PACKE, GEORGE (1836-82) was a son of a lieutenant-colonel of the Grenadier Guards, and got his first commission in the 23rd Regiment (Welsh Fusiliers). He served in the Crimea and the Indian Mutiny, being present at Lucknow. In 1862 Packe came to New Zealand and a few years later with his brother took over the Raincliff station in Canterbury. He was for some years in business with De Bourbel in Christchurch as land and commission agents. Packe commanded the Canterbury volunteer district (1868-82) with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. He was a keen sportsman. His death occurred on 16 Oct 1882.

Acland; The Press and Lyttelton Times, 17 Oct 1882.

Reference: Volume 2, page 74

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PACKER, RICHARD, was the owner of a brewery in the early days of Christchurch. From 1853 to 1860 he sat in the Canterbury Provincial Council for City of Christchurch, serving as provincial treasurer for a time. He was also elected member for the Town of Christchurch in the House of Representatives (1856-60).

Canterbury P.C. Proc, 1853-60; N.Z.P.D., 1856-60; Cycl. N.Z., iii; Selwyn Bruce, The Early Days of Canterbury.

Reference: Volume 2, page 74

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PAERAU TE RANGI KAITIPUAKE, a prominent chief in the nineteenth century, went in Oct 1863 with Te Heuheu and 300 followers to Waikato to assist in the King movement. In Nov 1867 he visited Napier, ostensibly to make peace, but was warned to leave. In Aug 1869 Paerau and Te Kooti swept down the Mohaka valley, sacking villages and farms. In May 1870 Paerau was inclined to break away from Te Kooti and he approached Preece (q.v.) at Ahikereru and offered to open his country to the pursuing troops. In May 1871 he welcomed Mair and Preece at Ruatahuna, and assisted in the burial of Captain Travers. Thereafter he did what he could to protect his people against pressure from Te Kooti, and in Sep took the field with a small body of scouts in pursuit of him.

Lambert; Cowan.

Reference: Volume 2, page 74

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PAETAHI, METE KINGI TERANGI (?1813-1883), one of the most distinguished chiefs of lower Whanganui, was head of the Nga-Poutama division, having its main settlement at Karatia. His father, Paetahi, was a leader of Whanganui against Te Rauparaha at Kapiti, and was killed by the Nga-rauru at Kai-iwi. After the death of his uncle, Hori Kingi te Anaua, he was the highest in rank on the lower part of the river. One of the old school of rangatira, he declared his loyalty at an early date, and thereafter jealously guarded the passage of the river against hostile incursions. He was chosen amongst the assessors in 1863. He intervened to preserve peace amongst the Arawa at Rotorua and later in Taranaki when Rawiri was killed (but without success). When some settlers were murdered on the Whanganui river Paetahi pursued the offenders to justice and, with Donald McLean, he intervened in the tribal fighting in Hawkes Bay and conducted Hapuku back to his home. His voice was raised in the cause of peace at Kohimarama, where Whanganui and Arawa both declared for the Queen. Though unable to stop the fighting at Waitara, he held his own people quiet.

When the King movement was being discussed Paetahi attended the principal meetings and spoke against it. Though a man of peace, he took the field in May 1864 to resist the passage of the Hauhau down the river. In the fight at Moutoa (14 May 1864) he commanded the reserve and completed the rout of the enemy. He did not follow up this success at the time but later, having for the first time received Government ammunition, he returned to attack Peehi Turoa. As the West Coast campaign developed, Mete Kingi commanded his people in the field (Major, N.Z.M.) When the native forces before Weraroa heard that the settlements on the lower Whanganui were in danger they wished to succour them, but Grey persuaded Mete Kingi that they should first help to take Weraroa. This was done and the prisoners were handed over to the Imperial troops. The thanks of the Governor was accorded to Mete Kingi, who was popularly given the title of 'general.' He then joined up with Major Rookes to relieve Pipiriki, but arrived to find the Europeans had repulsed the enemy. His influence was now directed to inducing the Whanganui to go to Opotiki, whither they went with Majors Brassey and Stapp in the Stormbird. Having taken part in all the fighting, Mete Kingi brought his contingent by sea to the West Coast to help General Chute and he rendered service of great value in the march east of the mountain. During Titokowaru's campaign in 1868 he helped to save Whanganui when General Whitmore was away at the East Coast.

When the first Maori representatives were elected to Parliament (1868), Mete Kingi was returned as M.H.R. for the Western Maori, which he represented till 1870. A special act was required to legalise his election as he was a paid assessor from 1863 to his death. He made a naive speech in Parliament on 4 Aug 1868 recounting his services in the loyal cause and in reconciling the two races. He pleaded for an amnesty for the rebels and helped to reconcile Waikato and the upper Whanganui tribes. In 1871 he was defeated by Wi Parata.

Active minded, keenly interested in the welfare of the race, Mete Kingi organised conferences at Aomarama, Putiki and Taumarunui (Rewi being present at the first and last). He favoured land settlement on condition that sufficient was retained for the Maori. In this policy he was opposed by Keepa te Rangihiwinui (q.v.) who showed considerable personal feeling. Mete Kingi's influence dwindled after his retirement from Parliament, and his later years were embittered by the rivalry of Keepa. Until the end he was loyal to the cause of peace. With Utiku he visited Parihaka before the law was put into force and tried to persuade Te Whiti to abandon his policy. After the operations he assisted the Government in identifying visiting natives and returning them to their tribes. He never aspired to be a warrior.

Generous and hospitable in entertaining pakeha and Maori, he built a fine meeting house at Putiki for this purpose, but his resources were reduced by loss of land and the dwindling of the tribe, and he was often accused of parsimony. He was a strong opponent of drink amongst the Maori. Mete Kingi was a man of sound judgment, staunch and loyal though only half civilised. He died at Putiki on 22 Sep 1883 and was buried with military honours, the flag presented to the Maori after Moutoa being displayed at the funeral.

N.Z.P.D., 1868-70; Downes; Cowan; S. P. Smith, Taranaki; Gudgeon; J. Bryce in The Press, 25 Mar 1903; N.Z. Herald, 8 Oct 1883. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 75

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PAGE, EDWARD (1877-1937) was born in Wellington, a son of J. E. Page, town clerk. Educated at Wellington College, he qualified as barrister and solicitor, and practised (1903-12) at Eketahuna, where he was mayor for three years (1909-12). In 1912 he was appointed stipendiary magistrate at Whangarei. He was subsequently stationed at Auckland, Palmerston North and Wellington, and he presided over a number of royal commissions. In 1925 he represented New Zealand at the international prisons conference in London, and in 1935 he was appointed judge of the Court of Arbitration. Page was chairman of the cinematograph film advisory committee, of the Post and Telegraph board of appeal, and of the railways appeal board. He conducted a number of shipping and departmental inquiries.

Who's Who N.Z., 1924, 1932; The Dominion, 30 Apr 1935, 1 Sep 1937; Evening Post, 31 Aug 1937 (p)

Reference: Volume 2, page 75

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PAGE, GEORGE HYDE (1823-1908) was gazetted an ensign in the 58th Regiment in 1841, and promoted lieutenant in 1843. He came to New Zealand in 1845, and was present at the attack on Kawiti's pa. In 1846 he commanded at Boulcott's farm, where 50 men were in garrison. On the morning of 16 May a hostile force under Topine te Mamaku surrounded the post and desperately assaulted it at daybreak. Page after the first attack fought his way from the house to the fortified barn and afterwards led a sally and by skilful skirmishing held off the attacking force until reinforcements arrived from the Hutt. Eight men were killed and three wounded. The Maori losses were unknown. Page served in the Crimea with the 41st Regiment. He was promoted major-general in 1882, and lieut.-general in 1885 and died on 8 Jan 1908.

Grimstone; Cowan; Mulgan, The City of the Strait; The Times, 10 Jan 1908.

Reference: Volume 2, page 75

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PAIPAI, KAWANA, or TAWHITORANGI (?-1884) was a loyal Whanganui chief in the early pakeha days. He lost his father, Tawhito, at Whanganui on 31 May 1847. Kawana Paipai had influential connections, such as Hori Kingi te Anaua, Wiremu Hukanui and Mete Kingi Paetahi, and with them he attended the Kohimarama conference in 1860 and many other meetings. He had a fine war record in command of kupapa during the disturbances of the sixties. At the battle of Ohoutahi (May 1865) he assisted in bringing in Te Peehi Turoa, Topia and Tahana. He also served on the East Coast against Te Kooti. Paipai was closely associated with Governor Grey, and made many journeys with him. In 1866, with Grey and McDonnell, he visited the mouth of the Waingongoro river, where he claimed to have hunted the moa in his youth. In 1869 Kawana Paipai was chosen to accompany Kemp to Auckland to be presented to the Duke of Edinburgh. In Feb 1870 he insisted on the Whanganui contingent maintaining the pursuit of Te Kooti in Bay of Plenty. One of his last meetings was at Bay of Islands in 1882, when with Mete Kingi he met all the northern tribes. Paipai was almost the last survivor of the tattooed warriors, except Mamaku. He was greatly learned in Maori lore, and traced his ancestry far back into the Polynesian period. He died on 11 Jun 1884.

Sherrin and Wallace (p); Cowan, Wars; Trans. N.Z. Inst., vol. xxi, p. 438; Wanganui Yeoman, 13 Jun 1884.

Reference: Volume 2, page 76

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TITORE PAKI (? 1775-1837) belonged to Ngapuhi and lived at Kororareka. Over six feet in height and very handsome, he was mild and friendly in manner to the early visitors and very industrious in his habits. By his marriage with a sister of Hongi he acquired great influence. In 1815 he crossed to Port Jackson and spent two years in Marsden's care at Parramatta, learning European arts and customs. Then at the request of Marsden he and Tuhi (q.v.) were taken to England in H.M.S. Kangaroo (1817). After varied experiences there they returned to Australia (Jan 1819) in the convict ship Baring under the care of the Rev J. G. Butler. On 29 Jul 1819 they sailed for New Zealand with Marsden in the General Gates. Marsden's high hopes from the experience gained in these years by Titore and his companion were doomed to be disappointed. When he visited New Zealand again in the Dromedary (1820) he found that Titore had been on a war expedition with Te Wera to East Coast or the Thames; and in his subsequent life he showed little disposition to resist the temptations to tribal strife. It was through his instrumentality that Tapsell (q.v.) was settled amongst the Arawa at Maketu in 1828. He generally supported the missions, and in 1830 assisted Marsden to bring about a settlement of the girls' war at Bay of Islands. He was one of the signatories to the petition to King William IV for protection (1831). Busby considered him the most influential and intelligent chief in the north. He was certainly a valued protector of the British residency and energetic in the punishment of all outrages against British authority. In 1834 he procured spars for the Buffalo and undertook to reserve for the Royal Navy the spars in his forests at Whangaroa. In consideration of his services William IV in 1835 sent him a suit of armour of the time of Charles I. When the Ngapuhi returned from seeking revenge for the destruction of Haramiti's expedition at Tauranga they prevailed upon Titore to assist in carrying on the war, and several expeditions were made under Titore, Rewa, Te Morenga, Moka and Tareha. Returning to Bay of Islands (Nov 1832) they prepared a new taua of 600 men, including a strong detachment of Panakareao's Rarawa. The Rev Henry Williams overtook them and reached Maketu first, but his efforts to prevent fighting failed. The Maketu people, believing that Titore was attacking on the other side, assaulted the Ngati-Awa pa of Te Tumu. The old jealousy of Pomare and Titore came to a head in Mar 1837 when these chiefs, with allies from all sections of Ngapuhi and even from Rarawa, became engaged in a destructive war. Titore sent a force 'of 800 men' in 40 canoes against Pomare's position at Otuihu. Low-class whites and half-castes and many Christian chiefs were enrolled on each side, and much bloodshed occurred. Titore was already in a serious decline, becoming so weak during the fighting that he could not speak. He received a wound from which he died on 1 Jun 1837, adjuring his people to protect the pakeha. Though not a strong Christian he had a neat, clean place of worship and a school in which his son Marsden taught. Hobson considered him an excellent chief and the Rattlesnake fired a salute of seven guns at his death. Titore's other son died while with the Rev Samuel Marsden at Parramatta (1820).

Ramsden (p); Buller; Carleton; S. P. Smith, Wars; Cruise; Marsden, L. and J.

Reference: Volume 2, page 197

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PALMER, JACKSON (1867-1919) was born in Belfast, Ireland. Coming to Auckland as a boy, he was educated at the Wellesley Street school, from which he gained a scholarship to the Auckland Grammar School. He was articled to John Sheehan, and on being admitted to the bar practised in Auckland. In 1890 he was elected to Parliament for Waitemata, but suffered defeat by Monk at the following election. The election being declared void he again contested it against Massey, but was defeated. He was again in Parliament (for Ohinemuri 1900-03), but being defeated by E. G. B. Moss retired, and was some time later appointed a judge of the native land court. Palmer soon became chief judge and tried many intricate appellate cases, for which his knowledge of law and of Maori custom markedly qualified him. He died on 13 Aug 1919.

N.Z.P.D., 29 Aug 1919; Cycl. NZ, ii (p); N.Z. Herald, 14 Aug 1919.

Reference: Volume 2, page 76

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PALMER, JOHN (1837-1902) was born in Oxfordshire, England. He studied at St John's College, Auckland (1861-63), was ordained deacon in 1863, and appointed a missionary at Norfolk Island. In 1866 he proceeded to Norfolk Island to erect the buildings for the headquarters of the Melanesian mission, and in 1867 he was ordained priest by Bishop Patteson. He married (1869) a daughter of B. Y. Ashwell (q.v.). He was in charge of the Melanesian mission in 1892-94 pending the appointment of Bishop Wilson to succeed John Selwyn. In 1893 the Archbishop of Canterbury granted him the honorary degree of bachelor of divinity. In 1894 he became archdeacon of southern Melanesia. He retired after serving 36 years in the diocese. Palmer died at Auckland on 1 Mar 1902.

N.Z. Herald and Auckland Star, 3 Mar 1902.

Reference: Volume 2, page 76

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PANGO, also called NGAIHI and NGAWAI, was a chief of Ngati-Whakaue at Rotorua, and a priest with great mana. While visiting Bay of Islands in 1828 he was suspected of directing the bullets that killed Hongi and Whareumu. Feeling ran very high and it was through the efforts of Henry Williams that Pango and some of his people were saved from death at the hands of the Ngapuhi chief Kaingamata and shipped to Maketu on their way home to Rotorua. Others were taken by the Herald later. Three years later Pango sent a message to Paihia asking for a missionary, and eventually Thomas Chapman (q.v.) was stationed there. Pango was one of the leaders of Ngati-Whakaue in the attack on the Ngati-te-Rangi pa at Te Tumu in 1836, when the Arawa regained their outlet on the Bay of Plenty. He was one of the most learned men of the tribe.

Cycl. NZ, ii (p); Carleton; Buller; Cowan.

Reference: Volume 2, page 76

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PAPAKURA, MARGARET (MRS STAPLES-BROWNE) (1872-1930) was born at Whakarewarewa, the daughter of W. A. Thom and his wife, a woman of the Arawa tribe. She was brought up by her elder native relatives, Maihi te Kakau Paraoa and Marara Marotaua, and received her later education for one year at an English girls' school in Tauranga and for three years at Hukarere College, Napier. From her earlier teachers she learned much of the lore of the Maori and the history of her own tribe. In 1891 she married W. F. Denman. She acted as a guide to visitors at Whakarewarewa for some years, meeting many interesting travellers and widening her knowledge of both races. In 1911 she went to the Festival of Empire in London with a Maori troupe and a carved meeting house which attracted a good deal of attention. While there she renewed her acquaintance with R. C. Staples-Browne, whom she married. At their home in Oxfordshire, and in London, she did much to entertain Maori and pakeha soldiers during the war of 1914-18. In 1926 she became a member of the University of Oxford, where she made a study of anthropology and began to arrange her material. Part of this she presented for the degree of B.Sc. With the help of T. K. Penniman (secretary to the committee for anthropology at Oxford), she wrote a valuable volume on The Old Time Maori. This was published in 1938, some years after her death, which occurred on 16 Apr 1930.

Margaret Papakura, op. cit. (p); T. K. Penniman, ibid; N.Z. Herald, 21 Apr 1930.

Reference: Volume 2, page 76

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PARATA, TAARE RAKATAUHAKE (1865-1918), the youngest son of Tame Parata (q.v.), was born at Puketeraki in 1865, educated at the Normal School in Dunedin and entered the Native Department in Wellington. After several years he resigned to commence business in Wellington. In 1908 he was elected secretary and treasurer of the Maori Association, and in 1911 he succeeded his father as member for the Southern Maori. In Parliament Parata was popular, tactful and energetic, constantly watchful of the interests of his people. He was very successful socially, and a keen bowler. He died on 6 Jan 1918.

N.Z.P.D., 9 Apr 1918.

Reference: Volume 2, page 76

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PARATA, TAME HAEREROA (1837-1917), a chief of the Ngati-Huirapa hapu of Ngai-Tahu, of Waitaha and of Ngati-Mamoe, was descended from Tamatea (of the Takitimu canoe). He was the son of Captain Pratt, a whaler at the Bluff, and was born at Ruapuke in 1837. As a boy he lived with his uncle (Haereroa) at Puketeraki, where he went to school and learned something of farming. Then he joined the pilot service at Otago Heads, where he spent several years. It was in this capacity that he attracted the attention of Sir George Grey, who wished to take him to Auckland for education, but he declined to leave his people. Instead he returned to his uncle, and for many years was a successful farmer at Waikouaiti. He married Elizabeth (Peti), daughter of Te Wharerima (and Captain Brown, an early whaler of Stewart Island, and cousin of Major Brown Tunuiarangi, of Wairarapa). She was descended from the chiefs of Te Aotaumarewa, Te Ruahikihiki, Taoka, Kuri and Rangitane. In 1885 Parata was elected to represent the Southern Maori in Parliament in succession to Taiaroa, who had been called to the Legislative Council. He was a popular and capable member, and constantly urged the rightful demands of Ngai-Tahu for their reserves of tenths in the South Island, and gained his end in the passing in 1906 of the South Island landless natives act. He was also keenly interested in the education and health of his people. After being a member of the House until 1911, he was called to the Legislative Council in the following year. In that chamber his personal popularity was responsible for defeating the National Government on one occasion by insisting on the inclusion of a clause in a native measure. He died on 6 Mar 1917. A grandson (Rev Hoani Parata) read the burial service.

N.Z.P.D., 29 Jun, 8 Oct 1917; Cycl. N.Z., iii, 91; N.Z. Graphic, 8 Jun 1893; N.Z. Times, 10 Oct 1907 (p); Otago Daily Times, 23 Oct 1878.

Reference: Volume 2, page 76

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PARATA, WIREMU TE KAKAKURA (? 1837-1906), a chief of Ngati-Awa and Ngati-Toa, was born at Kapiti about 1837. His father was an American whaler named Stubbs, who settled at Kapiti a few years earlier and was drowned off Pukerua in 1838. From his mother, Waipunahau, who was a daughter of Te Rangihiroa, Parata derived his descent from Hoturoa, captain of the Tainui canoe. As a boy he lived in the palisaded pa at the mouth of the Waikanae river. He was for some years at Tongaporutu and later at Ngamotu (with the Ngati-Awa). He returned to Kapiti in a European vessel, lived for a while at Te Awaiti, and then went in a European ship to Port Cooper, where he resided with the Ngai-Tahu. He is said to have taken his name Te Kakakura from the dying speech of Te Pehi Kupe (q.v.).

Possessed of much natural ability, good address and force of character, and having inherited considerable land, Parata was a man of influence amongst the tribes on the Otaki coast and even in Waikato, where he had relatives. As secretary to his kinsman Wi Tako (q.v.), the leader of the King movement in the district, he held a position of importance in the early sixties. He recognised, however, the equivocal situation in which his people were, and early in 1864 he took the oath of allegiance proposed by Sir George Grey (a step in which he was followed by Wi Tako some months later). In 1871 Parata was elected to represent the Western Maori in Parliament, defeating Paetahi (q.v.), and shortly afterwards he was called to the executive (without portfolio) in the Waterhouse ministry. He continued to represent the Maori race in the governments under Fox, Vogel and Pollen until 1876, when he was defeated by Nahe. He was sent as secretary of the North Island Maori Committee at the request of Parliament to try to make peace at Parihaka. Parata died at Waikanae on 29 Sep 1906. His eldest son, Wi Naera, was imprisoned in connection with Te Whiti's resistance in 1879. Parata offered to become surety for the good conduct of the older chiefs, but declined to ask for his son better treatment than the rank and file enjoyed.

