father, a progressive husbandman who used lime as a fertiliser. On reaching manhood he decided to go abroad and chose New Zealand. In 1860 he married Annie Munro (of Glenglass), and sailed for Otago, where he took employment in order to gain New Zealand experience. Having been manager for some time of J. Jones's Shag Valley (Puketapu) station, he acquired a 60-acre farm when it was cut up (1865). McKenzie, with a Scot's keen interest in land questions, felt strongly on the practices prevailing in Otago, and criticised them openly when he had been a few years in the country. Having become an independent farmer, he took part in public affairs. He became clerk and treasurer of the Bushey road board, and he successfully agitated for a school in the district, he himself becoming secretary of the committee. In 1868 he contested the Waikouaiti seat in the Provincial Council against G. McLean (q.v.). Though unsuccessful, he created a good impression of his qualifications for public life. Unsophisticated he remained throughout life, with a rugged, straightforward manner; but the integrity of his convictions was obvious. In 1871 he was elected M.P.C. for Waihemo (defeating John Douglas, q.v.), and he held the seat until the provinces were abolished. He now definitely took the lead in local politics, and before 1881 was able to claim that he had been elected to every office but Parliament. He was a member of the Waikouaiti county council, and advocated with success the creation of the new county of Waihemo (1882), of which he was the first chairman. McKenzie had for some years in the Provincial Council opposed the land policy of the day, and strong condemnation of dummying in Otago lands was a leading factor when, standing as an independent, he was elected to Parliament for Moeraki in 1881. In a speech on 25 Nov 1881 he advocated selection of land by ballot, elective land boards, Bible-reading in schools, grouping of counties for education board elections, and the establishment of arbitration courts. McKenzie continued to represent the same district (with several adjustments) throughout his parliamentary life (Moeraki, 1881-87; Waihemo, 1887-90; Waitaki, 1890-93; Waihemo, 1893-1900). His interest in land problems soon gave him a position of authority in the councils of the Liberal Party. In 1882 he made a striking speech at a banquet tendered to him in Dunedin, and during some years' membership of the land board he stood strenuously against the use of the regulations to the disadvantage of genuine land settlement. Naturally retiring, McKenzie came forward slowly in the councils of his party, and was almost a silent member of Parliament until the debate opened on the land bill, when he made a forceful maiden speech. He was, however, appointed whip to the Stout-Vogel Government. Meanwhile he was a member of the Otago education board (1883-92) and land board. On the Liberal party being returned at the elections of 1890, Ballance invited him to become Minister of Lands and Agriculture (Jan 1891). He accepted, and threw himself with his whole heart into the land settlement policy. He enacted a series of laws against dummyism and to facilitate the subdivision of large estates for closer settlement. In addition to individual settlers who were anxious to get farms, there were numerous associations waiting to settle upon special settlements. During the Ballance administration McKenzie laid the foundations of a well-considered land policy and piloted several measures in Parliament. The Cheviot estate, the first of the large holdings to be resumed by the Government under the taxing laws, was taken over a few days before the death of Ballance. In the following year the advances to settlers act was passed and the act authorising the compulsory taking of large private estates, and in 1894 the dairy industry act. Under the strain of his vigorous administration and long parliamentary sessions McKenzie's health suffered, and towards the end of the Parliament of 1896-99 he paid a visit to England for medical advice. When he returned it was evident he could no longer stand the strain of political life. He was again elected, but was unable to take his seat in Parliament, and in Jun 1900 he resigned from the ministry and his seat in Parliament. The dignity of K.C.M.G. was conferred upon him personally at his home by the Duke of York. In May 1901 he was called to the Legislative Council, but he was unable to travel to Wellington for the session, and died at his homestead on 6 Aug 1901. He was keenly interested in Gaelic matters and was some years chief of the Gaelic Society. Cycl. N.Z., i. (p); Gisborne, Rulers; Drummond, Seddon; Condliffe: Scholefield, N.Z. Evol.; Reeves, State Experiments in Australia and New Zealand vol ii; Otago Daily Times, 7 Aug 1901; Public Opinion, 3 Dec 1881, 29 Sep, 21 Oct 1882; Evening Post, 10 Oct 1936. Portraits: Parliament House, photograph, and bust, by Pagram (1903) Reference: Volume 2, page 16 | Volume 2, page 16 🌳 Further sources |
Mackay John Scobie MacKenzie | Mackay John Scobie MacKenzieMACKENZIE, MACKAY JOHN SCOBIE (1845-1901) was born at Tain, in Ross-shire and was the son of Roderick Mackenzie and Mary Anne Scobie. He was brought up on the family estate of Criech, in Sutherlandshire (sold about 1900 to Andrew Carnegie). His father, a planter in British Guiana, died in 1850, and in 1852 Mackay was sent to John Watson's College, Edinburgh. He delighted in English, history and literature, but intensely disliked mathematics. In 1860 he spent a year at Tain Academy, and then the mother and her family sailed in the Raglan for Australia to join the second son Kenneth on a small property on the Victoria-New South Wales border. Scobie found employment on a wild station in the Mallee country, at the junction of the Murray and Murrumbidgee, and in 1863 he became outstation shepherd at Swan Hill. He met the Burke and Wills expedition at the outset of their fatal expedition (1861), and later met the only survivor (King). He was sent with a large flock of sheep to cross Australia to Carpentaria, a journey which was expected to take two years. After travelling for several weeks he was overtaken by the bailiff and relieved of his charge, which was required to pay wages. Left with only a few horses and a little money, he made his way back to his station. Mackenzie met Adam Lindsay Gordon and Marcus Clarke, and himself had contributions accepted by the Argus and the Australasian, and continued to write more or less regularly for the rest of his life. He became overseer of P. Macarthur's station at Meningoort, in the western district of Victoria, where he remained until 1870, when he accepted an offer from the New Zealand and Australian Land Company to manage its Deepdell estate at Macraes, Otago. In this post he had great success, and in 1875 he purchased the Kyeburn station in partnership with F. D. Rich, whom he afterwards bought out. He lived there 1875-84. For some years he was chairman of the Maniatoto county council. Though he had no political ambitions, he ventured in 1881 to oppose the re-election of de Lautour for Mt Ida, on the ground that as he had left the district he could not be really interested in its welfare. Believing that Mackenzie had been returned, the crowd carried him in triumph through the streets of Naseby, but a block vote which arrived during the night changed the position. Mackenzie won the seat in 1884 against J. Ewing (St Bathans), and in 1885 moved to Dunedin, taking up his residence at Grant's Braes. He supported the Stout-Vogel Government until its defeat in 1887. At the general election in that year he was opposed by Stout's brother-in-law. In 1890 he defeated Pyke by 100 votes. At the next election, owing to an adjustment of boundaries, he found himself contesting the Waihemo seat against his old friend John McKenzie (q.v.). Mackenzie strongly criticised the Government's purchase of the Pomahaka estate in the electorate from a Government supporter at a price which he believed to be excessive. The Minister of Lands won, and the breach between the two Scots, never a personal one, was soon healed. In July 1894 Scobie contested the Tuapeka vacancy against Larnach. In 1896 he stood for the City of Dunedin, winning by a record majority of 1600 votes (with Millar and Fish as colleagues). Though at the following election his health was obviously unequal to the continued strain of politics, he yielded to a feeling of duty to oppose the Labour candidates, and was defeated by three Liberal-Labour aspirants. His political career was singularly brilliant and consistent. He was a strong freetrader. Though a believer in temperance, he opposed prohibition. He voted against female suffrage, but was at the top of the poll at the first election after it was carried. Elected in the first instance to support the Stout-Vogel combination, he was afterwards one of its strongest critics. He opposed Atkinson, too, when he proposed a protective tariff, but would have none of Liberal politics when Ballance came into office. Moderate and considerate to his opponents, he was absolutely fearless in enunciating his own principles, and never allowed personal friendships to compromise his convictions. He was extremely well read, and had a fine private library. Inspired by his early friendship with Marcus Clarke in the Australian back country, he sought honours in journalism, and until his death was a regular contributor to the Australasian. Mackenzie married (1876), Jessy Adela (1850-1937), the only daughter of F. Dillon Bell (q.v.). He died on 15 Sep 1901. G. & E. Macdonald (p); Reeves; Gisborne, Rulers; Otago Witness, 27 Aug, 3 Sep 1896; Evening Star, 15 Sep 1911; Otago Daily Times, 16 Sep 1901, 15 Sep 1921 (appreciation by W. Rolleston, 17 Sep). Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 17 | Volume 2, page 17 🌳 Further sources |
Thomas Wilmor McKenzie | Thomas Wilmor McKenzieMcKENZIE, THOMAS WILMOR (1827-1911) was born in London, and went with his parents to Newfoundland, but owing to the death of his father returned to England. His mother became interested in New Zealand, and embarked in the Adelaide (Sep 1839). The youth was apprenticed in the first days of the settlement at Pito-one to the printing press of Samuel Revans, and helped to produce the first issues of the New Zealand Gazette which were published in the colony. Shortly after the Adelaide cast anchor he undertook to spend the night ashore at the Pipitea pa in charge of a whare built for Dr Evans. He was a strong swimmer, and he formed a boating club in connection with one of his later newspapers which won the cup offered for rowing competitions. This club became the Wellington rowing club. On removing to the present site of Wellington, McKenzie completed his five years' articles, and carried on for another two years as a journeyman. Work being slack, the men agreed to work alternate weeks, and during his off weeks McKenzie occupied himself on a piece of land at Makara. When the paper changed hands, four of the compositors (W. E. Vincent, George Fellingham, James Muir and McKenzie) started the Independent, which they ran successfully for many years. As his partners left one by one, McKenzie became sole proprietor and carried on the Independent on consistent and reputable lines until its demise in 1874. The New Zealand Times Co., formed in 1873, took over the property, the Independent changing its name to the New Zealand Times (Jun 1874). McKenzie remained on as secretary and manager to the company until he retired from active service. He was a member of the Settlers' Constitutional Association working for representative government, and of the Town and Country Land Association (the predecessor of the building society), and later helped materially the Small Farms Association in the Wairarapa. He made no attempt to get into the Provincial Council or into Parliament, but was a member of the Wellington City Council (1881-87) and contested the mayoralty unsuccessfully. As first corresponding secretary of oddfellows in New Zealand, he obtained six charters from the Manchester Unity, two of which went to lodges in Wellington (Antipodean and Britannia), and two others to the first lodges in Auckland and Dunedin. From 1848 almost to the time of his death he was secretary of the widows' and orphans' society of the order. As a freemason he was a past master, for some time district warden, and first grand principal of the Royal Arch Chapter. Through him the Provincial Council granted both to oddfellows and freemasons sections of land for their lodgerooms. He was one of the founders of the Mechanics Institute (which had a strong educational influence for many years); a trustee of the home for the aged needy, a member of the Wellington licensing committee, and an elder of St John's Church. He died on 2 Mar 1911. Cycl. N.Z., i (p); Ward; Evening Post, 17 Oct 1929 (p). Reference: Volume 2, page 18 | Volume 2, page 18 🌳 Further sources |
James McKerrow | James McKerrowMcKERROW, JAMES (1834-1919), born in Kilmarnock, Scotland, and educated at Kilmarnock Academy and Glasgow University, arrived in New Zealand in 1859, and joined the Otago survey department. For two years (1861-63) he conducted exploratory reconnaissance surveys in Otago lake districts. He was appointed geodesical surveyor and inspector of surveys in Otago (1863); chief surveyor of Otago (1873); assistant surveyor-general of New Zealand (1877); and Surveyor-general and Secretary of Lands and Mines (1879). McKerrow observed the transit of Venus in 1882, and in 1885 was elected a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. For six years he was chief commissioner of railways (1889-95), and he retired from the Government service in 1901. He was appointed chairman of the land purchase board (1895) and in 1905 presided over the land commission. He died on 30 Jun 1919. App. H.R., pass.; Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Jourdain; Ross; Baker; The Press, 13 Mar 1906. Reference: Volume 2, page 18 | Volume 2, page 18 🌳 Further sources |
Henry Frederick McKillop | Henry Frederick McKillopMcKILLOP, HENRY FREDERICK (1823-79) entered the Royal Navy in 1841. As a midshipman in the Belleisle, he served in the China war and was awarded the Royal Humane Society's medal for saving the life of a drowning soldier. He served in H.M.S. Calliope in the operations against Te Rauparaha and Rangihaeata in 1846, and took part in the apprehension of the former at Taupo pa, Porirua. His Reminiscences of Twelve Months Service in New Zealand (1849) is a balanced and authentic account of the operations. Promoted lieutenant in 1847, and commander in 1855, he commanded the Snake in the Crimean war, and was specially mentioned for his services. (Captain, 1862.) A few years later he accepted an appointment in the service of the Egyptian Government. He was controller-general of ports and commanded the squadron in the war with Abyssinia (1875-76). He became a rear-admiral on the British retired list in 1878. McKillop received many decorations and honours, including the Crimean and Turkish medals, the C.B., the Cross of the Legion of Honour and the Turkish order of the Medjidie. He was a pasha of Egypt. His death occurred on 4 Jun 1879. Navy List, 1851, 1855; Admiralty records; McKillop, op. cit.; The Times, 6 Jun, 19 Jun 1879. Reference: Volume 2, page 18 | Volume 2, page 18 🌳 Further sources |
Quinton McKinnon | Quinton McKinnonMcKINNON, QUINTON (1851-92) was born in Scotland of good family, and well educated. As a young man he volunteered to serve in the French army against the Prussians (1870-71). Having married a Shetlander, he came to New Zealand. He was an enthusiastic athlete in his youth, a good skater and Rugby footballer. He was a member of the Otago team which toured the Colony in the seventies, and played against Canterbury in 1878, 1879, 1880 and 1881, and against Wellington in 1879. In 1881 McKinnon qualified as a surveyor. He was fond of exploring, and spent some years in the western district of Otago, living in a hut on the shores of Lake Te Anau. Accompanied by G. Tucker, he crossed the pass from the head of Middle fjord, Lake Te Anau, to Caswell sound; and later (with E. Mitchell, of Manapouri) he discovered a practicable route from Te Anau to Milford. In Oct 1888 he crossed the McKinnon pass from Te Anau to Milford. (Descriptions of these journeys appeared in the Otago Daily Times of 6 and 29 Oct 1888.) McKinnon took part in the search for Professor Brown at the end of 1888. About this time he carried out a good deal of work for the government improving the track to Milford Sound for the tourist traffic to the West Coast. In 1892 he had a contract to carry mails from Te Anau to Milford, taking six days for each trip, and he accepted a contract for improving the track. On one of his trips to the coast (Nov 1892) he lost his life. He was not heard of after leaving Te Anau on 29 Nov for Milford to make arrangements for the next party of tourists. Search parties discovered his boat on the lake, and it was concluded that he had fallen overboard. G.M. Moir, Guide Book to the Tourist Routes of the Great Southern Lakes; N.Z. Railways Magazine, 1 Apr 1933 (p); N.Z. Graphic, 8, 18 Sep 1893 (p); Otago Daily Times, Oct 1888, 11, 23 Jan-21 Feb 1893. Reference: Volume 2, page 18 | Volume 2, page 18 🌳 Further sources |
John McLachlan | John McLachlanMcLACHLAN, JOHN (1840-1915) was born at Ardrossan, Ayrshire, and brought up to his father's trade as a plasterer. In 1863 he came to Lyttelton in the Sebastopol, and after following his trade for three years he purchased land at Ellesmere, where he farmed successfully and took a prominent part in local affairs. He was a member of the Ellesmere road board and school committee for many years, and contested a seat in the Provincial Council against Jollie. He three times contested parliamentary elections (against Sir John Hall, E. Richardson, E. J. Lee and E. Wakefield), and in 1893 was returned for Ashburton against J. C. Wason (q.v.). Again standing as a Liberal, he was defeated in 1896 by E. G. Wright, but regained the seat in 1899 and held it till 1908, defeating in turn C. J. Harper and J. Studholme (twice). He retired in 1908. He was a fluent, though not impressive, speaker, and in 1896 effectively stonewalled the licensing bill. McLachlan was a member of the Canterbury land board, the Ellesmere cemetery board and the general committee of the Presbyterian Church in Canterbury. He was a prominent freemason (being master and grand master, E.C.). He married Miss Robb (Perthshire), and died on 11 Sep 1915. N.Z.P.D., 14 Sep 1915; Cycl. N.Z., iii (p). Reference: Volume 2, page 19 | Volume 2, page 19 🌳 Further sources |
David McLaren | David McLarenMcLAREN, DAVID (1872-1939) was born in Glasgow and was trained as a boot operative. He came to New Zealand about 1897 and married (1902) Alberta Dungey Lingard. McLaren took a prominent part in trades unionism, being secretary of the Wellington waterside workers' union for some years. Always moderate, he nevertheless threw himself with vigour into the fight for better conditions for lower paid workers. He was a Labour member of the Wellington City Council (1901-12) and was mayor of the City (1912-13). He was for 12 years a member of the Wellington Hospital board, and he represented Wellington East in the House of Representatives (1908-11). During the war of 1914-18 he was on the military service board and the war relief association, and he was a member of the epidemic commission in 1918. Finding himself out of sympathy with later labour trends, he became associated with the New Zealand Welfare League. He was a member of the Burns Club and of other Scottish societies, and wrote verse of passable quality. McLaren died on 3 Nov 1939. Who's Who N.Z., 1908, 1924, 1932; The Dominion and Evening Post, 4 Nov 1939 (p). Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 274 | Volume 2, page 274 🌳 Further sources |
Allan McLean | Allan McLeanMcLEAN, ALLAN (1830-1907), born in the island of Coll, Scotland, and brought up as a sheep farmer, came to New Zealand from Australia in 1870. With his brothers, Robertson and John, he bought land at Lagmhor, Ashburton, and at Waikakahi, South Canterbury, and became very prosperous. In 1898 he retired to live in Christchurch. On his death (on 12 Nov 1907) he endowed the McLean Institute in Christchurch. Acland; The Press, 14 Nov 1907. Reference: Volume 2, page 19 | Volume 2, page 19 🌳 Further sources |
John McLean | John McLeanMcLEAN, JOHN (1818-1902) was born in the island of Coll, Argyllshire, educated there and on attaining his majority emigrated to Victoria, where he worked for a while on the Barrabool hills and then took up land with his brother Allan. During the early days of the goldfields they did well as goldbuyers and supplying the needs of the diggers. Values of land having risen, they disposed of their Australian interests and settled in New Zealand (1854). The first property they acquired was Morven, in Canterbury. At one time, including Morven and Waikakahi, they had 500,000 acres (on which they shore 250,000 sheep). While their men were making the first road over the Kakanui range (through Dansey's pass) they found gold. On the partnership being dissolved, McLean retired to Otago and took some interest in public affairs. He was M.P.C. for the Town of Oamaru (1871-75) and was a member of the Legislative Council from 1867 until he retired in 1872. Having settled down at Redcastle, Oamaru, he was a member of the local road board, president of the North Otago A. and P. association and of the Oamaru Caledonian society. He took part in investigating the affairs of the Bank of New Zealand and was on the council of Otago University (1886-94). McLean died (unmarried) on 15 Jul 1902. (See G. BUCKLEY.) Otago P.C. Proc.; Cycl. N.Z., iv (p); K. C. McDonald; Pyke; Otago Daily Times, 16 Jul 1902. Portrait: Parliament House. MACLEAN, SIR ROBERT DONALD DOUGLAS (1852-1929) was the son of Sir Donald McLean, and was born in Wellington. Educated at Auckland Grammar School and Clifton College, England, he was a prominent cyclist and Rugby footballer. After serving his articles to Hart and Buckley, he read law in England and was called to the bar of the Middle Temple (1882). He did not practise, but devoted his attention to his property, Maraekakaho station, Hawkes Bay, where he bred English Leicester and Lincoln sheep, shorthorn cattle and thoroughbred horses. He won many prizes in the show ring. He was chairman of the Hawkes Bay county council and a member of the Heretaunga road board, the charitable aid board, the rabbit board, the Hawkes Bay central rivers board and the education board, and a governor of the Napier High Schools. Maclean was president of the Hawkes Bay A. and P. society and the Manawatu A. and P. association, and a councillor of the Royal Agricultural society; a prominent supporter of the Navy League, a member of the executive council of the Royal Empire Society; president of the Wellington Early Settlers' association, and the Caledonian society; and a director of the North British Freezing Co., the Hawkes Bay Farmers' Co-operative association and the New Zealand Freezing Co. He represented Napier in Parliament (1896-99), being defeated by A. L. D. Fraser. He married (1882) a daughter of T. Butler-Stoney, of Portland Park, county Tipperary. He was created a knight bachelor in 1927, and died on 7 Feb 1929. Who's Who N.Z., 1924; Cycl. N.Z., vi; Ward (p); The Dominion, 9 Feb 1929; Hawkes Bay Herald, 8 Feb 1929 (p). Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 21 | Volume 2, page 21 🌳 Further sources |
