NAHE, HOANE (? 1833-94), a prominent chief of Ngati-Maru, was born at Te Poho, near Kerikeri. His earliest education was under a missionary catechist (Preece, q.v.) and Wiremu Turipona, and he afterwards went to the school conducted by the Rev Mr Dudley, who taught him the New Testament, and Mr Lanfear. Later he went to St John's College, under Archdeacons Abraham and Lloyd and Mr Greenwood. Chafing under the discipline, he returned to his home at the Thames, but was taken back by Bishop Selwyn and eventually obtained a good English education, taking honours in arithmetic and first prize in general knowledge. He still had no taste for his appointed vocation, the church, and he left the College with a good conduct certificate.

Having tribal connections with Taranaki, Ngati-Raukawa and Ngati-Haua, Nahe was elected to represent the Western Maori in Parliament in 1876. He was a fluent speaker of wide knowledge, and a firm supporter of Sir George Grey, in whose Government he was a member of the executive representing the native race from Nov 1877 to Oct 1879.

Nahe lived for many years at Omahu, near Te Puriri (Thames), where later he was a prominent churchman and assisted in the rebuilding of the mission church at Parawai. He was very learned in the lore of his people and contributed chapters to White's History and the Polynesian Journal. He died at Taipari's house at Thames on 18 May 1894.

NZ.P.D., 1876-79; S. P. Smith; Brett's Almanac, 1879; Polyn. Jour., iii, 111

Reference: Volume 2, page 60

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NAIRN, CHARLES JAMES (1822-94), came to New Zealand in the London (Dec 1840). His father, John Nairn, and brothers came in the William Bryan to New Plymouth in 1841. Nairn spent some time prospecting all over New Zealand for good grazing country. In 1850-51, with C. J. Pharazyn, he explored the whole of the South Island, spending some weeks in south Otago. On 27 Oct 1851 they wrote to the Superintendent of Otago reporting that they had picked up auriferous quartz on the property of Charles Suisted at Goodwood, north Otago. In 1848 John Nairn took up a station in the Patangata district, Hawkes Bay, and six years later they purchased from Lockwood and Tiffen the Omakere property of 50,000 acres. They imported some of the first shorthorn cattle into Hawkes Bay. Nairn was a member of the Patangata county council and chairman of the Patangata road board. He married a daughter of Thomas Wright (Boston, Lincolnshire). At his death, which occurred on 21 Jul 1894, he bequeathed to the Church of England land valued at £10,000.

Cycl. N.Z., vi (p); N.Z.C.; Mantel papers in Alexander Turnbull Library; Pyke; Beattie, ii; Playne; Hawkes Bay Herald, 22 Jul 1894.

Reference: Volume 2, page 60

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NAIRN, JAMES McLACHLAN (1859-1904), born and educated in Glasgow, received his training at the Glasgow School of Art and later on the Continent. He was in view of success, and had been elected a member of the Glasgow Art Society, when ill-health compelled him to seek a better climate, and he came to New Zealand in the Forfarshire (1890). Nairn exhibited his pictures in Dunedin and gave lectures on art, and then moved to Wellington, where he was appointed instructor in the School of Design (afterwards the Technical College). He was an unequalled draughtsman, clever in both landscape and portraiture. Some of his landscapes (notably A Summer Idyll) were acquired by the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts (of which he was a vice-president); and his portraits of judges (Richmond, F. R. Chapman and Prendergast) are in the Supreme Court. He was an uncompromising critic and the first teacher in New Zealand to conduct classes for the study of the nude figure. Nairn married Miss Smith (Greytown). He died on 22 Feb 1904.

N.Z. Times, 23, 24 Feb 1904; Evening Post, 22 Feb; M. E. R. Tripe, in Art in New Zealand, Dec 1928 (p).

Reference: Volume 2, page 60

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NAPIER, WILLIAM JOSEPH (1857-1925), who was born in Ireland, arrived in Auckland in 1862, and attended St Peter's Roman Catholic school and St John's College. He was called to the bar in New Zealand (1883), and in Fiji (1886), and in 1889 became adviser to King Mataafa of Samoa. He was also counsel to Sir George Grey until his death, and to Te Kooti and Rewi. From 1889 to 1902 (when he retired) he was member for Auckland City in the House of Representatives, and in 1901 he was chairman of the statutes revision committee. Napier was a member of the Auckland harbour board (1893-1907) and for a time chairman; a founder and president of the Navy League and the Victoria League in New Zealand and captain for nine years of the Devonport coastguard artillery. He was president of the English-speaking Union, a vice-president of the British Red Cross committee during the war of 1914-18; a member of the council of the Auckland Law Society; founder (and president for several years) of the French Club, and a founder of the Auckland Liberal Association. Napier married Henrietta, daughter of E. W. Mills (Wellington). He died on 29 Nov 1925.

NZ.P.D., 18 Jun 1926; Cycl. NZ., ii (p); Butt. Fort. Notes, 1925, p. 200; Who's Who NZ., 1908, 1924.

Reference: Volume 2, page 60

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NATHAN, DAVID (1816-86) was born in London and educated there. After a good business training and experience in the City he sailed for Australia (1839), intending to settle in Adelaide. Accounts he received in Sydney of the financial condition of South Australia induced him to change his plans and he came in the Achilles to Bay of Islands, where he arrived early in 1840. He purchased 2,500 acres of Clendon's grant at Manurewa. With some others Nathan embarked in the schooner Mary for Thames, but being landed instead at Coromandel he eventually proceeded in a canoe in search of the new capital site on the Waitemata. Amongst those he met on this journey were Logan Campbell, William Brown, Donald McLean, Webster and the chief Tataia. Having married at Bay of Islands (Oct 1841) Nathan in the following month moved his interests to Auckland and purchased a section in what became Shortland Street. In company with Israel Joseph he commenced business as auctioneers and commission agents, at first in a tent and afterwards in a warehouse erected by themselves. This partnership lasted only until 1843, Nathan continuing in his own name thereafter, extending the business and prospering so that he was able to retire in 1867 and to hand over his interests to his sons, L. D. and N. A. Nathan. Nathan rendered much useful service to the community both socially and financially. He was deeply interested in the welfare of the working classes, and was a constant contributor to the funds of charitable movements and of the various denominations. A staunch adherent of the Jewish faith, he placed the Auckland community under a debt of gratitude by his leadership and example. In his will he made many bequests of a social and charitable nature irrespective of sect. He was also active in the chamber of commerce and a vice-president of the Auckland Savings Bank. Nathan died on 23 Aug 1886.

N.Z. Jewish Review; N.Z. Herald, 2 Apr 1881, 25 Aug 1886.

Reference: Volume 2, page 60

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NATHAN, HENRY (1816-93) was born in London of Irish parents and was brought up as a goldsmith. He arrived in Wellington on 22 Jan 1841 in the Slains Castle. Finding no employment at his own occupation, he joined the police and was sent to Wanganui under Sergeant Garner. He was concerned in apprehending the murderers of the Gilfillan family. Shortly afterwards he resigned from the force and started sawmilling, providing the timber for many of the houses erected in the town. He farmed for a few years at Goat Valley, and on selling out returned to live in the town. Nathan was a member of the first town board and afterwards of the municipal council, and mayor of Wanganui. He then retired from public life. He was a prominent freemason. His death occurred on 3 Nov 1893.

Rangitikei Advocate, 4 Nov 1893.

Reference: Volume 2, page 61

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NATION, HENRY MATTHEW (1810-81), entered the Indian army as an ensign in the 23rd Bengal Infantry (1828). Promoted lieutenant (1839), captain in the 3rd European Regiment (1853), and major (1858), he served during the Mutiny in command of the native police at Patna. In 1861 he retired as lieut.-colonel, and came to settle in New Zealand. In the Waikato war he was appointed colonel of the 1st Auckland regiment of militia (Jul 1863). Nation was the first mayor of Parnell and chairman of the magistrates. He died on 12 Mar 1881, and his widow on 8 Mar 1890.

India Office records; N.Z. Herald, 14 Mar 1881.

Reference: Volume 2, page 61

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NAYTI, of the Ngati-Toa tribe, was a son of Mahurenga and claimed to be related to Te Rauparaha. Born about 1812, when his people were at Kawhia, he arrived in France in 1837 in a French whaler, the captain of which had promised that he would see King Louis Philippe. He was at once conducted to England by E. G. Wakefield's instructions, and lived there for two years. His companion, Jackey, died of tuberculosis in Dr Evans's home. Nayti spent two years in London, learning the language and being treated with every consideration. He saw the sights of London and rode in Hyde Park. In 1838 he gave evidence before the parliamentary committee, and in the following year he returned to New Zealand with the preliminary expedition of the New Zealand Company in the Tory. His influence with his own people, who were settled in the neighbourhood of Port Nicholson, was not of any importance and Barrett and others acted as interpreters for Colonel Wakefield. Nayti immediately reverted to his old style of life. He occasionally visited Wakefield in Wellington.