N.Z.P.D., 1871-76; N.Z. Times, 2 Oct 1906.

Reference: Volume 2, page 77

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PARK, ROBERT (1812-70), a brother of the sculptor Patrick Park, was born in Scotland, and came to Wellington with the New Zealand Company's surveying staff in the Cuba (Jan 1840). He prospected the land to Taranaki with the Deans brothers, and in 1842 was town surveyor in Wellington. He was appointed chief surveyor to the Wellington Provincial Council, but disagreed with the government on the price of waste lands. In the general election of 1860 he contested the Wellington City seat, but was at the bottom of the poll. He then moved to Canterbury where he took over his brother-in-law's station at Winchmore, living there in the winter and surveying for the Canterbury provincial government in the summer. Park died on 10 Mar 1870, and his wife (Mary Anne, sister of Robert Hart) in 1891.

Acland; Deans; Ward; Evening Post, 12 Mar 1870, 16 Sep 1936.

Reference: Volume 2, page 77

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PARKER, CHARLES (1808-98) arrived in Nelson by the Kelso (1849) and settled at Motueka. He was a carpenter by trade. In 1853 he was elected M.P.C., and he sat for Motueka and Massacre Bay to 1857 and for Motueka (1857-69). He represented the same constituencies in Parliament (1855-56), and in 1873 he was again elected to the Provincial Council, of which he was a member until the abolition. Parker died on 30 Jun 1898.

Parltry Record; The Colonist, 1 Jul 1898. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 77

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PARKER, ROBERT (1847-1937) was born in London. He was educated at the Stepney Grammar School and received a musical education under Dr W. S. Hoyte, Scotson Clark, Lehmayer, Behnke and Dr C. W. Pearce, under whom he studied the violin, organ, pianoforte and choral singing. Proceeding with a scholarship to Queen's College, Cambridge, he became organist there, and later professional assistant to Dr W. H. Monk, of King's College, London. In 1869 he came to New Zealand, and was appointed choirmaster and organist at St Michael's, Christchurch. In 1878 he received a similar post at St Paul's, Wellington. While there he was conductor of the Wellington Musical Union, of the Wellington Orchestral Society and of the Liedertafel Society (which gave part-song recitals). As conductor, as a teacher of music, as lecturer at the teachers' training college (1884-1928), examiner for the Education Department and for the University, a president of the Music Teachers' Association and chairman of the registration board, Parker rendered noteworthy service to the cause of music in New Zealand. He received the C.M.G. in 1930 and died on 20 Feb 1937.

Who's Who N.Z., 1932; The Dominion, 2 Jan 1930; 21 Feb 1937.

Reference: Volume 2, page 77

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PARKER, THOMAS JEFFERY (1850-97) was born in London, the son of Professor W. K. Parker, the eminent zoologist. Having taken his B.Sc. at London University, he became demonstrator to Huxley at South Kensington School and continuously advanced his studies. According to Professor Schufeldt, father and son could be regarded as the founders of the science of morphology. In 1880 he was appointed professor of biology at Otago University and curator of the Museum. On coming to New Zealand Parker continued to further his studies. He investigated the cerebral or pineal eye of the tuatara (on which Haeckel had done some work), and then turned to the kiwi. His observations on the anatomy and development of the apteryx were presented to the Royal Society (1891, vol. 182-3), to which he had previously submitted a paper on the blood vessels of the mustelus antarcticus (1886, vol. 177). To the Zoological Society also he presented papers, notably studies in New Zealand ichthyology (1886, vol. xii) and the cranial osteology of the dinornithidae (1893, vol. xiii). Meanwhile he brought out a series of studies in biology for New Zealand students. Parker's treatises published during this period in Great Britain dealt with zootomy (1884) and lessons in elementary biology (1893). At the time of his death he was engaged, with Professor Haswell (Sydney), on an important work on zoology, the last proofs of which he had already passed for the press when he died (7 Nov 1897).

Parker was the founder of the biological laboratory at Otago University and was a leading member of the Otago Institute. Before coming to New Zealand he had been elected a fellow of the Linnaean Society, and in 1881 he was elected a fellow of the Royal Society. In 1892 London University granted him the D.Sc. on his work in New Zealand. As a teacher he had few superiors and he was a skilled delineator.

Encycl. Brit., 11th ed, vols 4 and 20; Otago Daily Times, 8 Nov 1897; Thompson, Hist. Otago Univ.

Reference: Volume 2, page 77

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PARKINSON, SIR THOMAS WRIGHT (1863-1935), the son of T. H. Parkinson, of Kaituna, was born in Canterbury, and entered Edinburgh University in 1886. (M.B., C.M., 1890; M.D., D.P.H. 1898) In 1891 he married Euphemia Jessie, daughter of M. Pillman of Edinburgh. After practising in Scotland he moved to London in 1900 and became physician of the Lady Lytton military hospital. He was also a member of the Royal Society of Medicine, and of the British Medical Society, and president of the Chelsea Clinical Society. Parkinson died on 7 Feb 1935.

Who's Who; The Times, 8 Feb 1935.

Reference: Volume 2, page 77

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PARNELL, SAMUEL DUNCAN (1810-90), the originator of the eight-hour day in New Zealand, was born in London, educated in the board schools and apprenticed to a carpenter and joiner in Theobald's Road.

As early as 1834 he became imbued with the idea that the working day was unduly long, and so started in business for himself. He was interested already in the trades union movement and did what he could to reduce working hours, but was unable to persuade his shopmates to demand a shorter day. It was with this idea that he at length decided to go abroad, and he became in 1839 a land purchaser under the New Zealand Company. Parnell and his wife, declaring their ages as 27, sailed in the Duke of Roxburgh in Sep and reached Wellington in Feb 1840. Their selection of 100 acres of country land they took up at Karori (where they appear as a freeholder in 1854) and their town acre was in Daniell street. George Hunter, a Wellington merchant, was a fellow passenger, and before long Parnell was engaged in building a residence for him at Korokoro and a store for his firm, Willis and Co. He stipulated in the contract that the men should work only eight hours a day. Hunter did not demur, and so the system had its origin in the colony. Parnell did not see the job through, but the carpenters who completed the work continued on the terms he had arranged, receiving 5s a day. In 1866 Parnell was a resident of Karori. During the labour movement in New Zealand in the early nineties a good deal of attention was paid to Parnell's contribution. Saturday shilling collections were taken up to establish a memorial and he received a congratulatory address in Wellington (28 Oct 1890), just two months before his death, which occurred on 17 Dec. He was given a public funeral. Some months later a memorial demonstration was held in Christchurch.

Parnell was married twice, his second wife being Mrs Brunger, who died in 1888.

Ward; Builders and Contractors News, Sydney, 1890; Lyttelton Times, 31 Jul 1891; N.Z. Herald, 11 Nov 1890 (p); N.Z. Times, 30 Oct, 18, 23 Dec 1890, 3 Nov 1891

Reference: Volume 2, page 78

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PARRIS, ROBERT REID (1816-1904) was born at Tatworth, Chard, Somerset, coming of a West of England family who had their property confiscated in the reign of James II, but restored by William III. He was some years farming in Devonshire and was a fine horseman and whip, managing a four-in-hand with great skill. He came to New Zealand with his wife and two daughters in the Blenheim, arriving at New Plymouth on 7 Nov 1842.

About 1846 Bishop Selwyn appointed Parris farm superintendent at St John's College, Auckland, where he gained an intimate knowledge of the Maori language and customs. Selwyn regarded him as an able and willing bailiff and a Christian man, with whom he was on terms of personal confidence. Returning to Taranaki in the early fifties, Parris was elected a member of the Provincial Council in 1853 and sat with a short intermission until the middle of 1857, when he resigned to accept the post of land purchase commissioner. His knowledge of the Maori marked him out during the troubled years of the next two decades as the most trusted representative of the Government in the province. From 1859-65 he was assistant native secretary and the principal agent of the Government in the Waitara purchase. The outbreak of hostilities (1860) involved him in many difficult positions. In that year a plot against his life by Taranaki and Ngati-Ruanui conspirators was disclosed by a Mokau chief; and the Waikato befriended him. He was attached to the Imperial troops during the war with the rank of major in the militia, and for a while was in command of native allies.

Parris was frequently mentioned in despatches by Grey and by General Sir H. J. Warre (who found him an able interpreter and sagacious adviser, skilful in the management of natives, firm, judicious and conciliatory). In Jun 1865 he rode 250 miles from Taranaki to Wellington, through tribes whose loyalty was in grave doubt. He was appointed civil commissioner for Taranaki in that year. FitzGerald strongly urged that he should be charged with the entire responsibility for settling the difficulties in Taranaki. In the crisis of 1868-69 Parris's influence was mainly responsible for restraining the natives north of Opunake from joining the Hauhau. He retired from the civil service in 1875, but before reverting to private life he acted in conjunction with the West Coast commission in the settlement of native claims.

Parris showed great force of character and remarkable courage, zeal and earnestness. To an intimate acquaintance with native affairs he combined the qualities of a Christian gentleman, and the natives regarded him with esteem and affection. He was for many years a visiting justice of the gaol, a harbour board sinking fund commissioner, and vice-president of the New Plymouth Savings Bank. He died on 18 Sep 1904.

Taranaki P.C. Proc. and Gaz.; N.Z. Gaz.; App. H.R.; Cycl. N.Z., vi; Rusden; Tucker; Wells; Waka Maori, 1875, p. 215; Taranaki Herald, 19 Sep 1904. Portrait: Taranaki Hist. Coll.

Reference: Volume 2, page 78

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PATARA RAUKATAURI, or NGONGE, was an arch priest of the Hauhau sect. He was a Taranaki chief from Oakura, and was said to have lived with his mother's people in Port Nicholson, where he was employed in the store of his brother-in-law (Ashdown). Peculation of money, followed by horse thefts, caused him to leave Wellington, and marked his progress to Taranaki and Auckland, where he married a woman on promising her brothers some valuable meres. He was a relative of Matutaera, and was accused of forging letters from Rewi to the discontented natives in Taranaki. He commanded his Taranaki tribesmen against the troops at Kaitake (1863), and was said to have arranged the ambush at Tataraimaka. As one of the apostles sent by Te Ua to spread the Hauhau doctrine, he carried the head of Captain Lloyd to the tribes between Gisborne and East Cape. At Tauranga he demanded the surrender of the Rev Carl Volkner, who had endeavoured to restrain the Whakatohea from joining the Hauhau and was regarded as a spy. After the murder of Volkner Patara tried to exchange the Rev T. S. Grace for Hori Tupaea. A tall powerful man, with many of the characteristics of the revolutionary, Patara was the only one of Te Ua's emissaries who did not meet a violent death.

App. H.R., 1863 E2, 9; Cowan; Wellington Independent, 13 May 1865; Southern Cross, 6 Jul 1865.

Reference: Volume 2, page 78

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PATENE, WIREMU (WILLIAM BARTON) (1810-84) was born in the Waikato and at the period of the commencement of the Wesleyan mission at Whaingaroa (1835) had won considerable influence in his tribe. He shared fully in the prevalent practices of his race and in an intertribal conflict was observed making effective use of the deadly weapon in his hand. Confronted by the Rev James Wallis, who was engaged in successful efforts to restore peace, he became a regular attendant at the mission church and under missionary influence his life was transformed. At his baptism he received the name of William Barton, after a talented English Wesleyan minister. He became a lay preacher and rendered good service in the Waikato district. At the Wesleyan native theological institution at Three Kings he received training under Thomas Buddle and Alexander Reid. In 1859 he qualified as an assistant missionary and in 1871 was admitted to full status in the Methodist ministry. His labours were chiefly among tribes on the banks of the Waipa river who were disaffected towards the government. His powerful influence was exerted with success to suppress the spirit of rebellion. He died in Dec 1884.

M.A.R.P.

Reference: Volume 2, page 78

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PATERSON, ADA GERTRUDE (1880-1937) was born in Dunedin, a daughter of James Paterson, librarian of the Dunedin Athenaeum. She was educated at the Otago Girls' High School and Otago University. There she graduated M.B., Ch.B., and after a post-graduate course at Dublin University she qualified as L.M. For some years Dr Paterson practised at Picton. In 1912 she was appointed one of the first medical inspectors of schools. In 1916 she was transferred from Dunedin to Wellington, where in 1923 she became director of the school hygiene division of the Department of Health, a position which she filled until her death (on 26 Aug 1937). She was closely associated with the health camp and kindergarten movements, was a member of the eugenics board, and vice-president of the Wellington University Women's Club and of the International Federation of University Women. In 1935 she represented New Zealand at a health conference under the League of Nations at Geneva.

Who's Who NZ., 1932; Evening Post, 27 Aug 1937.

Reference: Volume 2, page 78

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PATERSON, JAMES (1807-86) was born at Edinburgh. He served his time with a saddler in his native city, and in 1838 went to British Guiana, where he remained for some years in business in Georgetown. In 1851 Paterson returned to Scotland. About this time George Ross, an early settler of Otago, was in Scotland overseeing the construction of a brigantine for use in the New Zealand coastal trade. Paterson came into touch with him, had his interest in New Zealand aroused, and decided to emigrate to Otago. Ross's brigantine, the Clutha, 250 tons, was ready towards the end of 1853. Amongst her passengers were James Kilgour, John Sibbald, Calder, Alexander and Paterson. The Clutha loaded at Leith a variety of merchandise on account of Ross and his passengers. She put into Yarmouth for a new bowsprit, and arrived in Otago on 12 Feb 1854.

Paterson started business in Rattray Street, Dunedin, as a general merchant, being shortly joined by his brother-in-law, George Hepburn (q.v.). Later the firm established itself in Princes Street; purchased the local business of Macandrew and Co. and afterwards removed to Manse Street, where it carried on as saddlers, general merchants, and commission agents. In Oct 1861 Paterson was elected for one of the Dunedin seats in the Provincial Council. A few months later he took office in the provincial executive. In Jun 1862 he contested the parliamentary seat for Dunedin and Suburbs against J. L. C. Richardson, but was defeated by eight votes. When Richardson resigned shortly afterwards Paterson was returned unopposed. He now took up land at Crichton, Tokomairiro, and devoted more of his time to public affairs. He was in the Provincial Council (1861-67) and was a member of three executives, part of the time as provincial secretary under the superintendency of Harris. While holding this office he carried through the Council an ordinance dissolving the Dunedin town board and appointing commissioners to manage the affairs of the city and to bring order into its finances. In Jun 1863, after a redistribution of seats, he was returned for Dunedin, Vogel being one of the defeated candidates. In the same month he defeated Vogel in a straight-out fight for the Dunedin and Suburbs seat in Parliament. In 1865 he stood for the mayoralty of the city, but was defeated by Mason.

In Oct 1865 Paterson joined the Stafford Government as a member of the executive. He was re-elected for the City in 1866 with Reynolds as colleague (Paterson 610 votes, Reynolds 609); and a few months later took office as Postmaster-general. Feeling ran high in Otago over the refusal of the General Government to delegate to Macandrew, the new Superintendent, the powers usually given to superintendents to administer goldfields, and also over proposals which threatened to take away some of the revenues of the city. Richardson, now a member of the Stafford Government, stood firmly against Macandrew. Public opinion in Otago was strongly on the side of the Superintendent, and Paterson and Reynolds both fell into bad odour. When the members returned to Dunedin there was a hostile demonstration in the Princess theatre, from which they had to escape with police assistance. When they came back from Wellington again (Nov 1868) they were invited to explain their conduct. Reynolds attended, but Paterson declined, and so terminated his political life as an elective member. Reynolds was again returned, but Paterson resigned his seat (Jun 1869) and accepted a call to the Legislative Council. Ill-health prevented him from taking much further active part even in this sphere, and in 1884 he forfeited his seat for non-attendance. He died on 29 Jul 1886. Paterson was a prominent member of the Presbyterian Church.

Otago P.C. Proc.; N.Z.P.D.; McIndoe; Otago Daily Times, 30 Jul 1886, 6 Jun 1930 (p). Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 79

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PATERSON, THOMAS (1832-69) was the son of a merchant at Leith, Scotland. He was educated at the High School in Edinburgh and articled as a civil engineer to Grainger and Miller, railway contractors, with whom he became managing assistant. In 1863 he was appointed railway and road engineer in Otago. In this position he surveyed and prepared parliamentary plans for the Dunedin-Clutha line and the light line northward from Dunedin, supervised the construction of the Bluff-Invercargill line for the Southland government, and reconstructed the Oreti line. He made investigations for the Lyttelton tunnel, constructed the bridge over the Rakaia and designed that over the Rangitata. Paterson was drowned in a coach mishap in the Kakanui river on 15 Dec 1869.

Otago P.C. Proc.; Timaru Herald, 18 Dec 1869.

Reference: Volume 2, page 79

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PATTERSON, JOHN, or HONE PARATENE TAMANUI-A-RANGI, who was born in 1826, was a full-blooded Maori chief of the Ngai-Tuahuriri hapu of the Ngai-Tahu tribe; Kaiapoi. From 1868 to 1870 he sat as member for Southern Maori in the House of Representatives. He resisted the taxation of native lands, and advocated the allocation of tenths in the South Island. Patterson stood against Tainui twice in 1879, but was defeated both times.

Reference: Volume 2, page 79

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PATTESON, JOHN COLERIDGE (1827-71) was the son of Sir John Coleridge Patteson, judge. He was educated at the Grammar school at Ottery St Mary, and at Eton (1838), where he was captain of the XI and showed much strength of character, but no distinction in scholarship. He graduated from Balliol College, Oxford (1849), and by travel stimulated his intellectual and artistic tastes. As a fellow of Merton College he assisted in devising a scheme of reform. Ordained in 1853, he became curate of Alphington. His influence was beginning to be felt when he met Bishop Selwyn (1854), with whom he left England in the following year to enter the Melanesian mission field. At St John's, Auckland, and afterwards at Kohimarama and at Norfolk Island he devoted himself to teaching Melanesian boys the rudiments of civilisation and religion, in which his remarkable linguistic powers greatly aided him. He had mastered the Maori language on the voyage out. On assuming control of the mission, to which he was consecrated in 1861, he selected the Mota dialect for use in the schools. He spoke readily 23 languages, using patient endeavours to fix the meanings of words and to utilise the simplicity of structure to express all modifications of time and place. He printed general vocabularies in three languages, and translated into Mota the third and fourth Gospels and other parts of Scripture. The mission being supported partly from his own funds-for which purpose he retained his Merton fellowship-partly by the Eton Melanesian Society, and partly by a special association formed in Australia, no salaries were paid. Patteson had a practical turn for all useful occupations in connection with the mission. After 20 years' work only 40 natives remained unbaptised out of the Mota population of 800. His life was often in danger, notably at Santa Cruz in 1864, when two of his companions died from the effects of poisoned arrows. Patteson deplored the lawless conduct of the labour traffic, which had depopulated many islands, and wished to see it regulated. Visiting Nukapu Island on 20 Sep 1871 in ignorance of an outrage having been committed by Englishmen a few months earlier, he landed alone unarmed and was killed. His murder roused the Christian conscience in England and led to the regulation of the labour traffic through the High Commission for the Western Pacific, and to a considerable extension of the Mission. He was succeeded by John R. Selwyn (q.v.).

D.N.B.; Yonge (p); Tucker; Jacobs; Wellington Independent, 7 Nov 1871; N.Z. Herald, 1 Nov 1871.

Reference: Volume 2, page 79

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PATTRICK, ANNE (1881-1937), daughter of J. L. Patrick (who arrived in the Cressy, 1850), was born and educated in Christchurch. On completing her nursing training at the Christchurch public hospital, she studied Sir Truby King's Plunket system of child welfare. She was on the staff of the Dunedin Karitane-Harris hospital when the war broke out, and she enlisted with the New Zealand nursing service (Nov 1917). Seconded a few months later for home service in England, she played an important part in establishing the London mothercraft training centre. Returning to New Zealand in 1920 Miss Patrick was appointed matron of the Karitane-Harris hospital in Dunedin and director of Plunket nursing for the Dominion. While holding this post she made a long visit to Canada, the United States and England, and another after retiring, and attended international congresses of nurses in 1929 and 1937. As an inspiring force within her chosen field of work her influence was wide and profound, and she earned the devotion of those with whom she came in contact to a most extraordinary degree. She retired in 1934 and died in London on 19 Sep 1937.

Studholme; The Dominion and The Press, 20 Sep 1937 (p); The Times, 21 Sep 1937.