Donald McLean | Donald McLeanMcLEAN, SIR DONALD (1820-77) was born at Kilmaluaig, Tyree, Argyllshire, the son of John McLean and his wife Margaret, daughter of the Rev D. McColl. His father having died when he was a child, Donald received a sound Scots education in the parish under the care of his mother's people. In 1838 he sailed from Oban in the St George for Sydney, to the care of an uncle. He entered a merchant's office, but soon left and worked on a station near Bathurst. Early in 1840 he came to New Zealand as agent for the timber firm of Abercrombie and Co., to wind up some business. That done, he was some time engaged as a labourer splitting logs on the beach at Waiheke and Coromandel; as a seaman on a small coaster, and in charge of a schooner running stores up the Thames river. In this occupation he mixed much with the natives, learned their language and became imbued with a deep sympathy for people whose tribal organisation resembled so closely that of the Scottish Highlands. His steady energy and knowledge of the Maori character struck A. Sinclair (q.v.), who brought him to the notice of Captain Hobson, and he became a clerk in the office of the protector of aborigines, and subsequently also interpreter. In 1844 he was appointed protector for the western district (Mokau to Wanganui, including Taupo), with a salary of £400 a year as crown lands commissioner. McLean had considerable success in his dealings with native chiefs, and was soon regarded with official confidence as a man who could soothe their susceptibilities and treat them with a proper degree of consideration and firmness. After Commissioner Spain had made his award in the New Zealand Company's favour for 60,000 acres of land in Taranaki, McLean was ordered to inspect the territory and consult with the natives. He travelled southward in company with Whiteley from Kawhia and made a full report. FitzRoy decided not to confirm the award, and so the matter rested. Soon after the arrival of Sir George Grey as Governor the protectorate was abolished, and McLean was appointed police magistrate at Taranaki, with a small but efficient force of police with which he succeeded admirably in maintaining order at native gatherings and in all settlements where natives congregated (1846). In Mar 1847 he was instructed to inspect the land which had been awarded to the Government in north Taranaki and to acquire the area necessary for settlement purposes. He was entrusted with the responsibility of altering the Company's survey lines where he thought fit, and a few weeks later was authorised to purchase the Grey block. Correspondence in 1849 shows that he had purchased land at Fitzroy, Tataraimaka, Omata, Grey and Puketapu, but not without meeting with much sporadic opposition. In 1850 McLean was appointed a native land purchase commissioner and resident magistrate, and in the following year a commissioner under the land claims ordinance. In 1853, with the approval of Grey, he organised a native land-purchase department, with himself as chief commissioner and a purchasing officer in each district. He made a large purchase of land in Auckland province in 1854, and arranged for the purchase of more than 12,000 acres adjacent to the settlements in Taranaki. He remarked, nevertheless, a growing opposition by the natives to the sale of any land at all 'in fear that they should thereby lose their distinctive national character and standing and be reduced to a state of slavery and indigence.' To meet this, and in preference to setting aside reserves which would pick the eyes out of the block, he agreed that natives should be allowed to purchase back from the Government a certain amount of the land bought. He proposed that they should be encouraged to take an interest in the institutions of the country, to qualify to take part in them, and gradually to introduce a new mode of life. The experiment was rather disappointing, but McLean's mana with the natives steadily increased, and during the excitement after the death of Rawiri Waiaua he succeeded, with the help of Whiteley and Turton, in preventing an open breach of the peace. In 1855, owing to the disturbed state of the province, McLean advised the building of blockhouses and the calling out of the militia. On 4 Nov 1856 he was chosen as land purchase officer and native secretary. The Governor (Gore Browne) was still to exercise full responsibility for native affairs, with the final decision on any action to be taken, but the opinion of a responsible minister had to be registered with that of the Native Secretary. McLean had the required physical and moral qualities for the post, a commanding presence and dignity of behaviour, an excellent knowledge of the Maori language and customs, and a genuine sympathy for the race. To them he always appeared as one who shielded them from the evil intentions of the Colonial Government. He accompanied Gore-Browne on his visit to Taranaki when he agreed to purchase Teira's land at Waitara. Unfortunately ill-health kept him away from the province during succeeding months, and historians are not disposed to hold him responsible for the outbreak of the Taranaki war. He was again in Taranaki when the truce was concluded with Hapurona (Mar 1861), the Native Minister (Weld) being also present. By an unfortunate clash of policy between the Governor and the Government, Fenton was appointed to introduce certain reforms in the Waikato, independent of the authority of the Native Secretary. It was an impossible position where two men of strong personality were concerned, though both were sincerely anxious for the welfare of the Maori. It was equally unfortunate that the two departments of Native Affairs and Land Purchase should be combined in McLean's person, thus giving to the pronative faction in the country, and to many of the natives themselves, the impression that the acquisition of land was the real object of the Government. In May 1861 McLean resigned the native secretaryship owing to the attitude of the Government in respect to Fenton's appointment. About this time he purchased the Maraekakaho property, and in 1863 he settled down in Hawkes Bay and began to take part in the affairs of the new province. Elected to the Provincial Council for Napier, he at once became Superintendent (26 Feb 1863), and held that position unchallenged until the affairs of the Colony demanded his full attention. In his dealings with his fellow settlers he showed the same inexhaustible patience and penetration which he exhibited in native affairs. He sat in with his Council, stood for re-election on being chosen as Superintendent, and on the whole managed provincial affairs in Hawkes Bay with more smoothness and decorum than obtained in any other province. He resigned the emoluments of the land purchase officer in 1863, but retained the appointment nominally until the office was abolished (1865). Grey in Jun 1863 appointed McLean as his deputy to call out the militia. They were summoned for training without delay and in the next few years were several times on active service. During most of the sixties McLean acted as the agent of the General Government, a position in which he wielded great authority during the Hauhau rising and the campaign on the east coast. Meanwhile, in 1866 he had been elected to Parliament for Napier. His mana with both races was very high and he was listened to with great deference in the native debates which dominated Parliament in the sixties. He was an outspoken critic of government policy towards the Maori and in 1868, when fighting was going on in several provinces, he relinquished the post of Government Agent and joined Fox in opposition to the war policy of Stafford. Their motion expressing alarm at the course of events was lost on the casting vote of the Speaker. In 1869 Fox moved a direct want-of-confidence motion, which McLean seconded, and the Government was defeated by a majority of 1. Stafford, who had wished McLean to take office under him when he resigned the Native secretaryship, now resigned (28 Jun) and Fox became Premier, with McLean as Native Secretary and Defence Minister. Te Kooti having already been defeated south of Taupo, the new Government was able with a good prospect of success to withdraw the expeditions from the field and adopt a policy of pacification by the active prosecution of roads and bridges, coach services from Wanganui to New Plymouth and the opening up of native lands. On taking office with Fox, McLean resigned the superintendency of Hawkes Bay (1869), and at the subsequent dissolution he withdrew from the Provincial Council (1871). He was Minister of Native Affairs for the rest of his life, holding office continuously under Fox, Waterhouse, Pollen, Vogel and Atkinson, and only resigning (on 7 Dec 1876) when his health made it impossible to carry on longer. He carried several important measures affecting the Maori and their lands, and lived to see land again being offered for sale. He made his peace with the King natives in 1875 and met Wi Kingi te Rangitake in amity at New Plymouth. He died on 5 Jan 1877. McLean was created K.C.M.G. in 1874. He married (1851) Susan Douglas (d. Nov 1852), daughter of R. R. Strang (Wellington). (See R. D. D. MACLEAN, R. HART, R. R. STRANG) Gisborne, Saunders and Reeves agree on the great services rendered to New Zealand by McLean's native policy. G.B.O.P., 1847/892; App. H.R., pass.; N.Z. Gaz.; Wellington P.C. Proc., 1856, 1867, 1870-71; Hawkes Bay P.C. Proc. and Gaz.; Taranaki P.C. Proc., 2 Oct 1; Taranaki Gaz., 7 Mar 1855; Sinclair Papers; N.Z. Archives, H.B. and D, pass.; Wellington Almanac, 1878; Crawford; Ward; D.N.B.; Mennell; J. G. Wilson; Grace; Rusden; Gisborne; Reeves; Cox; Saunders; Bowen, i; Seffern; Wells; Gorst; Cycl. N.Z., i (p), vi; Cowan; Waka Maori, 9 Jan 1877; Hawkes Bay Herald, 5, 19 Dec 1876; Evening Post, 6 Jan 1877; N.Z. Times, 11 Jan 1877; Southern Cross, 6 Jan 1877; Lyttelton Times, 20 Mar 1861. Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 20 | Volume 2, page 20 🌳 Further sources |
George McLean | George McLeanMcLEAN, SIR GEORGE (1834-1917) was born in Scotland, the son of James McLean, of Sootston Hill, Elgin, and was educated at the Elgin Grammar School and at St Andrew's University. In 1852 he emigrated to Melbourne, where he was employed first in the Colonial Bank of Australia, and later in the Oriental Bank. In 1862 he came to New Zealand as manager of the Dunedin branch of the Bank of New Zealand, a position he resigned in 1865 to become a partner in the firm of Cargill and McLean. In 1867 he married Isabel, daughter of Matthew Holmes. In 1874, owing to ill-health, he retired from business, devoting himself thereafter to his financial interests, public life and horseracing. McLean entered the Otago Provincial Council in 1869 as member for Waikouaiti, and almost at once became provincial treasurer. In 1871 he entered Parliament for the same constituency, which he represented for a few months, ill-health compelling him to resign in 1872. He was again returned in 1875, and sat till 1881. McLean was a member of the Vogel and Atkinson administrations, holding the portfolios of Commissioner of Customs, Postmaster-general, Commissioner of Telegraphs and Commissioner of Trade. In Dec 1881 he was called to the Legislative Council, of which he was a member till his death (on 17 Feb 1917). McLean played an important part in the commercial and financial life of New Zealand. He was for 18 years chairman of the Colonial Bank of New Zealand, and personally negotiated the sale of the business to the Bank of New Zealand on terms very favourable for the shareholders (1895). He was concerned with the inauguration of the Union Steam Ship Co., of which he was chairman until he resigned in 1907. In 1909 he was knighted. He was a prominent figure on the turf, owning many successful horses, and being for 30 years president of the Dunedin Jockey Club. He was also president of the Dunedin Liedertafel. N.Z.P.D., 29 Jun 1917; Cycl. N.Z., iv (p); Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Ross; Otago Daily Times, 19 Feb 1917. Reference: Volume 2, page 20 | Volume 2, page 20 🌳 Further sources |
William McLean | William McLeanMcLEAN, WILLIAM (1845-1914), who was born at Grantown, Inverness-shire, Scotland, arrived in Dunedin in 1863 by the Dauntless. For a time he was engaged as a schoolmaster on the West Coast, and later went into business in Reefton, where he was interested in mining. Moving to Wellington in 1884, he started in business as an auctioneer and sharebroker. At a by-election in 1892 he was returned to the House of Representatives for the City of Wellington (defeating H. D. Bell) but he lost the seat in 1893. McLean helped to promote the building of the Wellington Opera House, and was a firm believer in the potentialities of the Taranaki oil fields. He was a freemason, a member of the Excelsior lodge of druids, and president of the Wellington association of spiritualists. He died on 25 Aug 1914. N.Z.P.D., 26 Aug 1914; Cycl. N.Z., i; Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Lyttelton Times, 16 Jan 1892; Evening Post, 25 Aug 1914. Reference: Volume 2, page 21 | Volume 2, page 21 🌳 Further sources |
Alexander Donald McLeod | Alexander Donald McLeodMcLEOD, ALEXANDER DONALD (1872-1938) was the son of William McLeod and was born at Whakapunga, Wairarapa. Educated at home, he served his apprenticeship on his father's farm, and in 1895 started sheep farming for himself. In 1896 he was elected a member of the Featherston road board, and he was afterwards a member of the county council (1896-1920) and for 15 years chairman. He was a member of the hospital board from its inception till 1920, and of the Wellington harbour board (1919-21). He took a prominent part in the activities of the Farmers' Union and the New Zealand Sheepowners' Federation, and was a mover in the formation of the New Zealand Meat Board. McLeod was elected in 1919 as M.H.R. for Wairarapa, which he represented till 1928. In 1924 he became Minister of Lands in the Massey Government, and he continued to hold that portfolio till 1928 (in the reconstruction under J. G. Coates). In 1931 he regained his seat in Parliament, but ill-health caused his retirement in 1935. His administration was marked by vigorous application of land settlement laws and a strong freehold policy. As Minister of Industries and Commerce in 1927 he set up a commission to inquire into the activities of the Proprietary Articles Trade Association. In the same year he represented New Zealand at the opening of the Federal capital at Canberra. McLeod married (1897) Mary Isabella, daughter of Alexander McLeod. He died on 20 Oct 1938. N.Z.P.D., 1919-35 and 30 Jun 1939; Who's Who N.Z., 1932; Evening Post and The Dominion, 21 Oct 1938 (p). Reference: Volume 2, page 21 | Volume 2, page 21 🌳 Further sources |
Donald McLeod | Donald McLeodMcLEOD, DONALD (1815-91), a son of the Rev. Norman McLeod (q.v.), was born in Sutherlandshire; migrated with his parents to Nova Scotia, and was brought up to the sea. He became a master mariner and commanded the vessel which the Highlanders of St Ann's, Cape Breton Island, sent to Scotland in the early forties. Failing to find a sale for the cargo, he was compelled to dispose of the ship and, instead of returning to Canada, he went farther afield in search of a fortune. In 1847 he wrote from South Australia to his father advising the settlers to make their homes in Australia. Acting on this invitation, they built the ships Highland Lass and Margaret and made the voyage. McLeod had meanwhile gone to sea and was not available until 1853, when he arrived in New Zealand with the other leaders of the Nova Scotians in the Gazelle and interviewed Sir George Grey. In 1854 he conducted a vigorous correspondence with the Government on the terms of the settlement. He was a fine scholar and, with his father's help, he translated into English (and published in 1856) the poet Dugald Buchanan's Gaelic poems. He also did into English verse Ossian's poems, but they have not been published. McLeod was a journalist, and spent some years after this engaged on the Adelaide and Melbourne press. On the death of his wife (1880) he returned to New Zealand and settled at Waipu. He contested the Marsden seat in 1881. McLeod died at Waipu on 16 Apr 1891. While sailing in the islands he discovered at Vanikoro guns and other relics of La Perouse (now in the Melbourne Museum). Macdonald; N. R. McKenzie; 'Vagabond' in Melbourne Age (quoted in N.Z. Herald, 6 Dec 1887); N.Z. Herald, 18 Apr 1891. Reference: Volume 2, page 21 | Volume 2, page 21 🌳 Further sources |
John McLeod | John McLeodMcLEOD, JOHN (1825-83) arrived in New Zealand from Sydney with his parents in 1839, and settled in the Bay of Islands, where he took an active part as a volunteer during Heke's war. For eight years he sat in the Auckland Provincial Council, as member for the Northern District (1865-69) and for the Bay of Islands (1870-73). Defeating Carleton in 1871, he occupied the Mangonui and Bay of Islands seat in the House of Representatives until he retired in 1873 to go to Nova Scotia as Wellington provincial immigration officer. He died in Auckland on 18 Sep 1883. N.Z. Herald, 22 Sep 1883. Reference: Volume 2, page 22 | Volume 2, page 22 🌳 Further sources |
Murdoch McLeod | Murdoch McLeodMcLEOD, MURDOCH (1823-87), a son of the Rev. Norman McLeod (q.v.), was born at St. Ann's, Cape Breton Island. He received a good classical education and had considerable literary ability. In 1852 he sailed for Australia with the migration, and proceeded to the diggings from Melbourne, spending 12 years in Australia before settling at Waipu. There he acted as an amateur physician for the benefit of the Nova Scotian community, was a justice of the peace and chairman of petty sessions. From 1870 he was a member of the Auckland Provincial Council (for Marsden 1870-73; Otamatea 1873-75). McLeod was a member of the Whangarei county council for three years. He died on 3 Dec 1887. Parlt. Proc.; Auckland P.C. Proc.; App. H.R. 1871 H7; N.Z. Herald, 10 Dec 1887. Reference: Volume 2, page 22 | Volume 2, page 22 🌳 Further sources |
Norman McLeod | Norman McLeodMcLEOD, NORMAN (1780-1866) was born at Stoer Point, Assynt, Sutherlandshire, of a family of fishermen-cultivators who had held their land by charter from King David II. After receiving his primary education in the parish school, he went to Aberdeen University, where he had a brilliant career and graduated in arts. During vacations he earned some money by teaching parish schools in Ross and Sutherland. Having decided to study theology, he went to Edinburgh University. There he was awarded the gold medal for moral philosophy. Throughout his course of three years at Divinity Hall he evinced great independence of thought, commented openly on the conduct and characters of his professors, and was critical of the tone of the Established Church of Scotland. In his last term he was rusticated for an offence against discipline. Returning to his native parish (1806), McLeod commenced to preach without being licensed or associated with the Established Church. The congregation disapproved of the regular minister of the parish, and McLeod soon had a strong body of church members attending his ministry. In 1815 he opened the parish school at Ullapool, in the parish of Lochbroom, receiving his salary from the Society for the Propagation of Christian Knowledge. But he was soon in conflict with the minister of the parish, and his salary was reduced by half. Denied a living in this way, he turned to the fisheries, spent two years in charge of a herring boat sailing out of Wick, and then returned to his old occupation as crofter and fisherman in Stoer. McLeod had definitely cut himself off from the Established Church, and was attracted by various schools of thought. Finally after long consideration he accepted Calvinism. He had married Mary McLeod, a friend of his youth, and they had one or two children. Seeing no prospect of earning a livelihood in the ministry in Scotland, McLeod in 1817 joined a large party of 400 who sailed from Sutherlandshire in the Frances Ann (14 Jul) to settle in Pictou, Nova Scotia. He held family prayer for the emigrants every day, and when they reached their destination was their accepted minister, in spite of the fact that he had not been licensed or ordained by any church. He settled in Middle River, between Alma and Gairloch, not far from Pictou. As soon as he had built his own shack he commenced to preach in it, and held services also at small settlements in the neighbourhood. Two years later his family joined him in Nova Scotia. Invitations having been received from a Highland colony in Ohio, the Pictou group in 1819 laid the keel of a ship of 200 tons, the Ark, in which the whole colony embarked with the intention of sailing up the Mississippi river to their new home. Encountering a heavy storm in the bay of Canso, they eventually returned to Cape Breton Island and settled at St Ann's Bay. The ship was shortly afterwards lost at sea. The new settlement built itself a model boat for coastal trading, a school, and the first Presbyterian church established in the island, and enjoyed solid prosperity during the next few years. In 1825 McLeod spent a year in New York engaged in mission work while he prepared for ordination, and on 29 Aug 1826 he was duly ordained by the presbytery of Genesee. He returned to St Ann's in his old position of preacher, teacher and law-giver, and was appointed government schoolmaster and justice of the peace. All breaches of civil and moral law were tried by him. He established temperance societies and a branch of the British and Foreign Bible Society (1840). In 1846 a large church was opened capable of seating 1,500 people. McLeod's independent views now involved him in a troublesome feud which culminated in litigation, the circumstances in which he was rusticated being alleged against his ecclesiastical character. His supporters were mulct in heavy damages, and a serious defection in the congregation followed. To provide employment for the young men McLeod proposed trading, and a ship of 300 tons was laid down. In this his son Donald sailed to Glasgow with a full cargo of produce but, failing to find a market, was forced to sell the ship, and went farther afield to seek his fortune. In 1847 McLeod received a letter from him in Australia advising the St Ann's colony to move to South Australia. The potato blight which affected their crops this year clinched the matter, and McLeod directed the building of ships for the new migration. Duncan and Murdoch McKenzie, two skilled seamen, together with John Fraser and John McKay, took the lead in organising the migration. In 1851 the Highland Lass and Margaret, each of 300 tons, were launched. Three hundred of the settlers decided to embark, but the Highland Lass was frozen in and they all had to sail in the sister ship (Oct 1851). Calling at Cape Town, a party made a reconnaissance of land for settlement and negotiated with the government. Arriving in Apr 1852 at Adelaide, they found that Donald had gone on to Melbourne. There again inquiries were made for land, and then the Margaret sailed for Melbourne. Donald was not there either, so the Margaret was sold to pay expenses, and the young men took work or went to the goldfields, while a party went up country to prospect for land, and afterwards (in the schooner Gazelle) to Bay of Islands. They negotiated with the New Zealand government for a block of land in the north. Meanwhile the rest of the settlement embarked from St Ann's in the Highland Lass. The negotiations for a block of land were finally concluded in 1856, when 47,600 acres was declared a special settlement. In the following year Mrs McLeod died. The Ellen Lewis brought the main body across from Australia in 1860. The leader himself died on 14 Mar 1866. McLeod was essentially a nonconformist. Rebelling against the loose discipline and the personal character of many of the ministers of the Established Church, he declined to affiliate himself with it, and in effect established a free church of his own before the disruption of 1843. His religious views were extremely strict. During the whole time he was in Nova Scotia he never administered the sacrament, and he rarely administered baptism, on the ground that few men attained the pitch of holiness that such a service demanded. Nor did he even seek ordination until many years after he first undertook to minister to the spiritual needs of his people. And to the end of his life he never regularly joined the Presbyterian Church. Yet his people followed him unquestioningly, putting implicit faith in the nobility of his character; and the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand recorded his death as that of a high-minded divine of their faith. His book, published in 1843, is a unique, if involved, confession of his faith. Gordon; Macdonald (p); Dickson (p); N. R. McKenzie (p); N. McLeod, The Present Church of Scotland and Tints of Normanism, 1843. Reference: Volume 2, page 22 | Volume 2, page 22 🌳 Further sources |
Thomas Dalton McManaway | Thomas Dalton McManawayMcMANAWAY, THOMAS DALTON (1810-94) was born at Youghal, County Cork, Ireland. He was a surveyor by occupation, and came to New Zealand in the Mariner (1849), settling in Wellington. He surveyed part of the Wairarapa and the Hutt small farm settlement. In 1856 he was a drainage commissioner for the town. He represented Wellington Country in the Provincial Council from 1856 till 1858, when he resigned on accepting a survey contract. He afterwards settled at Makara. Wellington P.C. Proc.; Ward. Reference: Volume 2, page 22 | Volume 2, page 22 🌳 Further sources |
Alexander McMaster | Alexander McMasterMcMASTER, ALEXANDER (1823-85) was born at Stranraer, Scotland. As a young man he emigrated to Australia (1842) and obtained his first employment in the countinghouse of Benjamin Boyd at Twofold Bay. He then moved to Melbourne, and from there to the goldfields. Returning to the city, he took employment on the literary staff of the Argus and afterwards joined a bank, in which he became teller. In 1857 McMaster came to Otago and joined Borton in the lease of the Maerewhenua run. Later they took up Tokarahi, thus increasing their holding to 13,000 acres freehold and 70,000 acres leasehold, on which they ran 42,000 sheep at the time they dissolved partnership (1878). McMaster imported many fine merino sheep for his properties, and also stud horses. He was a successful exhibitor at many shows. In later years he lived at Waikaura, Oamaru. He had no inclination for political life, but in 1861 he permitted himself to be nominated for the superintendency on behalf of the squatting interest against Richardson. The result was: Richardson 292; Macandrew 189; McMaster 106. A month or two later he was elected for the Northern constituency in the Provincial Council, in which he sat until early in 1863. He died on 10 Sep 1885. He married (1860) Helen, daughter of John Adair, of Stranraer. (See T. G. Reap.) Col. Gent.; Pyke; North Otago Times, 14 Sep 1885. Reference: Volume 2, page 23 | Volume 2, page 23 🌳 Further sources |
Edward Graham McMinn | Edward Graham McMinnMcMINN, EDWARD GRAHAM, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, and came to New Zealand in early manhood. He enlisted in the Forest Rangers for the Waikato war (1863), and served throughout under von Tempsky, rising to the rank of sergeant-major. Then he settled on a farm at Harapepe, Waikato. On the war breaking out on the West Coast, he again enrolled under von Tempsky in the Armed Constabulary and served against Titokowaru. He was present when his leader was killed. After the war McMinn took a useful part in public affairs, being a member of the Pirongia road board and of the Raglan county council. He represented Waipa in the Provincial Council (1875-76) and in July 1878 he defeated F. A. Whitaker for the Waipa seat in Parliament, but the tables were turned at the general election in the following year. It was mainly due to McMinn's efforts that Raglan was connected by road with Waikato. He died at Harapepe on 30 Mar 1883. Waikato Times, Jun-Jul 1878; Nov-Dec 1879; 31 Mar, 3, 5 Apr 1883. Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 23 | Volume 2, page 23 🌳 Further sources |
Alexander McNab | Alexander McNabMcNAB, ALEXANDER (1809-90) was born in Argyllshire, Scotland. In 1839 he came to New South Wales, where he spent some years on the land at Twofold Bay. In 1855 he came to New Zealand and (in company with Peter McKellar) made a prospecting tour of Canterbury and Otago. As a result he took up the first run in Southland (Hokonui, which he sold in 1858); and shortly afterwards Knapdale, on the opposite side of the Mataura river, where he remained throughout his life. He brought his sheep from Port Phillip in 1856. McNab was M.P.C. for Murihiku in the Otago Provincial Council (1858-61). When Southland became a separate province he represented Campbelltown (1864-65) in the Southland Council. He was a member of the executive, deputy-speaker and chairman of committees. For a short time in 1864 he was speaker. McNab was for some years on the county council. He made some early explorations in Otago, notably at Switzers and from Invercargill to the Lakes. He married (1866) Janet McQueen (who died in 1876), niece of Peter Dalrymple. He died on 4 Aug 1890. (See ROBERT McNAB.) Parltry Records; Roberts, Southland; Beattie ii; Cycl. N.Z., iv; Otago Daily Times, 5 Aug 1890. Reference: Volume 2, page 23 | Volume 2, page 23 🌳 Further sources |