G.B.O.P., 1837-38/680, 1840/238 p. 27; N.Z.C.; N.Z.C. reports 1844, F40; E. J. Wakefield; O'Connor; Saturday Magazine, Dec 1837, p. 353.

Reference: Volume 2, page 61

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NEILL, GRACE (1846-1926), the daughter of an Argyllshire landed proprietor, was born in Edinburgh, educated in Rugby, and trained as a nurse at the Charing Cross and King's Cross hospitals. She was matron of large institutions in London and Manchester, before coming to Australia in 1886 (with her husband and son). She joined the staff of the Brisbane Daily Telegraph, and in 1891 served on a royal commission investigating the conditions of labour in shops and factories. In 1893 Mrs Neill came to New Zealand and joined the government service as an inspector of factories, also helping E. Tregear to edit the Journal of Labour. In the following year she was transferred to the department of hospitals and charitable aid, and became official visitor to the Wellington lunatic asylums. Mrs Neill was one of the founders of the international council of nurses, and was responsible for many nursing reforms in New Zealand. She died on 19 Aug 1926.

Cycl. NZ., i (p); H. Maclean, Nursing in N.Z., 1932; N.Z. Times, 26, 27 May 1897; The Dominion, 20 Aug 1926.

Reference: Volume 2, page 61

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NELIGAN, MOORE RICHARD (1863-1922), a grandson of Canon Neligan, D.D., incumbent of Christ Church, Leeson Park, Dublin, was born in Dublin. He was educated at Reading school and Trinity College, Dublin. He was ordained deacon in 1886 and priest in 1887, and served in the parishes of Sculcoates, Hull (1886-87), East Dereham, Norfolk (1889), and Christ Church, Lancaster Gate, London (1890-94). From 1894 to 1903 he was vicar of St Stephen's in Paddington, London. In 1903 he was consecrated Bishop of Auckland. (D.D. 1902). Neligan did strenuous work in the growing outlying districts of his diocese. His health failing, he returned to England in 1910, and died in Northern Ireland on 24 Nov 1922. He married in 1894 Mary, daughter of Edmund Macrory, K.C., of London. Neligan's publications include The Religion of Life (1908) and The Churchman as Priest (1914).

Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Crockford; Who Was Who.

Reference: Volume 2, page 61

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NELSON, WILLIAM (1843-1932) was born in Warwick, educated at Warwick College, and was engaged in gelatine and cement works. At the age of 20 he came to New Zealand in the Devonshire. He joined the militia, but by the end of the year began sheep-farming with his brother (Frederick Nelson) at Kereru, Hawke's Bay. After visiting England he farmed at Waipukurau (1866-69) and was flaxmilling at Mangateretere (1870-72). Later they had properties at Waipukurau and on the Heretaunga plains.

In 1875 Nelson returned to England and had experiments made at the gelatine works of Nelson, Dale and Co. which resulted in improved machinery for the preservation of meat and the preparation of tallow. In 1880, with J. N. Williams, they installed the machinery at their works at Tomoana, and two years later a company was formed to take over the business (which was under the management of Nelson). In 1884 three successful shipments were sent to England. In 1885 Nelson Brothers opened stores in Thames Street, London. To assist the sale the barque Prince of Wales was fitted up with refrigerating machinery and stationed at Plymouth as a distributing centre. In 1895 the distributing business was sold to the Colonial Consignment and Distributing Co., of which his brother (Sir Montague Nelson) was the chairman. William Nelson was chairman of the Clive river board and for some years president of the free association of employers (after the maritime strike). He founded the Heretaunga Boys School in Hastings and assisted to found Woodford House. He married (1865) a daughter of Henry Bicknell, Bangor, Wales, and died on 16 Nov 1932.

Critchell and Raymond (p); The Dominion, 15 Feb 1932; Hawke's Bay Herald, 17 Nov 1932 (p); Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, 7 May 1937.

Reference: Volume 2, page 61

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NENE, TAMATI WAKA (? 1780-1871). The son of Tapua, a noted Ngati-Hao warrior of Hokianga, Nene was descended from ancestors (Nuku-tawhiti and Ruanui) who arrived in New Zealand by the canoe Mamari. Tapua, who was both a warrior and a tohunga, was a man of powerful mental qualities. He married Te Kawehau, and their family consisted of one daughter, Tari, who married Te Wharerahi (q.v.), and four sons: Patuone (q.v.), Nene, Te Anga and Te Ruanui. The last two were killed in battle. By a later marriage Te Kawehau had a son, Wi Waka Turau. Tapua was fishing off Matauri on 27 Nov 1769, when Cook's ship Endeavour appeared off Cape Brett, and he commanded the first canoe (Te Tumuaki) which went off, with 80 men, to see the navigator. As chief of the Ngati-Rangi hapu of Ngapuhi he was trained to arms early, and accompanied his father in the campaigns of the early nineteenth century, in which he developed as a brave fighter and a good leader. When a young man, he chased and killed a Maori who had assaulted a pakeha. In 1819-20 he accompanied the Ngapuhi taua in the Amiowhenua expedition to Taranaki and Whanganui, and had command of it on the return.

Nene took part in Hongi Hika's campaign against the Hauraki tribes in 1822, and later in the victorious campaign of the northern tribes with muskets against the people of Taranaki and Wellington. He visited Port Jackson in the Enterprise to hand over the convicts from the brig Wellington (1827). He early befriended the pakeha, and in 1829 shot dead a Ngapuhi who had participated in the sack of the brig Hawes at Whale Island. He was one of the earliest chiefs to be baptised by the missionaries (when he took the names of Tamati Waka, i.e., Thomas Walker, after a supporter of the mission at Stockton-upon-Tees). In 1827, when the Wesleyan mission at Whangaroa was attacked, Nene, Patuone and Te Wharerahi led a force to its rescue and removed the missionaries to Mangungu. Nene and Patuone also exacted punishment for the murder of a Christian native at Mangamuka, where Nene stormed the pa, killed 12, and took the rest prisoners, including the leader, Kaitoke. He assisted Moetara to exact restitution from the Rarawa raiders of the schooner Fortitude.

Nene often came to the assistance of the British Resident, and in 1840 was one of the most convincing supporters of the Treaty of Waitangi, which he signed amongst the first on 6 Feb. In the war of 1845 he was the firm friend and ally of the pakeha. Owing to Heke's relative Hongi Hika having some years earlier insulted his matua, Te Tihi, Nene after the cutting down of the flagstaff took the field against Heke with a well-armed force. After the British reverse at Omapere he accompanied a military force up the Waikare inlet against the Kapotai tribe, whose leader, Hauraki (a brother-in-law of F. E. Maning) was mortally wounded. At Te Ahuahu Heke was defeated and wounded. At Ohaeawai Nene tried unsuccessfully to dissuade Colonel Despard from making a costly attack. In Jan 1846 Nene went with Grey and Te Wherowhero to Wellington to satisfy himself about the release of Te Rauparaha, for whom they had acted as surety. His services were recognised by the British Government, and he was granted a pension of £100 a year by the Colonial government. The Church Missionary Intelligencer (1850) states that Nene devoted his first year's pension to the erection of a flourmill as a peace offering for the benefit of his former enemies. Sir George Grey appointed Nene one of his esquires on his investment as a knight (Dec 1848); and when he returned as Governor for a second term he brought a chased silver goblet as a gift from Queen Victoria. In later years Nene often attended levees at Auckland, where he was honoured by pakeha and Maori. He died on 4 Aug 1871, and at his own request was buried at Bay of Islands. His epitaph reads: 'te hoa o te Kawanatanga me te matua o te Pakeha' (the friend of the Government and the parent of the Europeans). The government memorial, erected later, describes Nene as 'the first to welcome the Queen's sovereignty in New Zealand; a consistent supporter of the pakeha.' Nene's wife Taipora and their two daughters (one of whom was the wife of Wi Patene) died in 1837. A niece married G. F. Russell, of Hokianga.