Reference: Volume 2, page 79

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PATUKI, TEONI TOPI (?1810-1900) was a leading chief of both tribes Ngai-Tahu and Ngati-Mamoe. He was born at Waipati, and lived for many years at Kaiapoi, though his real home was Ruapuke. Patuki saw a good deal of tribal fighting in his youth and was a member of the taua under Tuhawaiki, which fell upon the Ngati-Tama invaders at Tuturau, Otago, in 1836. He is said to have shot Te Puoho. Patuki afterwards came under the influence of the Wesleyan missionaries and, having been baptised by the Rev Charles Creed, was for many years a Wesleyan native teacher. He was a friend of Wohlers. About 1840 he returned from Kaiapoi to Ruapuke and he signed the deed of sale of Stewart Island. Shortland says that he had a very European appearance, dressed well, and was an expert whaler. He assisted Captain J. L. Stokes (q.v.) in the survey of Foveaux Strait.

Patuki was a nephew of Tamaiharanui and after the death of Tuhawaiki and his son Kihau (1844) he became paramount chief. He was consistently friendly to Europeans. He died at Ruapuke on 28 Sep 1900.

A son, John TOPI PATUKI, was a member of the Legislative Council (1918-1925).

N.Z.P.D., 28 Oct 1884; Shortland; Wohlers; Roberts, Southland; Otago Daily Times and Southland Times, 2, 24 Oct 1900.

Reference: Volume 2, page 80

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PATUONE, ERUERA MAIHI (? 1776-1872), a celebrated chief of the Ngati-Hao tribe of Ngapuhi, was born at Hokianga. He was the younger son of Tapua (a renowned warrior and priest) and his wife Te Kawehau, and the elder brother of Tamati Waka Nene (q.v.). He was educated for the sacerdotal office, but as a young man took his part in the fierce campaigns at the dawn of the nineteenth century. He first distinguished himself in the defeat of Ngapuhi at Waituna in 1806, when he killed the Roroa chief Tatakahuanui in single combat, and barely escaped with his life. In 1810 he was one of the leaders of his tribe when they were defeated by the Roroa at Waima. He first used a gun in the fight at Kuratope, where he was wounded in the leg and the arm. Patuone and Nene were from the first benevolently disposed towards the whites. They favoured the establishment of the mission at Rangihoua in 1814, and thereafter protected all missions in the north without distinction. Samuel Marsden met Patuone at his home in 1819, when he was about to leave in command of a taua of 800 men on the Amiowhenua expedition to the south (under Tuwhare). Joined at Kawhia by a strong force of Ngati-Toa under Te Rauparaha and Rangihaeata, they marched through Taranaki as far as Whanganui, where Patuone gained a victory over the Whanganui. The records indicate that the Ngapuhi taua returned from Whanganui, but Patuone told Marsden in Nov 1820 that he had gone as far as Cook Strait and crossed to the South Island. He wished then to visit Sydney for the benefit of his people. In 1822 he accompanied Hongi (to whom he was deeply attached) on his expedition to the Thames against Te Hinaki, and it was due to his advice that Hongi continued the siege of Mauinaina, which ended in the capture and death of Te Hinaki. In 1825 he was at Te Ika-a-ranganui. Patuone extended his protection to Lieutenant Thomas McDonnell's shipyard on the Hokianga, at which were built the first little vessels that carried the New Zealand flag. A few years later (1826) he welcomed the New Zealand Company's ships at Herd's Point, Hokianga, and took under his protection those who stayed behind. He and Nene went to the help of the Wesleyan mission at Whangaroa (1827) when its premises were plundered, and brought the staff away to a place of safety. They also, at Mangamuka, avenged the death of the first Christian martyr of New Zealand, and thereafter saw justice done whenever Europeans had to complain of ill-treatment. For many years they were engaged in the supply of spars for the British Navy, and they co-operated with other chiefs in protecting the European establishments on the Hokianga and traders visiting the river. In 1831 they signed the appeal to King William IV for protection.

Shortly afterwards, when fighting at the Thames on behalf of the Ngati-Paoa against Waharoa, Patuone married a Ngati-Paoa lady of high rank (Riria Takarangi). He then lived for some years at the Waitemata, which he protected against alarms of war. Though so far from his own tribe, he exercised great influence in the counsels of the district, and was constantly called in to settle local disputes. He lamented the small families of the Maori compared with those of missionaries. On the death of his second wife Patuone yielded to the wishes of his own people and returned to Hokianga. He again visited Thames with the Rev Henry Williams in the Active (1835), and he paid a visit to Sydney on business, returning in the Tranmere. Patuone took a leading part in the meeting at Hokianga to prevent the landing of liquor. He was one of the earliest signatories of the Treaty of Waitangi (Feb 1840), and in that month was baptised by the Rev Henry Williams (taking the names Eruera Maihi, after the missionary's son, Edward Marsh).

In Heke's disturbances at Bay of Islands (1844-45) Patuone and Nene took the field against the rebels, and his brother, Wiremu Waka Turau, particularly distinguished himself at the taking of Ruapekapeka (10 Jan 1845). The value of Patuone's services was appreciated by Sir George Grey, at whose invitation he left the Hokianga district to the care of his brother and took up his residence on a reserve of 110 acres which the Government gave to him at Waiwharariki, on the north shore of Waitemata harbour. This bulwark of protection for Auckland against attacks from the north was balanced by the settlement of Te Wherowhero at Mangere, between Auckland and the disaffected tribes of Waikato. The ripe judgment of the old warrior was often invoked by the Government in the anxious days of native wars. When Patuone's old friends the Ngati-Paoa advanced on Auckland 500 strong in their war canoes to demand the release of a chief who had been imprisoned, Patuone helped to man the redoubts opposite St Andrew's and on Britomart Point. When hostilities were imminent in Waikato in 1863 he impressed upon Grey that whoever first crossed the Maungatawhiri would be considered the aggressor.

In Whitaker's superintendency of Auckland (1865-67) Patuone was constantly consulted on Native questions, and the Government granted him a pension of £20 a year (increased in 1871 to £50). He was one of the chiefs who met the Duke of Edinburgh (1869) at Government House to present the Maori addresses. In later years he was a well known figure in the streets of Auckland, dressed in grenadier officer's uniform, with Inverness cape. On 19 Jul 1872 he addressed a letter of farewell to all of his European friends, and on 19 Sep he died. He was buried in the Church of England cemetery at the foot of Flagstaff Hill, North Shore. The state and military funeral, and the monument erected by the Government testify to the esteem in which this courageous and unflinching friend of the pakeha was held. He was for many years a pious member of the Church. Patuone had four wives. Of his family of nine sons and three daughters, only one son (Hohaia) survived him.

Marsden, L. and J.; C. O. Davis, Earle; S. P. Smith, Wars; Buller; Carleton; Angas (p); Waka Maori, 1872, p. 129; Cowan, Wars and Sketches (pp); H. T. Kemp in N.Z. Herald, 6 Apr 1901; N.Z. Herald, 18 Sep, 2 Oct 1872.

Reference: Volume 2, page 80

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PAUL, EDMUND (1838-93) was born at Ilminster, Somersetshire. Coming to New Zealand, he settled in Marlborough. He was a member of the Provincial Council for Upper Wairau (1869 and 1870-75), and was a member of the executive 1874-75. Paul died on 28 Jan 1893.

Registrar-general's department; Marlborough P.C. Proc.; Marlborough Express, 30 Jan 1893

Reference: Volume 2, page 80

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PAUL, JAMES (1826-81) was born in England, his father being an officer in the 65th Regiment. Paul received his ensigncy in the 31st Regiment (1843) and served in the Sutlej campaign (1845-46), including the battles of Moodkee, Ferozeshah, Buddiwal, Aliwal and Sobraon. Having been wounded, he transferred to the 65th as a lieutenant and came to New Zealand (1848). (Captain, 1849.) He served as brigade-major in Taranaki (getting his brevet-majority 1862), and through the Waikato campaign. He returned with the regiment to England, was promoted major (1866) and retired in the following year.

Paul settled in Wellington, and was for one term a member of the City Council (1872-74). In 1877 he was appointed sergeant-at-arms in the House of Representatives, which he resigned in 1880. He married (1863) Annette (d. 1863), daughter of Dugald McKellar. His death occurred on 1 Jul 1881.

War Office records; Ward; Cowan; N.Z. Times, 13 Jul 1881.

Reference: Volume 2, page 80

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PAUL, ROBERT BATEMAN (1798-1877) was the son of Richard Paul, rector of Mawgan in Pydar, Cornwall. Educated at Truro Grammar School and Exeter College, Oxford, he was elected a fellow of Exeter in 1817 and graduated B.A. (1820) and M.A. (1822). He was ordained and appointed curate of Probus, Cornwall. In 1825 he was appointed bursar and tutor at Exeter College. He married (1827) Rosa Mira, daughter of the Rev Richard Twopenny, and was successively curate of Little Wittenham, Berkshire (1825), of Llantwit Major (1829), of St John's, Kentish Town, (1845) and of St Augustine's Bristol (1848).

In 1850 Paul came to Canterbury with the first four ships and acted as commissary for Bishop Selwyn until the first new bishoprics were created (1851-55). He took a leading part in the establishment of Christ's College, of which he was elected a fellow in 1855. He read prayers at the opening of the Canterbury Provincial Council (1853). In that year he was appointed archdeacon of Waimea and went to live in Nelson, residing for some years in Brook Valley without a parish. He was engaged for part of this time tutoring young men who were preparing for the English universities. He published Some Account of the Canterbury Settlement (1854) and Letters from Canterbury (1857). He was chairman of the archdeaconry board which nominated the first bishop of Nelson, and after his installation he returned to England (1860). In 1861 he published New Zealand as It Was and as It is. He became rector of St Mary's, Stamford, in 1864, and a canon of Lincoln in 1867.

In 1872 Paul retired from the ministry and he died on 6 Jun 1877. His other publications included the ethics of Aristotle (1829), Rhetoric (1830), a history of Germany for young people (1847), many editions of Sophocles and translations from the German of handbooks on medieval geography. In 1872 he published a novel in two volumes, The Autobiography of a Cornish Rector. A daughter of Paul married S Beddey (q.v.) and another Edward Lee (q.v.).

D.N.B.; Ward; Godley, Letters; Jacobs; Wigram; Foster's Alumni Oxon. Portrait: Diocesan Library, Nelson.

Reference: Volume 2, page 81

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PAULIN, ROBERT (1862-95) was born at Enfield, London, and having trained as a civil engineer, came to West Australia in 1874 and to New Zealand shortly afterwards. As a surveyor, he made a number of exploratory journeys on the west coast of Otago and in other parts of the country. Some of these are described in articles which he wrote for the New Zealand Journal of Science and he published in London The Wild West Coast (1889). Paulin married a daughter of Thomas Oliver, C.E., of Dunedin. He was accidentally killed on 14 Mar 1895.

N.Z. Jour. of Science, vol. i, p. 65, 119, 504.

Reference: Volume 2, page 81

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PEACOCK, JOHN THOMAS (1827-1905) was born in New South Wales, the eldest son of Captain John Jenkins Peacock, of Hawkesbury. He was educated at Sydney College, but had to leave school early to assist his father, who had sustained severe losses in his shipping interests. At the age of 15 Peacock made his first voyage across the Tasman.

In 1844 his father purchased the brig Guide (formerly a Calcutta pilot boat, but now scarcely seaworthy). After calling at Port Nicholson she sailed round both islands, calling at any port at which trade might be done. At Kaikoura, Akaroa, Little Port Cooper, Motueka, Port Chalmers, Bluff, and Stewart Island she picked up a few barrels of oil. At Kawhia, a large purchase of pigs was made, but in working out of the harbour the brig missed stays, lost a man overboard, and was soon aground. Three or four hours later she floated off. After waiting two weeks for a fair wind, the Guide sailed to Auckland and the pigs were landed with some difficulty in the ship's boat. The schooner then brought down cattle from Hokianga to Auckland for sale, and after being absent a year, reached Sydney with a cargo of New Zealand spars. At Hokianga the traders, being ignorant of the value of kauri gum, declined a large consignment from the natives. On a later voyage Peacock picked up 100 tons, which he sold profitably. During the troubles with Heke the Guide was closely followed by a cruiser on suspicion of gun-running. When she arrived at Bay of Islands it was seen that the flagstaff had been cut down, and Peacock acceded to the request of the friendly chief Patuone and furnished him with some barrels of powder, for which he received a letter of thanks from Tamati Waka Nene.

After about 12 years spent in this trade, Peacock married in Sydney (1854) and came to Wellington to start in business, but after the earthquake (1855) he moved to Lyttelton, where his father had established himself. The parents were now settled in Canterbury. Peacock built his wharf at Lyttelton under the provincial ordinance of 1857. J. J. Peacock made a great success of the business, and when he retired his son carried it on with Beverley Buchanan until 1862, when he also retired, C. W. Turner coming in. The wharf was sold to Peter Cunningham and eventually passed into the possession of the harbour board. Peacock was elected to the Provincial Council in 1861, and represented Lyttelton until 1866. In 1868 he was returned for Papanui (where he now lived) and he sat until the abolition of the provinces. In 1869 he was in Knight's executive, and from 1875 until the abolition he was in Cracroft Wilson's. As secretary for works he had control of the Lyttelton harbour improvement works. In 1868 Peacock was elected to represent Lyttelton Town in Parliament. He was re-elected in 1871, but resigned in 1873 to accept a seat in the Legislative Council. In 1877, owing to his membership of the South Waimakariri board of conservators, he forfeited his seat in the Council, but was at once reappointed. He sat until his death.

Peacock took part in the formation and direction of many Canterbury companies. He was a promoter of the New Zealand Shipping Co. and a director until the policy of steam was adopted, when he retired. He helped to promote the Kaiapoi Woollen Co. (personally purchasing the plant to prevent its being exported from the Colony), and he was a director till his death. He was chairman of the Union Insurance Co. from 1877 until it was absorbed by the Alliance (of London), when he became a member of the local board. He was a director of the Christchurch Meat Co., a large shareholder in the Christchurch Tramway Co., a director of the Lyttelton Gas Co. (until it was taken over by the borough council), a promoter and director of the Permanent Investment and Loan Association, and a director of the Christchurch Press Co. (from 1890). He was chairman of the Lyttelton harbour board for some years; a governor of Canterbury College (1888-97), and president of the Canterbury club. A prominent member of the Methodist congregation in Christchurch, he was one of the church property trustees, and a liberal contributor to the building fund. He presented the land in St Albans on which the first church was erected. Peacock died on 20 Oct 1905. (See JOHN EVANS BROWN, F. J. GARRICK, H. R. WEBB.)

Cycl. N.Z., iii (p); N.Z.P.D., 20, 24 Oct 1905; Acland; Lyttelton Times, 8 Oct 1884; The Press, 21 Oct 1905, 9 Aug 1930 (p). Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 81

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PEACOCK, THOMAS (1837-1922), who was born in Glasgow, was trained as an optician and maker of mathematical instruments. In 1862 he came to New Zealand and settled in Auckland. He was elected to the City Council, and was mayor of the City (1878-79). In 1881 he entered the House of Representatives, and was member for Auckland North (1881-84), for Newton (1884-87) and for Ponsonby (1887-90). He then retired. In 1887 Peacock declined a portfolio in the Stout-Vogel ministry. He was chairman of the South British Insurance Co.; a vice-president of the Auckland Savings Bank, and a member of the Auckland Grammar School board, the education board, and the council of the chamber of commerce. His second wife (whom he married in 1881), was Margaret, eldest daughter of Alexander Campbell, of Helensburgh, Scotland. He died on 18 Feb 1922.

N.Z.P.D., 29 Jun 1922; Cycl. N.Z., ii (p); Auckland Star, 27 Sep 1887; N.Z. Herald, 19 Feb 1922. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 81

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PEACOCKE, STEPHEN PONSONBY (1813-72) was the son of Colonel Stephen Peacocke, of the 3rd Scots Fusilier Guards. Born in England, he entered the army in 1833 in the 25th Regiment, with which he served in India. Promoted captain (1839), he went on half pay in 1844. He afterwards exchanged into the 59th, from which he retired as major in 1853. He married Anne Louisa (1816-72), daughter of Sir John Brydges, Wootton Court, Kent.

About 1858 Peacocke sold out and came to New Zealand. He stayed in Canterbury a few months and then moved to Auckland and bought land near the Pensioner Settlement at Howick (1859), where he lived until his death (on 29 May 1872). On the outbreak of the Waikato war Peacocke was given command of the 3rd battalion Auckland militia and of the district from Wairoa south to Otahuhu. This line, defended by Galloway's and St John's redoubts, was practically the front at the outset. He represented Pensioner Settlements in the Auckland Provincial Council (1865-69) and was commissioner of crown lands (1867-68). In 1866 Peacocke was called to the Legislative Council, where he was a polished and effective speaker.

A son, PONSONBY JOHN RALEIGH PEACOCKE, was a member of the Provincial Council for Pakuranga (1873-75). He was an inspector of schools for Auckland province and later of Catholic schools, and died in Jan 1918.

Parl. Record; Auckland P.C. Proc.; Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Cycl. N.Z., ii (p); N.Z. Herald, 31 May 1872.

Reference: Volume 2, page 81

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PEAKE, JOHN WILLIAM (1830-1916), who was born in Denbigh, North Wales, studied law at the Middle Temple, but, disliking the profession, came to Australia in 1852. After a year on the goldfields, he crossed to New Zealand in the Eliza (1853), and with his brother took up land at Kai-iwi, near Wanganui. From 1863 to 1865 he represented Wanganui and Rangitikei in the Wellington Provincial Council. He was a lieutenant in the Wanganui militia (1864). In 1893 he retired from farming. Peake died on 9 Jun 1916.

Cycl. NZ., i; Wanganui Herald, 9 Jun 1916.

Reference: Volume 2, page 82

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PEARCE, EDWARD (1832-1922) was born in England, and came to New Zealand in 1861. He was in business for many years as a general and produce merchant in Wellington, eventually amalgamating his interests with Levin and Co., of which he became senior partner in 1893. Pearce was a member of the Wellington Provincial Council (for Wellington City) from 1865 till the abolition of the provinces, and served on the executive under the superintendency of Featherston (1866-68 and 1869). He also represented Wellington City in Parliament (1871-77). He was associated with many local bodies, including the harbour board, of which he was a member (1880-96) and chairman (1883-86 and 1892). He was president of the chamber of commerce, a director of the Wellington Trust, Loan and Investment Co. from 1876 and chairman (1880-97), and local director of the National Bank of New Zealand and the National Mutual Insurance Co. Pearce was an enthusiastic volunteer, and commanded the New Zealand regiment of artillery at a time when it consisted of 12 batteries all over the country. He died on 13 Oct 1922.

Wellington P.C. Proc.; Ward; Evening Post, 14 Oct 1922.

Reference: Volume 2, page 82

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PEARCE, GEORGE VATER (1863-1935), a son of Robert B. Pearce, was born in Devon, and after leaving the Barnstaple Grammar School came to New Zealand in 1878. He took up farming in Taranaki, represented his province in Rugby football, and was champion mile runner at provincial meetings. In public life he was chairman of the Patea county council for 13 years, and of the Patea harbour board and the Patea freezing works. From 1908 until he was defeated in 1919 he represented Patea in Parliament. In 1893 Pearce married Miss Powdrell. He died on 2 Jan 1935.

N.Z.P.D., 30 Aug 1935; Who's Who N.Z., 1924, 1932; The Dominion, 4 Jan 1935. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 82

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PEARSON, WALTER HENRY (1832-1911) was born at Mangapury, India, the son of John Thomas Pearson, and grandson of the advocate-general of the supreme court of judicature in Bengal. He went to England for his education, and returned to India in 1849. In 1852 he went from India to Australia, where he lived until 1855, when he sailed in the schooner Caledonia for Port Chalmers, arriving on 30 Mar 1855.

Pearson's intention was to go on the land, and, in company with James Saunders and Peter Napier, he explored the country now known as Maniototo plain. Returning to Dunedin, he joined James and William Saunders, who had come across from Australia with him, in the purchase from Napier of the Waipori run. Pearson did not find pastoral life congenial, and in May 1857 he took a position in the land office at Dunedin. Already the settlers in south Otago were complaining of the neglect of the Otago government, and before the year was out it was decided to open a branch of the land office at Invercargill in order to obviate complaints of delay and expense. Pearson was appointed in Oct 1857 to open the office, and proceeded at once to his duties, which were carried out in a wattle-and-daub hut with a thatched roof. His commission from the Otago waste lands board was "to encourage and assist the settlement of the waste lands and to remove some of the grievances of the settlers." He was an excellent official, imparting unfailing courtesy and tact into his dealings. Three months after his arrival Elles, who had been appointed collector of customs at the Bluff, moved into Invercargill as receiver of land revenue. In Feb 1858 Pearson was appointed a justice of the peace.