Robert McNab | Robert McNabMcNAB, ROBERT (1864-1917) was born at Puni Bush, Southland, the son of Alexander McNab (q.v.), and educated at the Invercargill Grammar School (dux 1879) to the age of 16. At Otago University he graduated B.A. in 1883, was senior mathematical scholar of the University, and took his M.A. in 1884 with honours in mathematics and physics. He became a clerk in the legal office of Chapman, Sinclair and White, in Dunedin, was called to the bar in 1889 and graduated LL.B. in 1890. He commenced the practice of law in Invercargill. McNab took a keen interest in volunteering and at different times commanded the North Dunedin Rifles and G and B batteries of the New Zealand artillery. He was a good rifle shot and competed in several championship meetings. In 1891 he was elected to the Southland education board, and in the following year to the board of governors of the Southland Girls' and Boys' High schools. In 1893 McNab stood as a Liberal for the Mataura electorate and defeated G. F. Richardson. Richardson regained the seat in 1896, but retired in 1898, when McNab was elected. He held the seat till 1908, when he was defeated by G. J. Anderson. In 1914 he was elected for Hawke's Bay, for which he sat till his death. A strong Liberal and a vigorous advocate of the leasehold tenure, he declined office in the Seddon Government, but was Minister of Lands and Agriculture in the Ward administration (1906). In his first session in office he introduced a land bill to strengthen the leasehold legislation passed by Ballance and Seddon. He made one of the finest speeches of his political career on this measure, but the Premier, who feared the growing body of freehold sentiment in the country, withdrew the bill. McNab lost his seat at the following election. He then devoted his attention to the subject of national training, upon which he made many speeches throughout the country, supporting the principles of the National Defence League. He instituted Saturday training classes for school teachers in Southland. McNab was also interested in the history of Southland, and eventually of New Zealand as a whole. In 1904 he published Murihiku; Some Old Time Events, which was followed in the next few years by three new editions or re-writings. His researches took him abroad to search the archives of the ports of New England, Great Britain and France. In 1908 he published the first volume of Historical Records of New Zealand, taken from the printed or unprinted records of New South Wales; and in 1909 a fuller edition of Murihiku. In 1914 appeared the second volume of Historical Records, which included the valuable French, English and American sources. McNab again took office when the National ministry was formed during the war of 1914-18. He held the portfolios of Justice and Marine from Aug 1915 till his death (on 3 Feb 1917). He published two more historical works, The Old Whaling Days and From Tasman to Marsden in 1914, and received the degree of Litt.D. from the University. His methods of historical research were painstaking and exhaustive, and he left a vast amount of unpublished matter. Before his death he arranged for the transfer of his valuable collection of books on New Zealand and Pacific history to the Dunedin Public Library, thus endowing the capital city of Otago with one of the finest historical collections in the Dominion. N.Z.P.D., pass. (notably 29 Jun 1917); Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Russell (p); McNab, op. cit.; Otago Daily Times, 5 Feb 1917. Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 23 | Volume 2, page 23 🌳 Further sources |
Alexander McNeil | Alexander McNeilMcNEIL, ALEXANDER (1833-1915) was born in Scotland, being a brother of General John McNeil and Sir Malcolm McNeil. He was the last laird of Colonsay, Argyllshire. Receiving his commission in the Royal Engineers, he had long service in India, particularly in the Mutiny, in which he was present from the beginning at Meerut to the fall of Delhi. He was in charge of important railway and road works at this time and later. Retiring from the army, McNeil settled in Southland and (with his brother Malcolm) took up Ardlussa station. He was member of the Southland Provincial Council for Oreti (1869-70) and of Parliament for Wallace (1866-69). In the eighties he sold out and settled at Aramoho, Wanganui, where he farmed for 30 years. He died on 17 May 1915. Parltry Record; Wanganui Chronicle, 18, 21 May 1915. Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 24 | Volume 2, page 24 🌳 Further sources |
John McNeil | John McNeilMcNEIL, JOHN (1836-1905) was a son of James McNeil (1799-1875), and was born in Dumbartonshire, Scotland. His father was for 25 years a gamekeeper at Arden estate, Loch Lomond. He brought his family to Otago in the Mooltan (1849), and in the seventies settled at Clutha, where he worked the ferry. As a young man John took charge of his father's cattle, and helped with the ferry for four years. He was the first mayor of Balclutha and the first chairman of the county council. He represented Clutha in the Provincial Council (1873-75), and once contested a parliamentary election. He died at Port Molyneux on 30 Jan 1905. John Wilson; Otago Daily Times, 31 Jan 1905. Reference: Volume 2, page 24 | Volume 2, page 24 🌳 Further sources |
Archibald McNicol | Archibald McNicolMcNICOL, ARCHIBALD (1878-1933), a son of the Rev. John McNicol, was born in Waihola, and attended the Union Street school in Dunedin. He joined the Otago Daily Times as mining reporter; and later became chief reporter on the Napier Daily Telegraph. In 1909 he was appointed managing director of the Dannevirke Evening News, a position he held until his death (on 24 Aug 1933). McNicol was a director of the United Press Association, a member of the council of the New Zealand branch of the Empire Press Union, and of the general committee of the Newspaper Proprietors' Association. In 1930 he was a delegate to the Imperial Press Conference in London. He was a member of the Dannevirke High School board of governors, chairman of the repatriation committee, and president of the chamber of commerce, of the Rotary club, and other bodies. He represented Pahiatua in Parliament (1919-22), being defeated by E. A. Ransom. He married (1911) Daisy, daughter of R. L. Paterson (Napier). N.Z.P.D., 26 Sep 1933; Who's Who N.Z., 1924, 1932. Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 24 | Volume 2, page 24 🌳 Further sources |
Philip Roderick McRae | Philip Roderick McRaeMcRAE, PHILIP RODERICK (1837-88) was born at Blairich, Sutherlandshire, the second son of George McRae (q.v.). After arriving in New Zealand (1842), he spent some years in the North Island and then took up land in the Awatere valley. Later, with his brother William, he took up the Braes of Sutherland, Campden and Weld's runs, and afterwards Middlehurst, Gladstone and Benhopai. He represented Awatere in the Marlborough Provincial Council (1864-70) and was a member of the executive in 1865 and 1869. In 1872 he took over the properties of his brother Nehemiah, and during the slump in wool gave up the more distant runs. He was a justice of the peace and chairman of the Awatere road board. McRae married a daughter of Captain Scott. He died on 23 Jul 1888. Marlborough Weekly News, 27 Jul 1888. Reference: Volume 2, page 24 | Volume 2, page 24 🌳 Further sources |
William McRae | William McRaeMcRAE, WILLIAM (1802-67), of Blairich, Sutherlandshire, arrived in Nelson in the Mary Ann (1842) and farmed for some years at Waimea before moving into Marlborough. He had previously spent some years trapping in North America. While managing for Captain England he drove the first cattle into the Awatere. McRae represented Waimea East in the Nelson Provincial Council (1857-65). He died on 9 Sep 1867. Marlborough Express, 21 Sep 1867. Reference: Volume 2, page 24 | Volume 2, page 24 🌳 Further sources |
William McRae | William McRaeMcRAE, WILLIAM (1825-70), the eldest son of George McRae (q.v.), was born at Blairich, parish of Rogart, Sutherlandshire, and came to New Zealand with his parents in 1842. He had a fine knowledge of stock and country and was employed by Duppa in many of his transactions. Shortly after the affray at Wairau he took up land in Marlborough and advised Congreve and Dashwood to settle in the province. He afterwards managed the Blairich property. McRae did a great deal of exploring in his early days in New Zealand. He died on 24 Jul 1870. C. A. Macdonald; Marlborough Express, 30 Jul 1870. Reference: Volume 2, page 24 | Volume 2, page 24 🌳 Further sources |
Abraham Mears | Abraham MearsMEARS, ABRAHAM (1822-64) was born in County Fermanagh, Ireland, and came to Wellington in 1840. He afterwards moved to Auckland, and was engaged for many years in sheepfarming in the neighbourhood of the town. He represented Northern Division in the Provincial Council (1859-61). Mears died on 20 Dec 1864. Parltry Record; Auckland P.C. Proc.; New Zealander, 22 Dec 1864. Reference: Volume 2, page 41 | Volume 2, page 41 🌳 Further sources |
George Lilly Mellish | George Lilly MellishMELLISH, GEORGE LILLY (1835-81) was born in England and educated at Exeter College, Oxford, and Pembroke College. He rowed in the Oxford eight in 1854. When the Crimean War broke out he received a commission in the 44th Regiment, with which he served before Sebastopol. After the war he abandoned his studies and came to South Australia (1857), and in the following year to Canterbury, where he spent a few years sheep farming in the back country. On the outbreak of the Waikato war he received a captain's commission in the 4th Waikato Regiment. He was in charge of the camp at Onehunga for a while, and later in command of Galloway's redoubt. In 1865 Mellish was appointed resident magistrate at Picton; in 1868 at Kaiapoi, and in 1874 at Christchurch. He died on 29 Dec 1881. Press, 30 Dec 1881. Reference: Volume 2, page 41 | Volume 2, page 41 🌳 Further sources |
Joseph William Mellor | Joseph William MellorMELLOR, JOSEPH WILLIAM (1869-1938) was born at Huddersfield, Yorkshire, the son of Job Mellor, a loom-tuner, who came to New Zealand in 1879 and was employed for two years by the Kaiapoi Woollen Co. Joseph went to the Kaiapoi school, and when the family moved to Dunedin in 1881 he completed his schooling at the Linden school (Kaikorai). At the age of 13 he became a handy boy in the establishment of H. S. Fish (q.v.), and afterwards passed through the boot factories of Simon brothers and McKinlay, and finally became a clicker in Sargood and Sons. During these years Mellor continued his education at the Dunedin Technical School and, being deeply interested in chemistry, he built a small laboratory in his garden. Determined to gain an advanced education, he matriculated in 1892 from the Technical School and by the recommendation of one of the directors (G. M. Thomson, q.v.), he was awarded a bursary which took him to the University. He had difficulty with Latin but made good progress with his studies in chemistry (under Professor Black). In 1897 he graduated B.Sc., and won a senior scholarship, and in 1899 he gained first-class honours and was awarded the Exhibition science scholarship. He taught for a few months at Lincoln Agricultural College and, having married Miss Emma Bakes (of Lincolnshire, who was brought up in Auckland) they sailed for England. Mellor continued his studies at Owens College, Manchester, where he graduated D.Sc. in 1902. He was then appointed chemist to the Pottery Manufacturers' Federation, and took up his residence at Newcastle-under-Lyme. Three years later he was appointed director of the research laboratories of the federation, which he controlled until 1937. In 1909 the federation commenced to co-operate in research with concerns interested in refractory materials, and this association continued to develop until 1920, when the British Refractories Research Association was formed, under the joint auspices of the pottery federation, the gas manufacturers and the British iron and steel federation. Their fine new laboratory at Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent, which was opened in 1934, was called the Mellor laboratory. In the early years of the century Mellor moved into the forefront of chemists, and became the leading authority in inorganic chemistry and ceramics. His researches in refractory materials comprised a vast amount of original work. During the war he was called in to advise on the production of steel and was able to replace to some extent the German scientists upon whom the industry had largely relied. He declined a decoration for his services, but received the C.B.E. in 1938 and a gift of £1,500 from the federation which he had served with such distinction. A leading authority in ceramics, he was honorary secretary of the Ceramic Society of Great Britain and was one of only 14 honorary members elected by the American Ceramic Society (1932). He was elected to the Royal Society in 1927. Mellor commenced in 1902, with the first edition of Higher Mathematics, the publication of a long series of scientific works of high value. In 1904 he published Chemical Statics and Dynamics and in 1905 The Crystallisation of Iron and Steel. His other works include Elementary Inorganic Chemistry (1930), Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry, Applied Physics and Ceramics, Modern Inorganic Chemistry (1912), Physics and Industry (1925), Treatise on the Ceramic Industry (1913) and his monumental Comprehensive Treatise on Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry, which appeared in 16 volumes at intervals between 1922 and 1937. Mellor was a great lover of poetry, whimsey and nonsense, and the Ceramic Society published in 1934 his Uncle Joe's Nonsense. He was a clever artist, and many of his cartoons appeared in his own books and in the Staffordshire Evening Sentinel. A fine private library, efficiently catalogued, enabled him to produce his noble succession of textbooks with no apparent difficulty. As a youth he learned to play chess and he competed in several New Zealand tournaments and contributed a chess column for some years to the Evening Star (Dunedin). He died on 24 May 1938. Mellor, op. cit.; Otago Univ. Calendar; The Dominion, 2 Aug 1932; New Zealand Times, 1 Jan 1902; Otago Daily Times, 31 May, 1 Jun 1938; The Times (London), 28 May 1938; S. J. in New Zealand Railways Magazine, 1 Sep 1938 (p) Reference: Volume 2, page 42 | Volume 2, page 42 🌳 Further sources |
Charles William Melvill | Charles William MelvillMELVILL, CHARLES WILLIAM (1878-1925) was born in England, a son of Teignmouth Melvill, V.C., of the 24th Regiment. He was educated at Wellington College, England; and at the Royal Military College, got his commission in the South Lancashire Regiment (1897) and served in India. Retiring as captain (1907), he came to New Zealand and took up sheep-farming. On the creation of a territorial force (1910) he joined the New Zealand Staff Corps. In 1911 he married Rita, third daughter of William Burnett of Mount Stuart. In the war of 1914-18 Melvill rejoined his regiment. In 1915 he joined the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. (Colonel 1916; D.S.O.) In 1917 he commanded the first New Zealand infantry brigade. (Ordre de la Couronne, officer; C.M.G.; Croix de Guerre; C.B.) In 1919 he commanded the Wellington military district, and later became general officer commanding. He died on 15 Sep 1925. Studholme; Who's Who in N.Z., 1924; The Dominion, 16 Sep 1925. Reference: Volume 2, page 42 | Volume 2, page 42 🌳 Further sources |
Alexander Adam Melvin | Alexander Adam MelvinMELVIN, ALEXANDER ADAM (?-1863) was the son of an inspector-general of hospitals in Great Britain. He represented Northern Division in the Auckland Provincial Council (1861-63) and died on 12 May 1863. Reference: Volume 2, page 42 | Volume 2, page 42 🌳 Further sources |
Andrew Agnew Stuart Menteath | Andrew Agnew Stuart MenteathMENTEATH, ANDREW AGNEW STUART (1853-1916) was born in Edinburgh and educated on the continent by private tutors. He began to study law in Edinburgh, but in ill health left for New Zealand by the Himalaya in the seventies. He joined the National Bank of New Zealand in Blenheim, and managed branches on the West Coast. In 1880 he resumed his legal studies in England, and was admitted to the Bar at the Middle Temple (1883). He practised at Greymouth and Reefton, and in 1884 he was elected member of the House of Representatives for Inangahua (defeating Richard Reeves by a few votes). Moving to Wellington in 1886, he became a partner in Jellicoe and Menteath. He was M.H.R. for Te Aro (1887-90), and president of the Wellington law society. A fluent French linguist, he was president of the French club and held the position of French consul. Menteath was a freemason, a Druid and a strong supporter of the Moderate League. He died on 25 Sep 1916. N.Z.P.D., 27 Jun 1916; Cycl. N.Z., i; Who's Who N.Z., 1908; The Dominion, 26 Sep 1916. Reference: Volume 2, page 42 | Volume 2, page 42 🌳 Further sources |
James Alexander Robertson Menzies | James Alexander Robertson MenziesMENZIES, JAMES ALEXANDER ROBERTSON (1821-88) was born at Rannoch, Perthshire. His father belonged to a branch of the clan Menzies and his mother was a Robertson of Struan. Menzies displayed with pride an ornamented rapier said to have been given by Prince Charles to a cadet of the house of Robertson. He was educated in Rannoch, and studied at Edinburgh University, where he entered at the age of 14. He took his diploma of the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh, at the age of 19. For some years thereafter he practised at Rannoch, taking an interest in village and countryside. In 1849 he was elected a member of the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland. In 1853 Menzies sailed for Port Phillip, and thence to New Zealand, arriving in Wellington (Dec 1853). A few months later he accompanied Mantell on his overland journey from Otago to Southland to settle with the native owners for the purchase of the Murihiku block. They walked through south Otago, reaching the Bluff by way of Henderson's bush, Oteramika, and returned to Dunedin along the beach, crossing the Mataura river at Toetoes. Menzies inspected carefully a run near Wyndham, and at a later date came back to Mataura and took up 38,000 acres. This he carried on until 1866, when the government resumed the run for closer settlement. Menzies then reduced his holding to 8,000 acres, and purchased the freehold of Dunalister, near Wyndham. He and Mieville were the only two station holders in the district. Menzies did not practise medicine in New Zealand, but was often called upon in cases of emergency. He had a disposition for retirement and, owing to the remoteness of his run, it was imperative that he should refrain from public affairs. He did, however, accept the offer of a seat in the Legislative Council (made to him in 1857, and confirmed in 1858), and he remained a member of that body for 30 years, never seeking admission to the elective chamber. As early as the fifties he championed Southland against the dominance of the town voters and the neglect of the Provincial Council. The grievances were real and, from being merely a stern critic of the Otago administration, Menzies became head and front of the movement for the separation of Murihiku and its erection into a new province. With this in view he gave the new provinces act (1858) his warm support in the Legislative Council. The goal was reached in Apr 1861. Menzies then moved into Invercargill, and personally guaranteed to the Oriental Bank the sum necessary to enable the new province to proceed with the election of its first Council. He was elected for Mataura, and when the Council met on 3 Aug was chosen without opposition as the first Superintendent. The atmosphere of controversy in which Murihiku won her independence was not favourable for careful and judicious government. Nor was the temperament of some of the provincial politicians such as would help to compose longstanding differences of opinion. The sittings of the Council were at times marked with great acerbity, and the attempt of the executive at one time and the Council at another to harness the Superintendent to a course of conduct in which he did not concur made for disharmony. A man of wide culture and stainless reputation, Menzies lacked business capacity. In the desire to prove that the province was well able to provide itself with facilities and amenities which it sought in vain from Otago, the Government anticipated its means and embarked upon ventures far beyond its resources for many years to come. Extensive borrowing was resorted to for harbour works and railways for which the province was scarcely ripe. At the moment when Southland broke off from Otago the gold discovery at Gabriel's Gully brought a great influx of miners and wealth. Southland's hope of participating in this prosperity was doomed to be disappointed. The goldfields were beyond her boundaries, and Dunedin merchants had a firm hold of the distributing business. Invercargill had no hope of breaking into the charmed circle. Menzies was urged by his executive to appoint a gold receiver for the province at Queenstown and to establish an escort to Invercargill, but he spurned the proposal as an unfair intrusion upon the domain of the mother province. The condition of Southland by the expiration of the first Provincial Council was sufficiently deplorable. In eight months the revenue showed a deficiency of £46,000. The liabilities of the province were £379,553, and the new Council (elected in Nov 1864) was told by a committee: 'The province is in a prostrate condition, and unable to meet its engagements without the assistance of the General Assembly.' The Council was disposed to hold Menzies responsible for its straits, and day after day it declined to re-elect him Superintendent. Eventually (on 13 Jan 1865) Menzies gave his casting vote in favour of J. P. Taylor. He himself sat in the Council as member for Invercargill. At the general election in 1867 he was defeated (being sixth on the list of eight candidates), but he was again returned at the elections in 1869. By this time it was obvious that Southland had no alternative but to return to the fold of Otago. The mother province was willing, but the die-hard element in Southland resisted doggedly, and Wood, the Superintendent, had a difficult task to steer the reunion proposals through the Council. Southland as a province ceased to exist in 1870. Menzies was amongst the members elected to represent the extinct province in the Otago Council, and he sat for Mataura until the provinces were abolished. He might have made his mark in wider politics if his energies had not been wedded to Southland. In that championship he was single minded, and he could see little virtue in those who differed from him. At one time he moved in the Legislative Council to have the name 'Invercargill' changed as being distasteful to the inhabitants. With a quaint naivete he confessed that, having made the personal acquaintance of the veteran Superintendent of Otago, he found him by no means a monster, but a man of broad views and human kindness, by whose friendship he was honoured. Menzies was a man of unblemished honour, infinite charity, and inexhaustible sympathy. A political opponent once said of him: 'No mean action, no dishonest thought could have found harbour in his mental calibre. Indeed, his very chivalry of soul militated in great measure with the successful compass of the position of superintendent. His misfortune was that he did not understand business.' A tall, stalwart, commanding figure, generally distinguished by some remnant of Highland garb, Menzies continued to take his part in public life. In 1879 he turned the first sod of the Edendale-Toetoes railway. He was a member of the Bluff harbour board, of the school commissioners of Otago, and the Southland education board. He was a strong supporter of the Caledonian Society and for many years president, and it was chiefly owing to his foresight that a fine park was reserved for the town of Wyndham. A Presbyterian of the old school, he maintained throughout life the Scots habit of family worship. He was a strong supporter of the Sunday school, in which he taught for many years, and he felt almost as a personal injury the education act of 1877 which made education in the colony secular. In his last Parliament he carried to its second reading a bill to enable school committees to introduce Bible-reading. It was thrown out by a small majority. Still he persevered and moved a resolution, which was defeated by one vote. In a memorial sermon preached at Wyndham after Menzies' death, the Rev Robert Wood said: 'This divine movement lay near his heart. On the day he died he requested that the report of the discussion of this question in the Legislative Council should be read to him - a discussion in which he himself had taken a leading part - and when this was done he thanked God that he had been permitted to take part in this work and prayed that it would be carried on till success was won.' Menzies married (1865) Letitia Anne, daughter of Dr Featherston, Superintendent of Wellington. He died on 18 Aug 1888, and his widow on 27 Mar 1929. Cycl. NZ., iv (p); Otago and Southland P.C. Proc.; NZ.P.D., 20 Aug 1888; Saunders; Beattie, ii; A. Mackay; Ross; Roberts, Southland; McIndoe; Rusden; Otago Witness, 28 Mar 1898; Otago Daily Times, 21 Aug 1888, 9 May 1930 (p). Reference: Volume 2, page 43 | Volume 2, page 43 🌳 Further sources |
Richard Meredith | Richard MeredithMEREDITH, RICHARD (1843-1918) was born in County Carlow, Ireland, educated at Tullow public school, and became a school teacher. In 1863 he came to New Zealand in the Accrington, and for 25 years was engaged in teaching (1863-88). In 1889 he began farming on Moeraki downs, and in 1890 was elected to represent Ashley in the House of Representatives. He held the seat until 1902, but was beaten for the new Hurunui electorate. For nine years Meredith was chairman of the M to Z public petitions committee. He was for 44 years chairman of the local school committee, for six years a member of the North Canterbury education board (chairman 1892) and later a member of the Technical School committee and the Timaru High School board. Meredith was also a member of the Canterbury land board for 15 years (1891-1906) and of the Farmers' Union. After settling in Waimate, he was president of the local branch of the British and Foreign Bible Society, a lay preacher in the Methodist Church, and Sunday School superintendent. He was a leading Orangeman. He died on 20 Aug 1918. N.Z.P.D., 25 Oct 1918; Cycl. N.Z., iii; Who's Who N.Z., 1908; The Press, 21 Aug 1918. Reference: Volume 2, page 43 | Volume 2, page 43 🌳 Further sources |
Frederick Ward Merriman | Frederick Ward MerrimanMERRIMAN, FREDERICK WARD (1818-65) was born at Marlborough, in Wiltshire, his father being a solicitor and banker; educated at Winchester College and studied law. After practising for some time he came to New Zealand in 1844 and established himself in Auckland. In 1847 he was a justice of the peace and member of the Legislative Council. In 1852 he was elected an alderman for the Eastern Suburbs of Auckland, but he resigned that position to become town clerk. On the inauguration of the new constitution he was elected to Parliament for the same constituency, which he represented until 1860, being chairman of committees (1854-55). In 1855 he was elected to the Provincial Council for Suburbs, which he represented till 1861. Most of the time he was a member of the executive, and he was twice provincial solicitor (1856, 1865). He died on 21 Jul 1865. Merriman married (1850) Susanna Augusta (1821-69), daughter of Lieutenant-colonel Greene, of county Waterford, and widow of Captain Thomas Ringrose Atkyns. Auckland P.C. Proc. and Gaz.; Cycl. NZ., ii (p); N.Z. Gaz; Southern Cross, 22 Jul 1865. Reference: Volume 2, page 43 | Volume 2, page 43 🌳 Further sources |