NZ. Archives, B.R. 1 and 2; Legislative Council of NZ, ordinances 1847, viii, no. 15; S. P. Smith, Wars; J. K. Davis; Webster (p); Cowan, Wars (p); Gisborne; Carleton; Buller; Morley; Buick, First War (p); Waka Maori, 1871, p. 8; Williams papers; Bowen; N.Z. Herald, 9 Aug 1871, 19 Sep 1872; New Zealander, 26 Sep 1857. Portrait: Cowan, Sketches.

Reference: Volume 2, page 62

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NERHENY, PATRICK JOSEPH (1858-1921), born in Fair Valley, County Roscommon, Ireland, moved to Manchester in 1870, where he served his apprenticeship as a bricklayer. Coming to New Zealand early in the eighties, he was in business as a working contractor, and later as a coal and firewood merchant. For 13 years he had a seat on the Auckland City Council (1908-21), being chairman of the streets committee, and he served also on the Auckland Harbour Board, the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, and the council of the Auckland Sailors' Home. He was a founder and president for 12 years of the Liberal and Labour Association. In 1920 Nerheny was called to the Legislative Council. He died on 2 Dec 1921.

N.Z.P.D., 7 Dec 1921; N.Z. Herald, 3 Dec 1921.

Reference: Volume 2, page 62

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NEVILL, SAMUEL TARRATT (1837-1921), the third son of Jonathan Nevill, lace and hosiery warehouseman, was born near Nottingham. On leaving St Aidan's College, he took charge of Scarisbrick parish, in Lancashire, and later proceeded to Magdalen College, Cambridge, where he graduated B.A. (1865) and M.A. (1868). After three years as rector of Shelton parish, Staffordshire, he was appointed Bishop of Dunedin in 1871. In the same year Canterbury University conferred on him the honorary degree of D.D. During an episcopacy of nearly 50 years there were founded in Dunedin the Selwyn Theological College (1885), St Hilda's College for girls, and the deaconess institute, and St Paul's cathedral was built. Largely through the efforts of his first wife (1834-1905), a daughter of James Parker Penny, of Heavitree, Devon, St Mary's orphanage was established. In 1904 Bishop Nevill was made Primate of New Zealand. He retired from both positions in 1919, to devote himself to literature, and died on 29 Oct 1921. His second wife was Linda, a daughter of the Rev Geoffrey Fynes-Clinton. Nevill wrote many pamphlets on theology, and in 1910 published Spiritual Philosophy.

Cycl. NZ., iv (p); Who's Who N.Z., 1908; E. R. Nevill, Bishop S. T. Nevill (p); Otago Daily Times, 30 Nov 1921.

Reference: Volume 2, page 62

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NEWALL, STEWART (1843-1919), a native of Dumfriesshire, Scotland, came to New Zealand in 1863 from Victoria, and after gold mining in Otago joined the militia for the Waikato war. Five years later he was transferred to the Armed Constabulary and served in Titokowaru's war, and the Urewera campaign. After Te Kooti's escape (1870) he was officer in charge at Cambridge. He did police work in various parts of the North Island, exploring and supervising the construction of roads. After taking part in the operations against Te Whiti, he was transferred to the defence force in 1888, and subsequently commanded the Wanganui, Taranaki and Wellington districts. In the South African war he commanded the 5th New Zealand Contingent. (C.B. 1900.) He was married in 1872 to a sister of Colonel J. M. Roberts (q.v.). Newall died on 3 Aug 1919.

Cycl. N.Z., i (p); Gudgeon (p); Who's Who N.Z., 1908.

Reference: Volume 2, page 62

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NEWMAN, ALFRED KINGCOME (1849-1924) was born in India. His father, Captain Alfred Newman (1816-82), H.E.I.C.S., who served under Sir Charles Napier, came to New Zealand in 1853, purchased an estate near Waipukurau, and was a member of the Ahuriri Settlers' Association (1854) and of the Napier harbour board.

Newman was educated at private schools in New Zealand and in Bath, England (1863) and studied medicine at Guy's Hospital, London, and Aberdeen University (M.B., C.M., 1875; M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P.). Returning to New Zealand (1875), he engaged in commerce as a partner in the firm of Zohrab, Newman and Co., general merchants. In 1879 he married Octavia, daughter of Dr I. E. Featherston (q.v.). He unsuccessfully contested the Foxton seat in 1881, and was elected to the House of Representatives as member for Thorndon in 1884, holding the seat until 1890. He subsequently represented Hutt (1890-93), Wellington Suburbs (1893-96) and Wellington East (1911-22). He served on the Wellington City Council (1881-85), the education board, the Wellington College board of governors, the Agricultural and Pastoral association, the University senate, and several athletic bodies, particularly the N.Z. Rugby Union (of which he was president). From 1922 until his death (on 3 Apr 1924) Newman was a member of the Legislative Council.

N.Z.P.D., 1 Jul 1924; Who's Who N.Z., 1908, 1924; Cycl. N.Z., i (p)

Reference: Volume 2, page 62

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NEWMAN, JOHN LITCHFIELD (1815-86) was born at Kinsale, County Cork, where he was educated and went into business as a merchant and shipowner. In 1848 he emigrated to New Zealand in the brig Susan. After a few weeks in Auckland he settled in Taranaki in 1849, and was engaged in trading in produce with Auckland in conjunction with R. Brown. Later he took up land in the Omata district, where he farmed till the war broke out. He served for two years, being present at Waireka.

Newman was keenly interested in politics, and represented his district in the Provincial Council (1859-61). When his home was destroyed he moved to Nelson, where he owned the Mitre hotel. On returning to Taranaki he had the Ship hotel for a while until returning to his farm. He died on 8 Nov 1886.

Cycl. NZ, vi (p); Parltry Record; Taranaki Herald, 8 Nov 1886; Taranaki News, 13 Nov 1886.

Reference: Volume 2, page 62

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NEWMAN, JOSEPH (1815-92) was born at Willoughby, near Alford, Lincolnshire, the son of a small farmer. Educated at Alford Grammar School, he engaged in flourmilling at Louth and grain-buying on behalf of his brother's firm. As a young man, he joined the temperance movement, and became a lifelong teetotaller. He offered his services to the London Missionary Society, but was not accepted. Newman later managed a provision business at Malton.

In 1840 he sailed in the barque James for New Zealand, several recruits for the New Zealand missions being passengers. He bought a town allotment at Auckland, but was unable for some time to acquire farming land. In 1845 he visited Great Britain and married Caroline Ewen, whose brother was afterwards his partner in business as ironmongers in Auckland. Newman now purchased 100 acres close to Kohimarama, and by 1850 he had 60 acres fenced and cultivated. He imported a portable threshing machine, and stud Lincoln sheep. In 1850 he commenced auctioneering, and for several years held successful stock sales, finally selling out to Frank Buckland. In 1857 he visited the Bathurst goldfields in New South Wales and then proceeded to England in the Centurion. On his return the firm's business was moved from Shortland to Queen Street, but, being burned out shortly afterwards, it was closed down. Newman settled for a few years in Hertfordshire, England, and acted on behalf of the Auckland provincial government in securing settlers on the 40-acre system of immigration. He lectured in England, Scotland and Isle of Man with great success, and had much to do with the Albertland scheme.

Returning to New Zealand in 1862, Newman helped to select the Albertland location. He was M.P.C. for Auckland (1853-68) and was a member of the executive in 1864 (during Graham's superintendency). In 1852 he was an alderman of the Auckland municipal council. He stood for Parliament in 1855 without success and represented Raglan (1866-67). In 1870 he commenced business as a sharebroker, and he was later a director of the Auckland Gas Co. He was a visiting justice, a prohibition member of the licensing committee, and a supporter of the Y.M.C.A. and the Congregational church. He died on 4 Jan 1892.

Auckland P.C. Proc.; Brett, Albertlanders; N.Z. Herald, 5 Jan 1892

Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 63

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NEWTON, CHARLES (1825-85) was a leading stock and station agent in Christchurch, and was interested in a number of pastoral properties, including 'The Springs' and 'Ashfield'. He represented Mount Cook in the Canterbury Provincial Council 1862-63.

Reference: Volume 2, page 63

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NEWTON, THOMAS KENNEDY (1829-96) arrived in Otago in 1849. In 1852 he moved to Napier and started business as a storekeeper, his first store being in Onepoto gully. Newton was in partnership at different times with Alexander, Alex. Brown and Irvine as wholesale and retail merchants. He was also interested in pastoral runs at Te Mahanga and elsewhere; owned two small trading vessels, and was a large buyer of Maori grain. Newton represented Napier town in the Provincial Council (1866-67 and 1869-71). He died on 2 Sep 1896.