The grievances of Murihiku culminated in the establishment of the new province of Southland. When the Provincial Council was elected Pearson was returned as member for Waihopai, and he was forthwith entrusted with the formation of a government. His official position as commissioner of crown lands for Southland (and a member of the waste lands boards), combined with his political position as a member of the Council and head of the executive, tended to cause friction. For a year or two things went smoothly enough. Pearson and the Superintendent (Menzies) in 1863 had a radical difference of opinion as to the action which Southland should take to profit by the goldfields at Lake Wakatipu. Pearson believed that though the field was politically outside the boundaries of Southland the province ought to make a bold bid to capture the trade of the goldfields, even to the extent of appointing a gold receiver at Queenstown and providing an escort to Invercargill. Menzies would not agree, and Pearson resigned from the government and the Council. The golden opportunity for Southland, he considered, had been allowed to slip. In 1864 Pearson, hoping to find a modus operandi, returned to the Council as member for Waihopai, but only to become involved in a constitutional conflict with the Superintendent. In Jul, being again entrusted with the formation of an executive, his prospective colleagues insisted that the Superintendent should accept full and complete responsibility in the government. On purely provincial matters he was to be controlled entirely by his executive, while on matters delegated to him by the General Government he was to consult the executive. Menzies complained that to accept such terms would reduce him to the position of a cipher. There was no way out of the impasse, and Pearson once more resigned from the Council and devoted himself to his paid post as the leading official in the province. The finances were in a disastrous condition. In 1865 he came back as a member for Waianiwa, and a few months later was again head of the executive. In Feb 1867 he retired from the Council, but at the general election a few months later he was elected for Oteramika, which he represented almost until the reunion of the provinces. Under no misapprehension as to the capacity of Southland to carry on, he moved early in 1868 that the time was ripe for the abolition of the whole provincial system and the substitution of local government through county and borough councils. The motion was withdrawn for lack of support. Again that year Pearson led the executive for a few months, and in 1869, when reunion was imminent, he took office again. His masterful conduct was evident from the fact that the Superintendent (Taylor) wrote complaining of his acts and correspondence with officials behind the Superintendent's back. "A government so divided," he said, "can expect nothing but disaster." The executive stood by Pearson, and Taylor took the strong course of dismissing them from office. Overtures were made by Otago for reunion, and in Aug 1869 John Ross, Pearson, and Johnston were appointed commissioners to meet three from Otago to recommend a basis of reunion. They brought down a report recommending the reabsorption of Southland in Otago, with eight members in the Otago Provincial Council, and expressed the hope that this would prove the first step towards a united Middle Island government. The report was adopted (Nov 1869) after many stormy sittings, and Southland returned to the fold, practically bankrupt.

Pearson remained at the Invercargill land office until his retirement in 1884. His reports are full of interesting and literary matter and sidelights upon the events of the time. For eight years, 1880-88, he was a member of the school commissioners of Otago. After retiring, Pearson lived in Dunedin. His last few years he spent at Napier, where he died on 1 Sep 1911.

Pearson's publications were A Review of the Position of Southland (1866); In Memoriam Sir John Richardson (1879), and The Financial Position of the Colony of New Zealand; its Extrication by the Sale or Lease of its Railways (1887).

Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Cycl. NZ., iv (p); Hocken; McIndoe; Pearson in Otago Witness, 22 Mar 1898; Otago Daily Times, 3 Oct 1930 (p).

Reference: Volume 2, page 82

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PEARSON, WILLIAM FISHER (1854-88) was born at Christchurch. Educated privately, he entered the service of the Bank of New Zealand under Coster (q.v.) and in three years was stationed successively at Christchurch, Palmerston North, Nelson and Lyttelton. In 1873, when Coster went to London to inaugurate the ocean services of the New Zealand Shipping Co., Pearson went as his private secretary. On his return to New Zealand a few years later he was appointed manager of Studholme and Russell's Raglan estate (Auckland). He soon afterwards returned to Canterbury, taking up a farm at Fairfield; and was chairman of the Oxford road board. In 1880 (with H. Brettagh) he took up the Worlingham estate. Next year he was elected M.H.R. for Ashley, which he represented until his death (3 Jul 1888). During part of the time he was a whip for the Atkinson Government. Pearson was one of the earliest New Zealand-born parliamentarians. His father (Joseph Pearson) came to Canterbury in 1851 as manager for Hawdon, and took up Burnt Hill.

Acland; The Press and Lyttelton Times, 4 Jul 1888. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 83

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PEAT, DAVID (1838-1919) was born in Kincardineshire, Scotland, the son of a farmer, and was educated at the local parish school, and for law at Montrose. Arriving in New Zealand in 1858, he took up farming at Poyntzfield, Rangitikei. In 1869 he was elected member of the Provincial Council for Waitotara and Kai-Iwi but resigned before the next session. He served on the Wanganui borough council, as member and chairman of the Wanganui harbour board and as a director of the Wanganui Freezing Co. He died on 1 Oct 1919.

Cycl. N.Z., i; Who's Who N.Z., 1908.

Reference: Volume 2, page 83

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PENNEFATHER, FREDERICK WILLIAM (1852-1921) was the son of Edward Pennefather, Q.C., of Dunlavin, County Wicklow, Ireland. Educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, he graduated there (B.A., 1874, LL.M. 1877 and LL.D. 1891). He read for the bar at Lincoln's Inn from 1874, was called in 1877, and in 1878 was called to the Irish bar. For a few years he practised on the south-eastern circuit. Pennefather was private secretary to Sir William Jervois as governor of South Australia (1881-83) and of New Zealand (1883-86), and in 1886 was commissioner for New Zealand at the Indian and Colonial Exhibition. In the following year he became lecturer in law at Adelaide University, and in 1890 professor. He was the joint author of Pennefather and Brown on the Civil Code of New Zealand, and he compiled Murray's Guide to New Zealand (1893). Pennefather practised in Wellington with Brown and Dean, and was acting judge in New Zealand (1898-99). Shortly afterwards he returned to Ireland, where he died on 6 Feb 1921.

Col. Gent.; Mennell.

Reference: Volume 2, page 83

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PERCEVAL, SIR WESTBY BROOK (1854-1928) was the son of Westby Hawkshaw Perceval, of county Meath, and was born at Launceston, Tasmania, while his parents were en route to New Zealand. Educated first at Merton's school, Rangiora, he entered Christ's College as a junior Somes scholar (1867) and remained there until 1872, being captain of the College. In 1873 he entered Stonyhurst College, Lancashire, to study philosophy, and in 1875 commenced to read for the bar at the Middle Temple. He was called in 1878, returned to New Zealand and commenced to practise in Christchurch with T. I. Joynt. The partnership was dissolved in 1883, after which Perceval practised alone. In 1880 he married Jessie, daughter of the Hon John Johnston (q.v.). Perceval took part in the agitation for a railway from Canterbury to the West Coast, and assisted to form the Canterbury Electors' Association to promote the railway and tariff protection. In 1887 he was elected M.H.R. for Christchurch South. In 1890 he was returned for City of Christchurch, and in the following session was chairman of committees. He resigned on 15 Sep 1891 to become Agent-general for New Zealand, and filled that position till 1896. In 1894 he was created a K.C.M.G., and the Pope conferred upon him in 1891 the rank of a Knight of St Gregory. He was a governor of the Royal Colonial Institute (1892), a member of the royal commission for the Chicago Exhibition (1904) and of the Chamberlain tariff commission.

Perceval published in 1891 a pamphlet Land in Sight (on the Liberal land policy), and in 1892 several small pamphlets on New Zealand. In 1896 he accepted the appointment of Agent-general for Tasmania, which he held to 1898. He was a director of the Union Bank of Australia and the River Plate Land Mortgage Co. He died on 23 Jun 1928.

N.Z.P.D., 3 Jul 1928; Parltry Record; Who's Who N.Z., 1924; Cycl. N.Z., i (p); iii; Christ's Coll. List.; Hocken; N.Z. Graphic, 3 Oct 1891 (p). Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 83

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PERE, WIREMU (WILLIAM HALBERT), who died in 1915, was a chief of the Poverty Bay tribes Rongo-whakaata and Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki. He was a half-caste by birth, the son of Thomas Halbert, known to the Maori as Tame Poto, one of the earliest settlers at Poverty Bay (who was drowned 1866). His mother Riria te Mauharanui was captured by Tuhoe at Hauturu (about 1826). By descent he represented all the Takitimu and Horouta tribes and also some of Matatua (who were in latter days largely followers of Te Kooti and of the Ringatu cult).

Pere was Maori in his tastes and disposition, and is alleged to have had some sympathy with Te Kooti. It was through the Ringatu and Matatua support that he was first elected member for the Eastern Maori in 1884 (defeating Carroll and Tomoana) after having been defeated on his first candidature in 1881. At the next general election he was defeated (by 1,298 to 1,112) by J Carroll (q.v.), who had opposed the Stout-Vogel Government's native land administration act. In 1894 Carroll stood for a European seat; Wi Pere was again elected, and in spite of the hostile votes of the Arawa electors, he remained member until 1905 (when he was defeated by A. T. Ngata). Two years later he was called to the Legislative Council (his seat becoming vacant through absence in 1912).

Pere was prominent in the promotion of the New Zealand Land Settlement Co. for the East Coast (which was first mooted in 1882-83), the object being to neutralise the freetrade in native lands by developing and managing them in the interests of the native owners. He visited England with W. L. Rees in 1888, but they failed to obtain the necessary capital and, the company getting into difficulties, Pere and Carroll were in 1892 appointed trustees, and continued to act until relieved by the East Coast trust lands act 1902. Pere was one of the most able Maori politicians. He was a man of very determined character, a quality which, combined with a thorough grasp of Maori customs and tradition and great oratorical ability, made him a formidable leader of his people. Up to his time the representation of the Eastern district was more a matter of rivalry between the different canoes than of political views. It was the Arawa section who objected to the Kaihautu, or canoe captains, being constantly elected to Parliament, and there was a long struggle between them and the Takitimu people until Ngata's election in 1905. He died on 9 Dec 1915.

N.Z.P.D., 1884-87, 1894-1905, 1907-12; Lambert; Sir Apirana Ngata (information).

Portrait: N.Z Times, 10 Oct 1907.

Reference: Volume 2, page 84

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PERRETT, JOHN DOUGLAS (1859-1937) was born and educated in Scotland and in the eighties came to New Zealand, where he opened an art school in Dunedin. He became well-known for his landscapes, particularly his drawings of the Pink and White Terraces, which were completed just before the eruption occurred. He painted Government House and grounds at the request of Lord Bledisloe. Examples of his work hang in many art galleries in New Zealand. Perrett died on 17 Jan 1937.

N.Z. Herald, 17 Jan 1937; Otago Daily Times, 15 Dec 1886.

Reference: Volume 2, page 84

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PERSTON, WILLIAM AUGUSTUS, qualified as a medical practitioner and practised in Auckland and afterwards in Whangarei. He represented Marsden in the Provincial Council (1868-69). Perston in 1871 submitted to Parliament proposals for the development of the fisheries in Auckland province. He died in 1891.

App. H.R., 1871, H7.

Reference: Volume 2, page 84

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PETCHELL, JOHN (1843-1929) was born near Laughton-en-le-Morthen, Yorkshire, and came to New Zealand with his parents in the Stately (1853). In 1862 he took part in the Tuapeka gold rush, and in 1869 bought land at Longwood, in the Riverton district, where he started in business as a sawmiller. He later became a storekeeper, and was elected to the Southland Provincial Council for Riverton (1869-70). He was a member of the Riverton borough council, and mayor from 1889 to 1892.

Cycl. NZ, iv; Riverton Record (p); Southland Times, 5 Nov 1929.

Reference: Volume 2, page 84

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PETER, WILLIAM SPENCE (1818-91) was born at Dundee, Scotland, educated there and at the age of 19 emigrated to South Australia. There he was engaged successfully in sheep farming until 1861, when he sold out and came to New Zealand. In his later years in Australia he made extensive explorations, including the district in West Australia now known as Kimberley. Peter took up the Anama station in Canterbury, and became a successful breeder first of merinos and later of crossbreds, his stock being much sought after. He was an active member of the Anama road board and in 1867-69 represented Ashburton in the Provincial Council. In 1868 he was called to the Legislative Council, of which he was a member until his death (23 May 1891). He married in 1856 a daughter of H. C. Seymour, of Adelaide.

Cycl. NZ, iii (p. 841); Col. Gent.; The Press, 25 May 1891; Lyttelton Times, 15 Jun 1891.

Reference: Volume 2, page 84

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PETERS, EDWARD, or BLACK PETER (?-1893) was born in Bombay, India, and was an Indian or Eurasian. He came to New Zealand in the Maori about 1853, having had some experience on the goldfields of California. In March 1857 he went to Tuapeka under engagement to Davis and Bowler, and while driving a bullock sledge through the Tuapeka river found gold in the sand. He worked for six months (with John Thomson) at Evans Flat, finding nothing rich. In 1858 he found gold in the Tuapeka river, and for some years he got a little gold from the river sand at the Woolshed creek, of which he showed samples to J. T. Thomson, the chief surveyor, who considered this the best specimen he had seen. Peters made no secret of his discovery; on the contrary, he showed the gold, sold it to the storekeepers and told them where he obtained it. For a while he had a companion-Jenkins-fossicking at the Woolshed while he went farther afield. His success, modest as it was, encouraged Gabriel Read (q.v.).

In July 1861 Peters made a claim to the reward on the basis of gold discovered in the Tuapeka, Waitahuna and Tokomairiro rivers. His claim was ignored by the provincial government, but in 1885 Parliament agreed to a grant of £50 conditional on the public finding a like sum, which was done. For some years Peters lived in a cottage belonging to J. H. Jenkinson, at Port Molyneux, and subsequently, his health failing, he was cared for in the benevolent institution in Dunedin, where he died in June 1893.

Otago P.C. departmental reports, sess. xvi; Cycl. N.Z., iv (p); Pyke (p); Otago Daily Times, 25 Nov, 1 Dec 1885, 24 Jun 1893.

Reference: Volume 2, page 84

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PETRE, HENRY WILLIAM (1820-89) was the second son of the 11th baron Petre (who was a director of the New Zealand Company. Whanganui took its first name from him, and a portion of Wellington was named after his seat in Essex, Thorndon Hall). Petre came to New Zealand in the Oriental (1840) and, with Hopper and Molesworth, entered into business at the Hutt, where they erected a flourmill and farmed. His residence at Petone was pictured by Brees. Petre was a member of the illegal provisional committee in 1840 and an officer for the organisation of the defence of the Hutt district in 1845. On the dissolution of the partnership he engaged with his relatives (Clifford, Vavasour and Weld) in landed interests in the Wairarapa. He was a keen horseman, importing horses and riding them in races. On his return to the colony in 1843 he brought the thoroughbreds Aether and Riddlesworth, an important factor in his future breeding. As a pastoralist he tried unsuccessfully to cross the Australian merino with Lord Western's breed of sheep.

In 1846 Petre was appointed treasurer for the Southern District of the Colony; in 1848 colonial treasurer for New Munster (which involved a seat on the executive); in 1851 Colonial Treasurer and in 1853 Postmaster-general. He married (1842) Mary Ann Eleanor (d. 1885), daughter of Richard Walmsley, of Middleton Hall, Essex. After her death he married Sara (d. 1928), widow of Julian H. Tolme. In 1853 Petre was called to the Legislative Council, of which he was a member until his final departure from the Colony about 1860. He was deputy-lieutenant for Essex, where he died on 3 Dec 1889.

G.B.O. 1838/680; Burke, Peerage; E. J. Wakefield, ii; Ward (p); Evening Star, 17 Dec 1889.

Reference: Volume 2, page 84

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PETRIE, DONALD (1846-1925), born in Morayshire, Scotland, was educated at the Aberdeen Grammar School and University, graduating M.A. After teaching at Scotch College, Melbourne, for six years, he was appointed inspector of schools to the Otago provincial government in 1874, and in 1894 chief inspector to the Auckland education board. Author of numerous papers on botanical subjects, he was a president of the Otago Institute and of the Auckland Museum and Institute. He was elected a fellow of the Linnean Society in 1886 for his work on the flora of New Zealand, a doctor of philosophy, and Hector medallist (1923). He died in 1925.

Who's Who N.Z., 1908, 1924; Otago Daily Times, 2 Aug 1894.

Reference: Volume 2, page 84

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PETRIE, JOSEPH (1848-1908), who was born in Aberdeenshire, came to New Zealand by the Silistria in 1860, and after a few years on the Otago goldfields, settled on the West Coast in 1865. In 1874 he married Miss Creer, and the following year was elected to the Greymouth borough council. He was mayor in 1889-90, and from 1882 to 1884 he sat as member for Greymouth in the House of Representatives. Petrie was part owner and for many years editor of the Greymouth Evening Star. He was a member of the harbour board, the education board and the hospital trustees. He died on 4 May 1908.

Cycl. N.Z., vi; Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Grey River Argus, 5 May 1908.

Reference: Volume 2, page 84

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PHARAZYN, CHARLES JOHNSON (1802-1903) was the son of a London merchant; was educated at a private school in London, and then entered the office of Lloyds. He was in partnership with his uncle as an insurance broker when he first became interested in colonisation by meeting Hindmarsh in the South Australian Association's rooms in Adelphi. He sailed with his wife and three children in the Jane, which put into Rio in distress. Pharazyn insisted that adequate repairs be effected, and came to the rescue by pledging his own goods as collateral security in a bottomry bond.

He landed in Wellington in May 1841 and had to resort to litigation to recover possession of his goods and £600 damages for retention. This took him to Sydney, and before returning to New Zealand he invested his capital in merchandise. With this he went into business as a storekeeper for a while, but then decided to take up land. He prospected with Nairn the whole extent of the South Island. Before 1851 they had penetrated to Tuturau (Otago) and on 27 Oct 1851 they reported to Cargill having discovered quartz at Goodwood, north Otago. Later Pharazyn prospected the lower Wairarapa, and with Fitzherbert leased an area on the shores of Palliser Bay, for which he paid £12 a year rent. They soon had 500 sheep running on 5,000 acres. Some years later Pharazyn closed his partnership accounts and went to England. On returning to the colony he went into partnership with the Hon John Johnston, the well-known Wellington merchant. After a few prosperous years he entered the firm of Levin and Co., and by 1871 felt justified in retiring from business.

Pharazyn took an interest in public affairs. He was a member of the Wellington town board before 1870, and was in the Legislative Council from 1869 to 1885, when he retired to enable his son to be called in his place. He died on 16 Aug 1903. His wife died in 1864, and he married (1867) Jessica Rankin (1818-91), an English poetess, who came to New Zealand in that year.

His son, CHARLES PHARAZYN (1831-1903) lived most of his life on his property, Longwood, Wairarapa, where he took a prominent part in public affairs. He served on several local bodies and more than once contested a seat in the Provincial Council before he was elected in 1873. For the last two years of the province he and his brother, Robert, were both members. Pharazyn took a keen interest in education, and was for many years a member of the Wellington education board. In the late seventies both C. J. Pharazyn and his son Charles were members of the board together, the father being chairman. He died on 18 Feb 1903.

N.Z.P.D., 9 Sep 1873; Cycl. N.Z., i (p); Hocken; Pyke; Beattie, ii; Evening Post, 11 Oct 1902, 19 Feb, 17 Aug 1903, 12 Oct 1929 (p).

Reference: Volume 2, page 85

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PHARAZYN, ROBERT (1833-96), the son of C. J. Pharazyn (q.v.), was born in London, and came to New Zealand with his parents. Shortly afterwards he was sent to Auckland for his education at St John's College. He purchased land at Te Aute, Hawke's Bay, became a sheep farmer and took part in the agitation for separation from Wellington. He was a prominent member of the Settlers' Association and a warden of the Waipukurau highway district (1858).

Selling out to Stokes, Pharazyn spent three years (1860-63) travelling in Europe. He came back to New Zealand just before the war on the West Coast, and purchased 5,000 acres of the Waitotara block, which he owned until his death. While improving this run (Marahau), Pharazyn gave some attention to public affairs. He was a facile writer and contributed much to the press in favour of colonial control over native affairs. He was for some years chairman in the militia. From 1865-69 he represented Wellington in the Provincial Council, and thenceforward until the abolition he represented Waitotara and Kai-iwi. At the time of the abolition he was provincial secretary. When Fox resigned the Rangitikei seat in the House of Representatives (1865) Pharazyn was elected and sat for a few months. He then retired and was appointed commissioner of West Coast lands under Fox, an office which he administered with zeal and capacity until it was abolished. In 1871 he married Mrs Lomax (née Emily Whitbread, daughter of W. N. Cole, London).