Owen Heathcote Grierson Merton | Owen Heathcote Grierson MertonMERTON, OWEN HEATHCOTE GRIERSON (1887-1931) was born in Christchurch, the son of Alfred J. Merton, and was educated at the Cathedral Grammar School and Christ's College (1895-1903). He was fond of music and also showed a disposition and talent for drawing, for which he entered at the Christchurch School of Art and studied under Alfred Walsh (q.v.). At the age of 17 he visited England and met John Hassall, who placed him for tuition under the Flemish artist Charles van Havennaet. With him Merton made tours in England and Holland. He also attended the Ealing Art School. When he returned to New Zealand in 1906 he was taken up by Miss D. K. Richmond, one of his pictures was acquired for the permanent collection at Wellington and he studied with Walsh again. In 1908 he returned to England, exhibited at the Royal Society of British Artists and was elected R.B.A. In 1910 he attended Colarossi's school in Paris, and in 1911 his mother organised an exhibition of his work in Christchurch. In 1914 he married Ruth (d. 1922) daughter of S. Jenkins, of Long Island, U.S.A. He lived in France until the war. This calamity rendered him artistically helpless, and he went to the United States and became a gardener and then a horticultural designer. He returned to painting in 1922 after the death of his wife. Merton held two exhibitions at the Leicester Galleries in London. His sense of design and delicacy of touch reflected his love for Chinese masters, and he showed much strength and individuality. He died on 18 Jan 1931. Christ's Coll. List; Art in New Zealand, vol 2, 229; The Times, 21 Jan 1931. Reference: Volume 2, page 274 | Volume 2, page 274 🌳 Further sources |
David Hunter Mervyn | David Hunter MervynMERVYN, DAVID HUNTER, was returned to Parliament for Manuherikia in 1867. He represented that constituency till 1870, and Mount Ida from 1871-75. He was also a member of the Provincial Council for Mount Ida (1871-73). Reference: Volume 2, page 43 | Volume 2, page 43 🌳 Further sources |
Charles Meryon | Charles MeryonMERYON, CHARLES (1821-68), a French artist, was born in Paris, his father being an English doctor and his mother a Parisian dancer. On her death he entered the French Naval School at Brest (1837) and in 1841 was appointed to a warship in which he saw the East. He was then commissioned as a first-class pupil in the corvette Le Rhin, in which he made a voyage round the world. Already trained as a draughtsman, he made pencil sketches of scenery in New Zealand, notably at Banks Peninsula, where the Rhin was stationed for some time from 1842. He took a room on shore to enable him to study history, politics, drawing and painting. After 1846, when he had left the sea, he was able to make use of his sketches in the production of an important series of etchings intended to illustrate the voyage. His four principal views of Akaroa were etched after 1860. It was owing to being colour blind that Meryon devoted himself to etching, which he studied under Bléry. For practice he made studies after Dutch etchers, especially Zeeman and Adrian van de Velde. Always in indigent circumstances, he was unable to maintain himself by his art and had to do irksome manual labour. Between 1850 and 1854 he made the series Eaux-fortes sur Paris which, however, were never published as a series. Though a master etcher, Meryon was not appreciated, and had to sell his plates for a few francs. He was at home with every style of architecture and of grey and lowering skies such as hang over cities, but he drew trees and foliage indifferently. Meryon died in a madhouse at Charenton in 1868, after having in despair damaged many of his plates. Old Paris (etchings by Meryon, with essay by P. G. Hamerton, 1914); Joan Haslip, Lady Hester Stanhope, 1934; Dora Wilcox in United Empire; The Press and New Zealand Times; Art in New Zealand, Mar 1930; Nouveau Larousse Illustré; Encycl. Brit., 14th ed. Reference: Volume 2, page 44 | Volume 2, page 44 🌳 Further sources |
William Bazire Messenger | William Bazire MessengerMESSENGER, WILLIAM BAZIRE (1834-1922) was born in Essex. His father, William Messenger, 1801-90, a midshipman in H.M.S. Queen Charlotte, was wounded at Algiers in 1816, and afterwards served in the East India Company. He settled in Taranaki in 1853 and was in the naval brigade at Waireka, 1860. Educated at Woodford House Academy, Messenger came to Taranaki with his parents in 1853 and at once took up a bush section. When hostilities broke out with the natives he joined the volunteers (1858), becoming a sergeant (1859), ensign in the militia (1860), lieutenant (1862) and captain (Jul 1863). After assisting to build the stockade at Omata, he moved into New Plymouth and accompanied Stapp's force to Waireka, where he saw his first service (Mar 1860). After much skirmishing in the neighbourhood of New Plymouth he joined the Bushrangers under Atkinson and Webster, and was present at Mahoetahi (Nov 1860). When fighting was renewed he was at Allen's Hill (Oct 1863). He was then appointed to command a company of the Military Settlers from Australia (Feb 1864) which was ordered to build a blockhouse at Sentry Hill, and afterwards moved on successively to Manutahi, Poutoko and Kaitaki. In the same year Messenger was sent to occupy the redoubt at Pukearuhe. In 1863 he was elected to the Provincial Council for Omata (which he represented to 1868). In Feb 1869 the Rev J. Whiteley called at Messenger's house on his way to hold a service at White Cliffs. He declined an invitation to spend the night, and next day was murdered by a Ngati-Maniapoto party at White Cliffs. After making sure that other settlers were safe, Messenger tried unsuccessfully to persuade friendly natives to accompany him to the scene. When Stapp's force came up they advanced from Urenui and found the bodies of the slain. Messenger received the thanks of the Government for his conduct. He was then stationed at Urenui under Good; assisted the militia to construct a blockhouse at Te Arei; and then proceeded as second-in-command of a force of Armed Constabulary, Bushrangers and friendlies to join in the pursuit of Titokowaru. He was recalled from this duty and spent the next few years in command of the post at White Cliffs and of armed parties of the A.C. making roads and bridges. He was promoted sub-inspector (1st cl.) in 1877; major in the permanent force, commanding the artillery at Wellington (1885); lieut-colonel 1899; commandant Royal N.Z. Artillery 1901. In 1889 he commanded the force which apprehended Te Kooti and turned him back from the East Coast. Messenger commanded the 10th N.Z. contingent, which sailed for South Africa (11 Apr 1902). He was on the staff of Mr Seddon during his South African tour, and returned to Melbourne in command of an Australian contingent. He went on the retired list as lieut-colonel on 30 Apr 1903, and died on 8 Apr 1922. He married (1863) Arabella, daughter of T. Mace. Taranaki P.C. Proc.; Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Cowan, N.Z. Wars; Taranaki Herald, 10 Apr 1922. Reference: Volume 2, page 44 | Volume 2, page 44 🌳 Further sources |
Henry Leslie Michel | Henry Leslie MichelMICHEL, HENRY LESLIE (1855-1930) was born in Newcastle, New South Wales, and came to New Zealand with his parents. Educated at Scott's Academy in Hokitika, he entered the office of Paterson and Co., in which he afterwards became a partner, and eventually managing director. He was a member of the borough council for 25 years from 1885, and mayor of Hokitika for 16 years, beginning in 1886. He was also chairman of the Westland education board, the Hokitika harbour board and the High School board, and a member of the school committee, the hospital and charitable aid board and the Greymouth harbour board; chairman of the school commissioners; president of the hospital committee; a trustee of the Hokitika Savings Bank; captain of the fire brigade and president of the fire brigades association of New Zealand. In politics Michel was a Liberal, and he contested parliamentary seats on various occasions (his opponents including A. R. Guinness and T.E. Y. Seddon). In 1918 he was called to the Legislative Council, of which he was a member till his death on 4 Mar 1930. Michel was a director of the Westland Timber Trading Co. and of the Ross Goldmining and Rimu goldfields companies, and invested a good deal in a local shipping company. As an Anglican, he held the offices of bishop's warden and superintendent of the Sunday school. As a freemason he was superintendent of Nelson and Westland and Dominion grand master, N.Z. constitution (1924). N.Z.P.D., 1918-30; Cycl. N.Z., v (p); Grey River Argus, 5 Mar 1930. Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 44 | Volume 2, page 44 🌳 Further sources |
Alexander Michie | Alexander MichieMICHIE, ALEXANDER (1853-1933), who was a son of an engineer, was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and educated at Sim's Academy, Aberdeen. In 1868 he joined the Bank of Scotland and four years later the Chartered Mercantile Bank of India, London and China. In 1874 he entered the head office of the National Bank of New Zealand as accountant, and coming to New Zealand in 1884 was inspector, and subsequently manager of the Dunedin branch. In 1886 he married Catherine Mary, daughter of H. J. Le Cren (Timaru). In 1891 he joined the Bank of New Zealand as manager in Dunedin, becoming acting general manager in 1904 and general manager in 1906. Resigning in the following year, he became a member of the London board, a London director of the New Zealand Shipping Co., and of the Union Steam Ship Co., and a member of the council of the Royal Colonial Institute. He was managing governor of the Royal Scottish Corporation. Michie died on 1 Jan 1933. Cycl. NZ, iv; Who's Who NZ, 1908, 1924; The Dominion, 5 Jan 1933. Reference: Volume 2, page 44 | Volume 2, page 44 🌳 Further sources |
John George Miles | John George MilesMILES, JOHN GEORGE, settled in Nelson and was member of Parliament for Waimea (1864-66). A man of independent means, he did not remain in New Zealand, but returned to England. Reference: Volume 2, page 44 | Volume 2, page 44 🌳 Further sources |
John Millar | John MillarMILLAR, JOHN (1807-76) was born in Scotland, and trained there as an engineer and surveyor. He first came to Melbourne in the early fifties, and carried out the Yan Yean waterworks and advised on the proposed dock. He then paid a visit to England, and returned to Australia in 1855 in the Schomberg. She was wrecked at Cape Otway, and Millar received a presentation casket for his efforts to save life. He was engineer for waterworks and drainage for Geelong, Brighton and Hotham, and made many reports on those subjects and town improvements. In 1859 he took service under the Government of Victoria, and in 1863 was appointed engineer to the town board of Dunedin. He put forward a scheme for the Dunedin water supply in 1863 and was also consulting engineer to the borough of Port Chalmers. On leaving the service of the Dunedin municipality (1866) he continued in private practice as an engineer and architect. Millar represented the City in the Otago Provincial Council (1867-70); and in 1867, 1869 and 1870 was defeated in elections for the mayoralty. In the early seventies he moved to Wanganui, where he was borough engineer (1874) and he was afterwards provincial engineer and chief surveyor in Nelson. Millar wrote many papers on professional subjects to British and American journals. He usually signed himself 'Millar, F.S.A.' He died at Nelson on 15 Nov 1876. Otago P.C. Proc.; Hocken, Otago; Wanganui Chronicle, 16 Sep 1874; The Colonist (Nelson), 16 Nov 1876. Reference: Volume 2, page 44 | Volume 2, page 44 🌳 Further sources |
John Andrew Millar | John Andrew MillarMILLAR, JOHN ANDREW (1855-1915) was born at Jullundur, India, the son of Major-General J. C. Millar, of the Bengal Staff Corps. He was educated in Edinburgh. In 1870 he sailed for New Zealand with the intention of becoming a sheep farmer, but took a liking to the sea and after serving his apprenticeship to Patrick Henderson and Co. he became an officer in the Shaw Savill and Albion Co. (1881). Between that date and 1887 he was engaged in the Home and the New Zealand coastal service both as officer and as captain. In 1887 he became general secretary of the Federated Seamen's Union. The outbreak of the maritime strike in Australia, and its extension to New Zealand (1890) brought Millar into prominence, and he distinguished himself by the resourceful manner in which he conducted the affairs of the federation throughout the struggle. He was secretary also of the maritime council. In the years following the strike Millar attained some eminence in the labour movement and was instrumental in promoting the Liberal-Labour federation in politics. In 1890 seamen were granted special electoral rights. Millar opposed James Mills for Chalmers and was defeated by 874 votes to 645. At the following election (1893) he defeated E. G. Allen by 1,748 votes to 1,627. In 1896 he was elected for the City of Dunedin, which he represented till 1905. Thereafter he was member for Dunedin Central (1905-08), and for Dunedin West (1908-14). He did not seek re-election in 1914 but was shortly afterwards called to the Legislative Council (Jun 1915). Millar soon gained a useful mastery of parliamentary procedure, and in 1899 was chairman of the labour bills committee. In 1900 he was a member of the royal commission on federation, and in 1903 was elected chairman of committees. He was not chosen for office under Seddon, but in Ward's reconstruction (1906) he was Minister of Customs, Labour and Marine. In the following year he carried through a tariff bill with considerable ability, and on the retirement of Hall-Jones he assumed responsibility also for the administration of Railways. Millar administered all these portfolios until the Government went out of office (Mar 1912). He was widely favoured as the successor of Ward, and his succession would undoubtedly have influenced the course of events in the following years; but with Mackenzie's accession to office Millar's future was decided, and he remained thereafter a private member until his death (on 15 Oct 1915). He was highly respected and had considerable influence in Liberal politics. In the session of 1908 Millar introduced a bill to establish industrial councils in place of the conciliation boards. He was one of the originators of Labour Day. N.Z.P.D., 1893-1914 (notably 10 May 1916); Paul; Condliffe; Stewart and Rossignol; Scholefield, N.Z. Evol.; N.Z. Chess Book, 1922; Cycl. N.Z., iv; N.Z. Herald, 20 Oct 1890; Otago Daily Times, 16 Oct 1915. Reference: Volume 2, page 45 | Volume 2, page 45 🌳 Further sources |
Henry John Miller | Henry John MillerMILLER, SIR HENRY JOHN (1830-1918) was the son of the Rev. Sir Thomas Miller, baronet, of Froyle, Alton, Hampshire. He was educated at Eton and Oxford, where he excelled in athletics and rowed against Cambridge. As a young man he went to Australia. He arrived in New Zealand in 1860, and became actively engaged in pastoral pursuits in north Otago. He was a founder of the North Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Miller was elected to the Otago Provincial Council for Oamaru Town in 1863, and represented it till 1867, being a member of the provincial executive as secretary for public works in 1863-66. In 1865 he was called to the Legislative Council, of which he was a member until a few months before his death. He was Speaker of the Council from 1892 to 1903. In 1901 he was knighted. He was chairman of the Oamaru dock trust, the harbour board and the Waitaki High School, in the foundation of which he took a considerable part. He was interested in coalmining, and for some years was chairman of the Westport Coal Co. He married (1864) Jessie, daughter of John Orbell (Waikouaiti). He died on 6 Feb 1918. Gisborne describes Miller as a true specimen of an English gentleman; frank, hearty and prepossessing in manner; scholarly, wise, tactful and occasionally eloquent. N.Z.P.D., pass. (notably 9 Apr 1919); Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Cycl. N.Z., iv (p); Bidwill; K. C. McDonald; Gisborne; Otago Daily Times, 7 Feb 1918. Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 45 | Volume 2, page 45 🌳 Further sources |
Charles Houghton Mills | Charles Houghton MillsMILLS, CHARLES HOUGHTON (1844-1923) was born at Nelson, his father being in the Prisons department there. He received most of his education in the public schools in Wellington, and spent four years as a pupil teacher in Te Aro school. He then went to sea for a few years; joined the Wakamarina rush and worked on farms; finally establishing himself in a commission agency at Havelock. There he took a leading part in public life, being member of the Provincial Council for Pelorus (1874-75), a member of the Pelorus road board and school committee, the Havelock town board, and the Picton hospital and charitable aid board. Later he was for some years a member of the Marlborough county council, education board and land board. In 1887 Mills contested Waimea-Picton against Seymour and Harkness, without success; but he gained the seat in 1890. At the following election the electorate was extinguished, and he was returned for Wairau as a supporter of the Seddon Government. He held the seat until 1908, and for eight years was senior Government whip. In 1900 he joined the ministry in charge of Customs and other departments, and he held office also in the Hall-Jones ministry (1906). Mills retired from the House in 1908, and a few months later was called to the Legislative Council of which he was a member 1909-16. He married (1871) a daughter of John Morrison and died on 3 Apr 1923. N.Z.P.D. 1890-1923 pass. (notably 15 Jun 1923); Cycl. N.Z., v; Who's Who N.Z., 1908; N.Z. Times and Evening Post, 4 Apr 1923. Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 45 | Volume 2, page 45 🌳 Further sources |
Edward William Mills | Edward William MillsMILLS, EDWARD WILLIAM (1829-1900) was born in Kensington and came to New Zealand with his parents in the Birman (1842). Their house being burned down later in that year, causing them considerable loss in material and tools, Mills took employment, and in 1846 assisted in a building contract for the Imperial government. After spending two years on the goldfields at Ballarat, he returned to Wellington (1854) and founded a hardware business which he carried on for many years. He established the Lion foundry and undertook the repair and building of steamers, the construction of locomotives and the erection of sawmills. He was a promoter and director of the Wellington Tramway Co. and a director of the Patent Slip Co. and the Colonial and the Commercial insurance companies. Mills was a member of the first Wellington town board and the first City Council (1870-77) but refused to stand for the mayoralty. He was president of the chamber of commerce (1889) and a member of the licensing committee (1896). He served in the militia, patrolling the bounds of Wellington in 1846, and joined no. 1 company Royal Rifle volunteers, of which he was captain from 1868 till it disbanded. He was a keen yachtsman and commodore of the Port Nicholson yacht club. Mills married (1854) a daughter of John F. Fortescue Wright. His death occurred in 1900. Ward; Cycl. N.Z., i; Wellington Independent, 14 Apr 1864. MILLS, SIR JAMES (1847-1936), the third son of William Mills (1809-1900, for many years collector of customs), was born in Wellington and educated in Dunedin. His first business experience was with James Macandrew and Co., whom he left to join John Jones, merchant and shipowner. In 1869 Mills, J. R. Jones and others organised a company to take over the Golden Age and other steamers and run a service between Dunedin and Port Chalmers. He became manager of this Harbour Steam Co. In 1875 he took a leading part in the foundation of the Union Steam Ship Co., of which he was appointed managing director. Under his management the company prospered and expanded widely in New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific. He was made chairman of the board in 1906. While still a young man Mills represented Waikouaiti in the Otago Provincial Council until the abolition in 1875. From 1887 to 1893 (when he retired) he was member for Port Chalmers in the House of Representatives. In 1904 he was elected honorary associate of the Australasian Institute of Marine Engineers, and in 1907 he attended the navigation conference in London as a representative of New Zealand shipping. Mills married in 1871 Annabella Langlands, and in 1888 Sadie Gertrude Fosbery. He was knighted in 1907. His death occurred on 23 Jan 1936. Cycl. N.Z., iv; Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Auckland Star, 27 Sep 1887; Otago Daily Times, 29 Jun 1907, 24 Jan 1936 (p). Reference: Volume 2, page 45 | Volume 2, page 45 🌳 Further sources |
William Varnham Millton | William Varnham MilltonMILLTON, WILLIAM VARNHAM (1858-87) was a son of Captain William Newton Millton (1814-89), who came to New Zealand first in 1842 and settled in Canterbury about 1860. He was educated at Christ's College, where he was a provincial scholar (1874), a Somes scholar (1875) and a university scholar (1874-75). Millton was admitted to the bar and practised law in Christchurch. He was a fine cricketer and Rugby footballer. He represented Canterbury at cricket from 1878 to 1886, playing against Auckland, Otago, Tasmania (1884), Shaw's eleven (1882) and the Australian eleven (1886). In football he represented Canterbury from 1876 to 1884. He played against New South Wales in 1882, and was captain of the New Zealand team which visited that Colony in 1884. Millton died on 22 Jun 1887. Christ's College List.; Acland; Lyttelton Times, 23 Jun 1887; The Press, 25 Jun 1887, 27 Apr 1888. Reference: Volume 2, page 46 | Volume 2, page 46 🌳 Further sources |
Alexander Milne | Alexander MilneMILNE, ALEXANDER (1814-95) arrived in Wellington by the Lady Nugent (1840), and lived at the Hutt for nine years. He then acquired the Rose Bank property at Fern Flats, Rangitikei. A very progressive settler, he was responsible for the formation of the first road board in the district—Kahauraponga—of which he was chairman. He was chairman also of the general road board and of the Rangitikei county council, and represented Rangitikei in the Wellington Provincial Council (from 1865 till the abolition). He died on 24 Dec 1895. Wellington P.C. Proc.; Cycl. N.Z., i (p); Rangitikei Advocate, 27, 28 Dec 1895. Reference: Volume 2, page 46 | Volume 2, page 46 🌳 Further sources |
George Mitchell | George MitchellMITCHELL, GEORGE (1877-1939) was born in Balclutha, and joined the firm of Andrew Lee, Dunedin, which he later represented there. He became a member of the Balclutha Mounted Rifles in 1898, and served with the 1st New Zealand Contingent in South Africa (1899-1902). As a major in the Southland Regiment he took part in the war of 1914-18, in Gallipoli and France (D.S.O.; Serbian Order of Karageorge, 4th cl.). Returning to New Zealand, Mitchell settled in Wellington, and was M.P. for Wellington South (1919-22); a member of the Wellington City Council (1923-25, 1927-31), a member and some time chairman of the harbour board (1921-29), a member of the Wellington College board of governors and the Free Ambulance Board. He was president of the Returned Soldiers' Association and an executive member of the War Relief Association. At the time of his death (on 16 Mar 1939) Mitchell was secretary of the Winter Show association. Studholme; Who's Who N.Z., 1924, 1932; The Dominion, 18 Mar 1939; N.Z.P.D., 30 Jun 1939. Reference: Volume 2, page 46 | Volume 2, page 46 🌳 Further sources |
Robert Mitchell | Robert MitchellMITCHELL, ROBERT, represented Waikouaiti in the Otago Provincial Council (1867-69) and in Parliament (1868-69). He left New Zealand in 1870 for the sake of his health. Reference: Volume 2, page 46 | Volume 2, page 46 🌳 Further sources |
William Murray Mitchell | William Murray MitchellMITCHELL, WILLIAM MURRAY (?-1851) held a captain's commission in the 84th Regiment, with which he served in India. He came to New Zealand on furlough in 1848 in search of suitable land, and travelled overland from Auckland to Wellington with H. W. Petre (q.v.). After visiting England in 1849, he returned to New Zealand and, with E. Dashwood, explored for a suitable stock route between Wairau and Port Cooper (1850). Travelling by the Waihopai valley, they reached the Plains in May; John Tinline and Impey using the Awatere route. Mitchell returned to India to sell his commission, intending to settle on his property at Mount Grey, but died at Madras on 25 Jun 1851. Acland; C. A. Macdonald; Godley, Letters; N.Z. Spectator, 7 Jan 1852; The Press, 14 Feb 1925. Reference: Volume 2, page 46 | Volume 2, page 46 🌳 Further sources |
Edwin Mitchelson | Edwin MitchelsonMITCHELSON, SIR EDWIN (1846-1934) was born at Auckland, his parents having arrived at Kaipara in the Hannah Watson. Educated at St Matthew's and Paterson's schools, he served his time as a carpenter, and at the age of 23 joined the staff of J. M. Dargaville at Wairoa. He rose to be manager of the company, and when certain of its activities were sold to the Sash and Door Co. he took over the rest and established the firm of E. Mitchelson and Co. at Dargaville. There he carried on a flourishing timber and kauri gum business till 1922, when he retired, leaving the business mainly to the men in his employ. Mitchelson began public life as a member of the Hobson county council soon after its creation in 1876, and in 1881 he was elected to represent Marsden in Parliament. He sat for Marsden till 1887, and for Eden from that year till 1896, when he lost his seat in contesting the triple electorate of Auckland. Mitchelson was a supporter of Sir Harry Atkinson and held office in his government as Minister of Public Works in 1883-84 and again in 1884. When the party came into power again in 1887 he was Minister of Public Works and Native Affairs, and in 1889 also Postmaster-general and Commissioner of Customs. When his defeat in 1896 furnished him with leisure Mitchelson rendered valuable service in local affairs. In 1903 he became chairman of the Remuera road board and mayor of the City of Auckland, holding the former office for three years and the latter for two. He was chairman of the harbour board (1905-09), a city sinking fund commissioner, a member of the University College Council (1903-05); a trustee of the Auckland Savings Bank and the Veterans' Home; and for some time president of the Auckland Institute and Museum. In 1920 Mitchelson was created a K.C.M.G., and in the same year he was called to the Legislative Council, in which he served till his death (on 11 Apr 1934). As a sportsman Mitchelson became a member of the Auckland Racing Club in 1883, and he was president for 30 years till his retirement in 1932. He was one of the syndicate of eight which founded the first stud farm (under the style of the Glen Orchard Stud Co., afterwards the New Zealand Stud and Pedigree Stock Co.), with the object of breeding horses fit to race in Australia. One of his first horses was Vampire. Later the syndicate owned such horses as Whakawai, Tranter, Formo, Escutcheon, Fabulous and Corunna. Mitchelson was passionately fond of flowers, and had much to do with the beautification of the racecourse at Ellerslie, where his influence is commemorated by a bronze bust by Bertram Mackennal. N.Z.P.D., 29 Jun 1934; Who's Who N.Z., 1908, 1924, 1932; N.Z. Herald, 12 Apr 1934; N.Z. Graphic, 10 Sep 1882 (p). Reference: Volume 2, page 46 | Volume 2, page 46 🌳 Further sources |