Cycl. NZ

Reference: Volume 2, page 63

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NGAKUKU, a fighting chief of the Ngati-Haua, was a nephew of Te Waharoa (q.v.). Though friendly to the missionaries, he was not an avowed Christian. Nevertheless he sent his daughter Tarore to live with the Rev A. N. Brown and he became a Christian soon after the arrival at Matamata of the missionaries. In Oct 1836 his daughter Tarore was murdered and eaten by the Ngati-Whakaue, with whom Ngakuku afterwards became publicly reconciled. He accompanied the Rev J. A. Wilson along the Bay of Plenty and assisted in the founding of the mission stations there.

Reference: Volume 2, page 63

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NGAPORA, TAMATI, or MANUHIRI (?1804-85), a chief of very high rank in the NgatiMahuta tribe of Waikato, was a near relative of Te Wherowhero and old enough to bear arms at the time of the siege of Matakitaki by Ngapuhi (1821). As a young man he took part in the expeditions against Taranaki in 1829-30. With his wife and daughter he was early converted to Christianity. When Te Wherowhero and the Ngati-Mahuta were settled by Governor Grey at Mangere (on the south shore of Manukau harbour), Ngapora made his home there and was appointed an assessor. On 3 Apr 1848 he wrote an important letter on the state of the Maori people. A deeply religious man, he acted as native pastor (wearing clerical costume) and during 1850-53 he built a stone church in the village, raising the funds himself and doing much of the work.

When Te Wherowhero left Mangere, he deputed Ngapora to take his place as the organ of communication between the Government and the Waikato people. After the King meeting at Waikato in 1858 he reported to the Governor on the position. He favoured Potatau as chief of the Waikato tribe, but not as King. In 1858 Te Wherowhero declared Ngapora his successor in the Kingship, but Wi Tamihana te Waharoa appointed Tawhiao. Ngapora was a close friend and confidant of Sir William and Lady Martin, who found him gentlemanly, unassuming, generous and peaceable. Martin said: "I have seldom seen anyone so steady or so well balanced in mind as he is." When Sir George Grey arrived as Governor in 1861 Ngapora persuaded the King leaders at Ngaruawahia to send a deputation to him, but under Rewi's influence it demanded separation and independence. Ngapora deplored the outbreak of the Waikato war (1863), but when the Maori residents at Mangere were called upon to take the oath or leave for the other side of the aukati, he responded to his tribal promptings and took his departure, sadly enough. He was a man of peace and took no part in the hostilities. He lost his home and the church became a barracks. His education and intelligence, together with his mana as the King's uncle, soon gave him a strong position. He was a respected adviser, who for years enjoyed the authority of prime minister. Greatly disillusioned and embittered by the war, he leaned towards Hauhauism, and for some years signed himself "Tamati Pai Marire." When Waikato at length evacuated their territory, Ngapora went with them to Tokangamutu (Te Kuiti). It was then that he changed his name to Manuhiri, or "sojourner," owing to his people having to live amongst the Ngati-Maniapoto. When Matutaera married his daughter Ngapora's mana increased, and he became virtually King. In 1869 he resisted Te Kooti's appeal for help from the King tribes, and he hurried from a feast at Kawhia to stop Wetere's party from going to Taranaki; but the tragedy at White Cliffs could not be prevented. He was now unrelenting towards the pakeha. He alone stood out against the proposed visit of the Duke of Edinburgh to the King Country, and he insisted on the full demands of the King movement for self-government. Sir William Martin, whose respect for Tamati was unimpaired, urged him in statesmanlike letters to conform to the rule of the Queen, but the wrongs of his race and his own injured pride had hardened his heart, and he would not now abate any of the pretensions of the King movement; he wanted the return of the whole of Waikato.

A strong rivalry developed between Ngapora and Rewi in the late sixties. Rewi, an old man, wished to see the end of hostility to the pakeha and condemned the intransigence of Ngapora. In 1873 Ngapora strongly reproved the murderer of Ruru for his attack on the Government agent (James Mackay, q.v.). In 1878 Sir George Grey persuaded cabinet to offer him a pension, since he was too old to be a member of the Legislative Council. A pension of £210 was offered. Ngapora declined it, but under pressure by his grandson, Tu Tawhiao, he accepted a sum of money. Eventually in 1880 he accepted the pension through the persuasion of W. G. Mair (q.v.). He also had returned to him the Old Testament which he left at the Tamaki church in 1863. He died at Whatiwhatihoe on 4 Aug 1885, having for some years enjoyed a pension of £80 a year.

Ngapora was of medium height and fine physique, robust and active even in advanced years. He was closely tattooed. In council he was quiet, reserved and dignified, and firm to the verge of obstinacy.

App. H.R., 1863 F3, pass.; GBOP., 1849/1120; Cowan, Wars; Sketches (p); Gorst; Martin; Cowie; Bowen; Firth; J. C. Firth's Conference with Tamati Ngapora, 1869; Lady Martin, Our Maoris, p. 166-68; Carey, p. 38; Rusden; N.Z. Herald, 6 Aug 1885.

Reference: Volume 2, page 63

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NGATA, PARATENE (1851-1924) was a member of the Whanau-a-Te Ao, Ngati-Rangi and Whanau-a-Karuai hapu of Ngati-Porou. A son of Wiremu Te Karaka, of Reporua, and Hera Ruataupare, of Waiomatatini, he was brought up by Major Ropata Wahawaha (q.v.), whose wife Harata Te Ihi, was a younger sister of Paratene's mother. He saw service as a lad with Ropata during the later Maori wars on the East Coast. He married in 1871 Katerina Naki, of Akuaku. Ngata had a little education at Bishop Williams's school at Waerenga-a-Hika, Gisborne, but was largely self-taught. During the years following the Maori war on the East Coast he led a varied life as storekeeper, hotelkeeper, sheepfarmer and native land agent. Having been appointed an assessor of the native land court, he was associated with Major Mair (a judge of the court) in the investigation of title of native lands in the King Country (Rohe-Potae) and Taupo, and as agent and conductor took a leading part in the title investigation of large native blocks in the Thames, Hawkes Bay, Wairarapa and East Coast districts. He thus acquired a unique knowledge of Maori tradition, custom and tribal history. He made one effort to enter parliament, opposing Wi Pere in the 1894 election for the Eastern Maori district. The last 20 years of his life were spent at his home at Waiomatatini, taking a prominent part with the elders and chiefs of the Ngati-Porou tribe in promoting the schemes of consolidation of titles, incorporation of owners of lands for their better organisation and financial assistance, native land settlement, improvement of maraes and communal buildings and other activities in which that tribe pioneered the way for the Maori race. He was a keen educationalist, an expert in the traditions of his people, and an enthusiastic advocate of progress. For many years he was chairman of the Horouta Maori council, chairman of the Waiomatatini native school committee and manager of the Waiomatatini station.

One of his sons is SIR APIRANA TURUPA NGATA (1874-), who graduated M.A. and LL.B. at the University of New Zealand, was M.P. for the Eastern Maori (1905-) and a prominent leader of the Maori renaissance. He was a member of Sir Joseph Ward's executive (1909-12) and Native Minister (1928-35).

Cycl. NZ, vi (p); Who's Who NZ, 1908, 1924, 1932; NZ Herald, 11 Mar 1924.

Reference: Volume 2, page 64

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NGATATA, TE RANGI (?-1854) was a great grandson of Te Whiti Katua and Tarawhakauka, the originator of the Ngati-Tewhiti sub-tribe of Ngati-Awa. His father was Rangiwhetiki, who married Pakanga, daughter of Karaki-terangi, eldest daughter of Te Whiti. Ngatata lived for 30 years in Taranaki and saw much fierce fighting to defend that district against the invasions of Waikato taua armed with muskets. Fearing his inability to hold out indefinitely, he led some of his people in the Nihoputa heke (1824), which suffered from attacks by the Nga-Rauru while passing through their country. In 1826, after the death of Pomare, he paid an important visit to Waikato to enlist the help of Te Wherowhero, Te Kanawa and Tu-Korehu to avenge the death of Te Karawa at the hands of Ngati-Ruanui. As a result 4,000 men, under Te Wherowhero, Waharoa, Kaihau, Tarapipipi and Awaitaia marched southward. In 1829 he himself took the field against Nga-Rauru for an attack on the heke of 1824. In 1831 he came with his people to Whanganui-a-Tara (with Wharepouri and Honiana Te Puni) and fought to dispossess Ngati-Kahungunu from their lands in the neighbourhood. On account of the death of Matoha in this campaign he shot Te Maurio-te-Rangi at Te Roro, near Matakitaki, Palliser Bay, and he went with the taua under Te Wharepouri as far north as Nukutaurua. There peace was made, and the Ngati-Kahungunu were allowed to return to their cultivations in the Wairarapa. In 1832 Ngatata took part in the defence of Ngamotu, and in the heke Tama-te-Uaua to Kapiti.