Pharazyn was for a while mayor of Wanganui (to 1874), chairman of the hospital board, and of the Wanganui and Castlecliff Railway Co. which he helped to form. In 1875-76 he was a member of the Wellington City Council, and in 1876 he contested the Wanganui seat against Bryce. He was a good speaker and a student of political science. In 1885 he was called to the Legislative Council, of which he remained a member until his death. He was a member of the banking committee in 1894. Pharazyn belonged to the old Liberal party in pre-Ballance days. In 1886 he was commissioner for New Zealand at the Indian and Colonial Exhibition in London. A man of considerable culture, well informed, a keen debater and a fine conversationalist, Pharazyn had no personal ambitions in public life. What he did was done out of a sense of duty, but never perfunctorily. He published a small history of the New Zealand Society (1867). He died on 19 Jul 1896.

Wellington P.C. Proc.; N.Z.P.D., 21 Jul 1896; Gisborne; Hocken; Wanganui Chronicle, 16 Sep 1874; N.Z. Times, 20 Jul 1896; Evening Post, 12 Oct 1929. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 85

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PHENEY, RICHARD (1803-81) was the son of a prosperous law stationer in Chancery Lane, and succeeded to his father's business. After the death of his wife he came to New Zealand in 1850 by the Eden and took up land at Omata, Taranaki. He edited the Taranaki Herald from 1852 to Nov 1856, when owing to disagreement with the policy of the paper he was dismissed. The Taranaki News started in May 1857, and Pheney was appointed editor. He died on 4 Mar 1881.

Wells; Taranaki Herald and Taranaki News, 5 Mar 1881. Portrait: Taranaki Hist. Coll.

Reference: Volume 2, page 85

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PHILIPS, PHILIP AARON (1831-1913) was the son of Saul Charles Philips (1793-1882, who died in Auckland). He was born at Brighton and at the age of 14 went into the office of a wholesale firm in London. In 1848 he came to New Zealand and settled in Auckland. After working in employment for a year, he started as an ironmonger and hardware merchant in Vulcan lane. In 1851 he married Annie Myers (d. 1888).

For a quarter of a century Philips did fairly well in business. He took an active interest also in public affairs. He was chairman of the city board of commissioners 1869-71, and succeeded in introducing the municipal corporations act of 1867, under which he became the first mayor of the city. He was also elected in 1870 to the Provincial Council for Auckland East, which he represented until his resignation in 1875. He was most active during this time in legislation for the benefit of the city, which resulted in securing rich endowments and reserves. He was chairman also of the city improvement commissioners, and did much to amalgamate Ponsonby, Karangahape and Grafton road in the city. He also assisted in the establishment of a free library. He was the representative of the Provincial Council on the education board, a member of the harbour board and president of the Mechanics' Institute. He took an active part in obtaining a market, and a water supply for the city. In 1870 he was appointed a justice of the peace, and he also acted as resident magistrate. Meanwhile Philips's business suffered from the depression following the Waikato war and after being mayor (1871-74) he retired and was appointed town clerk, a position he filled with great success till 1899. He was a prominent freemason and was one of the leaders of the Jewish community and an early president. Philips died on 3 Jun 1913.

Cycl. N.Z., ii (p); N.Z. Jewish Review, 1931; N.Z. Herald, 28 May 1881, 9 Jun 1913; Auckland Star, 9 Jun 1913.

Reference: Volume 2, page 85

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PHILLIPS, COLEMAN (1846-1925), a son of Mark Phillips, was born in Weymouth, England, and educated at private schools in Weymouth and Bristol. Arriving in New Zealand in 1864 he took part in the Maori war, and received a military land grant in the Waikato. He served in various positions (including that of captain) on small trading ships on the Waikato and Waipa rivers.

In 1872, after four months in Fiji, Phillips persuaded the Bank of New Zealand to advance £45,000 to King Thakombau to consolidate his power against the German influence behind Maafu. The following year he induced Auckland merchants to purchase a ship for the island trade, and opened the service by exporting sheep and cattle from New Zealand. He also proposed a scheme for the annexation of the islands of the Pacific and in 1874 furthered the annexation of Fiji by establishing the Auckland and Fiji Banking Co. In the same year he was admitted as a barrister and solicitor.

In 1877 Phillips took up the Dry River station in the Wairarapa, where he inaugurated a system of forest tree-planting. In 1878 he laid off farms for sale on deferred payment. Phillips served as warden of the Featherston road board (1875-85), as chairman of the Otaraia rabbit board (1883), and as a member of the Wairarapa South and West county councils (1886-96). Among the many reforms for which he was responsible were the abolition of toll gates in the Wairarapa in 1879 (later followed by the rest of New Zealand); the establishment of the first cooperative dairy factory (at Greytown in 1881); a scheme for combating the rabbit pest (1883); the shipping of frozen mutton to London by the Lady Jocelyn (1883); the importation of Holstein cattle into the North Island (1887-88); the packing of apples for export (1888), and the construction of the first public water race (in 1894 on the Moroa plains). He was associated with the founding of the Romney Marsh flock book, and in 1890 suggested building the political capital on the Moroa plains to relieve the congestion in Wellington, and to save the public records from possible sea bombardment. Phillips was first president of the New Zealand Friesian association and chairman of the Carterton chamber of commerce (1906). He twice unsuccessfully contested the Wairarapa seat as an independent. He was the author of many papers and pamphlets on Pacific trade and industry, dairy farming, the rabbit pest and other subjects. His wife was Amy Constance, daughter of Mrs. George, of Melbourne. He died on 3 Jun 1925.

Cycl. N.Z., i (P); Who's Who N.Z., 1908, 1924; The Dominion, 4 Jun 1925.

Reference: Volume 2, page 86

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PHILLIPS, WILLIAM MORGAN (1819-1910) was born in England, and for some years worked in a banking house. Arriving in New Zealand by the Olympus in 1849, he settled in Nelson, but later moved to Wellington, where he represented Hutt in the Provincial Council (1857-61). For a time he was engaged in farming but later joined the staff of the Government Printing Office. Phillips was prominently associated with the original horticultural association of Wellington. He died on 16 Aug 1910.

The Dominion, 17 Aug 1910.

Reference: Volume 2, page 86

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PHILSON, THOMAS MOORE (1817-99) was born in County Derry, Ireland, educated there and graduated M.D. at Edinburgh University. He practised three years in the Forest of Dean, and then joined the army. He was assistant surgeon in the 58th Regiment, with which he came to New South Wales and later in the transport Ann to Bay of Islands (1845). He was present at Ruapekapeka and served afterwards in the Wanganui campaign, being present when the murderers of the Gilfillan family were hanged. In 1851 he retired to practise in Auckland, where he was coroner (1858-99), and medical superintendent of the hospital to 1883. He gave as an endowment for a medical library at the hospital the fund of £300 presented to him by the citizens on his retirement. Philson married (1840) Matilda Willmet, daughter of Captain Anderson, R.N. He died on 22 Nov 1899.

Morton; Cycl. NZ, ii (p); NZ Herald, 10 Feb 1883, 23 Nov 1899.

Reference: Volume 2, page 86

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PI (? -1837), a Ngapuhi chief of the Mahurehure hapu, lived at Waima, Hokianga. He took part in many of the tribal wars. In 1822, after visiting the Ngati-Mutunga at Pukewhakamaru pa, he turned back treacherously and sacked the pa. By contact with the missions he became a convert in the early thirties, assuming the name of 'Arama Karaka' (Adam Clark). Thereafter he protected the missions (notably after the assault by Kaitoke in 1837), but he was never very strict about suppressing lawlessness amongst his own tribe. Pi was killed at Otuihu pa, Bay of Islands, in 1837 during the fighting between Pomare and Titore.

His son, Arama Karaka PI, was a man of strong Christian principles who protected all missions. He married Hariata, the widow of Hone Heke. Governor Bowen visited him at Kaipara in 1869, shortly before his death.

Marsden, L. and J.; Ramsden; Carleton; S. P. Smith, Maori Wars; Buller; Brett, Albertlanders (p); N.Z. Herald, 13 May 1870.

Reference: Volume 2, page 86

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PICARD, ALFRED CHRISTOPHER, was born in England, and was a man of considerable culture and education and a brilliant speaker. He came to New Zealand in the Ajax (1848) and settled in Nelson. He represented Motueka and Massacre Bay in Parliament (1853-55) and was elected for Motueka in the Nelson Provincial Council in Aug 1855. He died on 17 Sep 1855.

Parltry Record; Cycl. NZ, v.

Reference: Volume 2, page 86

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PIERCE, CHARLES FREDERICK (1877-1936) was born at Bootle, Lancashire, the son of T. D. Pierce, and educated in Liverpool and at Magdalen College, Oxford, where he graduated M.A. Having been ordained deacon (1906) and priest (1907), he was an assistant master at Cranbrook School, Kent (1906-08), at Giggleswick (1908-14), and Haileybury College (1915) and headmaster at Cranbrook (1915). From there he was appointed in 1922 headmaster of Wanganui College, a post which he relinquished on account of ill health in 1931. Pierce was chairman of the Cranbrook parish council (1919-22). He served in the war of 1914-18 as a chaplain with the British forces (1914-17). He died on 21 Jul 1936.

Crockford, 1930; Who's Who N.Z., 1924, 1932; Wanganui Chronicle, 21 Jul 1936.

Reference: Volume 2, page 86

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PIERCE, GEORGE PATRICK (1825-91) was a son of Captain George Pierce, R.N., and was born at Plymouth but educated in Ireland. He was apprenticed to the publishing house of Smith, Elder and Co., came to Auckland in 1856 and became a partner in the firm of Bain, Pierce and Co. Some years later he retired to become local manager and eventually general manager of the New Zealand Insurance Co. He was a prominent freemason and churchman. In 1865, with four others, he undertook to build St Sepulchre's Church (under the direction of Selwyn). He was for years vestryman and churchwarden, diocesan trustee, diocesan and general synodsman, an assessor of the bishop's court and secretary of the orphans' home. In freemasonry he was master of the Ara lodge and provincial grand master under the Irish constitution.

Pierce married (1870) Eleanor, daughter of William Connell. He died on 17 May 1891.

Cycl. N.Z., ii (p); N.Z. Herald, 22 May 1891.

Reference: Volume 2, page 86

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PIHAMA, HONE, or TE NGOHI (?-1894), a leading chief of Ngati-Ruanui, was a man of exalted birth, great natural ability and intelligence, and unquestioned integrity. He was educated by a missionary (John Beecham), whose name he adopted. Though consistently friendly to the pakeha, Pihama was much influenced by the Hauhau movement. He is credited with having planned the attack on General Cameron's lines at Nukumaru, but it is doubtful whether he was present at this action, which Bryce describes as the best and bravest in which the Maori took part. His brother Patohe, of Taiporohenui, was wounded in fighting against Cameron. In Apr 1869 the Tangahoe, under pressure of the Ngati-Porou contingent, surrendered to Pihama and gave up arms. Hone took no further part in the rising, but threw his whole influence on the side of the pakeha, was appointed an assessor, and passed the mail through his district, frequently carrying it himself. He was a close friend of Parris (q.v.). He came later under the influence of Te Whiti and, though his personal loyalty was never questioned, his wife regularly paid his government salary into the Parihaka funds. In 1881 he accompanied Captain Knollys, A.D.C., to Parihaka but failed to persuade Te Whiti to receive the governor's letter. When the expedition was proceeding to Parihaka in Nov Pihama absented himself, since it would be unbecoming for an assessor to witness the destruction of the pakeha force. After this affair he volunteered to assist in dispersing the followers of the prophet to their own districts, but at the last moment withdrew from fear of makutu. Pihama farmed for some years at Oeo (with Captain Good), and in 1875 he owned the coach running between Oeo and Hawera. In the early eighties he had a large public house on his own property but, owing to the ill-effects of drinking on the Maori, he refused to take out a license. He died at Parihaka on 3 Apr 1894.

App. H.R., 1863-69, pass.; S. P. Smith, Taranaki; Cowan; The Press, 23 Mar 1903; Hawera Star, 10 Apr 1894 (p).

Reference: Volume 2, page 86

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PILLANS, FRANCIS SCOTT (1810-89), the son of James Pillans, of Myres Castle, Fifeshire, was born and educated in Edinburgh and travelled considerably in Europe. He arrived in Port Chalmers in the Mooltan (1849), and took up land at Inch Clutha, where he was the first settler after Redpath. He was a justice of the peace, and in 1863 was called to the Legislative Council, of which he was a member for ten years. Owing to the death of his brother, on his way to settle in Otago, Pillans retired from public life and devoted himself to his own affairs and his chief hobby, pisciculture. He owned the Manuka Island estate, Hillend. Pillans died on 12 Dec 1889.

Hocken; Cycl. NZ, iv; Otago Daily Times, 14 Dec 1889; NZ Graphic, 18 Feb 1898 (p).

Reference: Volume 2, page 87

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PILLIET, WALTER HYPPOLYTE (1835-85) was born in France and brought up in England. He came to New Zealand in the late forties as a cadet on the Flaxbourne station of Clifford and Weld, who were relatives. Not finding this suitable, he was in business in Invercargill as a surveyor and land agent, spent some time on the marine survey and became private secretary to Donald McLean as Native Minister. In 1856 he was appointed sub-collector of customs at Picton, and later warden and magistrate on the Marlborough goldfields; at Kaikoura (1869) and Akaroa (1872).

Pilliet was member of the Canterbury Provincial Council for Bays (1874-76). He was elected M.H.R. for Stanmore in 1881 but unseated on petition. Elected again in 1882, he sat till 1884, when he was defeated. He married in 1864 Mary Ann, daughter of David Johnston (Nelson), and in 1872 Agnes, daughter of Ebenezer Hay (Pigeon Bay). His death occurred on 30 Nov 1885.

Civil service records; Guthrie Hay; Lyttelton Times, 1 Dec 1885. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 87

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PINKERTON, DAVID (1836-1906) was born at Kirknewton, Edinburghshire; received his education in the parish, partly under Dr John Hislop (q.v.), and was apprenticed to bootmaking. He emigrated to Otago in the Lady Egidia in 1861, spent a short time at the diggings and then settled in Dunedin at his trade, which he followed as journeyman and employer until 1890.

He took a deep interest and had much success in the settlement of disputes by conciliation. In 1889 he was a member of the anti-sweating committee (of which A. Bathgate and Stout were also members). He assisted to draw up the log for the tailoresses union, of which he was president in its second and third years. He took a keen interest in the proposal (which failed for lack of funds) to found a convalescent home for tailoresses. He was active also in the bootmakers' union, and was for three years president of the Otago Trades and Labour Council.

In 1890 Pinkerton was elected at the head of the poll to represent the City of Dunedin in Parliament, his colleagues being Hutchison and Fish. The defeated candidates included J. Allen and A. Lee Smith. In 1893 he was again at the head of the poll, with Earnshaw and Hutchison as colleagues. In Parliament Pinkerton was chairman of the labour bills committee. He was defeated in 1896 (along with Hutchison, Begg and Earnshaw), the successful candidates being M. J. S. Mackenzie, J. A. Millar and Fish. Two months later he was appointed to the Legislative Council (in which he sat until his death). Here also he was a capable chairman of the labour bills committee until his sight failed.

Pinkerton was a member of the Otago Harbour Board for three years and of the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition committee (1889-90). For some time he held the position of district chief ranger in the order of Oddfellows. He died on 23 Jun 1906.

N.Z.P.D., 28 Jun 1906; Paul, Trades Unionism; Otago Daily Times, 25 Jun 1906. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 87

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PINKERTON, WILLIAM (1809-93) was born in Northumberland, and had a sheep farm in the Cheviot hills before leaving for South Australia in 1838. There he had land on the Torrens river and later at Port Lincoln. In 1854 he was attracted to Otago. No ship being available, he purchased the schooner Amherst and loaded it with sheep and cattle. Having explored south Otago, he selected the Brooksdale station at Tapanui, and brought his family there in 1857. In that year he was appointed an inspector of stock for Otago. Pinkerton married Miss Herriot (after whom the town of Heriot was named). The run being turned into hundreds about 1867, he sold his holding to his son-in-law, John McKellar, and left for California. He was ranching for some years in New Mexico, and died in Arizona on 27 Feb 1893. Pinkerton was a hardy explorer and traveller and used to ford the Molyneux above the falls. He was fond of music, and was an accomplished violinist. He represented Wakatipu in the Otago Provincial Council for a few months in 1863.

Roberts, Southland; Beattie, iii; Tapanui.

Reference: Volume 2, page 87

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PIRANI, FREDERICK (1859-1926), the son of H. C. Pirani (1817-94), was born in Melbourne and came to New Zealand with his parents in 1864, his father being connected with a newspaper on the West Coast. He was educated at the model school, Melbourne, and the Presbyterian and Anglican schools at Hokitika.

He served his apprenticeship to the printing trade in the Wanganui Herald office (under Ballance). In 1883 at Blenheim he had his first experience of public affairs as a member of the school committee. In 1891, with his brother David, he took over the Manawatu Standard (Palmerston North), which they conducted until 1903. Pirani took a vigorous part in public life in Palmerston. He was president of the Manawatu A. and P. association, a member of the Wellington land board and of the Middle District University council, chairman of the licensing committee and of the school committee, a member of the borough council (1888-91, 1901-3) and representative of his district on the Wanganui education board (of which he was chairman for many years).

In 1893 he was elected M.H.R. for Palmerston North. In politics independent, and always a trenchant critic, he was one of the young New Zealand party, which offered the most troublesome opposition to the Seddon Government in the late nineties. He retired in 1902 and never re-entered Parliament, though he contested several elections—Hutt (1902), Palmerston North (1905), Wanganui (1914), and Wellington Central (1919). In 1903 Pirani sold out of the Manawatu Standard and bought a share in the Feilding Star, in which he was interested for some years. In his later years he was connected with The Dominion (Wellington) and the Newspaper Proprietors' association, for which he acted as advocate in industrial disputes. He was chairman of the Kelburn school committee, and a few months before his death was elected to the Wellington education board. He was twice married, and died on 26 Oct 1926. Pirani was an inveterate critic and intrepid debater, with a passion for education, entirely disinterested.

Cycl. N.Z., i (p); N.Z.P.D., 1893-1902 (notably 24 Jun 1927); Evening Post, 27 Oct 1926. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 87

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PIRIKAWAU belonged to the Ngati-Toa tribe and was closely related to the principal chiefs at Waikanae, especially Hiko-o-te-Rangi (q.v.) About 1843 he went to England in charge of Beauchamp Halswell, son of the commissioner of native reserves, and he lived with that family for some time at Gore Lodge, Old Brompton. He had already learned writing and reading from the Rev O. Hadfield (q.v.), and he continued his schooling in England and also visited Germany. While in England he wrote to Wiremu Kingi te Rangitake warning him against associating with Rangihaeata. After returning to New Zealand Pirikawau acted as interpreter to Sir George Grey and accompanied him on his visits to inland tribes. He went with him also to England and to South Africa, where he spent 18 months, and saw much of the native races. He wrote in the Maori Messenger in 1857 describing his experiences. Pirikawau was credited by Topine te Mamaku with having originated the King movement through circular letters which he sent to the chiefs describing what he had seen abroad of the enslavement of native races by the pakeha. He died on 12 Aug 1875.

Cycl. NZ

Reference: Volume 2, page 87

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PITT, GEORGE DEAN (1781-1851) was born in Ireland. He received his first commission in the 42nd Regiment in 1805 and transferred to the 96th. (Captain, 1809; major, 1814; lieutenant-colonel 80th Regiment, 1837; major-general 1846.) He saw service at the capture of the Danish West Indies (1807), at Martinique (1809) and in the Peninsula (1811-14), being present at Albuera, Vittoria, Pampeluna, the Pyrenees and the siege of Badajoz. (C.B.; K.H.) After some time as inspecting field officer in Great Britain he was appointed to the command in New Zealand (1847). He took the oath as lieutenant-governor of New Ulster (14 Feb 1848) and assumed office when Sir George Grey left the province in Aug and Nov. In Aug 1849 he was rewarded for distinguished service and in the same year was called to the Legislative Council. Pitt died in office on 8 Jan 1851. He was a Knight of the Royal Hanoverian Guelphic Order. The name of 'Pitt' was assumed in 1818, in which year he married Susan Baillie. A daughter married General J. H. Laye, G.I. His eldest son, GEORGE DEAN PITT, who was an ensign in the 48th Regiment (1839) and was promoted captain in the 80th Regiment (1849), was private secretary to his father as lieut-governor of New Ulster (1848). In 1863 he proceeded to Australia with F. D. Bell and Gorst to raise volunteers for the Waikato war. The first Waikato Regiment, of which he was gazetted lieut-colonel in Jun, was known as 'Pitt's Four Hundred.' He was afterwards assistant military secretary and later was in the office of the Keeper of the Crown jewels.