William Pollock Moat | William Pollock MoatMOAT, WILLIAM POLLOCK (1827-95) was born at Dunmurry, in County Antrim, Ireland, the son of a linen bleacher. Educated at the Royal Academical Institution in Belfast, he was articled to a leading solicitor (1844) and admitted to practise in the Irish courts (1849). After two years' practice in Belfast, he came to Auckland in the Lord William Bentinck (1851), but was immediately attracted to the Victorian goldfields, and remained there engaged in mining till 1861. Coming to New Zealand he took up a farm, but left at once for Queensland, and having returned to Victoria came back to New Zealand finally in 1868. Moat took up land at Mahurangi Heads, where he farmed to 1890. He was chairman of the Eastern and Lower Mahurangi highway boards; a member of the first board of education from 1878 (of which he was deputy-chairman 1880-82 and chairman 1883-84); chairman of the education reserves commissioners (1880-83), a member of the Grammar School board and the land board (1876-83). He was M.P.C. for Warkworth (1873-75) and M.H.R. for Rodney (1884-90). His death occurred on 24 Mar 1895. Moat was a prominent freemason (E.C.). Parltry record; Auckland P.C. Proc.; N.Z. Herald, 25, 27 Mar 1895. Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 47 | Volume 2, page 47 🌳 Further sources |
Moehanga | MoehangaMOEHANGA, a young Ngapuhi warrior of good family, lived at Patuna, north of Whangarei. He attracted the attention of Dr Savage (q.v.) on his visit to Bay of Islands in the whaler Ferret in 1805, and accompanied him to England, by way of Cape Horn and St Helena (where he first saw European civilisation). Moehanga was well received in England, where he spent a few weeks under Savage's protection, and was presented to Lord Fitzwilliam, president of the Council. As the first New Zealander to visit the country, he attracted much attention and received many gifts of tools, with instruction in their use. He returned to New Zealand under the care of Captain Philip Skelton, of the Ferret. Nicholas saw Moehanga in 1815 and Marsden met him in 1819, when he had been punished and banished by his chief for stealing an axe from a ship. P. Dillon, who considered him a chief, took him from Bay of Islands in 1827 to New Hebrides and back. Savage, Some Account of New Zealand, 1807; S.P. Smith; Dillon; Nicholas; Marsden, L. and J. Reference: Volume 2, page 47 | Volume 2, page 47 🌳 Further sources |
Francis Alexander Molesworth | Francis Alexander MolesworthMOLESWORTH, FRANCIS ALEXANDER (1818-46), was the second son of Sir Arscott Molesworth, 7th baronet, and brother of Sir William Molesworth. Having taken an interest in the New Zealand Company, he came to Port Nicholson in the Oriental (1840) and took up land at the Hutt, where he erected a fine homestead and a flourmill, for which he had brought the machinery. Pictures of his farm appear in Brees's portfolio. Molesworth was a member of the provisional committee in 1840. A director of the cattle company formed in 1840, he established a cattle farm at Miramar. He imported blood horses from Australia and rode them successfully at early race meetings. As a horticulturist he won many prizes. Molesworth was in business with E. B. Hopper and H. W. Petre until the death of Hopper in Sep 1840 led to the dissolution of the partnership. He erected houses on his town sections and afterwards lived there. In 1842 he presided at the meetings of land claimants, and later in the year he was elected an alderman of the borough. Having suffered injury in felling a tree, he returned to England, where he died on 4 Aug 1846. He gave evidence before the committee of Parliament in 1844. Pencarrow was named after Sir William Molesworth's seat in Cornwall. G.B.M.S., 1845-56; Cycl. N.Z., i; N.Z.C. reports; Burke, Peerage; E. J. Wakefield, Adventure; Ward. Reference: Volume 2, page 47 | Volume 2, page 47 🌳 Further sources |
Alexander Mollison | Alexander MollisonMOLLISON, ALEXANDER (1823-1900) was born at Laurencekirk, Kincardineshire, and was in business in Montrose. In 1856 he came to Lyttelton by the Egmont, proceeded to Otago by the Julia Ann and was employed in his brother's store and that of Harris and Young until 1858, when he started in business for himself. He sold out in 1861 to go to the goldfields, where he opened a store and then settled on a farm at Janefield, East Taieri, and later at Waihola Park. He represented Waihola in the Provincial Council (1863-75), and was two years on the executive (1866-68). For six years he had the contract for carting goods arriving in Dunedin by railway and then, with his brother James, he founded the firm of Mollisons, Duthie and Co. (drapers and clothiers). He was a member of the first town board and fire board and was some years on the Roslyn borough council. He married (1853) a daughter of Robert Forsyth (Laurencekirk). Mollison died on 30 Jan 1900. Otago P.C. Proc.; Cycl. N.Z., iv; Otago Daily Times, 31 Jan 1900. Reference: Volume 2, page 48 | Volume 2, page 48 🌳 Further sources |
Charles Arthur Whitmore Monckton | Charles Arthur Whitmore MoncktonMONCKTON, CHARLES ARTHUR WHITMORE (1872-1936) was the son of Dr F. A. Monckton (q.v.). He was educated at Wanganui College, and in 1895 went to Cooktown, Queensland, in the hope of obtaining employment in the British New Guinea native service. Being unsuccessful at the time, he spent some years prospecting for gold and pearl fishing; returned to New Zealand and studied navigation, and again went to New Guinea as a goldminer. He was appointed to the native service, and for thirty years he carried out the duties of resident magistrate with success, gaining an exceptional knowledge of the native tribes in the interior. For eight years he was engaged in the pursuit of murderers and raiding parties in the Samari district and in governing a portion of north-eastern New Guinea which had hitherto been unadministered. In 1903 he was entrusted with the northern division, which also he reduced to order. In 1906, in face of native opposition, he made an ascent of Mount Albert Edward (13,200 ft). In order to obtain information about gold discoveries he made a dangerous exploration of the Wasia river. He also traversed the territory from Kaiser Wilhelm Land to the gulf of Papua. Monckton was at different times gold warden, constabulary officer and member of the executive and Legislative Council. On his death (1 Mar 1936) The Times described him as "one who possessed in no small degree the audacity and enterprise of the pioneers who have made the Empire." Monckton was elected a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and of the Zoological Society and a member of the Royal Central Asian Society. In the Great War he served in India. He wrote Some Experiences of a New Guinea Resident Magistrate (1920), Last Days in New Guinea (1922) and New Guinea Recollections (1934). Monckton, op. cit. and Polyn. Jour. v, 184; The Times, 2 Mar 1936. Reference: Volume 2, page 48 | Volume 2, page 48 🌳 Further sources |
Francis Alexander Monckton | Francis Alexander MoncktonMONCKTON, FRANCIS ALEXANDER (1835-1910) was born at Maidstone, Kent, his father being a solicitor and town clerk. He was educated at Corpus Christi Hall, Maidstone, and London Hospital (M.R.C.S. 1855). He at once went on service in the Crimean War, first in a frigate, afterwards in the flagship of the Baltic squadron, in a gunboat and eventually in the Hastings, in which he took part in the bombardment of Sveaborg. After two years' war service Monckton sailed as surgeon in the Agra for Otago. On landing he rode through to Invercargill, where he decided to practise his profession. For five years he practised in Riverton, where he was the first hospital doctor. There he married (1863) Sarah Annie, widow of Thomas Newton. In 1864 he found it advisable to move again to Invercargill, where he became resident surgeon of the hospital. He was later coroner on the retirement of his partner (S. Hodgkinson, q.v.) He practised again in Riverton for some years and left in 1879. He was at Ross, Westland (1881-83) and afterwards at Kumara, Reefton and Nelson, finally settling in Feilding in 1886. While in Southland Monckton was for two years a member of the Provincial Council, representing Longwood (1867-69), and was twice a member of the superintendent's executive. In 1874 he leased the Auckland Islands to establish a depot for supplying whalers and sealers with stores and equipment. He purchased the schooner Mabel Jane and made several extended voyages to the Aucklands, but the venture was a costly failure. On settling in Feilding he took a great interest in public matters, and was elected mayor in 1889 (on the casting vote of the returning officer). He died on 25 Mar 1910. Monckton was a skilful surgeon who wrote many professional papers. He invented an accident bedstead which was awarded a prize at the Wellington Exhibition (1885). (See C. A. W. MONCKTON.) Fulton, p. 62-75 (p); Cycl. NZ., i; Feilding Star, 26 Mar 1910. Reference: Volume 2, page 48 | Volume 2, page 48 🌳 Further sources |
Richard Monk | Richard MonkMONK, RICHARD (1833-1912) was born in Lancashire and came to New Zealand with his father, who settled at Hokianga before 1840. In 1849 with his father he went to the golddiggings in California and from there to Australia, returning to New Zealand in 1853. He was a carpenter by trade and started the business of Monk and Morgan in Auckland, which developed into the sash and door factory. He was an expert in the designing and erection of sawmills. From 1881-87 he was associated with the Mercury Bay Timber Co. Monk had a seat on the Auckland education board and the Waitemata county council, and in 1881 contested the Parnell seat in Parliament as an opponent of Grey. He was elected for Waitemata in 1886, and sat for that constituency till 1893. His re-election in that year being declared void, he regained the seat in 1896 and held it till 1902, when he retired. Monk was a competent Maori linguist, and an eloquent public speaker. He died on 2 May 1912. N.Z.P.D., 27 Jun 1912; Cycl. N.Z., ii (p); N.Z. Herald, 3 May 1912; Auckland Star, 27 Aug 1897. Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 48 | Volume 2, page 48 🌳 Further sources |
Ditlev Gothard Monrad | Ditlev Gothard MonradMONRAD, DITLEV GOTHARD (1811-87) was born at Copenhagen, Denmark, and brought up by his uncle, a merchant of Praestoe. Showing unusual promise, he was assisted by the clergy and other citizens to prosecute his studies, and he took his degree with distinction. He read the Old Testament in the original, translated the Arabian Nights into Danish, and devoted much attention to philosophy. His fellow students and friends at this time included Hall (afterwards Prime Minister), Count Knuth, Barfod and the historian Allen. On the death of King Frederick VI (1839) Monrad attended a public meeting to ask the new king for a constitution, and thenceforward was recognised as a leader in progressive politics. Though he wrote with moderation, he did not escape conflict with the law. In 1840 he was one of the editors of the Faedrelandet. He travelled widely in Europe and urged the liberalising of education in his own country. In 1843 he became editor of the free press organ Dansk Folkeblad, and three years later, through the influence of Knuth, he was given the living of Vesternisley, in Laaland. At the end of 1846 he was elected as the fourth member of the Estates for the city of Copenhagen. On the accession of Frederick VII (1848) the Liberal cause was in the ascendant, and Monrad became a member of the Government, as Minister for Church and Schools. In the following year he took the lead in drafting the new fundamental law. He was made Bishop of Laaland and Falster and elected a member of the Rigsdag for the fourth (Maribo) district, which he represented until 1864. He was also elected to the Rigsraad (or Assembly) for Denmark proper and Schleswig. Unfortunately the dispute with Prussia over the duchies came to a head. Hall resigned and Monrad reformed the ministry (Dec 1863); but the outbreak of hostilities and the loss of the duchies compelled him to resign (Jun 1864). His unpopularity was such that he deemed it wise to leave the country. With his wife and family he came to New Zealand, and after spending a few weeks in Nelson and Wanganui bought land at Karere, six miles south of Palmerston North. The war on the West Coast assumed such an alarming aspect in 1868 that Monrad felt it imprudent to remain longer in so isolated a situation, the settlers lower down the Manawatu having withdrawn to Foxton. Hearing that Titokowaru was again advancing southward, he decided to hasten his return to Denmark. His books, plate and other valuables were hastily buried in the ground, and in Jan 1869 Monrad sailed with his family for Europe. In recognition of the hospitality New Zealand had afforded him, he presented a fine collection of etchings to the Government (now housed in the Turnbull Library). Monrad died on 28 Mar 1887. Taylor, Past and Present; N.Z. Gaz., 16 Jan 1869; Independent, 19 Jan 1869; The Dominion, 4, 10 Reference: Volume 2, page 48 | Volume 2, page 48 🌳 Further sources |
George Home Binning Monro | George Home Binning MonroGEORGE HOME BINNING MONRO (1840-85) settled at Valleyfield, Marlborough, and represented Awatere in the Provincial Council (1864-65). He died on 25 Jun 1885. N.Z.P.D.; Cycl. N.Z., i, v (pp); Burke's Landed Gentry; Saunders; Arnold; Wigram; Hocken, Otago; J. A. Thomson; Nelson Evening Mail, 15 Feb 1877; Examiner (Nelson), 26 Oct, 9 Nov 1850. Portrait: Speakers' gallery, Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 49 | Volume 2, page 49 🌳 Further sources |
David Monro | David MonroMONRO, SIR DAVID (1813-77) was born in Edinburgh, the son of Dr Alexander Monro, president of the Royal Society of Physicians and professor of anatomy and surgery at the university. His great grandfather was founder of the medical school, at which three generations held the chair of anatomy. Monro proceeded afterwards to the medical schools at Paris, Berlin and Vienna. Having bought land from the New Zealand Company in London, he arrived in Melbourne as a surgeon in the ship Tasmania in 1841 and early in 1842 came to Nelson. He followed pastoral pursuits for some years, and in 1844 accompanied Tuckett on his expedition to explore Otago for a site for the Presbyterian colony. Monro's description of this journey appeared in the Nelson Examiner in July 1844, and as an appendix to Hocken's History of Otago. With Stafford and Domett, Monro took a leading part in political controversy in the forties, and strongly resisted the attempt to load the Nelson settlers with the debts of the New Zealand Company. He was a magistrate from 1842. In 1849 he was appointed as one of the members of the Legislative Council of New Munster. When first nominated, he expressed his regret to Grey that the upper chamber was a nominative body instead of being elective, and reminded the Governor that he himself had expressed his opinion to the same effect. Monro resigned from the Council in 1850 in view of a despatch from the Secretary of State, which suggested that nominee membership was incompatible with independence. When the constitution was brought into force in 1853 Monro was elected to represent Waimea West in the Nelson Provincial Council, and at the same time as a representative of Waimea in Parliament. Sitting in the Council till 1857 for Waimea West, from 1857-61 for Nelson, and from 1861-64 for Amuri, he remained throughout a private member. He twice contested the superintendency against Robinson. The claims of general politics absorbed too much of his attention to permit him to take a prominent part in the provincial sphere. He sat in Parliament for Waimea (1853-55 and 1858-60); for Picton 1861, and for Cheviot 1866-70. Elected for Motueka in 1871, he was unseated on petition but then won the Waikouaiti seat, which he held 1872-73. In 1861 Monro was elected to succeed Sir Charles Clifford as Speaker of the House of Representatives, a position which he held until 1870. Knighted in 1866, he retired from the speakership in 1870, and from Parliament in 1873. His unconventional ruling in 1862, whereby he gave his casting vote against the government in office, was responsible for the resignation of the Fox ministry and the accession of Domett to office. Monro died on 15 Feb 1877. A nephew, ALEXANDER BINNING MONRO (1838-1918) was the son of Alexander Binning Monro, of Auchinbowie, Stirling. He came to New Zealand in the forties and settled in Marlborough. He represented Upper Wairau in the Marlborough Provincial Council (1869-70). He died on 24 Nov 1918. His brother, Cycl. NZ Reference: Volume 2, page 49 | Volume 2, page 49 🌳 Further sources |
William Montgomery | William MontgomeryMONTGOMERY, WILLIAM (1821-1914) came of an old Scotch family which settled in northern Ireland about 1620. He was born in London, the son of Josias Montgomery, who four years later was killed in the hunting field. He was then brought up at Boltmaconnel, near Belfast, and attended the Royal Academical Institution, where an uncle, Dr Henry Montgomery, an eminent Unitarian divine, was English master. Montgomery had an adventurous disposition and was apprenticed to the sea at the age of 13 at the wage of £4 a year. He showed marked ability, became third mate, and studied navigation and astronomy. When he was only seventeen, the captain being habitually drunk and the first mate ignorant of navigation, he navigated the vessel from the Mediterranean to London. The owners made him a captain. After running this ship for some years he bought it, and later had a new vessel built. Montgomery at one time was on the point of joining a band of young men who were going to Chile; but after reading Dunmore Lang's Australia Felix he changed his mind. Landing in Melbourne in 1851, he found the gold fever raging in New South Wales, and Port Phillip crowded with ships deserted by their crews. He bought an acre of land at the corner of Swanson and Bourke streets; but as diggers constantly pitched their tents on it and refused to be ejected, he sold it and bought land in the country. He was one of a party of four who found gold some miles up the Yarra river. He afterwards visited Ballarat, Forest Creek, Friar's Creek and other fields, and acquired sufficient money to purchase a station on the Darling Downs. Here he worked hard for some years until he was ruined by a severe drought. Deciding to seek a more kindly climate, he crossed to New Zealand in 1860 and settled in Christchurch. He went into business as a timber merchant, prospered moderately, and devoted some of his ripe experience to the affairs of the community. He first appeared in public life in 1864, as a member of the Heathcote road board. For several years he served on these boards, some time as chairman. This led naturally to his election, in July 1866, as member of the Provincial Council for Heathcote. Before the end of the year he was a member of the executive, and in 1867 he was for a short time deputy-superintendent. In Mar 1868 he was again in the executive as provincial treasurer, an office which he held until May 1869. When the Council was dissolved early in 1870, he retired, but in Sep 1873 he was again returned for Heathcote, which he continued to represent until the abolition. He was in the executive from Jan 1874 to Apr 1875, most of the time as president. While Montgomery was in the Council it abolished school fees and set up school districts with committees elected by the householders. The education ordinance of 1870 provided for non-sectarian education as the considered policy of the Superintendent and the executive. At the last moment of the election campaign, early in 1874, the denominationalists persuaded Stafford, who had recently come to live in the district, to allow himself to be nominated as a candidate. Though he had been Superintendent of Nelson he had never been a member of a provincial council; but he felt strongly on this subject and agreed to stand in the hope of having the ordinance amended. At a meeting in the Colombo road school (at which Montgomery and Sir Cracroft Wilson also spoke) Stafford, supported by Sir David Monro, made one of the best speeches of his career. The provincial government nevertheless triumphed. Montgomery polled 483 votes, Fisher 315, Wilson 280, Stafford 163. A fortnight later Montgomery was returned as member for Akaroa in the House of Representatives (defeating Pilliet by 186 votes to 76). In Parliament his clear thinking and obvious unselfishness soon gained him the respect of both sides. A Liberal by conviction, he was, in the words of Saunders, "the most consistent, the most unselfish, clear-headed, and clean-handed member of the party then supporting Sir George Grey." Grey offered him the position of Colonial Treasurer in 1877; but he refused to accept, as Grey could not give a definite assurance that the Canterbury land fund would not be absorbed in the Colonial revenue. Nevertheless he supported Grey; and on his visit to Christchurch moved a vote of unbounded confidence. In 1881 he was returned unopposed for Akaroa. Ballance having been defeated, Montgomery was elected leader of the Liberal party, and was looked upon as a future premier. He "sought nothing for himself. Always too ready to efface himself," said a biographer when he died, "and to give others the honour that the work might be done. History will never record the country's incalculable debt to this true patriot and simple Christian gentleman." In 1884 he once more gave evidence of his utter unselfishness. Vogel had submitted the names of a new cabinet, including Montgomery as Minister for Education and Colonial Secretary. They duly took office, but within a fortnight were defeated through the discontent of the Auckland members with the preponderance of South Islanders in the Cabinet. To meet the exigency, Vogel accepted the self-sacrifice of Montgomery, and returned to power with a due representation of Auckland. "Such self-sacrifice and self-abnegation will never be forgotten by me," remarked Stout in the House. At the elections of 1884 (when he defeated Anson for Akaroa) 15 members of the new Parliament had declared themselves in favour of his leadership. Montgomery cheerfully remained a private member throughout the Parliament, and retired at the end of 1887 in order to pay a visit to England. Besides his service on the road board he was a member of the Canterbury board of education (1866-75) and chairman from 1867. He was associated with Tancred, Rolleston, Hallens and W. C. Walker in the administration of the Canterbury system. Later, on the introduction of the national system, Montgomery was a member of the education board (1876-85) and for some time chairman. He was a governor of Canterbury College (1873-1903) and for 10 years chairman. During his chairmanship many buildings were erected for the College, and the museum, the Boys' High School, the School of Art and the Public Library. He strongly opposed the Bible in schools. "The Bible is one of the grandest of books to study," he said. "It contains the history of the human race in its various phases. It contains the greatest consolation for men, whether in health or in sickness. But let it not be introduced to destroy a system of education which is a credit to the colony." In 1892 the Liberal Government appointed Montgomery to the Legislative Council. When he resigned in 1907 he was granted the title of 'honourable' for life. He was frequently consulted by both Ballance and Seddon, and was for two years (1893-95) a member of the executive without portfolio. "An orderly and methodical rather than a forceful speaker, he rarely if ever indulged in harsh language even under strong provocation," remarks Saunders. Having supported manhood suffrage, and even women's suffrage, as long ago as 1879, he voted with the Liberal party on all such questions. Montgomery died on 21 Dec 1914. His son WILLIAM HUGH MONTGOMERY, was M.H.R. for Ellesmere 1893-99. Canterbury P.C. Proc.; N.Z.P.D., 25 Jun 1915; Saunders; Reeves; Drummond; N.Z. Times, 17 Oct 1892; Lyttelton Times, 22 Dec 1914; The Press, 1 Mar 1920 (p). Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 50 | Volume 2, page 50 🌳 Further sources |
Charles Otto Montrose | Charles Otto MontroseMONTROSE, CHARLES OTTO (1840-1907) was born in Kent and served for some years in the Royal Navy, being present at Sebastopol. He then spent nine years in the army, rising to the rank of regimental-sergeant major of the 40th Regiment, with which he came to New Zealand in 1860. He was at Mahoetahi and other engagements, and in 1869 retired from the army and engaged in journalism. He was sub-editor of the Auckland Star, and editor and part proprietor of the Auckland Observer. He founded a newspaper at Cambridge and was the author of some of the letterpress of Picturesque New Zealand (1886). Montrose wrote much of the history of New Zealand for serial publication in the New Zealand Herald in 1893, and spent the last years of his life as a parliamentary correspondent. He died on 9 Aug 1907. Evening Post and N.Z. Times, 10 Aug 1907. Reference: Volume 2, page 50 | Volume 2, page 50 🌳 Further sources |
Frederick George Moore | Frederick George MooreMOORE, FREDERICK GEORGE (1815-92), the son of Captain William Moore, R.N., arrived in Wellington in the Bengal Merchant (1840) having purchased land from the Company in London. Unable to gain possession of his land, he bought the brigantine Jewess, 130 tons, floated her off the Petone beach, and traded with some success on the coast until she was wrecked at Paekakariki (Apr 1841). In 1841 he piloted Captain Arthur Wakefield's ships into Nelson. Moore visited England in charge of New Zealand exhibits for the 1851 Exhibition. He wrote in the papers advocating a steamer service with New Zealand, and published a pamphlet on New Zealand flax. In 1852 he married Caroline, daughter of Robert Phelps, barrister (mayor of Tewkesbury). For some time he was in business as a merchant in Melbourne, and on returning to New Zealand was interested in mining companies and in the West Wanganui Coal Co. He died on 14 Nov 1892. MSS. in Turnbull Library; Evening Post, 14 and 15 Nov 1892. Reference: Volume 2, page 50 | Volume 2, page 50 🌳 Further sources |