When Ngatata signed the Treaty of Waitangi for the Rev Henry Williams (1840), he was very old and retiring in favour of his son, Wi Tako (q.v.). It was the latter who signed the deed of sale on his behalf. His daughter Karoraina (d. 1879) married Taiaroa, and Ngatata died at Otago Heads in 1854 when visiting her. A memorial was erected there to his memory by the Government of the day. His wife, Whetowheto, of the Ngati-Ruanui tribe, died at Wellington and was buried at Waikanae. (See WIREMU TAKO NGATATA; WHAREPOURI)

Personal information from W. H. Love; Wellington Gaz., xvi, p. 25; S. P. Smith, Taranaki; Cowan; Buick, Old New Zealander and Waitangi; Evening Post, 19 Oct, 22 Oct 1929.

Reference: Volume 2, page 64

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NGATATA, WIREMU TAKO (1815-87) was the son of Ngatatai-te-Rangi (q.v.) and was also called Te Teoteo, or Makoere. Born in Taranaki during the wars against the Waikato, he came south with the heke Nihoputa (1824) or the heke Taua (1832), and lived on the shores of Port Nicholson. There Wakefield met him in 1839, a handsome young chief in the prime of life, owning two pas on the site of Wellington (Pipitea and Kumutoto). When the pakeha arrived Ngatatai-te-rangi was ageing and Wi Tako, who was taking his part in the leadership of the tribe, signed the deed of sale on his father's behalf. A year or two later (1842) he succeeded Honiana Te Puni as the paramount chief of Ngati-Awa. Wi Tako's standing amongst the natives appears to have been high. He led the speeches when acting-Governor Shortland visited Port Nicholson in 1843, and supported the pakeha in the Wairau crisis. In the forties he and his followers removed from their pas in Wellington to a new position at Ngahauranga.

When Boulcott's farm was attacked in 1846, Wi Tako took command of a strong body of his people, and assisted in driving the attackers across the range, through the Horokiwi valley, and beyond Paekakariki. After the peace he was appointed a native assessor, and in that capacity assisted Sir Donald McLean in the acquisition of many thousands of acres of land in the Hawkes Bay district. That he was not unmindful of the wrongs of his own people was evident in the early sixties, when he was drawn by the injustice of Waitara towards the King movement. In a heated interview with Sir George Grey (9 Oct 1862) he said: "Listen to me, Governor; to the first of my thoughts about joining this King work. It was the crookedness on the side of the pakeha. This is the crookedness of which I complain-Rawiri's death when he was following after the work of the Government, and the driving of Wi Kingi off his own land. This is the reason I left the side of the pakeha, because I saw the wrong. Then I took up the King's work." Wi Tako's mana was widespread. A nephew of Kekerengu, he married Ngawhawha, a grand-daughter of the exalted East Coast chieftainess Tamairangi. At some risk to his mana he persuaded his own people not to join the King movement, merely asking that they should be given employment. When the Waikato campaign had made some progress he made peace with Sir William Fox for himself and his men, and was allowed to retain his gun. He persuaded the King chiefs in Wairarapa to lay down their arms, exercising an influence which Featherston considered decisive. Thereafter he was a beneficent factor against Hauhauism even on the East Coast, whither he went with Archdeacon S. Williams and Matene te Whiwhi to neutralise the propaganda of Patara and Kereopa, and at other times with McLean to promote the purchase of lands.

Wi Tako's co-religionist M. S. Grace (q.v.), speaking in the Legislative Council, said: "There was a time when Wi Tako held the balance of power between the Maori King Potatau and the English Queen; a time during the war when he had 2,000 armed men under his control, and had he thrown his tomahawk to the right or the left, and lent his influence to the Maori King, I do not know what would have become of this settlement. I say we have lost in him one of the greatest natives this country, rich in great men, has ever borne. He imperilled by his loyalty to us the whole of his influence with the native race. It was when Wi Tako, failing to be carried away by the passing impulse of the moment, holding the scales between the two races, gave us the full advantage of his sympathy and, ultimately, of his support. I have heard Dr Featherston say of him, 'Wi Tako is the cleverest man, black or white, in the country.' He had no two tongues-what he promised he performed. I remember to-day with glowing admiration the chivalry, valour, and magnanimity of this great race of people, who are dying out from our midst, leaving but the memory of their achievements behind them!" In 1872 Wi Tako was called to the Legislative Council, where his quiet dignity and common-sense won him the respect of his fellows. He was a member of the board of native trustees. On his death, which occurred on 8 Nov 1887, he was accorded a state funeral. Speaking at the graveside, Archbishop Redwood said: "We are here to-day to do honour to the remains of one who has earned the esteem, admiration, and gratitude of all New Zealand. He saw from the beginning the great advantages of civilisation and culture. As a citizen, a legislator, and a great leader of men he showed himself worthy of all honour from both races during his life and of this splendid demonstration in his behalf to-day. He embraced cordially the saving truths of Christianity; he died a Christian death. As a man I admired him. As a Christian I admired him still more." (See WHAREPOURI and TE PUNI.)

Wellington Gaz., 24 Jun 1864; Wellington Independent, 7 Jun 1864; personal information from W. H. Love; N.Z.P.D., pass. and 10 Nov 1887; Wakefield; Cowan; Bowen; Ward (p); H. T. Kemp in N.Z. Herald, 23 Mar 1901; Evening Post 10 Nov 1887, 19, 22 Oct 1929 (p); N.Z. Times, 6, 21 Nov 1887.

Reference: Volume 2, page 64

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NIAS, JOSEPH (1793-1879), joined the Royal Navy in 1804 in H.M.S. Nautilus; was a midshipman in the Comus at the siege of Cadiz (1810) and in 1818 began some years of Arctic service in the brig Alexander under Sir John Ross and Parry. At the battle of Navarino he was a lieutenant in the Asia. Promoted to command the brig Alacrity, he served with distinction against Greek pirates. In 1835 he attained post rank, and in 1838 was appointed to command the Herald on the East Indies station. In 1840 he brought Captain Hobson to New Zealand to assume the lieutenant-governorship, and he was some months in these waters assisting to complete the Treaty of Waitangi and to inaugurate British sovereignty. Nias was for two years senior officer in China and distinguished himself at the capture of Canton. (C.B.) In 1850 he commissioned the Agincourt and later was flag captain to Admiral Sir Michael Seymour in the St George. He was superintendent of the dockyard at Devonport and in 1854-56 of the victualling yard and hospital at Plymouth. (Rear-admiral, 1857; vice-admiral, 1863; admiral, 1867.) Nias was knighted in 1867.

G.B.O.P., 1841/311; Scholefield, Hobson (p); Bunbury; Buick, Waitangi; T. D. H. Hall, Captain Joseph Nias and the Treaty of Waitangi, 1938. Portrait: National Portrait Gallery, London.

Reference: Volume 2, page 64

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NICCOL, HENRY (1819-87) was the son of William Niccol, a well-known yacht builder on the Clyde, and came to New Zealand in the Jane Gifford (1842). Settling at Waiheke, he built the schooner Thistle, which he sold to Captain Bateman. Some time later he established a yard in Mechanics' Bay, where he built a topsail schooner, the Albert, to the order of Governor FitzRoy. In 1845 he built the brig Franklin for W. S. Grahame, in 1846 the Undine for R. C. Barstow and in 1850 the 90-ton schooner Waitemata. His partner (Sharp) having died in the early fifties, Niccol carried on the business alone, building many small vessels for the coastal and intercolonial trade and for the Government of Tonga, including the Albatross (in which Earl Pembroke cruised in the Pacific), the Novelty barque for the Circular Saw line, and the Eclipse topsail schooner.

In 1864 Niccol removed his yard to North Shore, where he laid down a patent slip, the only one then in the colony. There he built his first steamer, the Southern Cross 300 tons, and many more trading vessels and yachts, including the Waitangi, which won the commodore's challenge cup at Port Jackson. Altogether by 1887 he had built 181 vessels, aggregating 10,519 tons. Niccol was a member of the first Auckland harbour board and chairman of the Devonport highway board. He died on 9 Nov 1887.