The second son, WILLIAM AUGUSTUS DEAN (1833-90) was an ensign in the 60th Rifles (1852); transferred to the 55th as lieutenant (1856), and sold out in 1857 to settle in Australia. He married a daughter of the Hon J. T. Gellibrand and was prominent in organising the Victorian volunteers. Pitt came to New Zealand in 1864 and took up land at Blueskin, Otago, a few years later. In 1886 he moved to Auckland.

N.Z. Gaz., 1848-51; P.R.O., W.O. 42.38.205; Army Lists; Gudgeon, 211; Buckingham and Chandos papers, Brit. Mus., 1862-64; Cowan; New Zealander, 11 Jan 1851; N.Z. Herald, 10 Nov 1890, 9 Jul 1926; Poverty Bay Herald, 5 Jan 1924.

Reference: Volume 2, page 88

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PLIMMER, JOHN (1812-1905) was a Shropshireman, the son of a builder and timber merchant, and was born at Upton-under-Hamon, near Shrewsbury. Educated in the local school, he obtained some experience and skill as a forester by working near Bewdley and in the Forest of Dean. He was already married and had two children when he embarked in 1841 in the Gertrude for New Zealand. When she arrived at Port Nicholson in Oct the settlers were moving from the old town of Britannia to the new site on Thorndon flat. Instructed to land at Kaiwarra, Plimmer set foot ashore on 3 Nov and erected a cabin at Te Aro flat, which was then covered with fern and flax. In this habitation, well covered against the rain but with only an earthen floor, the family lived for the first year. Plimmer was busy cutting timber and burning charcoal for himself and other settlers. He also made some money by limeburning until the earthquake of 1848 discouraged building in brick and brought wooden houses again into favour. Plimmer's house was erected at the top of Ingestre street, but in 1844 he removed to the site of Barrett's hotel and built in brick. In 1850 he purchased for £80 the wreck of the American ship Inconstant and obtained permission from the governor to tow it to the foreshore near Lambton quay and erect a pier out to it. Merchants at Te Aro tried to frustrate the scheme, but Plimmer persisted and thus established his wharf and warehouse, which survived the other private wharves and was berthing small vessels as late as 1883. The lower deck was a bonded store, and Plimmer did very well from the dues he was able to collect.

As he accumulated capital Plimmer helped his fellow-settlers in financing public companies. The most important was the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Co., of which he was a shareholder from the outset. He moved the first resolution pledging the company to construct the railway, and with John Wallace canvassed the city for shares. He was on the board of the company until his death. The first public meetings in connection with this undertaking were held in Sep 1880; and by 1886 the line from Wellington to Longburn (84 miles) was in operation. Plimmer was a member of the Wellington Provincial Council for Wellington (1856-57), and got a bill passed to vest in the town its remaining reserves. He was a member of the town board under the act of 1867. He died on 5 Jan 1905. His son, ISAAC PLIMMER (1834-1908) was licensee of the Albert and Barrett's hotels in Wellington and associated with him in business. He represented Wellington in the Provincial Council (1869-71).

Wellington P.C. Proc.; Cycl. N.Z., i (p); Ward; Young (p); N.Z. Times, 6 Jan 1905; Evening Post, 16 Sep 1929 (p), 7 Oct 1929.

Reference: Volume 2, page 88

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PLUNKET, SIR WILLIAM LEE PLUNKET, (1864-1920), 5th Baron, was the son of the 4th baron, who was Archbishop of Dublin and Primate of Ireland, his mother being Annie Lee, daughter of Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness and sister of Lord Ardilaun and Lord Iveagh. Educated at Harrow and Trinity College, Dublin (where he graduated B.A. and was captain of the rowing club), he joined the diplomatic service in 1889 as honorary attaché to the embassy in Rome. In 1892 he was transferred to Constantinople. Retiring in 1894, he became private secretary to Lord Cadogan, Lord-lieutenant of Ireland, and was decorated with the C.V.O. for his services in arranging the details of the visit of Queen Victoria. As private secretary to Lord Dudley, he had to do the same work in connection with two visits paid by King Edward VII (who raised him to K.C.V.O.). In 1904 Lord Plunket was appointed Governor of New Zealand, a position he held with success until the end of his term (which was extended to 1910). He was a freemason in Ireland and grand master in New Zealand. He was also a knight of grace of St John of Jerusalem.

Plunket married (1894) Lady Victoria Alexandrina, daughter of the first marquis of Dufferin and Ava. He died on 24 Jan 1920.

Burke; The Times, 26 Jan 1920.

Reference: Volume 2, page 88

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POKAIA (?-1807), a chief of Ngapuhi, was the uncle of Hone Heke and lived at Kirioke, near Kaikohe. In 1805 he joined a taua of Te Roroa to avenge the seduction of the wife of Pinaki by a Ngati-Whatua. In the fight Pokaia's son Te Tao was killed by Te Hekeua, thus giving him a casus belli against both Te Uri-o-Hau tribe and Te Roroa. Pokaia, moreover, was in love with Kararu, the sister of Hongi Hika. Being rejected, he fell upon a pa of Taoho's called Whakatau, in the Kaihu valley, killing and eating all the occupants. As the operations against Taoho continued long after utu was satisfied, Taoho retired to Te Puka on the Wairoa river, where Pokaia again attacked him and was repulsed. In this fighting Hongi Hika took part. Pokaia was killed at Moremonui in 1807 in a great ambush by the Ngati-Whatua under Murupaenga and Taoho.

S. P. Smith, Wars.

Reference: Volume 2, page 88

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POLACK, JOEL SAMUEL, was born in England of Jewish parents, and was a man of considerable education and artistic and scientific talents. He travelled in Europe and North America (being in California in 1849). He was in the commissariat department in South Africa, and also in the ordnance branch, and came in the Chalcedony to Australia, where he was a ship chandler. Shortly afterwards he visited New Zealand and he was in business as a storekeeper and flax trader in Kororareka and Hokianga. In 1838 he gave evidence before the select committee on New Zealand, and he was a member of the Colonial Society in London. After the colonisation of New Zealand he returned here, settling first at the Bay of Islands, where, in 1842, he fought a duel with B. Turner (both parties being slightly wounded). He afterwards settled in Auckland, but eventually went to live in California. Polack published in 1838 New Zealand; being a narrative of Travels and Adventures during Residence in the Country between the years 1831 and 1837; and in 1840 a two-volume work Manners and Customs of the New Zealanders.

G.B.D.P., 1838/680; N.Z. Gaz., 1841, p. 87; Ramsden; Marsden, L. and J.; New Zealand Archives H.R. and 2; Polack, op. cit.; N.Z. Herald, 4 Jun

Reference: Volume 2, page 89

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POLAND, HUGH (1868-1938), a son of John Poland, was born in Tuakau, and attended the Tuakau school and Auckland Grammar School. He was a prominent amateur athlete, and between 1887 and 1894 represented Auckland several times in Rugby football. After teaching for two years, he was engaged in flax milling in Helensville, in storekeeping in Rotorua and Paeroa, and eventually in Paeroa. He was a member of the Ohinemuri County Council (1898-1908) and chairman (1901-05). In 1908 he defeated E. G. B. Moss for the Ohinemuri seat in the House of Representatives. Until he was defeated by A. M. Samuel in 1925, Poland held the seat as the 'miners' advocate'. For over 30 years he was secretary of the Ohinemuri Jockey Club. He died on 3 Jan 1938.

N.Z.P.D., 1 Mar 1938; Cycl. N.Z., ii (p); Who's Who N.Z., 1908, 1924, 1932; N.Z. Herald, 4 Jan 1938; Zealandia, 20 Jan 1938. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 89

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POLLEN, DANIEL (1813-96) was born at Kingsend, Dublin, Ireland, on 2 Jun 1813, the son of Hugh Pollen (d. 1835) and his wife Elizabeth O'Neill. Pollen's early life is shrouded in obscurity. He is believed to have attended school in Dublin, and may have spent some years in the United States, where his father was engaged in the building of the Capitol (finished in 1827). He studied medicine, and appears to have graduated M.D. He is believed to have come to New South Wales in the late thirties, and is said to have crossed to North Auckland in a privately chartered schooner late in 1839 or in Jan 1840. He signed as 'D. Pollen, M.D.' the address of welcome from the white residents of Kororareka to Captain Hobson (1 Feb 1840). He witnessed the proceedings at the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, and on 17 Feb was elected a member of the provisional committee of the New Zealand Banking Co. at Kororareka.

Pollen is stated to have spent a year or two in medical practice in Sydney, either before coming to Bay of Islands, or after Feb 1840. In Sep 1841 he bought a small farm (7 acres) at the land sale in Auckland, and with J.F. Hoggard (q.v.) a town section in Auckland. They were in business together for a while, Pollen living in Parnell and practising medicine. In 1844 he was appointed coroner (holding office till 1848). On 18 May 1846 he married Jane Henderson, daughter of Lieutenant Essex, R.N., of Demerara, and in the following year he accepted the post of medical officer of the Scots company which was mining copper at Kawau. There Pollen spent several years. He took a great interest in various societies and institutions for the benefit of the workers on the island, Maori and European, and presided at meetings of the Total Abstinence Society, the scientific association and the library. He engaged also in journalism, and in contributions to the New Zealander showed himself an accomplished controversialist, notably on the burning question of the late forties - self-government. He is said to have edited this paper for a while.

When the constitution was brought into operation (1853) Pollen was appointed (Feb 1854) chief clerk in the Superintendent's office, and shortly after the establishment of the Provincial Council he was appointed to the executive (14 Mar 1854), in which he held office under the superintendencies of Wynyard, Williamson and Whitaker. He was, however, unable to get himself elected at the first polls in 1853 either to the Provincial Council or to Parliament. Late in 1856, however, he was elected a member of the Provincial Council, in which he represented Auckland Suburbs (Dec 1856-Feb 1857, and Nov 1857-Sep 1861) and Auckland East (Mar 1862-Sep 1865). He twice acted as deputy for the Superintendent (in 1862 for Williamson, and in 1866 for Whitaker). Pollen sought official employment, and in Aug 1858 was appointed commissioner of crown lands for Auckland, a post which he held until Mar 1862. In those days he evinced a strong sympathy for the Maori, whose cause he championed in the New Zealander.

In 1861 Pollen was called to the Legislative Council, in which he represented the Fox ministry (without portfolio) until Aug 1862. For some years (to 1863) he was a member of the public domains board. He was appointed receiver of land revenue at Auckland (1866) and in 1867 resigned from the Council to become agent for the General Government at Auckland. In Jun 1868 he was again called to the Council (by Stafford) and for the next twelve months he was the Government representative in that chamber (without portfolio). He was a candidate for the superintendency of Auckland in 1869, but withdrew after a hostile meeting at Thames. By holding the post of agent for the General Government in 1870 he was disqualified for continuing as a member of the Legislative Council, which he accordingly resigned. In Jan 1870 he was censured by the Fox Government for approving a tentative offer made by J. C. Firth (q.v.) to Te Kooti not to renew the campaign, but at the request of the Government he withdrew his resignation. He was now receiver of land revenue, commissioner of confiscated lands, commissioner under the native land act 1870, and immigration officer. When Vogel came into office in 1873 he recalled Pollen to the Council and the executive, and two months later Pollen first became Colonial Secretary. He remained in office until being called upon himself to reconstruct the ministry in 1875. In Feb 1876 his government gave way again to Vogel, but he continued a member of the 'Continuous Ministry,' administering the department of Colonial Secretary under Vogel and Atkinson until Oct 1877. Thereafter he enjoyed a Government pension until his death on 18 May 1896, sitting all the time as a member of the Legislative Council.

'A man of high culture and genial temperament, Pollen spoke with warmth but never discourtesy. His mind was large and logical, and he had great political foresight. In the Legislative Council he was a ready and polished debater; though never quite free from official restrictions he was always straightforward and outspoken. He remarked on one occasion: 'I have, I am happy to say, no constituents, and when I talk I address myself to this Council.' Pollen had a shrewd insight into human nature, a kindly and humorous approach in debate, and a pungent and persuasive style. He had a faculty for quick decisions and accurate perception without any political bias, and had a remarkable knowledge of detail and legislation. As agent in Auckland he showed great vigour and ability. As an administrator he was eminently safe and trustworthy, with a distinctly Tory belief that what was best administered was best. He supported the women's franchise league. As a business man Pollen had considerable success. The brickworks at Avondale were established by him in the seventies, and he received a medal at the Dunedin Exhibition (1865) for his zealous efforts to foster the manufacture of pottery. He was chairman of the East Coast Native Land Settlement Co.

His eldest son, HUGH POLLEN (1851-1912), was clerk to the agent for the General Government in 1871; entered the Colonial Secretary's office as an extra clerk; became chief clerk (1879), and Under-secretary (1892). He died on 11 Jan 1912.

Auckland P.C. Proc.; N.Z. Gaz.; N.Z.P.D., pass (notably 11 Jun 1896); information from family and Rev E. C. Good, Avondale; Rusden; Saunders (p); Gisborne (p); Evening Post, 19 May 1896; 'Mercutio' in N.Z. Herald, 11 May 1889; N.Z. Herald, 19 May 1896.

Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 89

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POMARE (?-1826). This powerful Ngapuhi chief, whose original name was Whetoi, was a son of Tu Whanga and Puhi. His hapu was Uri Karaka and his pa was Otuihu, at the junction of the Waikare and Kawakawa rivers (just opposite the present wharf at Opua). Pomare was a contemporary of Hongi Hika and took part in many of his campaigns. He was in the heyday of his fame when Kendall arrived in Bay of Islands in 1814. At the end of that year Marsden stayed a night in his pa, and a few months later Pomare went as a passenger in the Active to Port Jackson. He made less use of his opportunities than Hongi (q.v.), and when next Marsden visited him at Waikare (1819) he complained bitterly that he had no blacksmith living with him. Impressed with the success of the ruling dynasty of Tahiti in the civilisation of their kingdom, Whetoi assumed their name in place of his own. In 1820-21 he accompanied Te Wera on an expedition against the people at East Cape. Finding the pa Te Whetu Matarau impregnable, they attacked first Okau-whare-toa, which they captured with much slaughter. Amongst their prisoners was a woman of very high rank, Te Rangi-i-Paia, the wife of Tokomauri and ancestor of Henare Potae (q.v.). Pomare afterwards took her to Bay of Islands as his wife. Finding the attack on Te Whetu unavailing, he sat down on the flats to besiege it and for months subsisted on the cultivations of the defenders. Then he ostentatiously withdrew to his canoes and retired with his whole force round Matakaoa cape. When the unsuspecting defenders emerged from their pa and fell upon the remnants of their food supplies Pomare, doubling back quickly in the darkness, easily captured the stronghold and many prisoners. The remainder of the local people then retreated into the forest.

Pomare returned to his home (Apr 1821) genuinely anxious to make peace with Ngati Porou and bring to them the blessings of the Gospel. Late that year he accompanied Hongi against the Ngati-Maru, but withdrew rather than be a party to the treachery at Te Totara. He went instead to attack Tuhua island, in Bay of Plenty. In 1822, with a powerful force, he sought vengeance against Ngati-Pukeko and Ngati-Awa for losses sustained by his people in the expedition of Te Morenga in 1818. Ngati-Awa fled from Whakatane on the first alarm, and Pomare, laden with spoils, including many preserved heads for the European trade, returned to his home, where Kendall was living under his protection. In the early months of 1823 he took part in Hongi's expedition against the Arawa at Rotorua. After the defeat of the Arawa Pomare and Hongi had some disagreement on the plan of campaign, and Pomare withdrew his people to the sea coast at Waihi and effected a junction with Te Wera, who was on a new expedition to East Cape (Aug 1823). After capturing the Ngati-Awa pa of Puketapu they advanced up the valley by Ruatoki as far as Te Hua and Tunanui, killing many of the fleeing Ngati-Awa and Urewera. Scouts of Urewera got into touch with Pomare and a party of chiefs opened negotiations for Te Mautaranui, with whom Ngapuhi made a satisfactory peace. Pomare then embarked his taua and proceeded eastward, harrying the Whakatohea and the Whanau-a-Apanui, but suffering a reverse at the hands of the latter at Te Kaha. Turning the tables at Whangaparaoa, Pomare went on to Te Kawakawa and sought there, through the mediation of Rangi-i-Paia, to make peace with Ngati-Porou. Distrusting these overtures, and encouraged by the weakness of the embassy, Ngati-Porou attacked them, but were severely repulsed by the Ngapuhi guns. Pomare co-operated for a while with Te Wera in his operations at Waiapu and Wairoa, and then returned to Te Kawakawa, where finally peace was made, thus ending hostilities with Ngati-Porou which had lasted since the killing of the Ngapuhi girl in 1806. Ngapuhi then returned to their homes, taking with them some Ngati-Porou who were anxious to hear the Gospel (1824).

Later in that year Te Mautaranui appeared at Bay of Islands to seek help against his old enemies of Ngati-Kahungunu. Pomare consented, and in May left the Bay to join forces with Te Wera at Mahia and co-operate from Wairoa with a strong taua of inland tribes. The Ngapuhi took part in the attack on Titirangi and Pomare is said at this or some other time to have traversed the plains of Ahuriri. This was almost the last of his successful wars. Harbouring the hope of revenge against Waikato, he refused to listen to the warnings of Hongi against breaking the peace that had been made through a woman after Matakitaki. After a visit to Thames to cut spars for Dillon he tried to get his hosts to join him against Waikato. Dejected by their refusal, he returned to Barrier island. There Te Rauroha tried to dissuade him and Te Wherowhero was also disposed to remonstrate. Deaf to all warnings, Pomare persisted. He had reached the neighbourhood of Te Rore, on the Waipa (May 1826) when he was suddenly attacked by Ngati Tamaoho, Ngati-Paoa (under Taraia Ngakuti) and Ngati-Tipa (under Nini). He was mortally wounded by a son of Kukutai and by Taraia, and a mere remnant of his people regained their homes, with only the chiefs Moetara and Te Mau-paraoa and none of their canoes.

On Pomare's death the direct line failed, his only son having been killed a year earlier. He was succeeded in the leadership by Te Mauparaoa (q.v.), a Ngati-Kahungunu who had been captured on one of the Ngapuhi raids and brought back to the Bay. In subsequent campaigns he showed great bravery and force of character and he was accepted by the tribe as the war leader.

S. P. Smith, Wars; Buick, First War; Cowan; Carleton.

Reference: Volume 2, page 90

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POMARE (1775-1850). Pomare's successor as chief was his nephew, Whetoi, the son of his sister Haki and Te Tautoro (killed at Waitangi). He assumed the name Pomare on his uncle's death (1826) so that all who addressed him might be reminded of their duty to obtain revenge against Waikato. Born late in the eighteenth century, he was tall and powerful, and well tattooed. D'Urville says that he cut off the head of the father of Hinaki and sold it to the French commander. Pomare was constantly engaged in hostilities with other sections of Ngapuhi, and in 1830 ceded Kororareka as utu for the death of Hengi in the battle of the girls. H.M.S. Alligator's people in 1834 were much struck by his appearance and conduct, and considered he was justified in seizing a schooner from a dishonest settler. In 1837 Pomare and Titore were engaged in a war which the combined efforts of Hobson and Marsden could not compose. Titore with 800 men in 40 canoes failed to take Pomare's pa and died of wounds (1 Jun 1837).

Pomare collected toll on shipping at Wahapu and Otuihu until the advent of British authority destroyed this source of revenue. In the early days of British sovereignty he was dissolute, overbearing and violent, cunning and rapacious. Nor was his loyalty above suspicion. On the outbreak of Heke's hostilities letters were intercepted in which he encouraged hostility to the pakeha. As a precaution he was captured at his pa (30 Apr 1845) and taken to Auckland. A few months later he offered his services against Heke and led his men to Ohaeawai but withdrew before the attack. Pomare's troublesome character underwent a change shortly before his death (in 1850), when he and his brother both became Christians. His only son was killed at Hokianga (aged about 20).