George Moore | George MooreMOORE, GEORGE (1805-77) came to New Zealand in the Martha Ridgway (1841) and started in business in Wellington as a general merchant. As a lieutenant in the militia he took part in the Maori war, including the operations in the Hutt valley (1845-46). In Dec 1848 Moore was nominated by Grey to a seat in the Legislative Council of New Munster. When the new constitution was inaugurated he was elected to the Wellington Provincial Council for Wellington City, which he represented (1853-54). He married (1868) Elizabeth Mary, daughter of Davis Canning, of St Andrews, Wiltshire. Moore was associated with many charitable movements in the city, and endowed scholarships at Wellington College. He died on 6 Oct 1877. Wellington P.C. Proc.; Ward; Leckie; N.Z. Spectator, 30 Jul 1853; Evening Post, 8 Oct 1877. Reference: Volume 2, page 50 | Volume 2, page 50 🌳 Further sources |
George Henry Moore | George Henry MooreMOORE, GEORGE HENRY (1812-1905) was born at Billown, Isle of Man, his father, Thomas Moore, J.P., being a member of the House of Keys and captain of the parish. As a young man he emigrated to Tasmania and worked for William Kermode, of Mona Vale, whose daughter Annie he married in 1840. In the early fifties Kermode sent Moore to Canterbury to buy land in partnership. In 1854 Moore bought the freehold of part of Teviotdale, along the Omihi river. This property was steadily added to during the next few decades until Glenmark, extending from the Hurunui to the Waipara, was the most valuable station in Canterbury, aggregating 81,000 acres and carrying over 90,000 sheep. In 1856 the partners had bought 56,000 acres of freehold. They imported their cattle mainly from Norfolk Island, and in 1854 they shore 11,000 sheep. In 1864 Moore bought 10,000 acres of the Motunau station and in the early seventies he bought out his partner. His property steadily increased in value and in 1882 ranked as the most important in the so-called 'Domesday Book.' Having lost his sight, Moore commenced about 1900 to sell his property, but when he died (7 Jul 1905) he bequeathed a valuable residue to his daughter (Mrs Townend). Moore was one of the few landowners in Canterbury who sowed tussock seed on burned manuka land to shelter the finer grasses. The most important finds of moa bones in New Zealand were discovered at Glenmark. The first three skeletons were unearthed by Moore himself in 1857. In 1866 workmen digging a drain dislodged bones in amazing quantities. Von Haast identified 14 species and estimated that the bones represented a holocaust of 1,000 birds. Cox, Gents, Acland; Buick, The Mystery of the Moa. Reference: Volume 2, page 50 | Volume 2, page 50 🌳 Further sources |
Joseph Schroder Moore | Joseph Schroder MooreMOORE, JOSEPH SCHRODER, was a son of the Rev. Francis Moore and a brother of the Rev. Lorenzo Moore. He studied for the bar, was admitted in England and practised in Wellington in partnership with A. de B. Brandon (q.v.). In 1866 he was appointed acting puisne judge, a position he held for two years. Presiding at the criminal sessions in Auckland (Jun 1868), Moore ordered the whipping of persons found guilty of garotting. Southern Cross, 15 Nov 1867; Otago Daily Times, 17 Feb 1880, 4 Nov 1881 Reference: Volume 2, page 50 | Volume 2, page 50 🌳 Further sources |
Lorenzo Moore | Lorenzo MooreMOORE, LORENZO (1808-94) at the age of 18 joined the service of the East India Company as cornet in the 5th Madras Light Cavalry. In 1830 he was promoted lieutenant, and afterwards he became quartermaster and interpreter to the regiment. (Brevet-captain 1841; captain 1842; retired 1846; major 1854.) Meanwhile he entered St Catherine's Hall, Cambridge where he graduated M.A. He was ordained priest in 1852 and appointed to Tunbridge Wells. In 1855 he became incumbent of Rochester, Derbyshire; in 1857 curate of Drypool, Hull; and in 1859 he sailed for Auckland. Hearing of native troubles in New Zealand he remained in Melbourne and accepted temporary positions at St Paul's, Geelong, and at Brighton. In 1862 he came to Christchurch as incumbent of Papanui. After retiring (1874) he took up his residence at Port Chalmers (where he occasionally preached at Knox Church), and finally lived in Nelson. There his wife died (7 Mar 1894), and he himself on 13 Aug. (See SIR JOHN GORST.) N.Z. Clergy List., 1889; N.Z. Times, 27 Jul 1876; The Colonist, 14 Aug 1894. Reference: Volume 2, page 50 | Volume 2, page 50 🌳 Further sources |
Richard Moore | Richard MooreMOORE, RICHARD (1849-1936) was born in London and came to New Zealand with his parents in the Steadfast (1851). Educated at Broughton's and Merton's schools in Christchurch and Rangiora, he entered into business in Kaiapoi at the age of 21 as a coachbuilder and wheelwright, adding saddlery later. In the days of horse transport he constructed the first large wool wagons used in north Canterbury. Disposing of this business, Moore acquired an interest in the Kaiapoi Produce Co., which he afterwards took over from his partners (R. and H. Evans) and eventually sold to the Kaiapoi Produce and Shipping Co. He was a large shareholder in the Kaiapoi Woollen Co. and promoted two building societies in the town. In public life Moore was a member of the school committee in the early eighties (chairman 14 years); a member of the borough council for eight years and mayor 1884-87; chairman of the Waimakariri harbour board and a member of the Lyttelton harbour board (chairman 1928-30). He was a keen sportsman, a member of the boating club and president of the rifle club. Moore contested the Kaiapoi seat against E. Richardson in 1887 and was elected in 1890 (defeating Hoban). He was defeated by Buddo in 1893; turned the tables in 1896, but was again unseated by Buddo in 1899. In 1914 he was called to the Legislative Council, of which he was a member until 1935. He died on 12 Sep 1936. He married a daughter of R. Woodford. N.Z.P.D., pass. 1890-1935; Cycl. N.Z., iii (P); The Press, 14 Sep 1936. Reference: Volume 2, page 50 | Volume 2, page 50 🌳 Further sources |
William Moore | William MooreMOORE, WILLIAM (1847-1933) was born at Garran, County Derry, Ireland, educated locally, and in 1868 arrived at Port Chalmers by the E. P. Bouverie. For four years he worked on the land; in 1872 he opened a store near Clarksville bridge with H. Marryatt, and in 1884 he bought Peter Cunningham's store at Milton. Moore was a member of the Milton borough council and for 14 years mayor; vice-president of the Bruce Building Society, chairman of the domain board, one of the founders (and chairman from 1897) of the Bruce Woollen Co., and a member of the Tokomairiro District High School committee (25 years) and chairman (1886-88, 1892 and 1898-1908). In 1879 he married Jane, daughter of Edward Martin (q.v.). Retiring from business in 1919, Moore died on 6 Jul 1933. Cycl. NZ, iv (p); Who's Who NZ, 1924, 1932; Scholefield, Tokomairiro DHS (p); Bruce Herald, 6 Jul 1933 (p). Reference: Volume 2, page 51 | Volume 2, page 51 🌳 Further sources |
William Moore | William MooreMOORE, WILLIAM, was headmaster of the first school at Renwicktown, Marlborough. He frequently wrote verse for the Marlborough papers, and in 1867 published a volume entitled The Farewell and Other Poems. Many were in the Scottish dialect. Marlborough Express, 19 Jan 1889. Reference: Volume 2, page 51 | Volume 2, page 51 🌳 Further sources |
Horace Moore-Jones | Horace Moore-JonesMOORE-JONES, HORACE (1868-1922) was born at Malvern Wells, Worcestershire, educated there and came to New Zealand with his parents in 1885. His mother (1838-1929) kept girls' schools in Auckland. He studied art in Sydney and London and had a good command of water colours. While living in Sydney he was a member of the council of the Royal Art Society. In 1914, while in England, he joined the British section of the N.Z.E.F. and proceeded to Gallipoli as a sapper in No. 1 Field Company New Zealand Engineers. There he made many sketches of the war which were exhibited in England when he arrived there in 1916 and afterwards in New Zealand and Australia. A portfolio of sketches was published before the collection was acquired by the Australian Government for the War Museum. After returning to New Zealand Moore-Jones engaged in sketching and was teaching art classes at Hamilton when he met his death (in a fire) on 3 Apr 1922. Examples of his work appear in the Auckland Art Gallery and other public collections. W. Moore, The Story of Australian Art (1934) ii 47-8; The Press, 5 Apr 1922; N.Z. Herald, 4 Apr 1922, 9 Sep 1929. Reference: Volume 2, page 275 | Volume 2, page 275 🌳 Further sources |
William Sefton Moorhouse | William Sefton MoorhouseMOORHOUSE, WILLIAM SEFTON (1825-81) was born at Knottingley House, Yorkshire, the eldest son of William Moorhouse, a magistrate of the county. After receiving a good education he wished to go to sea, and was eventually apprenticed and made several long voyages. Then Sir Samuel Martin, M.P. for Pontefract (and afterwards Baron of the Exchequer), who had been assisted by the elder Moorhouse in his election to Parliament, advised putting him into the legal profession. He accordingly entered the chambers of prominent counsel in London, and in 1849 was called to the bar at the Middle Temple. For the next year or two he practised on the northern circuit, contemporaneously with Mr Justice Johnston (q.v.). Several members of the Moorhouse family decided to emigrate to New Zealand, and William, Ben and Tom sailed in the Cornwall, landing at Lyttelton on 10 Dec 1851. They purchased land and intended to farm in partnership. The prospect in Canterbury not being attractive, Moorhouse sailed for Wellington, and on 26 Jan 1852 took the oath in the Supreme Court and was admitted to the New Zealand bar and as an attorney. Instead of settling down at once, he and Ben spent some months in riding over a great part of the North Island, including Taranaki and Wairarapa, inspecting land. William appears to have visited Victoria, while Ben gained experience in Wairarapa. About May 1852 they returned to Lyttelton, which Moorhouse then considered the best-built town in New Zealand and likely soon to be the wealthiest. The legal profession, however, was overcrowded, and Moorhouse did not find it easy to finance the brothers in their farm at Sumner. He had a keen eye to trade; appears to have made profits by disposing of merchandise shipped by his father; and paid one or two visits to Australia. He was enrolled as an elector (Jul 1853) for the town of Lyttelton, as a barrister-at-law and a householder and for the Christchurch Country district. At the first superintendency election Moorhouse nominated Colonel James Campbell as the advocate of cheap land. The magistrates at Akaroa refused to allow Campbell to be enrolled, and the returning officer warned the electors that even if he were at the head of the poll, he could not be declared Superintendent. FitzGerald was elected. Moorhouse stood unsuccessfully for the Akaroa seat in the Provincial Council, but the constituency elected him M.H.R., the first member elected to the Parliament of New Zealand. In Nov he went to Wellington, expecting that Parliament would be convened. Finding this unlikely, he remained there until the arrival of the ship Northfleet and was married by the Rev Robert Cole on 15 Dec to Jane Anne Collins (1824-1901), who was born at Maidstone, Kent. Meanwhile his brothers left for the Australian diggings, and Moorhouse, feeling his responsibility for them, persuaded his bride to go with him to Victoria. The brothers were engaged on the construction of waterworks at Yan Yean. The four lived in tents some distance away from the works, and when the contract was finished they returned together to New Zealand. Landing in Auckland on 27 Jul 1854, Moorhouse was at once sworn in and took his part in the constitutional discussions. He dropped out of Parliament in 1855, and next year acted as magistrate at Lyttelton. About this time he bought the brig Gratitude, 154 tons, which made several voyages to Australia in his ownership (1855-56). Twice he was on board as owner and supercargo, taking produce for the goldfields and returning with horses for Canterbury. One cargo of horses was a disastrous failure owing to adverse weather. Only two ponies survived, and they were so emaciated that they had to be carried ashore. The Gratitude was sold. In Mar 1853, Moorhouse was elected to the Provincial Council for Akaroa, which he represented until 1857. When FitzGerald's term as Superintendent expired (1857) there were only two candidates, Moorhouse and Joseph Brittan. Moorhouse was the inferior speaker, but he was a successful canvasser and won by 727 votes to 352. His policy as Superintendent was a vigorous development of resources and communications. Addressing his Council, he said: 'The want of a more perfect means of communication between our principal seaport and the plains has long been a source of great embarrassment in the commercial operations of the province. Having the advantage of a safe and commodious harbour, perfectly adapted to a very large commerce, it has become a matter of the very highest importance that you should at once consider and determine the best method of securing the safe and expeditious transit of our marketable productions to the place of export.' With Bray and Bowen to advise him, Moorhouse elaborated the railway and tunnel scheme. He was opposed by the 'wealth and intelligence of the province.' Even FitzGerald (now agent of the province in England) was actively hostile. Moorhouse sent Bray to England to exhibit the plan, and was encouraged by the approval of Robert Stephenson. Eventually a contract was concluded with an English firm to make both railway and tunnel. They duly entered upon the work; but soon threw up the contract. Moorhouse obtained the authority of the Council to find a contractor, and left in Jan 1861 for Australia with samples of rock taken by Haast from the tunnel workings. In May he came back with a contract from the firm of Richardson and Holmes to make the tunnel. In the midst of the struggle he was re-elected Superintendent without opposition (Jul 1861). In the same month he turned the first sod of the railway; the first stone of the tunnel was laid during 1862; and in 1863 the line was opened from Christchurch to Ferrymead. Moorhouse represented Akaroa in Parliament (1858-60). He was defeated by A. E. White on the eve of leaving for Australia. At the provincial dissolution in 1862 he was re-elected Superintendent. In Jul he was again in Parliament as member for Heathcote, and he was associated with FitzGerald in framing resolutions with a view to the admission of Maori members to Parliament. By this time there was a good deal of resentment in Canterbury against his strong personal rule and arbitrary expenditure; and early in 1863 he resigned the superintendency, and supported the candidature of Bealey, who was elected in his place. Moorhouse entered the Council as member for Kaiapoi, and was in Wilkin's executive for a few weeks. In Oct he resigned from both Parliament and Provincial Council, but in Feb 1864 he returned to the Council as member for Heathcote, which he represented until 1866. On resigning the superintendency Moorhouse returned to legal practice (in partnership with Macfarlane). He was comparatively a poor man, and often embarrassed financially. When Bealey's term expired (1866) he found himself on a new wave of popularity, and it seemed meet that he should take office to complete the great work he had conceived. In Feb he was elected to represent Mount Herbert in Parliament. Westland chose him also. He accepted the latter and fought to secure its greater representation. Acceding to a requisition to resume the superintendency, he was vigorously opposed by J.D. Lance and W. T. L. Travers. For four months the contest was waged, and it ended in a victory for him. (Moorhouse 1,479; Lance 742; Travers 176) The triumphant opening of the tunnel (May 1867) was followed by a grave depression. When, at the end of the year, trains ran through to Lyttelton, Moorhouse had the satisfaction of declaring his great work finished. Once more he resigned the superintendency (Apr 1868) and returned to his practice, and a few months later he retired from Parliament. Moorhouse had no personal ambition in politics. In Aug 1866, when Stafford was defeated on his amendment by 47 to 14, he was invited to form a ministry. Instead, he urged Stafford to reconstruct and carry on. He had a faculty for abandoning his opportunities of personal advancement. At the next superintendency election (1870) he unexpectedly came into the lists, 'to extend the policy of Rolleston.' But he was defeated by 1,800 votes to 897, and thus ended his activity in provincial politics. He was elected in 1870 without opposition to represent Christchurch in Parliament, but retired at the dissolution the same year, and announced his withdrawal from public life. The Provincial Council thereupon voted him £2,500 in recognition of his services. With characteristic rectitude he paid the cheque over in satisfaction of debts which would never have been incurred had he devoted his great talents to his own affairs. Moorhouse went to Wellington to practise law, and was associated for a while with Stafford and later with Edwards. At the end of 1870 he was appointed Secretary for Lands and land claims commissioner, and later, as Registrar-general of Lands, he had to inaugurate the new system of registration. He resigned both in Sep 1872, to contest the Egmont seat against Atkinson. Though not unknown in Taranaki, he was no match for Atkinson in his own province. Strong provincialist as he had been, he admitted that the provinces 'were now an expensive and helpless nuisance.' At the end of 1874 he contested the mayoralty of Wellington with the remark: 'I have never raised my voice above a whisper upon public affairs in this town. I have never obtruded my views upon this community.' He defeated Dransfield by over 400 votes. His speech in accepting nomination was a well-considered statement of his theory of municipal government. He declined the honorarium of £200. In Jun 1875, on the retirement of A. P. Seymour, member for Wairau, Moorhouse made another attempt to get back into Parliament. He had a strong opponent (Joseph Ward), who defeated him by 202 to 177. At the general election a few months later Moorhouse was again sent to Parliament for a Christchurch seat (with Edward Richardson and E. C. J. Stevens). In 1879 he won Ashley, for which he sat until his death (on 15 Sep 1881). Moorhouse's failure to follow up the solid promise of his early career is not easily comprehensible without knowing of the disease which later sapped his spirit. A man of athletic strength, generous ideas, unbounded courage, and genial bonhomie, Moorhouse was always a popular figure. Lenient to the faults of others, he never said anything that might hurt. His speeches were original in thought and expression, and full of pithy utterances. Without being either graceful or fluent, he was a powerful speaker by reason of his sincerity. To the limited extent that a busy life permitted he was a reader, fond of Thackeray and of the human understanding of Dickens. He even wrote some verse himself, with which he entertained his friends. He once remarked to Alfred Cox that Sir John Hall had in excess the qualities which he lacked: 'He is all caution; I am all enterprise. Were it possible to amalgamate us the world would look upon two first-class men available for every variety of work.' Gisborne said of him: 'Wanting in method, industry, and patience, he had a mind in the depths of which there lay rich though irregular veins of precious ore, but with this exception he took no trouble to work the ore properly or bring it to the pit's mouth.' 'He built houses for other men to live in,' remarks Cox. Samuel Butler, who saw much of Moorhouse in the sixties, says: 'Moorhouse dwells ever in my memory as one of the very finest men whose path I have crossed-one of the very few men who treated me with far greater kindness than I did him. He dwells ever with me as perhaps the greatest man all round that I have ever known.' MSS. in Canterbury Museum (tunnel proposals); Civil Service records; Canterbury P.C. Proc.; Cycl. NZ. i, iii (p); Saunders; Reeves; Rusden; Guthrie Hay; Acland; Andersen; Cant. O.N.; Cox; Lessing Jones; Woodhouse; Taranaki Herald, 21, 28 Sep, 5 Oct 1872; Lyttelton Times, 16 Sep 1881, 30 Dec 1885; 12 Dec 1917; The Press, 16 Sep 1881, 25 Mar (p); 5 Apr 1930. Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 52 | Volume 2, page 52 🌳 Further sources |
Patrick Moran | Patrick MoranMORAN, PATRICK (1823-95) was born at Arklow, County Wicklow, Ireland, and to the age of 12 was brought up there under a tutor. In 1836 he entered the day school of the Vincentian Fathers in Ushers Quay, Dublin, and later St Peter's College at Wexford and the College of Castleknock. There he specialised in classics, logic, metaphysics and ethics. He was at Maynooth (1840-47), three years of that time in the Dunboyne establishment, where he devoted himself to philosophy and theology. He was ordained in 1847, and in the following year sent as curate to Booterstown parish. In 1849 he was moved to Haddington Road, where he was entrusted with the charge of the Christian Doctrine Society. There he cultivated his taste for catechetical instruction, in which he later distinguished himself. Every Saturday he heard confessions at Donnybrook, and he frequently gave lectures to young men. During a cholera epidemic he regularly ministered to the incurable in the Dublin hospital. In 1856 Moran was sent as vicar-apostolic to the Eastern Province of Cape Colony, being consecrated to this office in Carlow Cathedral as Bishop of Dardania in partibus. In South Africa he was keenly interested in education, and he taught regularly in Grahamstown. He also introduced Dominican nuns from Sion Hill. He was associated during most of the time with the Catholic newspaper The Colonist. Moran was widely popular amongst the three races of South Africa, the Dutch especially appreciating the broadness of his sympathies. It was there, too, that his friendship with Sir George Grey commenced. Attending the Oecumenical Council at Rome in 1870, he was appointed to be the first bishop of the diocese of Dunedin (Otago and Southland), which had been erected by papal brief of 26 Nov 1869. With a community of the Dominican nuns under Mother Gabriel, Bishop Moran sailed in the Glendower for Australia, and reached Port Chalmers by the Gothenburg on 18 Feb 1871. He acquired a house for the bishop's residence in Elm Row, and proceeded at once to the enlargement of St Joseph's Church for his cathedral. The foundation stone was laid in 1879, and the Cathedral was dedicated on 14 Feb 1886. Meanwhile Moran pushed ahead with other church and religious buildings-the Church of the Sacred Heart in North East Valley; St Patrick's in South Dunedin; a home for the Christian Brothers (whom he introduced in 1878); a convent in 1876; some years later the Dominican convent; and in 1879 the Cathedral college at Wakari. This last was under the members of the Society of Jesus, but a few years later the needs of the Society elsewhere caused their withdrawal. Moran at an early date entered upon the fight for education in New Zealand by condemning the existing public school system and demanding Christian education (Apr 1871). That crusade he maintained unabated throughout his life. In 1883 he stood for Parliament for the Peninsula seat 'to protest against the gross injustice of abstracting money out of the pockets of Catholics and spending it entirely upon the education of other people's children.' The election resulted: Larnach 667; Donnelly 182; Moran 138. Moran several times administered other dioceses in New Zealand, notably that of Wellington in 1872 and that of Auckland in 1876. A highly cultured gentleman of a retiring disposition, he was nevertheless an effective public speaker and a ready and incisive debater, and many times measured lances in public controversy, generally on the subject of education. His vigorous and pertinacious battle against what he termed 'godless public education' earned the respect of those opposed to him. Moran skilfully guided his people, and left the new diocese generously endowed with church and school in every grade. He died on 22 May 1895. Saturday Advertiser, 8 Apr 1882; Press Association, 24 Jan 1883; Otago Daily Times, 23 May 1895; N.Z. Tablet, 1 May 1895 (p), 27 Sep 1889 (p). Portrait: Canterbury Times, 6 Jun 1895. Reference: Volume 2, page 52 | Volume 2, page 52 🌳 Further sources |
Christopher Hudson Moreland | Christopher Hudson MorelandMORELAND, CHRISTOPHER HUDSON (1867-1912) was born in north Ireland, and completed his education at Lincoln College, Oxford, where he graduated (B.A., 1890; M.A., 1894). He was ordained priest in 1896, and was curate of Scarning and vicar of Dunston, Swainthorpe and Newton Flotman, Norwich. From 1891 to 1903 he was master at King Edward VI school in Norwich, and from 1904 till his death (on 10 Mar 1912) headmaster of Christ's College, Christchurch. He was a keen alpinist. Moreland married Dr Alice Moorhouse. Christ's Coll. List. (p); The Press, 11 Mar 1912. Reference: Volume 2, page 52 | Volume 2, page 52 🌳 Further sources |
John Morgan | John MorganMORGAN, JOHN (1810-65). Came to Bay of Islands in the Prince of Denmark in 1833 to join the Church Missionary Society. He accompanied the Revs Henry Williams and A. N. Brown on a visit to Waharoa, and with Mr and Mrs Preece established the mission at Puriri (Thames). In 1835 he settled at Mangapouri with a carpenter's equipment and garden seeds, but at the end of the year he was withdrawn. Morgan was for some years engaged amongst the Ngati-Haua and Arawa tribes on the Waihou, and at Matamata and Rotorua. At the last station he passed through a very anxious time, being driven by tribal wars to refuge with the Rev Thomas Chapman and their wives on Mokoia island. In 1841 Morgan took over the station at Otawhao, where he built a new mission house and for 20 years carried on a most successful ministration as missionary and instructor to the tribes on the Waipa river. The Ngati-Maniapoto and Ngati-Ruru in particular he instructed in the arts of agriculture and fruitgrowing. In a variety of ways he scattered grass seed on his journeys. The Ngati-Apakura district at Rangiaowhia became a granary of fine wheat, studded with flourmills, and on this account was one of the principal meeting places of the King movement. The large gatherings of 1858-60 required plentiful supplies of food which only this district could furnish. He thus christianised the Waikato in a practical manner. Morgan attended St John's College, where he was ordained deacon (1849) and priest (1853). In 1863 he handed over his principal school to the resident magistrate (Gorst) and left the district. He was a man of genuine piety and usefulness. During the troubles of the sixties he kept the government closely informed of the plans of the King party. He died at Mangere on 8 Jun 1865. Davis; Wily and Maunsell; Sherrin and Wallace (p); typescript letters and journals in Turnbull Library; Gorst; Cowan, The Old Frontier; Te Awamutu Centenary; N.Z. Herald, 9 Jun 1865; 4 Aug 1934. Reference: Volume 2, page 53 | Volume 2, page 53 🌳 Further sources |