His son, MALCOLM NICCOL (1844-1925) who was born in Auckland, and educated at Gorrie's school, was in business as a chandler, shipbroker and agent. He was a member of many local bodies, five times mayor of Devonport between 1882 and 1902, and 20 years a member of the Auckland harbour board (six years chairman). For 60 years a freemason, he was grand secretary (1900-21). Niccol died on 27 Jul 1925.

N.Z. Herald, 25 Jun, 11 Nov 1887; 28 Jul 1925; Barclay; Who's Who N.Z., 1924; Cycl. N.Z., ii (p).

Reference: Volume 2, page 65

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NICHOLAS, HENRY JAMES (1891-1918) was born at Lincoln, Canterbury, the son of Richard Nicholas. He was educated at the Normal and East Christchurch schools; served his apprenticeship to a builder in Christchurch, and worked for four years at that trade in Australia. He was a keen sportsman and a successful amateur boxer. In 1916 he enlisted in the 1st field company New Zealand Engineers, and on reaching Europe was drafted to the Canterbury Regiment in France. (Lance-sergeant, Mar 1918; sergeant, Jun). Nicholas received the Military Medal for gallantry. Later he showed exceptional valour and coolness under fire, and was awarded the V.C. for conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during an attack, when he led a detachment forward and captured an enemy strong-point and a machine-gun post with all its crew. He was killed in action on 23 Oct 1918.

N.Z. Army records; Ferguson, History of the Cant. Regiment, 1921 (p); Stewart, Official History of New Zealand's Effort in the Great War, France, 1921; London Gaz. 8 Jan 1918, 11 Mar 1919; N.Z. Press Association, 12 Jan 1918.

Reference: Volume 2, page 65

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NICHOLAS, JOHN LIDDIARD was born in England, and came to New South Wales in the Earl Spencer in 1814, intending to enter into business there. He became acquainted with Samuel Marsden and accompanied him on his first visit to New Zealand in the Active in Nov 1814. About 1817 Nicholas returned to England and in that year published his Narrative of a Voyage to New Zealand, which is one of the most authoritative works on that period of New Zealand history. In 1820 he saw a good deal of Tuhi and Titore. He gave evidence before the House of Lords committee on New Zealand in 1838.

Cycl. NZ, ii (p); Marsden, L. and J.; Nicholas, op. cit.

Reference: Volume 2, page 65

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NICHOLLS, CHARLES HENRY SINDERBY (1814-88) was born in England and educated there. Having been ordained by Dr Langley (afterwards Archbishop of Canterbury), he was for 12 years engaged in clerical and scholastic pursuits in Leeds under Dr Farquhar Hook, vicar of St Peter's. He was very successful as a teacher, but in 1852, owing to ill-health, he came to Lyttelton in the Stag. Shortly afterwards he settled in Wanganui, where he was for a time curate of Christ Church and had charge of the industrial school for Maori children in Victoria Avenue, which was afterwards merged in Wanganui Collegiate School. He was for 20 years engaged in Wanganui parish and as chaplain to the troops. About 1871 Nicholls moved to Upper Hutt, where he was curate of St John's for 10 years before retiring. He was a good preacher, and a sound English scholar. He died on 11 Jan 1888.

G. V. Kendrick, Parochial District of Upper Hutt, 1935; Woon (p); N.Z. Times, 26 Jan 1888.

Reference: Volume 2, page 65

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NICHOLSON, JOHN ROBINSON (1831-75) was born at Redditch, Worcestershire. After qualifying as a medical practitioner he came to New Zealand and for the benefit of his health took up land at Ararimu, north Auckland. There he remained for a year or two, and then moved into Onehunga and practised his profession. He took a great interest in local affairs, and on the retirement of Stark (q.v.) was elected to the Provincial Council for Onehunga. At the following election he was defeated by O'Rorke (1869), but at once entered the lists for the Northern Division and was elected. Gillies called upon him to lead the executive, in which he was provincial secretary and treasurer from Dec 1869 to the end of 1870, when failing health compelled him to retire. He retired from the Council in 1873 and died on 8 Jan 1875. Nicholson was a strong advocate of total abstinence and held high office in the Good Templars.

Auckland P.C. Proc.; N.Z. Herald, 9 Jan 1875.

Reference: Volume 2, page 65

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NICHOLSON, THOMAS DICKSON (1817-64), who came from Firth, Scotland, was a minister of the Free Church, and was at Lowick, England, when he was appointed by the Colonial committee to Nelson. He sailed in the John Wickliffe in 1848 and preached at the emigration barracks at Dunedin on 9 Apr 1848. In June he reached Nelson, where he was received by M. Campbell (q.v.), who had already organised the Nelson School Society. Nicholson's wife died in 1856, and in 1857 he resigned the Nelson charge and became Presbyterian minister for the Wairau district. He settled at Renwicktown, and was responsible for the building of the first church, and for the charge of a wide district, including Picton, the Awatere valley, and Kaikoura. He died on 16 Jul 1864.

Dickson (p); Arnold; Marlborough Express, 1 Sep 1967.

Reference: Volume 2, page 65

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NIELD, DAVID (1843-1934), a son of William Nield, a cotton-spinner, was born at Oldham, Lancashire, and attended the Oldham Lyceum. He started work at the age of eight in the cotton mill. In 1863 he became secretary of the ragged school of Oldham, and married the teacher, Miss Stanfield. He was later employed as a book-keeper in Werneth, as secretary of the mechanics' institution; for three years as a worker in a shipbuilding firm in the United States; as a traveller for weighing machines in Britain and India, and as proprietor of a vegetarian restaurant at Leeds. Becoming a Seventh Day Adventist missionary, he came to New Zealand in 1897 and conducted services in Wellington. In 1907 he married Rosalind Amelia Young, of Pitcairn Island. Pastor Nield preached the restoration of the creation week and believed in the end of the world. He supplied copies of his book, Restitution (1922) to members of Parliament and others. Other publications included The Good Friday Problem and Eden's Initial Dayline (1907). He died on 23 Oct 1934.

Who's Who N.Z., 1932; Evening Post, 24 Oct 1934 (p).

Reference: Volume 2, page 65

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NIHONIHO, TUTA (1850-1914), a Ngati Porou chief, was the son of Henare Nihoniho of the Aowera hapu of Ngati-Porou. He was educated at the mission school at Waerenga-a-hika and at the age of 14 he was with his father when he was killed in action at Mangaone, near Pukemaire, Waiapu (1865). Tuta was wounded in a three-aside combat outside the palisade of Waerenga-a-hika. With his mother he served in most of the later engagements north of Gisborne. He was with Ropata at Ngatapa and held a lieutenant's commission under Porter in the Urewera, and was at the capture of Kereopa te Rau at Waikaremoana.

After the war he often appeared before the Native Land Court and in native affairs as assessor and native land purchase officer. In 1886 he raised and commanded the Ngati-Porou Rifles (which lasted four years), and in 1900 he volunteered to raise 500 men for service in South Africa. The offer was declined, but in 1901 he was an officer in the Duke of York's bodyguard at Rotorua. He took an active part in the conference which preceded the passing of the Maori councils act.

Nihoniho married first Terena te Katohau (Ngati-Rangi hapu of Ngati-Porou), and second Rea Horomona (of Ngai-Tahu, Kaiapoi). In his declining years he lived in Wairarapa and took an interest in collecting Maori artifacts and relics for the Dominion Museum. He died in Jan 1914.

Lambert; Porter; Cowan; Who's Who N.Z., 1908.

Reference: Volume 2, page 65

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NIKORA, WIREMU KEREI (1853-1915) was born at Coromandel. He was the son of William Nicholls, a native of Falmouth (Devon), who came to Port Nicholson in the Aurora (1840) and afterwards settled at Tauranga and married a sister of a Ngaiterangi chief. Educated at the Rev. B. Y. Ashwell's school at Taupiri, he became a farmer, and later until 1872 a native interpreter and agent. He was a member of the first Ohinemuri county council for nine years (five years chairman). In 1913 Nikora was called to the Legislative Council, of which he was a member when he died (15 Jul 1915).

N.Z.P.D., 16 Jul 1915.

Reference: Volume 2, page 66

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NIXON, MARMADUKE GEORGE (1814-64) was born at Valletta, Malta, where his father was town major, and educated at Sandhurst. He got his ensigncy in the 39th Regiment in 1831. (Lieutenant 1834; captain 1838; brevet-major 1844; regimental major 1846.) He served in India, being present at the Coorg campaign (1834) and at Maharajpur (1843). Being unable financially to continue in the army, he retired in 1851 and came to New Zealand in the Cresswell (1852).