S. P. Smith; Buick, First War; Cowan; New Zealander, 5 Oct 1850.

Reference: Volume 2, page 90

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POMARE (?1804-51) was a chief of the Ngati-Mutunga branch of Ngati-Awa. He married Tawhiti, a daughter of Te Rauparaha. About 1825 or 1826 he led his people in a heke to take possession of the district about Cook Strait, where by permission of Te Rauparaha he occupied the shores of Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington harbour). When other sections of the tribe followed from Taranaki after the fall of Pukerangiora (1831) there were disputes over land, and some fighting. Pomare's brother Tiwai having been killed at Haowhenua (1834), his wife's brothers dug up the grave. Pomare thereupon abandoned her, and sent her back to her people with the two younger children. He himself kept the eldest. Pomare then took to wife Hera Wai-taoro, daughter of Te Manu-tohe-roa (of Puketapu). Topeora endeavoured unsuccessfully to heal the breach with the Ngati-Toa, bringing back Tawhiti and offering also Topeora, a daughter of Rangihaeata (afterwards the wife of Te Hiko-o-te-Rangi). Pomare made over his rights at Port Nicholson to Te Puni, Wi Tako and Wharepouri (1834), and began to consider seriously the proposal of Pakiwhara that they should move to the Chatham Islands, then occupied by a well fed, inoffensive people (the Moriori). Pakiwhara and Te Wharepa, son of Te Poki, had tapued Pitt Island. At a meeting held at the Kumutoto pa in 1835 it was decided that Ngati-Mutunga and Ngati-Tama should undertake the expedition. Accordingly they seized the schooner Rodney, then in harbour, and compelled her to make two trips to the Chatham Islands (14 Nov and 30 Nov) taking, it is said, about 900 Maori and seven large canoes. The Moriori were incapable of making any resistance, and in two years they were quite enslaved and reduced in numbers (by violence and cannibalism) to 200 souls. After the death of Patukawenga (1836) Pomare became the leading chief of Ngati-Mutunga. He agreed with Te Poki to make war on the Ngati-Tama for Waitangi (Chathams). Pomare sold the land to R. D. Hanson in 1840, and the Ngati-Tama were taken to New Zealand by the Cuba (Jun 1840).

Pomare returned in Oct 1842 to Wellington, where he owned land. He was firmly reproved by Wi Kingi te Rangitake for his conduct towards the Ngati-Tama and the Moriori. In Apr 1844 Pomare was baptised by Hadfield at Waikanae with the name of 'Wiremu Piti Pomare.' He died at the Chathams on 29 Jan 1851. He left no direct descendants and was succeeded by his nephew, Wiremu Naera Pomare.

App. H.R., 1867, A1, p. 1, i; Polyn. Jour., vol. i. 84, 155; Selwyn, Annals; S. P. Smith, Taranaki, 522-3; White, Ko Nga Tatai Whakapapa ... Tainui, 1889, p. 33.

Reference: Volume 2, page 91

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POMARE, SIR MAUI WIREMU PITI NAERA (1876-1930) was born at Pahou, near Urenui, on 13 Jan 1876, the son of Wiremu Naera Pomare, chief of Ngati-Awa. Pomare was related to Ngati-Toa through his mother, and less closely to the Waikato tribes. He received his early education in the Chatham Islands and at St Stephen's school, Auckland, from which he proceeded to the Boys' High School in Christchurch, and finally to Te Aute College. In the late nineties he went to the United States where he studied medicine at the Medical Missionary College at Chicago and at Battle Creek sanatorium. He took his degree of M.D. at Chicago in 1899.

On his return to New Zealand Pomare was appointed the first medical health officer to the Maori people, and entered upon his task with enthusiasm. He issued year by year valuable reports on the state of his people, and by personal visits and advice did a great deal to arrest the decline of the race both in New Zealand and in Polynesia. At Te Aute he had been one of the founders of the Young Maori party, which taught that the individual should attempt to stand alone, since the communal system of pre-pakeha days was effete, and should no longer be encouraged. Pomare was himself to see tangible results from his policy, which was carried on by his successor Te Rangihiroa (Dr P. H. Buck) when Pomare was elected to Parliament. Pomare represented the Western Maori in Parliament from 1911 till his death. An eloquent and inspiring speaker, he made an early mark in Parliament, and when the Massey Government came into office in 1912 he was member of the executive representing the Maori race. This office he held also in the National Government (1915-19), with the addition of the portfolio of the Cook Islands (1916-19). In the Massey Government of 1919-25 he held these portfolios and was also from 1923 Minister of Health. In this capacity he carried through many measures for the benefit of the Maori and Polynesian people. He again visited the Cook Islands (on which he had made a useful survey in 1906), and was able to note that the population had at length ceased to decline. With Dr Ellison (native health officer) he transferred 40 lepers from Rarotonga to Makogai. Pomare held office continuously also in the Coates ministry (1925-28), in which also he was Minister of Internal Affairs, 1927-28.

In the war of 1914-18 he was chairman of the Maori recruiting board. (C.M.G. 1920; K.B.E. 1922.) He was president of the Polynesian Society and of the Maori Arts and Crafts Board and the Maori Ethnological Research Board.

He died on 27 Jun 1930, being survived by Lady Miria Pomare, O.B.E. 1917 (a daughter of James Woodbine Johnson (q.v.), and Mere Hape, 1854-1935, a chieftainess of Ngati-Kahungunu). Before his death Pomare had prepared many Maori legends and stories for the second volume of Legends of the Maori, which was published in 1934.

N.Z.P.D., pass. (notably 1 Jul 1930); Pomare and Cowan, Legends of the Maori, ii, 1934 (p); App. H.R., 1901-11; Who's Who N.Z., 1908, 1924, 1932; Evening Post and The Dominion, 30 Jun 1930 (pp).

Reference: Volume 2, page 91

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POMPALLIER, JEAN BAPTISTE FRANCOIS (1801-71) was born in Lyons, France, on 11 Dec 1801, the son of Peter Pompallier, a landowner and member of the lesser nobility. He was educated for the priesthood at the Seminary of Lyons, receiving the tonsure in 1827 and being ordained a priest two years later. He was appointed parish priest of St Madeline de Tarare, and in 1832 chaplain to the school of La Favorite, Lyons. While there he undertook the establishment and direction of the Third Order of Mary, but his rule had to be considerably modified as 'demanding too much of people living in the world.' It was Father Cholleton, Vicar-general of Lyons, who recommended Pompallier to the Apostolic administrator for the office of first vicar-apostolic of Western Oceania, to which he was appointed by a papal brief of Gregory XVI in 1836. He was consecrated as titular Bishop of Maronee in Rome on 30 Jun 1836. On Christmas Eve he sailed from Havre in the Delphine with four priests and three catechists (nearly all Marists, who were the nucleus of a special congregation approved by papal brief of 29 Apr 1836 and entrusted with the new vicariate). After an eventful voyage, in which one of the priests died, the ship lost her rudder and the water ran short, they reached Valparaiso. Two months later they sailed in the American ship Europa for Tahiti, calling at Gambier island. The first fruits of the mission was the baptism at Tahiti of the New Zealand-born child of a sailor. Chartering the schooner Raiatea, Pompallier then proceeded to Tonga, where he found the Protestants established. The first Catholic mission was established on Wallis island, with Fathers Bataillon and Luzy. Two others were set down at Futuna, and, declining an invitation to station a priest at Rotuma, Pompallier arrived at Sydney on 9 Dec 1837. Setting sail again, the schooner reached Hokianga harbour on 10 Jan 1838.

The vicar apostolic was received by Thomas Poynton (q.v.) and other Irish Catholics; and on 13 Jan celebrated what was probably the first Mass in New Zealand. Pompallier took up his residence in a house placed at his disposal by Poynton and, sending the schooner back to her owner in Tahiti, devoted himself to studying the Maori and English languages, both essential in the prosecution of a mission which embraced so many islands in which English was the most common foreign tongue. He had intended establishing missions only in countries where Christianity had not already been introduced; and was not prepared to find so many Protestant missions within a short distance of Hokianga. His first success was with the Wirinaki tribe, on the Hokianga river. The tense relations existing between Britain and France at the time and the hostility of the majority of the British settlers made the position of the French mission precarious. The arrival of French warships served to heighten the impression that the mission had a political significance. The corvette Héroine, which spent some days in the Bay of Islands, offered every hospitality and deference to the vicar, thus greatly strengthening the position of the new mission. The new residence at Papakauwau, Hokianga, having been completed by Jun 1838, Pompallier celebrated Mass and for the first time preached in Maori. Having no printing press, he laboriously wrote out short instructions on the faith and morning and evening prayers for use in the widely scattered villages. For seventeen months after his arrival in New Zealand Pompallier received neither reinforcements nor funds from France, and was unable to pay visits to the stations he had established in the Pacific. In Oct 1838 he paid a fruitful visit to the tribe at Mangakahia, on the Kaipara.

In Jun 1839 three priests and three catechists of the Society arrived in the schooner Reine de Paix, 40 tons, which had been purchased for the mission but had already proved to be unsuitable for the work. Money which he received on this occasion enabled Pompallier to buy a house at Kororareka to establish the headquarters of the vicariate. Here also a printing press was set up. Having made a short voyage to Mangonui and Whangaroa in the Reine de Paix, Pompallier was convinced of her unsuitability and sold her. In Jun 1839 a mission was established under Father Epalle at Whangaroa. In Dec 1839 another reinforcement of four priests (including Father Viard, q.v.) and one catechist arrived, which enabled him to strengthen the stations in the Pacific. On the arrival of Hobson to treat with the natives for the cession of sovereignty Pompallier paid his respects to the prospective Governor and attended the meeting of chiefs at Waitangi at which the Treaty was discussed. In view of the hostility to French and Catholic interests he intervened before the meeting closed to ask for an official assurance that the Catholic religion would have the same protection and freedom in New Zealand as all others. Hobson complied immediately. In Feb Pompallier extended his work to Tauranga, Opotiki and Whakatane, visiting also Coromandel, Hauraki, Matamata and Waikato. The arrival of further help in the frigate Aube (Jul 1840) enabled the bishop to purchase the topsail schooner Atlas, which he rechristened the Sancta Maria and first employed in a comprehensive cruise of the South Island, establishing Father Comte at Akaroa and making preliminary arrangements for the settlement of a priest at Port Nicholson in 1842. He returned to Bay of Islands by the East Coast in Mar 1841 after an absence of six months. In Jun a new reinforcement arrived and he commenced another visitation of the New Zealand missions. At Auckland, now the capital with 3,000 inhabitants, he was well received by Hobson, who granted him a site for church and cemetery. On this journey Pompallier visited coastal stations and penetrated inland as far as Rotorua and Matamata.

At Akaroa he heard from the corvettes Allier and Héroine of the martyrdom at Futuna (Apr 1841) of Father Pierre Chanel, who made the first Marist profession (24 Sep 1836). This distressing news made him anxious to visit at once the isolated missions in the Pacific, but it was not until Nov that he was able to sail in the Allier, his schooner in company. Finding the mission at Wallis in difficulties owing to the opposition of the chief, he stayed there for some months while the Allier proceeded to Futuna and received the remains of the murdered priest. Pompallier meanwhile baptised practically all of the Wallis islanders and, having received fresh supplies from New Zealand, went on to Futuna, where the catechist Sam was elected chief. Successful visits were paid to Fiji and Tonga, and the Bishop reached Kororareka in Aug 1842. The Sancta Maria was now sold and a schooner hired for the next visitation of New Zealand stations. In the course of his next tour Pompallier travelled overland to Rotorua, Waikato and Mokau. He directed the whole of the Pacific missions until 1843, when other bishops were created to share the burden. By that time it was claimed that 164 tribes in New Zealand, comprising 45,000 catechumens and 1,000 neophytes, had embraced the Catholic religion.

In 1846 Viard (q.v.) was consecrated in Sydney as his coadjutor and the Bishop left on his first ad limina visit to Rome. In 1850 he returned with French and Irish priests and a party of Sisters of Mercy from Carlow. In that year the see was divided into two bishoprics, Pompallier being made Bishop of Auckland, with the special charge of the northern portion of New Zealand, and Viard being made Bishop of Wellington, including the southern portion. Again in 1858 he visited Rome, returning early in 1860 with a new reinforcement of priests for work amongst both races. During the Maori wars many Irish soldiers served in New Zealand, and assisted in the building of churches where they were stationed.

Pompallier retired in 1868 and returned to France in the following year, taking up his residence in the village of Puteaux, in the suburbs of Paris. At the Vatican Council in 1870 he voluntarily took the place of the Archbishop of Paris and others in administering the sacraments, and he was honoured by being made titular Archbishop of Amasia. He was appointed canon of the Church of St Denis. Throughout the siege of Paris by the German armies he suffered much anguish and privation. He died on 21 Dec 1871. Pompallier's life was one of sanctity and missionary zeal. 'If he had a fault it was that he was over-zealous. It may be that he endeavoured to do too much in too short a time. He exchanged the ordered routine of parish and college life for the perils and sufferings of an apostle . . . with a grateful heart.'

Pompallier, Early History of the Catholic Church, 1888; Scholefield, Hobson; Larousse Illustré; Kennedy, New Zealand; Buick, Waitangi; New Zealand Catholic Centenary (programme and souvenir), 1937; Annales de la Propagation de la Foi; Southern Cross, 18 Feb 1868; 7 Dec 1868.

Reference: Volume 2, page 92

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POND, CHARLES ALEXANDER McLEAN (1864-93) was the son of B. C. Pond, chemist, Brixton, London. Educated at the City of London School and London University, he graduated B.A. and became a classical master at Liverpool College. Proceeding then to St John's College, Cambridge, he graduated B.A. in 1887, and M.A. (1st class classical tripos), being Prendergast student of the University (1890) and fellow of his College. In 1891 he was appointed professor of classics and English at Auckland University College, a position he held to his death (28 Oct 1893). Pond was president of the Auckland Institute and of the Literary Societies Union (1892); assisted Sir George Grey in founding the students' library and established a branch of the Australian Society for the Encouragement of Home Reading.

N.Z. Herald, 6 Apr 1891; 3 Nov 1893.

Reference: Volume 2, page 92

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POPE, JAMES HENRY (1837-1913) was born at St Helier, Jersey, educated there at private schools and emigrated with his parents to Victoria (1852). He was engaged mainly on the gold diggings, but devoted much attention to self-education and was appointed in 1858 headmaster of a large primary school at Ballarat. He gained the highest qualifications of the Victorian denominational board of education. In 1863 he came to Otago and was assistant master at the Boys' High School till 1871. In 1872 he joined the staff of the Girls' High School as senior assistant and four years later he was appointed headmaster of the Ballarat college. Ill health compelled him to relinquish this post, and he returned to the Girls' High School as senior assistant till 1880, when he was appointed inspector of native schools under the act of that year. For 25 years Pope occupied that position. A scholar, a philosopher and a highly trained teacher, he succeeded in establishing the present system of Maori education and incidentally doing much to arrest the decline of the race. He retired in 1903.

Pope's publications included Health for the Maori (1884); The State (1887), and several class books. He was an accomplished linguist, an astronomer and a botanist and was keenly interested also in music and mental science. He married (1862) Helen G. Rattray. His death occurred on 3 Aug 1913.

Cycl. NZ. i (p); Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Butchers; Otago B.H.S. List; Fifty Years of National Education (1928); N.Z. Times, 4 Aug 1913; Otago Daily Times, 11 Feb 1864, 30 Jun 1876.

Reference: Volume 2, page 92

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PORTER, ADAM (1845-94) was a native of Glasgow. Being orphaned very young, he came to New Zealand at the age of 12 and worked in the flaxmill of Whitelaw and Co., Auckland, and afterwards gardening at Remuera. He was attracted to the goldfields of Otago, and later walked across the Alps to the West Coast in 1865. There he kept a store in the Grey district, selling out on a new rush occurring; and he acted for a while as a gold buyer for the Bank of New Zealand in Greymouth. In Westport he built and managed the Empire hotel.

Moving to Thames in 1868, he was associated with many mining enterprises at Thames and Coromandel, and prospected with Werahiko at Ohinemuri and Te Aroha. He was a member of the Thames county council and chairman of the Thames drainage board, and twice contested parliamentary seats. In 1881 he settled in Auckland and married Elizabeth Mary (d. 1901), daughter of Charles Atkin, with whom he was a partner in a coachbuilding business. He was chairman of the Eden Terrace highway board and of the licensing committee both there and in the City. He was chairman of the Auckland harbour board (1894) and president of the chamber of commerce (1893-94), and chairman of the Hikurangi Coal Co. He was an ardent horticulturist and advocate of public parks and had a fine mineralogical collection. Porter died on 18 Aug 1894.

Auckland Star, 18 Aug 1894; N.Z. Herald, 20 Aug 1894.

Reference: Volume 2, page 92

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PORTER, THOMAS WILLIAM ROSE (1840-1920) was a son of Major Porter, of the Indian Army and was born in India. As a midshipman in the Royal Navy (1857-59) he took part in naval operations on the coast of China 1858. In 1860-63 he was attached to the 70th Regiment in New Zealand, and from 1863-66 was with the Colonial Defence Force cavalry commanding native forces. He commanded the blockhouse at Mohaka, and distinguished himself at Waerenga-a-hika in assisting the wounded. When the Colonial forces were disbanded he served with the Armed Constabulary (1866-71). In 1868, on the escape of Te Kooti, he served throughout the East Coast campaign, and received £1,000 for the capture of Kereopa Kaiwhatu, the murderer of the Rev C. Volkner. He was later appointed staff adjutant of the East Coast militia district and native land purchase officer. He was four times mayor of Gisborne.

During the Boer war Porter commanded the 7th New Zealand contingent. (Queen's medal with four clasps; C.B. 1902.) For a time he was acting Under-secretary for Defence. In the war of 1914-18 he was partly responsible for promoting the national reserve. He published in 1897 a life of Major Ropata Wahawaha (q.v.) and in 1925 Legends of the Maori and Personal Reminiscences.

Porter married a daughter of Tamai Wha Kanehuai-te-Rangi. He died on 12 Nov 1920.

Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Gudgeon (p); Cowan; Whitmore; Evening Post, 12 Nov 1920.

Reference: Volume 2, page 93

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PORTER, WILLIAM FIELD (1784-1869) was a successful merchant and shipowner in Liverpool in the early thirties of the nineteenth century. Falling into financial difficulties about 1838 he decided, after satisfying his creditors, to emigrate to the colonies. In August he sailed with his family in the Porter, a brig of 250 tons (built by himself), accompanied by the brig Dorset, 90 tons. He had with him livestock, trees and plants, and two 18-pounder guns. In the Dorset were a number of tradesmen with their families, who came out on the understanding that they would work for Porter until the cost of their passages had been defrayed. At the Cape of Good Hope, Porter sold a stallion for 400 guineas and embarked a Cape mare and some black servants. On reaching Adelaide the Dorset was sold. Porter was not satisfied with prospects there, and spent 18 months visiting various Australian colonies before deciding to make for New Zealand. The Porter arrived in the Waitemata in May 1841, after landing at Great Barrier the Abercrombie family from Sydney, who were shipbuilding and coppermining there. The Porter family lived aboard the brig for three months until a house was available for them. At the ensuing land sales Porter purchased 200 acres at west Tamaki (or Waiparera) and commenced with a wooden plough and bullocks to break it in.

When he had been in Auckland only a few months Porter was called to the Legislative Council of New Zealand (27 Oct 1841) and appointed a justice of the peace. He resigned from the Council in 1844. In 1852 he was elected to represent the Southern Division in the Legislative Council of New Ulster (which did not meet owing to the promulgation of the new constitution). That he was highly thought of was evident again when the new legislative institutions came into being. He was elected to represent the Suburbs of Auckland in the Provincial Council and the House of Representatives, and sat in both from 1853 to 1855, when he retired. In Parliament Porter strongly championed the rights of the Maori, and contended that the Treaty of Waitangi was not being fully observed. In 1854 he was convenor of a committee on bribery at elections. In 1854 he was chairman of the first board of harbour commissioners. Porter died on 30 Mar 1869.

N.Z.P.D., 1854-55; Auckland P.C. Proc. and Gaz.; N.Z. Gaz.; Cycl. N.Z., ii (p); Brett, White Wings, ii (containing diary of son, W. F. Porter).