John Morgan | John MorganMORGAN, JOHN (1832-1916) was born at Gillingham, Dorset, and came to New Zealand with his brother William in the Berkshire (1850). He took up land at Tataraimaka, in Taranaki, but in 1853 moved to Wanganui, where he leased land from the Imlays at Balgownie. In 1861, after visiting Gabriel's Gully, he bought Newtownlees, a property of 700 acres near Wiritoa lake, which he worked till 1907. He bred Hampshire Down sheep. A conservative in politics, he represented Wangaehu in the Wellington Provincial Council (1868-75). He was a member of the first Wanganui harbour board, chairman of the Wangaehu road board, and a member of the first Wanganui county council. Morgan was a founder of the Wanganui A. and P. association and the Okoia Dairy Co. He was something of an artist with pen and ink. Wellington P.C. Proc.; Cycl. NZ; Wanganui Herald, 2 May 1916. Reference: Volume 2, page 54 | Volume 2, page 54 🌳 Further sources |
Percy Gates Morgan | Percy Gates MorganMORGAN, PERCY GATES (1867-1927) was born in Tasmania, and educated at the state schools there and in New Zealand and at Otago University and School of Mines. While engaged in coalmining near Dunedin, he graduated B.A. (1890) and M.A. (1891) and was a junior University scholar. In 1895 he entered into business as a metallurgist; in 1896 he was appointed lecturer at the Thames School of Mines, and in 1897 director of the School at Waihi. He joined the Geological Survey in 1905, and became Director in 1911. He was for a few years also Under-secretary for Mines. Morgan was president of the Wellington Philosophical Society and a governor of the New Zealand Institute; a fellow of the Geological Society and the New Zealand Institute; an original member of the New Zealand Institute of Mining Engineers, and a member of the Board of Science and Art. He married (1900) Mary, daughter of Thomas Gilmour, Waihi. He died on 27 Nov 1927. Who's Who N.Z., 1924; N.Z. Herald, 29 Nov 1927; The Dominion, 29 Nov 1927 (p). Reference: Volume 2, page 54 | Volume 2, page 54 🌳 Further sources |
William Morgan | William MorganMORGAN, WILLIAM (1851-1918) was born in County Kildare, Ireland, and brought up in Galway as a saddler. He came to New Zealand in the Dunfillan in 1874. He was for some years in business at Cromwell, Otago, and Roxburgh, where he was on the borough council, and moved to Gisborne in 1883. There he was chairman of the school committee (from 1886) and secretary and treasurer of the Gisborne High School and Technical School board of governors, a member of the Hawke's Bay education board, and president of the chamber of commerce (1900-01). Morgan was called to the Legislative Council in 1914. He died on 18 Feb 1918. N.Z.P.D., 9, 10 Apr 1918; Cycl. N.Z., ii (p). Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 54 | Volume 2, page 54 🌳 Further sources |
Harriet Russell Morison | Harriet Russell MorisonMORISON, HARRIET RUSSELL, a native of Ireland, came to New Zealand as a child with her parents, who settled in Dunedin. She entered business life, but her sympathies were with the women workers, and when the sweating revelations occurred in the eighties, she ardently adopted their cause. She was elected vice-president of the New Zealand tailoresses union in 1889. From 1890 to 1896, as secretary of the union, she improved conditions in Auckland as well as Dunedin. Miss Morison was for 44 years official visitor to Seacliff mental hospital. In 1906 she was appointed New Zealand's first woman inspector of factories, and from 1908 to 1921 she was officer in charge of the women's employment bureau of the Labour department, at Auckland. She died at New Lynn on 19 Aug 1925. Otago Daily Times, 21 Aug 1925. Reference: Volume 2, page 54 | Volume 2, page 54 🌳 Further sources |
William Morley | William MorleyMORLEY, WILLIAM (1842-1926) was born at Orston, Nottingham, and at the age of 21 was admitted to the Methodist ministry in England. He began his New Zealand ministry in 1864 at Manukau, and thereafter filled some of the most important pulpits in the Church. He was an outstanding preacher, a notable organiser and a capable ecclesiastical statesman. His literary gifts were exercised as editor of his church paper for several years. In 1887 he published a pamphlet, The Doctrinal and Ecclesiastical Position of the Methodist Church and in 1900 the voluminous History of Methodism in New Zealand. For 21 years he was chairman of various synods. In 1892 he was principal of Wesley Training College at Three Kings. When the position of connexional secretary was created (1893) he was appointed and held the office with distinction until his transfer to Australia (1902). He was president of the New Zealand conference in 1879 and 1884, and of the general conference of Australasia (1894-97). In 1888 he represented New Zealand at the British and Irish Methodist conferences and in 1891 at the Methodist Ecumenical Conference at Washington. In 1890-91 he was secretary of the Methodist jubilee thanksgiving fund. He was a founder, and for 20 years managing treasurer, of the Methodist church building and loan fund, and was an organiser and managing treasurer of the connexional fire insurance department (the first of its kind amongst New Zealand churches). Morley was transferred to Victoria in 1902 as managing treasurer of the Australasian Methodist supernumerary fund, a position he held until being superannuated (1922). He was president of the council of Queen's College, University of Melbourne, for some years and a member of the board of missions. He received the honorary D.D. from a Virginia university in 1898. Morley married first Hannah Watson (d. 1878), daughter of the Rev G. Buttle. He died at Melbourne on 24 May 1926. M.A.; R.P. Reference: Volume 2, page 54 | Volume 2, page 54 🌳 Further sources |
Arthur William Morris | Arthur William MorrisMORRIS, ARTHUR WILLIAM (1825-1910) was born at Irvine, Ayrshire, brought up there and engaged in business. In 1856 he bought the ship Dunedin, which he freighted with merchandise for New Zealand and established himself in business in Dunedin. On the formation of the Otago and Southland Investment Co. Morris was appointed manager and he held that position for many years. From 1879 he was a director of the Union Steamship Co. He was a member of First Church, Dunedin, for 40 years, and was an elder both there and at Anderson's Bay. He represented Peninsula in the Otago Provincial Council (1863-67). He died on 12 May 1910. Otago P.C. Proc.; Otago Daily Times, 23 May 1910. Reference: Volume 2, page 54 | Volume 2, page 54 🌳 Further sources |
George Bentham Morris | George Bentham MorrisMORRIS, GEORGE BENTHAM (1840-1903) was born in Tasmania, received his early education there, and in 1857 accepted a commission in the Royal Marines (Portsmouth division). For four years he served in H.M.S. Caesar in the Mediterranean, North America and the West Indies, being promoted lieutenant in 1859. In 1862 he returned home, and in 1864 was appointed to the Irresistible coastguard ship. In 1866 he returned to the Portsmouth division, of which he was appointed adjutant (Sep 1867). In Feb 1870 he retired on half pay to settle in New Zealand. He arrived in the ship Countess of Kintore and took up land at Otahuhu, in Waikato and Tauranga. In 1873 Morris was elected to the Auckland Provincial Council for Tauranga, which he represented until the abolition. In 1876 he was elected M.H.R. for East Coast, which constituency he represented until 1879 and Tauranga 1881-95. In the latter year, he was called to the Legislative Council, in which he sat until his death. In the short Stout-Vogel ministry (Aug 1884) Morris was Commissioner of Customs and Minister of Marine. He died on 16 Apr 1903. N.Z.P.D., pass. (notably 30 Jun 1903); Adjutant-General Royal Marines (information); Cycl. N.Z., i and ii; N.Z. Herald, 18 Apr 1903. Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 54 | Volume 2, page 54 🌳 Further sources |
Arthur Morrison | Arthur MorrisonMORRISON, ARTHUR (1846-1901) was born at Darvel, Ayrshire, and educated in the parish school to the age of nine, after which he attended night schools and taught himself. He was for some time a farm worker and later was employed in the hide and skin department of Ramsay and Co., Glasgow. In 1874 he came to Otago, and from 1875 was employed as salesman by the Walton Park Coal Co. He was prominent in the U.A.O.D., the I.O.G.T., and the Freemasons. In 1887 he went to Melbourne as delegate to the Druids' conference and he was first district grand president when the U.A.O.D. received autonomy in Otago. He was three years on the Caversham borough council and was chairman of the school committee. Morrison took some part in the Labour movement of 1890 and in 1893 was elected M.H.R. for Caversham in the Labour interest (defeating Barron by 1,335 votes to 1,199). He was a cautious reasoner, a moderately good speaker and retained an independent attitude in Parliament though consistently supporting Seddon. Morrison died on 21 Nov 1901. N.Z.P.D.; Cycl. N.Z., iv (p); Otago Daily Times, 23, 26 Nov 1901. Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 54 | Volume 2, page 54 🌳 Further sources |
Hugh Morrow | Hugh MorrowMORROW, HUGH (1806-71) was born in Ireland and lived at Corraboola House, County Longford. He joined the British Ordnance department, and after a long period of service abroad came to New Zealand in 1861 and settled at Auckland. He was a captain in the militia in 1864. He did not take much interest in public life, except on one occasion in 1867, when he stood for the Northern Division seat in the Auckland Provincial Council and defeated A. O'Neill (q.v.). His sole object in doing so, he said, was to vote against the system of responsible government. He seems to have attended the Council only twice in two sessions, and ceased to be a member in 1868. Morrow died on 22 Apr 1871. His son Arthur MORROW (1842-1937) was educated for the Royal Marines, but came to New Zealand with his father and served as a volunteer through the Waikato war. He retired as a colonel and four times won the Auckland district champion belt for rifle shooting. He was on the district staff for 20 years. Auckland P.C. Proc.; Southern Cross, 24 Jul 1871; Who's Who N.Z., 1908, 192. Reference: Volume 2, page 55 | Volume 2, page 55 🌳 Further sources |
Nathaniel George Morse | Nathaniel George MorseMORSE, NATHANIEL GEORGE (1822-82) was born at Exeter. He came to Nelson in the second ship (1842), and was one of the earliest settlers in the Motueka district. He afterwards took up Wantwood, a run of 20,000 acres, and was the first settler to establish himself on the Marlborough side of the mountains. In 1846 he fixed his sheep station at Tophouse, at the head of the Wairau valley. Fox in his report on Nelson (1848) describes him as well fitted for pioneer life. He had taken his sheep to the new country even before Sir George Grey arrived to effect the purchase from the natives. Morse eventually returned to the Waimea and remained there till 1873, when he removed to Wanganui. There he died on 16 Nov 1882. He took a great interest in breeding sheep and thoroughbred horses, and won many races with horses he bred, including Ladybird, Revoke, Atalanta and Day Dawn. He was a member of the Wangaehu highway board. Morse was a member of the Legislative Council from 1866 to 1869, when he resigned. He was a keen volunteer, being for some time senior officer in command of Nelson district (from 1866), and he won the champion belt of New Zealand for shooting. Parlty Record; Cycl. N.Z., v; C. A. Macdonald; Wanganui Chronicle, 17, 20 Nov 1882. Reference: Volume 2, page 55 | Volume 2, page 55 🌳 Further sources |
Henry Bruce Morton | Henry Bruce MortonMORTON, HENRY BRUCE (1846-1929) was the son of Henry Morton, was educated in Guernsey, and spent a few years in business in London before coming to New Zealand with the Albertland settlers in the Tyburnia (1863). His father did not take up his land but became publisher of the Southern Cross, and Morton in 1868 started business as a merchant in Custom Street, Auckland. In a few years H. B. Morton and Co. had their business activities all over the Auckland province. Morton was keenly interested in New Zealand history and ethnology, and was a member of the Auckland Institute from 1867. He published in 1872 an account of an overland journey to the Rotorua district, and in 1925 Recollections of Early New Zealand. In 1890 he was elected to the One Tree Hill road board, of which he was chairman 1890-1903 and 1914-16. As chairman of the domain board and of the Dilworth trust board he took a great interest in tree planting at One Tree Hill, the Dilworth orchard at Papatoetoe, and on his own farm at Tauranga. Morton was a member of the committee of the Auckland chamber of commerce and the Sailors Home and of the council of the ladies' benevolent society; a member of the Anglican diocesan trust board and New Zealand mission trust board; a governor of King's College and a director of the Colonial Sugar Refining Co. He was associated also with St Stephen's school for Maori boys and the Queen Victoria school for Maori girls. Morton took a prominent part as mediator in the waterside dispute in 1890, receiving a testimonial from the unions in recognition of his impartial advocacy. He died on 3 Aug 1929. Brett, Albertlanders; Morton, op. cit.; N.Z. Herald, 29 Aug, 9 Sep 1890; 5 Aug 1929. Reference: Volume 2, page 55 | Volume 2, page 55 🌳 Further sources |
William Alfred Mosley | William Alfred MosleyMOSLEY, WILLIAM ALFRED (1817-1889), one of the earliest permanent settlers at the mouth of the Molyneux River in Otago, was born at Radford, the son of a Nottingham silk-lace manufacturer. He received his early education in Nottingham, but owing to the death of his father had to start early to earn a living. He married (1842) Mary, daughter of the Rev John Housley, a Wesleyan minister, and shortly afterwards they went to the United States. Returning to England, Mosley with his wife and daughters sailed for Otago in the John Wickliffe (Nov 1847). He at once took up a section on the beach at Kaka Point, Port Molyneux, but resided first at Halfway Bush in a house of slabs and saplings thatched with rough grass. The section had to be dug over with the spade. In 1852 Mosley chartered the schooner Endeavour (Captain Sinclair) to take his possessions to the Molyneux. The weather was so rough that the captain stood off the shore for 28 days. Mosley was then taken off by Maori boatmen and the Endeavour returned to Dunedin. Mosley returned on foot to Dunedin, and sledged his family to their new home. Heavy rain compelled him to halt and erect his tent on the slopes of a hill overlooking Tokomairiro, which he named Mount Misery. For the first year at the Molyneux they were largely dependent on the hospitality of the Maori, who provided them with pigeons, kakas, and potatoes. Mosley planted half an acre with wheat at Kaka Point, preparing the ground with spade and hoe. He engaged some natives to help bring the Endeavour from Dunedin. When they brought her into Willsher Bay, the first to swim out to her was the chieftainess Makaredie, who years earlier had saved the life of Willsher by throwing her mat over him. Though the year 1852-53 was spent at Kaka Point, Mosley had already decided to make his permanent home on Inch Clutha, where he took up one 50-acre block of land at once, and others from time to time. He engaged a Maori to help him to clear a site and build the new house, to which they paddled up the river in a canoe. The house was built with totara slabs split with an axe and thatched with rushes. The first patch of wheat (of the Golden Drop variety) yielded 60 bushels to the acre. It threshed easily with the flail, and brought 12s per bushel. Mosley ground what he needed in a steel mill. Next year the ground was turned over with a single-furrow plough obtained from James Macandrew and drawn by two bullocks. In the early years Mosley made a practice of breaking in bullocks to harness, and he had a ready market for them at £75 to £95 per pair. The first cattle he purchased from John Jones, and the first horses were acquired in 1862. Mosley took an early part in public life, but his remoteness from settlement when he went to the Molyneux prevented him from continuing. Before going south, he helped promote the counter-petition objecting to the prayer of the Presbyterian settlers that one-tenth of the lands should be set aside as an endowment for the Presbyterian church. The failure of the original petition left the petitioners in ill-humour, but Mosley lived to see the unpopularity of the 'Little Enemy' die out, and one of their number become Superintendent. In 1867 he was elected to represent Matau in the Provincial Council, in which he sat for three years. He was chairman in later years of the Inch Clutha river board, and was instrumental in inaugurating the first drainage scheme on the island. Mosley's first wife died at Inch Clutha (1865). He married again (1868) Adelaide (d. 1927), daughter of George Jones, solicitor, of Croydon, Surrey. He died at Ravensbourne on 23 Oct 1889. Cycl. N.Z., iv (p); Otago Daily Times, 24 Oct 1889, 10 Oct 1930 (p). Reference: Volume 2, page 55 | Volume 2, page 55 🌳 Further sources |
Edward George Britton Moss | Edward George Britton MossMOSS, EDWARD GEORGE BRITTON (1856-1916) was born at St Helena, the second son of F. J. Moss (q.v.). He came to New Zealand with his parents in the Zealandia (1859), and was educated at the Otago Boys' High School (1865-68) and at the Church of England Grammar School at Parnell. He was articled to Andrew Beveridge (q.v.) and admitted to the bar in 1877. Moss practised successively for a few years at Greymouth, Reefton and Tauranga (1880), and in 1895 settled at Paeroa. Four years later he contested the Ohinemuri seat in Parliament against Jackson Palmer without success, but at the following election he turned the tables. He sat until 1905, when he was defeated by H. Poland (q.v.). He was a successful athlete in his younger days, and took an interest in volunteering. Later he made a study of the natural history of New Zealand and gathered a comprehensive collection of New Zealand shells. He was a Maori scholar, and wrote much on the customs and traditions of the race. Moss published in 1888 Native Lands and their Incidents and in 1908 Beautiful Shells of New Zealand. He practised later in Auckland, where he died on 9 Mar 1916. N.Z.P.D., 10 May 1916; Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Cycl. N.Z., iii; Otago H.S. Reg.; Moss, op. cit.; N.Z. Herald, 11 Mar 1916. Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 55 | Volume 2, page 55 🌳 Further sources |
Frederick Joseph Moss | Frederick Joseph MossMOSS, FREDERICK JOSEPH (1829-1904) was born at St Helena and educated at the head school of the East India Company (then holding jurisdiction over the island). Going as a youth to the office of a relative in Port Elizabeth (South Africa), he did burgher duty in the Kaffir war and visited Natal, Kaffraria and other districts. In 1859 he decided to emigrate to New Zealand and the family arrived at Lyttelton in the Zealandia late in the year. Moss entered into business there, but on the discovery of gold in Otago (1861) he opened a branch at Dunedin and soon removed there. In 1863 he was first elected to the Provincial Council, in which he sat in 1863-67 for City of Dunedin. He had an exceptionally active career in provincial politics, being a member of the executive on three occasions (1863-64; Apr-Dec 1865; 1866). The first call to take office (as provincial treasurer) was due to the embarrassed state of the finances owing to sudden expenditure in opening up the goldfields and disapproval of New Zealand loans in London. In 1866 his executive was defeated by Vogel, but he was able to hand over to his successor full plans for the construction of railways, with an ordered programme of borrowing for the work as it progressed. In 1868 Moss was attracted, with many other New Zealanders, to the cotton plantations on the Rewa river in Fiji. Ill-health prevented him remaining there permanently, and by 1873 he was settled in Auckland as secretary to the board of education. In 1876 he was elected to Parliament for Parnell, which he represented until 1890. He was then appointed British resident at the Cook Islands, which had just come under British protection. There he remained for nine years, establishing a federation of the islands in the group, a customs service and schools. He made the teaching of English a leading feature in the belief that a knowledge of the language is essential if the natives are to be able to take part in their own government. His wide knowledge not only of the Cook Islands, but also of the other groups, was of great value to the governments of New Zealand and Great Britain in extending British rule. Moss travelled widely. In 1886 while in the brigantine Buster, he witnessed the rescue of portion of the crew of the Swedish barque Diana on Starbuck island. Being succeeded by Gudgeon in 1899, Moss returned to New Zealand. He published in 1889 a school history of New Zealand and in 1889 Through Atolls and Islands, as well as a number of pamphlets on federation and current political topics. Moss died on 8 Jul 1904. Otago P.C. Proc.; App. H.R., 1891-1900; Cycl. NZ, ii; Moss, Atolls (p); Hocken, Bibliog.; N.Z. Herald, 5 Jul 1888, 2 Mar 1891, 8 Jul 1904. Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 56 | Volume 2, page 56 🌳 Further sources |
Ropiha Moturoa | Ropiha MoturoaMOTUROA, ROPIHA (1790-1874), a chief of the Matehou hapu of Ngati-Awa, came from Taranaki to Port Nicholson about 1835 and was one of the oldest chiefs living there when the settlers arrived (1840). A whaler named Wilkinson, who was put ashore from an American ship about 1820, married a daughter of Moturoa, who was afterwards taken to England. Wilkinson received certain lands within the Port Nicholson purchase. Moturoa fought on the side of the Government against Rangihaeata (1845) and Mamaku (1846). He died on 11 Dec 1874. N.Z. Times, 14 Dec 1874. Reference: Volume 2, page 56 | Volume 2, page 56 🌳 Further sources |
John Mouat | John MouatMOUAT, JOHN (1830-1902) was born at Unst, in the Scottish Hebrides, and was educated in the parish school and at Lerwick High School. In 1852 he came to Victoria, where he engaged in goldmining. Crossing to Otago in 1861, he joined the gold rush to Gabriel's Gully. In 1864 he was elected to the Otago Provincial Council for the Goldfields. For a time he was in the executive, and in 1866, in Vogel's administration, he was provincial secretary and secretary for public works. Mouat was a member of the first mining conference held in Otago (1868). Retiring from the Council in 1871, he took up the study of law, was admitted as a barrister and solicitor in 1872, and practised in Lawrence till 1894, when he moved to Dunedin. In 1889-90 he was secretary of the mining and metallurgical committee of New Zealand. He was on the staff of the Mining Journal and wrote also for newspapers. He died on 1 Jul 1902. Cycl. N.Z., iv; N.Z. Chess Book, 1922; Pyke (p); Otago Daily Times, 2 Jul 1902. Reference: Volume 2, page 56 | Volume 2, page 56 🌳 Further sources |
James Douglas Moultray | James Douglas MoultrayMOULTRAY, JAMES DOUGLAS (1831-1911) was born at Edinburgh, and received his first lessons in art from Walter Ferguson at the Edinburgh High School. After continuing his studies at the Royal Institute, he became a picture-restorer and so acquired a good insight into painting. His first picture was hung on the line at the Royal Scottish Academy. He was then assistant to Horatio McCulloch until his death, and then commenced to work independently with such success that his paintings were hung in the art galleries of Edinburgh, Manchester, Dundee, London and Glasgow. He was appointed (with Sir John Reid) to represent Scotland at an art convention. Moultray came to New Zealand in 1883, and resided thereafter mostly in Dunedin, continuing to work almost until his death, which occurred on 3 Mar 1911. N.Z. Herald, 8 May 1886; Otago Daily Times, 27 Mar 1911. Reference: Volume 2, page 56 | Volume 2, page 56 🌳 Further sources |
Benjamin Woolfield Mountfort | Benjamin Woolfield MountfortMOUNTFORT, BENJAMIN WOOLFIELD (1824-98) was trained as an architect under Gilbert Scott. He came to Canterbury in one of the first four ships, and spent his whole life there. For many years he practised his profession in partnership with Luck. He took an interest in Christchurch Cathedral, and after the departure of R. Speechley (the representative of Sir Gilbert Scott) he became the Cathedral architect and designed all subsequent work on the edifice. He designed other churches in Canterbury, as well as the cathedrals at Auckland and Napier and British North Borneo, the Canterbury Provincial chambers and the hall of Canterbury College. In his early days in Canterbury (1856-57) he owned a photographic studio in Colombo Street, and taught Dr Barker the art. Mountfort was a strong churchman, a member of the diocesan synod and for many years a churchwarden at the church of the Good Shepherd. He died on 15 March 1898. Canterbury P.C. Proc.; Cant. O.N.; G. M. McKenzie (p); Wigram; Hight and Candy (p); C. R. H. Taylor, The Canterbury Provincial Buildings; Lyttelton Times, 17 Mar 1898. Reference: Volume 2, page 56 | Volume 2, page 56 🌳 Further sources |
Alexander Mowat | Alexander MowatMOWAT, ALEXANDER (1813-75) was born in Caithness-shire, and brought up to the sea. In 1843 he came to Nelson in the Ralph Bernal and two years later settled in the Awatere district, purchasing a property of 1,400 acres which he named Altimarloch. In 1851 he married a daughter of George McRae (q.v.). In the following year Mowat took up (with Captain Cross) the Middlehurst run, which they managed until his death on 27 Mar 1875. Mowat represented Awatere in the Marlborough Provincial Council 1863-66. His widow (1830-1903), who was born at Blairich, Sutherlandshire, came to Nelson in the Mary Ann (1842). Cycl. N.Z., v (p); Marlborough Express, 8 May 1903. Reference: Volume 2, page 56 | Volume 2, page 56 🌳 Further sources |