Acting on the advice of Colonel Haultain, Nixon took up land at Tautauroa, Mangere, and had to encounter most of the troubles of pioneering. In 1860 he was gazetted lieut.-colonel commanding the Royal Cavalry volunteers, which he helped to raise for the protection of the settlements at Otahuhu, Panmure and Howick, and the line of the Tamaki from the Waitemata to the Manukau. In 1861 he was elected to Parliament for Franklin, which he represented until his death. When fighting commenced in Waikato, Nixon was entrusted with raising a mounted defence force, which he commanded in the field, taking part in all the early fighting. He was mortally wounded at the battle of Rangiaowhia (21 Feb 1864), while leading his men at the storming of huts garrisoned by Kingites. He died on 27 May.

Family information from Miss A. E. Hewett; Gudgeon (p); Cowan, i; Otahuhu Borough Council (diamond jubilee); Taranaki Herald, 8 May 1863; Southern Cross, 14 May 1868; N.Z. Herald, 28 May 1864.

Reference: Volume 2, page 66

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NOLAN, SIR ROBERT HOWARD (1855-1923) was born at Bathurst, New South Wales, the son of David Nolan (1828-1901, of Londonderry and Auckland). Educated at Wesley College and Auckland College and Grammar School, he went to the Thames goldfields, where he built and operated the Eglinton battery. Returning to Auckland, he entered the warehouse of McArthur and Co., whom he represented for some years in the South Sea islands and afterwards in New Zealand. He was one of the early members of the Pakuranga hunt club and attended most of its meetings.

In 1880 Nolan established an auctioneering and stock agency business in Hawera (in which he was joined later by A. S. Tonks). The business prospered and Nolan took a leading part in the life of the district. He was secretary for many years (to 1889) and afterwards president of the Egmont Racing club; judge for the Patea and Waverley and Waitotara clubs, and secretary of the Egmont hunt club. He represented Taranaki district clubs on the racing conference, and was one of the first appeal judges in New Zealand racing. As a volunteer Nolan was a lieutenant in the Hawera Rifles. He was chairman of the Mokoia domain board before it was taken over by the government, chairman of the Hawera Gas Co. and a director of the permanent building society. Nolan married (1882) Octavia, daughter of Major D. S. Durie (q.v.). After retiring from business he spent some years in London. During the Great War he managed a soldiers' club in Bloomsbury and was an untiring official of the New Zealand War Contingent Association. Created C.B.E. in 1918, he was knighted in June 1923 and died on 13 July (his widow being granted the style and title of 'Lady').

Cycl. N.Z., vi (p); Chadwick; Who's Who N.Z., 1924; N.Z. Herald, 11 Jan 1901, 14 Jul 1923.

Reference: Volume 2, page 66

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NOPERA, NGAKUKU PANAKAREAO (?-1856), a chief of Te Patu hapu of Rarawa and of Aupouri, was the son of Te Kaka, a brave and influential chief who was driven from his lands at Oruru and took refuge in the Three Kings islands. His son took the name 'Pana Kareao' from an incident of the flight when Te Kaka was tangled in the vines and almost captured. With a Rarawa and Aupouri contingent, Panakareao accompanied Titore against the Thames tribes in 1831-33 and carried on a separate campaign as far as Whakatane, where he suffered a repulse at the hands of the Ngati-Awa. A mission station was established at Kaitaia in 1833, and shortly afterwards Panakareao's wife (later baptised as Eleonora) was converted. This masterful woman was one of the three women who signed the Treaty of Waitangi.

Panakareao having adopted Christianity, was a practical missionary, carrying the Bible from village to village and urging the tribes to adopt the new faith. In 1837 he complained to Busby of the conduct of the Ngapuhi fighting in Busby's presence. He asked for a resident and soldiers at Kaitaia. Hobson was much impressed by his civilised and cleanly mode of life and fine manners. His speech in favour of the Treaty carried the meeting at Kaitaia. In the earliest days of British sovereignty Panakareao reoccupied his tribal lands, and sold a large area to Hobson. This led in Apr 1843 to renewed fighting with Heke, against whom Panakareao built a pa. Eventually the missionaries settled the dispute and he withdrew and settled again at Kaitaia. Bishop Selwyn also was impressed by the Christian spirit of Nopera, the neat little church in which he regularly attended service, and by his observance of family prayers. Nevertheless Nopera did not enjoy the full confidence of the missionaries. At the time of the outbreak at Bay of Islands in 1845 his influence prevented the Whangaroa and Kaitaia chiefs from allowing their people to go to the Bay, and obviated the widening of the trouble. He himself rendered valuable service in the field. Colonel Despard found him shrewd, sensible, thoughtful and deliberate in his judgment. Nopera died on 12 Apr 1856 from cold contracted by riding twice through a swollen stream.

G.B.D.-P. 1841-44; Buller; Carleton; Buick, Waitangi; W. Williams

Reference: Volume 2, page 66

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NORMANBY, GEORGE AUGUSTUS CONSTANTINE PHIPPS (1819-90) 2nd marquis of, was the son of the 1st marquis. At the age of 19 he entered the Scots Fusilier Guards, with which he served in Canada. He resigned his commission in 1847 and was elected Liberal member for Scarborough, a seat which he held for 11 years. He was a whip during three administrations, and was Controller of the Household (1851), treasurer of the Royal Household (1853-58) and a member of the Privy Council. In 1858 he was appointed lieutenant-governor of Nova Scotia, a position he filled until 1863, when on succeeding to his father's title he returned to England.

In 1871 Normanby was appointed Governor of Queensland. Three years later, having been created a K.C.M.G., he was appointed Governor of New Zealand. He assumed the administration on 3 Dec 1874. He was a man of considerable experience, who appeared to be indolent and good-natured, with little ability and an indisposition for trouble and responsibility. A series of constitutional disputes demonstrated, on the contrary, that he had clear perception, good political knowledge and a strict sense of public duty. He saw the provinces abolished, the counties established and the education act passed—a very revolutionary programme for those days. He had no disputes at all with Vogel, Pollen and Atkinson; but when Grey came into office it was soon clear that there would be constant friction between these two strong personalities. Every step in the conquest of ministerial supremacy over the governor was watched with interest both in New Zealand and other self-governing colonies. Knowing thoroughly the rules by which governors were then guided, Normanby was not disposed to seek the line of least resistance. Grey at an early stage asked for a dissolution, on the ground that the House had been elected (two years earlier) under the auspices of the Atkinson Government, and was not likely to enable him to carry out his policy. Normanby contended that an election would not produce any considerable change in the House. A vote of censure was passed on the Governor by the House for refusing to make an appointment to the Legislative Council when a vote of no-confidence was pending. Grey and his colleagues held that the Governor had no right to take cognisance of a matter which was being agitated in the lower house as a reason for declining to act on the advice of his ministers. When Normanby asked what reply he should make to this resolution, the ministry declined to give any advice or to accept his suggestion that, failing such advice, they should resign. In both these cases the Secretary of State upheld the Governor, but he was advised to consider carefully the views of his ministers. In Dec 1877 Grey advised the Governor not to assent to the land bill which had originated with the previous Government but had been passed in the session just concluded (after Grey took office). Normanby refused on the reasonable ground that Grey should have taken the responsibility of defeating the bill in Parliament. Grey and Normanby were in conflict during the whole time they were working together. Grey accused the Governor of treating his ministers not as advisers but as servants.

Normanby was created G.C.M.G. in 1877. He left New Zealand on 21 Feb 1879, having been appointed to the governorship of Victoria. There again he was involved in somewhat similar disputes with ministers—a phenomenon of the times. It was proposed to appoint him thereafter to South Australia, but a protest was made in that colony. Consequently he returned to England (1884) and retired from public life, being rewarded with the G.C.B. He died on 3 Apr 1890. Normanby married (1844) Laura, daughter of Captain Robert Russell, R.N.

App. H.R., 1877 A7; 1878 A1, A2, A4; N.Z. Gaz., 1878, pass.; Gisborne (p); Saunders; Rusden; Dilke; Des Voeux, i, 145-6; Keith; Hight and Bamford; The Times, 4 Apr 1890.

Portrait: Parliament House; Government House, Wellington.

Reference: Volume 2, page 67

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NORRIE, THOMAS (1825-1905) was born at Montrose. He was a fellow student at Edinburgh with the Revs David Bruce and William Will (q.v.). Being licensed to preach, he was appointed assistant in the parish of Tolbooth, Edinburgh. Ordained in 1855 by the Free Church presbytery of Brechin, he married Eliza Angus Stevens (d. 1898) and sailed in the Joseph Fletcher for Auckland, arriving in Oct. Having first preached in the Wesleyan chapel, Norrie received a call and was appointed to have charge of the district south of Auckland, which included Papakura, Drury and Wairoa. He lived in Drury until a manse was built (1860). The Waikato war breaking out and extending into the heart of his district, he became a military chaplain, and saw a great deal of service attending to the spiritual wants of settlers and soldiers. He held a service at the camp at Rangiriri on 22 Nov 1863, after the battle. His church at Pukekohe was the centre of hard fighting in Sep. Norrie died on 11 May 1905.

Dickson (p); N.Z. Herald, 12 May 1905.

Reference: Volume 2, page 67

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NORRIE, WILLIAM was born in 1843 in Scotland, and educated at Greenock Academy and Glasgow and Edinburgh Universities, graduating M.A. with high honours in classics. He taught at Greenock Academy, the Edinburgh Institution and Merchiston Castle School. In 1875 he was classical master in Dr A. H. Bryce's collegiate school in Edinburgh, when he was selected as headmaster of the Otago Boys High School. As the culmination of a public controversy as to the jurisdiction of the education board inspectors, Norrie refused to allow them to examine the school. Eventually strained relations between the headmaster and the board led to his resignation (Oct 1877). He returned to England (1878) and was appointed headmaster of the undenominational schools at Kimberley, South Africa.

Otago H.S.O.B. Reg.; Otago Daily Times, 13 Mar 1875; 5 Apr 1875, 28 Aug 1877, 3 Aug 1933 (p)

Reference: Volume 2, page 67

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NORTH, ALFRED (1845-1924), who was born in England, was trained at Rawdon Baptist College and ordained in 1869 to the pastorate of Harborne, Birmingham. In 1882 he came to New Zealand as minister of the Hanover Street Baptist Church, Dunedin. In 1900 he took up missionary work at Calcutta, and on his return took charge of the Baptist Church at Ponsonby, and later at Epsom, Auckland (retiring in 1917). North was an outstanding figure in the New Zealand Baptist church, being a founder, twice president (1884, 1886), and an executive member of the New Zealand Baptist Union, and a founder of the New Zealand Baptist Missionary Society and of the Sunday School Union. He edited the New Zealand Baptist for several years and wrote a number of works on Baptism and its history. He died in Dunedin on 3 Dec 1924.

Evening Post, 4 Dec 1924.

Reference: Volume 2, page 67

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NORTHCROFT, HENRY WILLIAM (1844-1923) was born in Chelmsford, Essex, a son of William Northcroft (q.v.). Arriving in New Zealand in 1851 by the Cressy, he attended Bishop Hobhouse's school in Nelson. On the outbreak of hostilities in 1860, he joined the Taranaki colonial forces, serving in Taranaki and Wanganui. During 16 years' service he saw 49 actions. In 1877 he was appointed resident magistrate for the Waikato district, later warden and magistrate of the Thames goldfields, and stipendiary magistrate at Auckland (1892). He retired in 1909. Two years later he was awarded the New Zealand Cross. In 1912 Northcroft accepted an appointment as chief justice and resident commissioner of the Cook Islands, where he drafted the Cook Islands bill, inaugurated the school system and instituted experimental agricultural plantations at Rarotonga. In 1880 he married Margaret, daughter of James Henderson. Northcroft died in Dec 1923.

Who's Who N.Z., 1908, 1924; Gudgeon (p); Auckland Star, 21 Jul 1909.

Reference: Volume 2, page 67

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NORTHCROFT, WILLIAM (1807-88) was trained as an architect and surveyor, and practised in Essex. Coming to New Zealand in the Cresswell (1852), he took up land at Bell Block and served in the militia during the Taranaki war. Thereafter until 1867 he was surveyor of roads and bridges. After retiring he again practised his profession. He was a member of the Provincial Council for Grey and Bell (1861-65), and was provincial secretary managing the business of the Council all the time. On one occasion he acted as deputy-superintendent. The Council having adopted responsible government (1866), he resigned and for a year or two was surveyor of roads and bridges. In 1868 he became secretary of the board of education and he was afterwards secretary of the education board. For many years Northcroft was superintendent of St Mary's Sunday School. He died on 11 Apr 1888. (See H. W. NORTHCROFT and C. BROWN.)

Taranaki P.C. Proc. and Gaz.; Taranaki Herald, 12 Apr 1888.

Reference: Volume 2, page 67

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NUKU-PEWAPEWA (?-1839), a celebrated chief of the Kahukura-Awhitia sub-tribe of Ngati-Kahungunu (Wairarapa), was a son of Tamaroro and grandson of Te Ahi. As a lad he was adept at mimicry, and later contrived by stealth to learn the karakia of the tohunga. On reaching man's estate he built himself a pa (Nga-mahanga) on the Ruamahanga river, strongly fortified and provided with an underground passage. It was garrisoned by 100 men and was never taken. His first successful fight was the capture of Maungarake pa, which was occupied by Ngati-Haumoana, Waitaha and Tama-wahine under Te Toko-o-te-Rangi and Te Haupapa-o-te-Rangi. The latter was captured but spared with 400 of his people. Nuku had another triumph at the siege of Oruhi pa, on the Whareama river, where he planned an ambush and enticed the defenders to come out by sending forward a weak party to the attack.

Nuku suffered considerable loss in an attack on his pa Pehikatia by the Ngapuhi and Ngati-Whatua under Tuwhare (1820), but turned the tables by a ruse and captured many prisoners and some guns. In 1821 he followed the invaders as far as Porirua. Later, when pressed by Ngati-Awa from Whanganui-a-Tara (Port Nicholson), he retreated to Ahuriri (Napier), making a stand at Waimarama. When he took his people to Nukutaurua (Mahia Peninsula) to be nearer to European traders, the Ngati-Toa, Ngati-Awa and Ngati-Raukawa took possession of Wairarapa. Nuku returned with a taua (including Hapuku), advanced towards the greatest concentration, at Pikoke, near Featherston, and by a night attack surprised Te Wharepouri. The latter escaped with difficulty, but his wife, Te Ua-mairangi, and eldest daughter, Ripeka te Kakapi, were captured. Nuku sent the former back to Whanganui-a-Tara with a strong guard to offer peace. Having acceded to the invitation of Pareihe to assist in resisting Te Heuheu, who was besieging Roto-a-Tara, he obtained guns from the whalers at Nukutaurua. They defeated the taua of Ngati-Tuwharetoa, Waikato and Ngati-Raukawa, and then proceeded to help Ngati-Porou against their northern neighbours. Another attack having been made by Ngati-Tuwharetoa (under Te Heuheu), Ngati-Raukawa (under Te Whatanui) and Whanganui (under Pehi Turoa), Nuku-pewapewa and Pareihe, assisted by Te Wera (q.v.), made an expedition to Taupo and defeated the local tribe at Omakukura, after which peace was made. Having avenged losses suffered at the hands of Rangitane, Nuku returned to his home at Ahuriri to receive the peace messengers of Wharepouri (who was, in fact, on the way), but as he entered Hawke's Bay in his canoe Nuku was drowned in a fierce gale at Te Whakaki, near Wairoa (before 1840). Wharepouri honoured the agreement come to and retired with his people to Whanganui-a-Tara, leaving the Wairarapa plains to the Ngati-Kahungunu.

Nuku-Pewapewa was of exceptional stature. He was a noted poet, his compositions revealing a deep knowledge of the mythology of his race.

Polyn. Jour., Vol. 25, p. 6 and vol. 45, p. 364 (T. W. Downes).

Reference: Volume 2, page 68

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NURSE, WILLIAM HUGH (1832-85), served in the Royal Navy. He was appointed in 1852 mate in the Salamander on the East Indies station, and on the outbreak of the Crimean war he served in the Baltic as a lieutenant in the Ajax. In 1855 he was appointed to the Cossack, in which he served in North America and the West Indies. In 1857 Nurse came to New Zealand and took up a cattle station on Lake Te Anau in company with the Hankinsons. Some time later he purchased the Blackwater estate, near Riverton, where he lived for the rest of his life. He was prominent in the movement for the separation of Southland from Otago, and was a member of the Southland Provincial Council for Aparima (1861-67). He was twice deputy-superintendent (1865), and was a member of the executive (1866-67). In June 1868 he was called to the Legislative Council, of which he remained a member until his death (23 May 1885). Nurse was a man of retiring disposition. He spoke seldom either in Parliament or in the local bodies of which he was a member (the Aparima road board and the Wallace county council). He was a justice of the peace and a member of the licensing bench.

Admiralty records; Southland Times, 24 May 1885. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 68

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