Charles Oliver Mules | Charles Oliver MulesMULES, CHARLES OLIVER (1837-1927) was the eldest son of the Rev. S. H. Mules, and was born at Ilminster, Somerset. Educated at the Grammar School and Cheltenham College, he proceeded to Trinity College, Cambridge, where he graduated senior optime in 1860. He was assistant to the Rev. W. Tuckwell at Oxford and was for three years mathematical master at New College School, Oxford. He was admitted M.A. there after taking out his degree at Cambridge. Relinquishing his post to take holy orders, Mules was ordained deacon (1864) and priest (1865). His first curacy was at Whorlton, and in 1865 he became curate to the Rev. J. C. Ryle, afterwards Bishop of Liverpool. Ill-health called for a change of climate and Mules joined the party of clergy to accompany Bishop Suter to New Zealand in the Cissy. After a few weeks at Spring Grove, he was appointed vicar of Brightwater (1868). In 1880 he was collated to the archdeaconry of Waimea and on 24 Feb 1892 he was consecrated Bishop of Nelson. It was a difficult time in the history of the diocese. The various trusts and other funds, never adequate, suffered from the fall in the rate of interest, and in addition to this the subdivision of large estates in the south-eastern portion of the diocese by the Seddon Government threw upon the Church new demands for expansion which could not be ignored. In due time he revived the archdeaconries of Waimea (1896) and Mawhera (1908). During Mules's episcopate 23 new churches were erected. He was most businesslike in his methods and precise in his documents. In 1903 he established the Nelson diocesan trust board, which in time took over all the local trusts. With the Rev. J. R. Dart, he attended the Pan-Anglican Congress in 1908; and three years later Nelson played an important part in the general mission. The following year Mules intimated his desire to retire. Having had to rely for some years on private means to supplement his stipend, he set about the establishment of an endowment for this purpose. He actually retired on 20 Jun 1912, and lived quietly in Nelson until his death (9 Oct 1927). Bishop Mules married (1870) Laura (d. 1927), daughter of Captain Blundell. He was many years president of the Suter Art Gallery, the Harmonic Society, the New Zealand Church Society and St Andrew's orphanage. Jacobs; Cycl. N.Z., v; Nelson Diocesan Gazette, Oct 1923; Nelson Evening Mail, 10 Oct 1927 (p). Reference: Volume 2, page 57 | Volume 2, page 57 🌳 Further sources |
Edward Ker Mulgan | Edward Ker MulganMULGAN, EDWARD KER (1857-1920) was born at Magheralin, County Down, Ireland, the son of the Rev William Edward Mulgan (1817-1902), M.A., Trinity College, Dublin. His father was rector of Donagh when he migrated to New Zealand with his family (1875) in the Carisbrooke Castle with the Katikati settlers. He was a member of the Katikati school board in 1876 and of the New Zealand University commission in 1879-80, and for some years vicar of St Peter's, Onehunga. Edward Ker was educated at Portora College and Armagh Grammar School. On arrival in New Zealand he started farming at Katikati, was in business for a while in Tauranga and edited the Bay of Plenty Times. Taking up teaching in 1888, he was in charge of several schools and graduated M.A. at Auckland University College with honours in natural science (1896). In 1898 he was appointed assistant-inspector of schools, and two years later Inspector. In 1906 he was transferred to Canterbury, and in 1910 returned to Auckland as chief inspector. Mulgan exerted a deep and lasting influence on education by putting forward new ideas with force and persistence. He was specially interested in nature study, handwork and technical subjects, and was an enthusiast for kindergarten teaching and one of the founders of the Auckland Kindergarten association. Convinced of the weakness of the old patronage system of appointment of teachers, he advocated national grading and was largely responsible for this change. He also did much by his own example and personality to break down the old idea of the school inspector as a policeman and to transform him into a friend and adviser of the teachers. He devoted himself whole-heartedly to the propagation of his ideals in education. The state of his health obliged him to decline the position of assistant-director of education in 1915, and he remained at his post until his death (on 14 Nov 1920). Mulgan married Frances Maria, daughter of the Rev Walter Johnston (also of the Katikati settlement). He published The New Zealand Nature Study Book in 1905 and collaborated with his son, Alan Mulgan (1881-) in The New Zealand Citizen (published in 1922). Butchers; Gray; N.Z. Herald, 15 Nov 1920. Reference: Volume 2, page 57 | Volume 2, page 57 🌳 Further sources |
Mary Muller | Mary MullerMULLER, MARY (1820-1902) was born in England, educated and married there. Having lost her husband (Griffiths), she came to New Zealand with her family in the Pekin. Arriving in Nelson in Jan 1850, she was teaching until on 5 Dec 1851 she married S.L. Muller (q.v.). Before leaving England Mrs Muller held strong opinions on the inequality of the law as regards women. In Nelson she became acquainted with Stafford, Domett, Fox, Alfred Saunders and David Monro, and frequently discussed with them the rights women should enjoy in a new country. Her husband holding an official position and rather conservative views in opposition to her own, she refrained from public utterances. She had, however, a valuable ally in Charles Elliott (q.v.), the owner of the Nelson Examiner, and was able from time to time to publish anonymously in that paper her ideas on the social order and to maintain correspondence with others interested. In 1869, she published, under the nom de plume 'Femina,' a pamphlet addressed to the men of New Zealand, which led to correspondence with John Stuart Mill and with the secretary of the Women's Christian Temperance Union in London. Unable to work openly in the women's cause, Mrs Muller nevertheless exercised much influence. She had the satisfaction of seeing the married women's property act passed. Writing to Mrs K. W. Sheppard on 6 Jun 1900 she said that a notice in the White Ribbon (Christchurch) in Dec 1898 was the first disclosure of her activity in the cause of women's rights. She died at Old Amersfoort, Blenheim, in Jul 1902. Information from Dr F. A. Bett and Miss M. B. Lovell Smith; W. S. Smith (p); Muller, op. cit.; Nelson Examiner, pass.; The White Ribbon, Dec 1898, Aug 1900. Reference: Volume 2, page 57 | Volume 2, page 57 🌳 Further sources |
Stephen Lunn Muller | Stephen Lunn MullerMULLER, STEPHEN LUNN (1814-91) was born at Camberwell, London, of French parentage, and educated at London University (M.R.C.S., Eng.). He practised for 12 years in Peckham, and sailed for New Zealand in the Pekin as surgeon superintendent, arriving in Nelson in Jan 1850. In 1851, having lost his first wife, he married Mrs Mary Griffiths (see Mary Muller). Muller practised for eight years in Nelson. In 1855 he was elected to the Nelson Provincial Council for Waimea East, which he represented until 1857, being also secretary for the province during that period. Being appointed resident magistrate at Wairau, he removed to Blenheim, where he was afterwards also collector of customs (1859) and receiver of land revenue. He represented Amuri in the Nelson Provincial Council for most of the year 1857. Muller was of a scientific turn of mind and read many papers on scientific subjects (mainly meteorology) before local associations. He also kept an interesting diary of Marlborough affairs. He took a part in organising the Marlborough Art and Industrial Exhibition several years. Muller retired from his official posts in 1868, and died at Blenheim on 27 Apr 1891. Nelson P.C. Proc.; N.Z. Gaz.; Cycl. NZ., v (p). Portrait: Canterbury Times, 17 Sep 1896. Reference: Volume 2, page 57 | Volume 2, page 57 🌳 Further sources |
John Munro | John MunroMUNRO, JOHN (?-1879) was born in Scotland. In 1818 he emigrated to Pictou, Nova Scotia, in the Perseverance, and for a few years kept a school at Sandy Cove, near Caribou. In 1825, in partnership with Feris, he started in business at the Bar, loading several large vessels each year with timber and Canadian produce for Glasgow, Aberdeen and Greenock. They also built their own ships for the fishing industry, and owned two grist mills. Munro was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia for the county of Victoria (1851-56). His defeat by his old opponent in May 1856 clinched his decision to come to New Zealand, following the Scots emigration to Adelaide and New Zealand. He sailed in his own ship, the Gertrude, 250 tons (Jun 1856). At the Cape they negotiated with Governor Grey for land on which to settle should the New Zealand voyage prove fruitless. Reaching Auckland in Dec, Munro interviewed Governor Gore Browne, but could not come to terms for land for a special settlement, and was referred to the Superintendent (Williamson). The provincial government was unable to act owing to the strength of the Opposition, but on Williamson's advice Munro contested a vacant seat in the Provincial Council, and was elected as the representative of Northern Division (Nov 1857). He sat for that constituency 1857-61, and in 1860 was elected to Parliament for Marsden, which he represented for six years. He again entered the Provincial Council for that seat (1866-68), and after an absence of three years returned to Parliament for Marsden (1869-70, 1871-75). Munro's election to the Council gave Williamson the required support; and in Parliament he promoted the Auckland immigration act (No. 21 of 1861), which secured for the immigrants from Nova Scotia all the advantages of the special settlement at Waipu. Munro was not a fluent speaker, but he was a forceful writer and had sound views on public affairs. He died on 20 Apr 1879. He married Miss Jessie Wilson. App. H.R., 1871, H7; Provincial Secretary, Nova Scotia; N. R. McKenzie; Macdonald (p). Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 57 | Volume 2, page 57 🌳 Further sources |
John Munro | John MunroMUNRO, JOHN (1839-1910) was born at Glasgow and came to New Zealand in the Lady Egidia (1862). After a short stay in Dunedin he settled at Invercargill as a bookseller and stationer, and in 1864 took out an auctioneer's license. In 1866 he moved to Westport and established himself as a merchant. He was a member of the Westport borough council and was mayor of Westport for five terms (1876-77, 1879-81); a member of the Buller county council, president of the chamber of commerce and chairman of the school committee. He represented Buller in Parliament (1881-84) defeating Eugene O'Conor; but was defeated by O'Conor in 1884 and 1887. Munro was the first secretary of the Westport hospital board. Barclay; Cycl. NZ, vi; Westport News, 28 Dec 1926. Reference: Volume 2, page 57 | Volume 2, page 57 🌳 Further sources |
William Dick Murison | William Dick MurisonMURISON, WILLIAM DICK (1837-77) was born at Alyth, Forfarshire, and got his education at the High School in Edinburgh. He came to Otago in 1856 in the Strathmore, with Dr Hulme, and after spending two years in and about Dunedin took up a run in the Maniototo with his brother James. They spent some months opening up the easiest way to approach the property through the Shag valley. In the spring of 1858 they were encamped at Swinburn, on the east side of the Maniototo plain, and established their homestead at the foot of Rough Ridge. The brothers went through many hardships, and the financial depression forced them to give up their property. William had a penchant for public life. In 1863 he was elected to the Provincial Council for Manuherikia, which he represented for 18 months. In 1864 he was a member of the executive for a short time. When he resigned in 1865 there was a suspicion that he had done so to permit F. D. Bell to be elected. The electors resented the supposed arrangement by proposing Macpherson, who defeated Bell at the poll. In 1866 Murison was elected M.H.R. for Waikouaiti; he resigned in 1868. He was interested in public affairs, and his right place was obviously in Dunedin. He was one of the small band who in 1865 guaranteed the fund for the Dunedin Exhibition. He strongly supported the establishment of Otago University. He was one of the promoters also of the Otago benevolent institution, and was a founder and first treasurer of the Otago Institute. As an intelligent observer of nature he was a valuable member of this learned society. In 1877 he read a paper on the wild dog of New Zealand, and in 1870 a paper on moa remains in Otago. He was constantly referred to as to his observations during his early days on the land. For a while he was president of the Acclimatisation Society, which he did much to develop. From the time of its formation Murison was a director of the Otago Daily Times and Witness Co., of which he was a large shareholder. During the absence of Vogel from the province he several times had control of the Times, and he succeeded Barton as its editor, becoming in 1871 permanent editor of both papers. In this post he showed great ability and natural capacity, giving to the papers "a large, liberal, and cultured intelligence, a most unbending integrity, and a most earnest desire to do the right always, and the right alone. Calm and temperate in the expression of his opinions, almost judicial in the extreme impartiality with which he expressed himself, he conveyed even to those who at times differed widely from him the impression of having formed his judgment after full and calm consideration." His gentleness of manner, sound judgment, urbanity, and kindliness endeared him to all. He was a prominent figure in the cricket field, but had to abandon the game about 1866 owing to ill-health. Murison died on 28 Dec 1877. Otago P.C. Proc.; Trans. N.Z. Inst.; O.D.T. Diamond Jubilee; Evening Star, 29 Dec 1877; Otago Daily Times, 16 Jan 1875; 18 Jul 1890 (p). Reference: Volume 2, page 58 | Volume 2, page 58 🌳 Further sources |
Muriwai(Tuku Take) | Muriwai(Tuku Take)MURIWAI, or TUKU TAKE, was the head chief of the Popoto hapu of Ngapuhi, having his fighting pa at Karewa ki Runga, on the Hokianga river. He always opposed Hongi till 1826, when they fought together at Kaipara, defeating the Ngati-Whatua, who had treacherously attacked the Ngapuhi after being feasted by them. Muriwai was killed at Te Wera's attack on Rangihoua, Mahia, in 1826. S. P. Smith; Marsden, L. and J.; J. Marmon in N.Z. Herald, Oct-Dec 1880. Reference: Volume 2, page 58 | Volume 2, page 58 🌳 Further sources |
Michael Murphy(Tuku Take) | Michael Murphy(Tuku Take)MURPHY, MICHAEL, was practising as a lawyer at Kororareka in the early part of 1840. He was gazetted a justice of the peace and requested by Governor Hobson (in July 1840) to proceed with C. B. Robinson (q.v.) in H.M.S. Britomart to Banks Peninsula to hold sittings of the court at various points in evidence of the existence of British sovereignty. He was appointed police magistrate at Port Nicholson in July 1841, and sub-sheriff for that district. These positions he held until the following year, when he left the colony. N.Z. Gaz., Jul-Sep 1841, 10 Jan 1842; Buick, Akaroa; E. J. Wakefield; Scholefield, Hobson; ard. Reference: Volume 2, page 58 | Volume 2, page 58 🌳 Further sources |
John Murray | John MurrayMURRAY, JOHN (1835-1915) was born near Dumbarton, Scotland. His paternal grandfather was a small farmer at Bonar Bridge, Sutherlandshire. His father, Donald Murray, had dyeworks in Glasgow until the financial panic of 1848, after which he managed the Rutherglen branch of the City of Glasgow Bank. John Murray assisted in this branch, and in 1855 became a clerk in the head office. In 1863 he married Frances Stewart, of Dunoon, Argyllshire, and in the same year sailed for New Zealand in the Aloe. He joined the Bank of New Zealand. A year later he resigned to accept the position of manager of the Bank of Otago at Invercargill. This he relinquished in Apr 1866 to rejoin the Bank of New Zealand as inspector. He played an important part in its development and became general manager on 24 Oct 1888. A year later he became a director, but retired when the directorate was removed to London, and his association with the bank ceased. When the banking crisis occurred in 1894 the directors consulted Murray, and with their authority he approached the Government with a disclosure of the critical position of the Bank. Unless assistance was forthcoming, he said, it would have to close its doors. The responsibility of devising a scheme of assistance devolved upon him. Shareholders and directors accepted his advice and Seddon adopted the scheme as the basis of the banking measures of Jun 1894. M. Kennedy (q.v.) says that although Murray was out of the bank at the time the directors and general manager left the whole task to him. When the bank was re-established Murray retired in shattered health and spent the rest of his life in New South Wales. He paid several visits to Great Britain and lived eventually at Bathurst, New South Wales, where he died on 30 Jun 1915. Murray had considerable literary gifts and contributed occasionally to the press. He was a sincere philanthropist and associated himself with social movements in Auckland. His eldest son, DONALD MURRAY (1865-) invented a multiplex telegraph-printing machine. Information from William Watson (q.v.), Sir Harold Beauchamp (q.v.) and Donald Murray; N.Z. Times, 15 Sep 1894; Otago Daily Times, 24 Jul 1890. Reference: Volume 2, page 58 | Volume 2, page 58 🌳 Further sources |
Robert Murray | Robert MurrayMURRAY, ROBERT (1820-1908) was born on his father's farm near Dornoch, Sutherlandshire, brought up as a carpenter, and followed his trade in Scotland and England. In 1841 he saw the Highland emigrants leaving Brora to join the Blenheim for New Zealand. In 1849 he came to Otago in the Cornwall. He worked at his trade in Dunedin, Taieri and Tokomairiro until 1855, when he bought a farm at Clarksville, the area of which he later increased to 600 acres. There he farmed till 1895, when he sold the farm and resided in Milton. Murray was elected to the Otago Provincial Council for Tokomairiro in 1867, and sat till 1870. He was a member of the Tokomairiro road board for some years; of the Bruce county council from 1878; and of the first school committee elected under the education ordinance of 1856. Of this he was chairman in 1874 and 1883. He was an elder of the Presbyterian Church, and was a member of the building committee of the new church. Murray married (1862) Mary Esson, of Aberdeenshire, and after her death Mary Jamieson. He died on 16 Nov 1908. Otago P.C. Proc.; Cycl. N.Z., iv (p); Alexander Brown; Scholefield, Tokomairiro Dist. High School; J. A. Thomson; Milton Mirror and Bruce Herald, Nov 1908. Reference: Volume 2, page 58 | Volume 2, page 58 🌳 Further sources |
William Archibald Murray | William Archibald MurrayMURRAY, WILLIAM ARCHIBALD (1832-1900) was born in Berwick, Scotland, of a family which had occupied sheep farms on lease since 1660. He came to Otago with his parents in the Agra (1858), and farmed for some years at Mount Stuart. During the early days of the gold diggings he made considerable profits by selling meat to the miners. In 1871 Murray won the Bruce seat (Murray 122, Cutten 87, Dyer 71, Black 31); and he represented it in Parliament till 1881. He was a strong conservative in politics, and endeavoured in 1880 to enlist the cooperation of Ormond in organizing a conservative party. He was a member of the commission on manufactures and industries. Having moved to the North Island and commenced farming at Piako in 1874, Murray was defeated at the general election 1881 by J. Rutherford (q.v.). He later took up a large part of the Opuatia block, which he called Glen Murray. In 1891 he contested the Waikato seat against Lake. Murray was unmarried and died at Auckland on 26 Jun 1900. N.Z.P.D., 1871-81; Bruce Herald, 8 Oct 1881; N.Z. Herald, 17 Jul 1885, 13 Jan 1888, 27 Jun 1900. Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 58 | Volume 2, page 58 🌳 Further sources |
Hugh Percy Murray-Aynsley | Hugh Percy Murray-AynsleyMURRAY-AYNSLEY, HUGH PERCY (1828-1917) was born in Gloucestershire, a son of John Murray-Aynsley, of Little Harle Tower, Northumberland. Educated privately, he spent some time in Trinidad, West Indies, managing a sugar plantation for his cousin, Sir William Miles. In 1858 he came to New Zealand by the British Queen, and he was for some years associated with Miles and Co., stock and station agents, until the firm was incorporated. He took up the Mount Hutt run, Canterbury, in 1862. About 1873 Murray-Aynsley joined the New Zealand Shipping Co., of which he was a director from that date until his death (and chairman for many years). He was a member of the chamber of commerce from 1860 and president 1862-63, and president of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association (1863-64). Murray-Aynsley was a member of the provincial executive (1862-63) and was for some years in the Provincial Council representing Lyttelton (1864-69). He was deputy-superintendent for a few weeks in 1869. He was M.H.R. for Lyttelton (1875-79). Other public service was on the harbour board, of which he was chairman, and as chairman of the Christchurch Domain board (1893-97, 1902-06). He married (1859) Elizabeth (d. 1893), daughter of Thomas Campbell (Edinburgh). Murray-Aynsley died on 22 Feb 1917. N.Z.P.D., 29 Jun 1917; Cycl. N.Z., iii (p); Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Col. Gent.; Acland; The Press, 23 Feb 1917. Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 59 | Volume 2, page 59 🌳 Further sources |
Murupaenga | MurupaengaMURUPAENGA (? 1760-1826), a Ngati-Whatua chief of the Ngati-Rongo hapu, lived on the eastern shores of the Kaipara river near Makarau. He was a famous warrior and made two great raids on Taranaki. In 1806, when he was about 40 years of age, he raised a taua to avenge the deaths of the Roroa people at Whakarau. They were joined by 100 of the Ngati-Whatua under Te Waru and Te Wanaaniri, on the opposite side of the harbour. The taua fell suddenly upon the Ngapuhi pa at Te Tuhuna and Tai-a-Mai, and then concluded a peace. In the following year Ngapuhi returned to the attack and were caught in an ambush at Moremonui, 12 miles south of the Maunganui Bluff, by a strong force of Ngati-Whatua under Murupaenga and Taoho. After a desperate fight, in which they had the advantage of possessing firearms, Ngapuhi were severely defeated. Several of their leaders were killed, including Pokaia, Te Waikeri, Tu-karawa, Tohi, Hou-awe, Ti and Houmoka. Hongi Hika escaped by his fleetness, but two of his brothers were killed. About 1810 Murupaenga led a taua of Ngati-Whatua (without firearms) to Taranaki, was well received by his kinsmen at Manu-korihi, on the Waitara river, and then proceeded into the southern part of Taranaki. He was so pleased with the country that he composed a waiata in its praise. In 1818, with Tu-whare, he operated at Kawhia to assist Te Rauparaha. On this occasion he penetrated as far as Tataraimaka and returned to Kaipara with many prisoners (1819). When Marsden visited Kaipara in 1820 he was attracted by Murupaenga, who was then complaining of the depredations of Ngapuhi and had several fights with Tareha in that year. As a near relative of Hongi, he accepted an invitation to participate in the Ngapuhi expedition against Rotorua in 1823. In 1825 he was present at the battle of Te Ika-a-ranga-nui, but escaped the slaughter. A few months later (1826), while with a small party, he was attacked by a taua of the Hikutu subtribe of Ngapuhi near Maunga-tauhoro and killed. His body, which was found in the sea, was buried at Mihirau, on the Puhoi river. Of medium height, very dark, with fiery penetrating eyes, Murupaenga was a man of quick perception and commanding mien. He was the one chief of Ngati-Whatua who for many years successfully opposed the powerful Ngapuhi, until they acquired guns. D'Urville had intended writing his life as the central piece of his study of Maori manners and customs. S. P. Smith; Marsden, L. and J.; Dumont D'Urville. Reference: Volume 2, page 59 | Volume 2, page 59 🌳 Further sources |
Dunbar Douglas Muter | Dunbar Douglas MuterMUTER, DUNBAR DOUGLAS (1824-1909), served with his regiment in the Punjab campaign (1848-49) and came to New Zealand on leave in the Steadfast (1851), taking up the Desert station on the Waimakariri (1851) and Raukapuka (1853). He also had land at German Bay, where he settled. While there he fought his duel with C. B. Robinson (q.v.). Muter sold his property to return to India and served through the Mutiny with great distinction, being present at Delhi, commanding the 4th column at Kishingunj (brevet-major) and being deputy-assistant-adjutant-general at Rohilkund (brevet-colonel). He afterwards commanded reinforcements to China (1860), and was later appointed a military knight of Windsor, where he died on 8 Oct 1909. Acland; Jacobson; Mrs D. Muter, Travels and Adventures of an Officer's Wife, 1864; Ebenezer Hay in The Press, 18 Jun 1924; Roberts, Southland; Morning Post (London), 9 Oct 1909. Reference: Volume 2, page 59 | Volume 2, page 59 🌳 Further sources |
Arthur Mielziner Myers | Arthur Mielziner MyersMYERS, SIR ARTHUR MIELZINER (1867-1926) was born at Ballarat and came to New Zealand with his father, who settled at Thames. There he got the first of his education, which was finished at Wellington College. At the age of 16 Myers entered the office of his uncle (Ehrenfried, a brewer at Thames). On the death of his uncle in 1897 he completed the amalgamation of the firm with Brown, Campbell and Co., and became managing director. He possessed considerable administrative and business ability and was chairman also of the Campbell trustees and of the Cornwall Park trustees, a director of the New Zealand Insurance Co. and the Auckland Gas Co. and president of the Auckland Commercial Travellers' Association. Myers was mayor of Auckland for four years, during which time he followed a progressive policy, carried through important municipal works and furthered the greater Auckland movement. He was elected to Parliament for Auckland East (Jun 1910) and sat till retiring in 1921, when he became a London director of the National Bank of New Zealand. He was a member of the Mackenzie Ministry in 1912 (as Minister of Finance, Railways and Defence) and also of the National ministry (1915-19), in which he was Minister of Customs, Munitions and Supplies, and at times also of Finance. While in Parliament Myers introduced an important town-planning bill, but it did not advance beyond its first reading. Amongst the gifts he made to Auckland city were Myers Park (of 8 acres), on which he built a free kindergarten and a school for backward children; £5,000 towards the building of a Karitane hospital, and many pictures for the Art Gallery and the clock for the town hall. To Thames also he gave many gifts to beautify the town and add to its amenities. These included assistance in establishing the Technical School. Myers was major of the 1st Auckland infantry battalion and colonel commanding the motor service corps. (K.B. 1924) He married a daughter of B. W. Levy. His death occurred on 9 Oct 1926. N.Z.P.D., 1910-21 (notably 24 Jun 1927); Who's Who N.Z., 1908; N.Z. Herald, 11 Oct 1926 (p). Portrait: Parliament House. Reference: Volume 2, page 60 | Volume 2, page 60 🌳 Further sources |