Reference: Volume 2, page 93

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POSTLETHWAITE, WILLIAM was born at Broughton-Furness (Cumberland), and was for some years high sheriff of the county. He came to New Zealand with a good deal of capital in 1872, and settled first at Opawa and Riccarton. He also took up land in south Canterbury, purchasing the Raukapuka estate from A. Cox (1875) and holding pastoral country in Peel Forest. At one time he shore 12,000 sheep.

Postlethwaite took a keen interest in public affairs, and as an independent member (supporting Hall) he represented Geraldine in Parliament (1881-84), defeating Edward Wakefield. He was chairman of the Geraldine road board and a member of the Geraldine county council from its inception (1877). As a member of the Timaru harbour board he promoted the construction of the breakwater. Postlethwaite took a keen interest in the frozen meat industry in south Canterbury. He was one of the promoters, and for many years chairman, of the South Canterbury Frozen Meat Co., and was a promoter of the Farmers' Co-operative Association and of the Geraldine Dairy Co. (of which he was chairman for many years). He was the first farmer in South Canterbury to grow dun oats, and he had a celebrated stud of light horses. He was also an ardent supporter of the Geraldine beagle pack.

Postlethwaite left New Zealand in 1891 for California, where for some years he was engaged in fruit-growing. He then returned to England and re-purchased the family estate in Cumberland, where he died on 11 Apr 1908.

Cycl. N.Z., iii (p); Parltry Record; Acland; Andersen (p); Timaru Herald, 1 May 1908. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 93

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POTAE, HENARE, a distinguished chief of Ngati-Porou, the nephew of Tama i Whakanehua-i-te-Rangi, was descended from Rangi-ipaia (the aunt of Hine-matioro) who was taken prisoner by Pomare (of Ngapuhi, q.v.) after the fall of Te Whetumatarau pa and made his wife.

He was the younger son of Te Potae-aute, one of the paramount chiefs of the Poverty Bay-East Coast district, who ranked with the more celebrated Te Kani-a-Takirau. He first came into prominence when in his efforts to check the spread of Hauhauism (1865) he drove 300 Hauhau converts out of the Tokomaru district. Offering their services to the government, Potae's Ngati-Porou people, 200 in number, were garrisoned in Te Mawhai pa (Tokomaru Bay) while he went to collect loyalists. They were attacked by Hauhau from Pukepapa, but saved by the gallant defence of Hati te Houkamau and Henderson (a whaler, who was mortally wounded). Potae, with Ropata Wahawaha, captured the rebel fort at Pukepapa (Tokomaru Bay) and took many prisoners, though the majority had evacuated the position. He fought a sharp engagement at Pakarae, Ropata arriving in time to relieve him. They then defeated an enemy force between Tolaga Bay and Anaura and invested the Tahutahu-po pa, where many of the rebels surrendered and took the oath. Potae took an active part in furnishing men for the pursuit of Te Kooti (1868-71). He was mainly responsible for establishing European traders and settlers at Tokomaru Bay, and for founding the friendly relationship between Maori and pakeha which characterises the people of this locality.

Cycl. NZ, ii (p); Lambert; Cowan; Who's Who NZ, 1908.

Reference: Volume 2, page 93

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TE WHEROWHERO POTATAU (?1800-60), a chief of the Ngati-Mahuta tribe of Waikato, was son of Te Rau-angaanga (son of Tuata, son of Tawhia, son of Te Putu); and was descended through Tapaue from Hoturoa, of the Tainui canoe. His mother was Te Parenga-ope of Ngati-Koura, whose father was of the Ngati-Mahuta. Te Rau-angaanga had the chief command of 1,600 Waikatos at the capture of the Ngati-Toa pa, Hikuparea, and was also at the siege of Te Totara, where he accepted the peace overtures made by Te Rauparaha. Te Wherowhero was born at Motuiri, and his own pa (Kaitote) was at the foot of Mount Taupiri and was famous for its kumara grounds. He also had cultivations at Whatawhata. He led the Waikato taua in 1819 which, in co-operation with Ngati-Maniapoto, attacked the Ngati-Toa for the death of Te Uira. He also commanded the allies in the attack on the entrenchment at Te Motunui (1822), where his father engaged in incantations to the stars for the success of the battle. The first attack was successful, but in the counter-attack the Ngati-Toa pressed the Waikato forces hard and Te Wherowhero fought desperately against overwhelming numbers. Te Rauparaha allowed the defeated Waikato to join Tu-Korehu in Pukerangiora and to withdraw with him to the north. In 1822 Te Wherowhero made peace with the Ngapuhi after the battle of Matakitaki, the peace being sealed by the marriage of his younger brother, Kati (afterwards christened as 'Jabez Bunting') to Matire-toha (the daughter of Rewa), who was the pupil of Mrs Kemp at Kerikeri.

About this time Te Wherowhero first had intercourse with white people, particularly Captain Kent, who was settled at Kawhia, and the missionaries Stack, Hamlin, Henry Williams and Morgan. In 1824 he summoned Tiakitai of the Ngati-Kahungunu to Waikato to conclude a peace after the fall of Pakake. His daughter Tiria was married about 1826 to a pakeha living at Kawhia Heads. At the battle of Pukerangiora in 1831 Te Wherowhero is said to have slain 200 of the enemy with his own hand. In 1833 he returned to Taranaki, and captured many prisoners at the siege of the Sugar Loaf. In the following year, with Waharoa, he led an expedition against the Ngati-Ruanui with the object of killing Te Rei Hanataua (q.v.). They failed to take his pa (Te Ruaki) by assault but starved the defenders and captured the chief who, however, escaped after the attack on Ngateko. Te Wherowhero then asked for peace. Peace was accordingly concluded, and he returned to Waikato. When the treaty of Waitangi was brought to Te Wherowhero by the Rev R. Maunsell and Tipene Tahatika for his signature he refused to sign, complaining that he had been slighted in not being summoned to Waitangi. At a later date his signature was affixed by Te Kahawai, and his brother Kati also signed, these being the only two Waikato signatures. In 1841 Te Wherowhero accompanied Governor Hobson to Wellington, and visited Te Rauparaha at Kapiti. He then claimed all of Taranaki by right of conquest, but in 1842 sold his rights to the New Zealand Company. When Angas visited Kaitote pa in 1844 he found an orderly open quadrangle and a chapel in which Te Wherowhero, though not a Christian, attended service. He offered land to the Government to induce pakeha to settle in the Waikato. In that year also Te Wherowhero attended the great review of Waikato warriors at Remuera, which impressed Governor FitzRoy with the conviction that the safety of Auckland was due to the forbearance of the Waikato people. Te Wherowhero warned Heke that he would defend the town against any attack from the north. He was now much under the influence of the missionaries and declined to undertake tribal wars. The chief next in rank to him (Te Paki), who was a great tohunga and an eloquent speaker, was baptised before 1844 and was a steadfast Christian. After the arrival of Governor Grey land was allotted to the Waikato tribes at Mangere, and Te Wherowhero took up his residence there, becoming a close personal friend of the Governor, who erected for him a cottage at Pukekawa (near the Auckland domain) as a town house. At the end of 1847 he made an impassioned speech at the trial of Ngamuka for the murder of the Snow family. He was in the Governor's suite on his visit to Whanganui in 1847, and he and Nene acted as sureties for the good behaviour of Te Rauparaha during his detention in the north from 1846. In Jan 1848 he accompanied Grey in the warship to return the fallen chief to his people at Otaki. As the Waikato tribes could put 5,000 men in the field in 1856 this friendship was invaluable.

It was therefore not without reluctance that Te Wherowhero in 1857 accepted election as the first Maori 'King'. He was at one with the leaders of the movement in the desire to protect the Maori against the loss of their lands unless they desired to sell, but never sought for himself the honour of kingship, which he knew was liable to bring him under the displeasure of the Queen's representative. He protested that 'he was only a snail'. At the end of 1857 he consented to live at Ngaruawahia so that he could curb tribal fighting, and he was installed there in Apr 1858. As events developed he became inevitably estranged from the confidence of the Governor, and complained to Donald McLean that he was no longer consulted when measures of great importance were being considered. Nevertheless, Governor Browne's confidence in Te Wherowhero was still proof against the importunities of anti-Maori influences that he should be imprisoned. His honour remained untarnished. Te Wherowhero was not only a warrior of great prowess, he was an eloquent orator and versed in the literature of the race. He was six feet in height and had a square, massive head covered with iron grey curly hair. Te Wherowhero died on 25 Jun 1860 and was succeeded by his son Matutaera as Potatau II (q.v.). His brother Kati predeceased him in 1856.

Proceedings of Maori Parliament, 1857; Marshall; Gisborne; Lambert; S. P. Smith; H. T. Kemp in N.Z. Herald, 9 Mar 1901; Polyn. Jour., ix, 34, 90-95, 109, 162; x, 82: xiii, 64-68; xviii, 56-69, 113-120, 176; xix, 21, 60-75, 134; xxiv, 71; xxviii, 28; xxix, 157, 158; xxx, 49; White, Anc. Hist., iii, 69; iv, 64; v, 45, 174, 177, 187; vi, 3, 16-22, 58, 90, 91; Shortland, 4; Dom. Museum Bulletins, iv, 164, 301; vi, 284, 285; Trans. N.Z. Inst., vols. v, xxiv, xxx, xxix, xl, xlii.

Reference: Volume 2, page 248

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POTTS, THOMAS HENRY (1823-88) was born in England, educated there and trained as a gunmaker. He had a prosperous business in Birmingham, and was able to devote much of his attention to his hobbies, botany, entomology and horticulture. In 1853 (having married Charlotte Jane, daughter of Henry Phillips) he sold his business and came to Canterbury in the John Taylor, bringing with him in specially designed cases a fine assortment of English and European plants (including azalea and rhododendron). He acquired a large section at the corner of Tuam and Antigua streets in Christchurch and soon had a fine garden. In 1856 he took up land at Ohinetahi, Governor's Bay, which by hard work and artistic planning he transformed from a wilderness into a garden. Here he brought up his family and indulged his study of nature and the habits of birds and animals. For many years he wrote weekly notes 'Out in the Open' in the New Zealand Country Journal, and a volume of them was published in 1882. His graceful prose gave distinction to their unique interest. He was elected a fellow of the Linnaean Society. Potts was a generous benefactor alike of philanthropic and scientific objects. He made numerous gifts to the Canterbury Museum and for some years, as a governor of Canterbury College (1873), he was on the museum and school of art committee. He was in the Provincial Council for Port Victoria (1858-61, 1866-75) and was M.H.R. for Mount Herbert (1866-70). His death occurred on 27 Jul 1888.

Parlty Record; N.Z. Jour. Science, vol. ii (p); Natural Hist. Cant.; Potts, Op. cit.; Lyttelton Times, 8 Apr, 28 Jul 1888. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 93

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POWDITCH, WILLIAM (1793-1872), in 1821 commanded the Royal George, 500 tons, chartered by Alexander Berry, which brought Sir Thomas Brisbane to assume the governorship of New South Wales. He was living in Valparaiso, Chile, in 1825, when he had several children, and afterwards came to New Zealand, where he commanded the brig Bee. In 1831 he was at Bay of Islands, where he made up mails for New South Wales. Between 1835 and 1839 he purchased over 4,000 acres of land round Whangaroa harbour.

Powditch was settled at the Bay of Islands before the arrival of Busby, and took part in most of the public affairs of the settlers. In Aug 1841 he was gazetted a magistrate of New Zealand. Later in the forties he removed to Auckland. He was a commissioner for the Epsom East ward of Auckland in 1851, and an alderman of the first Auckland municipal council in the following year. In 1853 Powditch was elected to the Provincial Council for the Pensioner Settlements, which he represented 1853-56 and 1857-61. He represented Onehunga 1861-65, being defeated by O'Rorke and Kirkwood on the separation question. From 1857 to 1865 he was speaker. He was also for some time clerk and librarian to the Council. In 1866, as the provincial government could not grant him a pension, it revived the vacant office of deputy-auditor for the Auckland province, and appointed Powditch (1 May 1867). He died on 22 Aug 1872. His widow died on 5 Nov 1882, aged 83.

Auckland P.C. Proc.; N.Z. Archives, B.R.1; Ramsden; Marsden, L. and J.; N.Z. Herald, 4 Sep 1872.

Reference: Volume 2, page 94

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POWDRELL, WALTER DUTTON (1872-1921) was born at Wairoa, Hawke's Bay, and at the age of seven moved with his parents to Taranaki. There he was educated and began dairy farming. He was a director (and some time managing director) of the Kaupokonui and Whenuakura Cooperative Dairy Companies; chairman and managing director of the Patea Farmers' Freezing Co. and a director of the National Dairy Association. Powdrell was elected to the House of Representatives for Patea in 1919, and died on 9 Mar 1921. He published in 1920 Dairy Farming in New Zealand.

N.Z.P.D., 1919-21 (notably 11 Mar 1921).

Reference: Volume 2, page 94

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POYNTER, JOHN (1800-68) was born in England and educated for the law. He came to Nelson in the Fifeshire early in 1842. One of his first ventures in the colony was the purchase of the wreck of that vessel. In 1843 he was appointed crown prosecutor for the Nelson district, a position which he held until being appointed resident magistrate (1854). In the meantime he had been provincial treasurer (1843-47) and for some years to 1847 sub-treasurer for the General Government, a position he held after retiring from the magistracy (1856-67). In the fifties he acted as commissioner of native reserves and for the investigation of land claims.

Poynter was elected to the Provincial Council for Nelson in 1856, and sat for three years. He was a member of the executive in 1854 and again 1865-67, and was for some years treasurer. In public life he had a peculiarly easy temperament. He died on 30 Aug 1868.

The Colonist, 10 Aug 1868; Marlborough Press, 9 Sep 1868.

Reference: Volume 2, page 94

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POYNTON, THOMAS (1801-90) was born at Bellivor, county Meath, and educated in France. He married in Sydney Mary (1812-91), daughter of Thomas Kennedy, of county Wexford, and in 1828 crossed to New Zealand to take charge of a store and sawmill at Hokianga. In 1835, hearing of the appointment of Dr Polding as Bishop of Sydney, Poynton went to Port Jackson to ask that a priest be sent to New Zealand, and returned with a letter of instruction for Catholics (the first document connected with the Catholic Church in New Zealand). On the arrival of Pompallier's mission at Hokianga on 10 Jan 1838 they were welcomed by the Poyntons at Totara Point and given the use of a house until one could be built for the priests. Poynton had a vessel trading with Sydney. He raised a considerable number of cattle, and during Heke's war drove them through hostile territory to feed the troops. He was an enthusiastic advocate of the Irish nationalist cause, and was visited by John Dillon at Hokianga. He died at Takapuna on 9 Mar 1890, his wife having predeceased him on 15 Oct 1891.

N.Z. Catholic Centenary Souvenir, 1937; N.Z. Herald, 17 Oct 1891; Auckland Star, 10 Mar 1892; Marist Messenger, 1 Mar 1938 (p).

Reference: Volume 2, page 94

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PRATT, SIR THOMAS SIMSON (1797-1879) was the son of a military officer and, after being educated at St Andrew's University, received his commission in the 37th Regiment (1814). He saw service in Holland, China, India, Australia and New Zealand. (Capt., 1825; lieut-col., 1841; maj-general, 1856; C.B., 1841.) He arrived in Taranaki as general officer commanding on 3 Aug 1860, reorganised the defences of New Plymouth and conducted the operations against Hapurona's forces. On 9 Sep he led the largest force that had yet taken the field in New Zealand, and engaged the enemy at the peach grove at Huirangi. On 9 Oct he advanced towards the native position at Te Arei, and two days later commenced the long sap. On 5 Nov at Mahoetahi the allied tribes were defeated in a stubborn engagement in which the Ngati-Haua and other northern tribes displayed unrivalled gallantry. Redoubts were built at suitable positions, but the Maori with great pertinacity came out under cover of darkness and filled in the large sap. Hostilities were suspended for three days (12-14 Mar) at the request of Wiremu Tamihana. British reinforcements arrived from Australia and a heavy siege train was brought into operation, but on 19 Mar hostilities ceased, the Government having agreed to investigate the Waitara purchase.

Pratt left shortly afterwards for Australia. He attained field rank in 1865 and became a full general in 1873. (K.C.B. 1861.) He died on 2 Feb 1879.

D.N.B.; App. H.R., 1861-63; Cowan; Grace; Harrop, England and Maori Wars; The Times and Evening Post, 6 Feb 1879.

Reference: Volume 2, page 94

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PRATT, THOMAS (1835-1910) was born in Liverpool, left in 1860 for Australia and in 1864 arrived in Southland, where the following year he contracted for the building of the railway station at Invercargill. He then went into business with John Hare as merchants until 1880 when he commenced flourmilling. He represented Invercargill in the Provincial Council (1868-69) and was on the executive in 1869. He cooperated with Lumsden, Garthwaite, Jaggers, Scandrett and others in erecting the municipality of Invercargill and was a member of the first borough council and the third mayor. Pratt died on 5 Mar 1910.

Southland Times, 7 Mar 1910.

Reference: Volume 2, page 94

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PREECE, GEORGE AUGUSTUS (1845-1925) was born at Coromandel, the son of James Preece (q.v.). Living with his parents at the mission station at Ahikereru, he learned Maori thoroughly, and in 1864 was appointed clerk and interpreter to the magistrate's court at Wairoa, Hawke's Bay. In the war he was attached to Colonel Fraser's column as interpreter, and at the conclusion of hostilities in 1866 he returned to his civil duties. When Te Kooti's war commenced Preece received his ensigncy in the colonial forces, and he served throughout under Richardson, Tuke, Lambert and Westrupp. After the massacre at Poverty Bay he was promoted lieutenant and attached to the native contingent at Wairoa. Accompanying Major Ropata's force at Ngatapa he showed distinguished bravery in reconnoitring the enemy position. During the first attack he scaled the forest cliff with 16 Maoris and found himself face to face with the enemy at a distance of 30 yards. They dug themselves in and held on until relieved by Ropata late in the day. Preece received the thanks of the Government and later the New Zealand Cross. He served under Whitmore throughout the East and West Coast campaigns (1868-69), being mentioned several times in despatches. He was also mentioned three times for services under Herrick and McDonnell at Taupo and Te Papa. Promoted captain in Feb 1870, he commanded the native contingent in the Urewera (1870-72) until the escape of Te Kooti to the King Country.

Preece was a sub-inspector in the Armed Constabulary until 1876, when he was appointed resident magistrate at Opotiki. He was afterwards for 12 years at Napier and for some years second magistrate in Christchurch. He resigned (1892) to enter into business in Palmerston North, where he lived for 33 years, taking a prominent part in the affairs of the city. He was a keen advocate of the use of hydro-electric power, and urged the Government to develop the power resources of Waikaremoana. Preece was chosen to guide the Duke of Edinburgh to the historic spots in the Bay of Plenty (1870-71). He died on 10 Jul 1925.

Who's Who N.Z., 1924; Gudgeon (p); Whitmore (p); Cowan (p); Gascoyne; Manawatu Times, 12 Jul 1925.

Reference: Volume 2, page 94

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PREECE, JAMES (1801-70), arrived at Bay of Islands in 1829 to join the Church Missionary Society. In 1834 he helped to open the new station at Puriri, Thames. The site being found to be unhealthy, it was moved a few years later, when Preece was stationed at Kauaeranga (1836). In 1838 he moved again to Herekawa, Thames, where he remained until 1847, when he was sent to open the station at Ahikereru, in Urewera. He retired in 1856 and died on 25 Dec 1870. He married (1833) at Kerikeri, Mary Ann Williams.

Marsden, L. and J.; N.Z. Herald, 28 Dec 1870; Southern Cross, 29 Dec.

Reference: Volume 2, page 94

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PRENDERGAST, SIR JAMES (1826-1921) was the youngest son of Michael Prendergast, Q.C., of the Middle Temple, recorder of Norwich, and one of the most prominent special pleaders in the sixties. His mother was the sister of George Dawe, R.A. Educated at St Paul's School, he proceeded to Cambridge, entering at Gonville and Caius. Afterwards he went on an entrance scholarship to Queen's College, where he graduated B.A. (1849). For a short time in 1850 he was master at Routledge's school, Bishopshill, Somersetshire.

With his brother Philip and others Prendergast emigrated to Victoria in the Francis Henty (1852), and had some success with a claim at the Eureka diggings, Ballarat. Suffering a bad attack of dysentery, they withdrew to Melbourne, where their elder brother was practising at the bar. Prendergast was appointed clerk of petty sessions at Elephant Bridge, and promoted to Carisbrook, and in 1854 to Maryborough. His wife having joined him (1856), they returned to England and he read law at the Inner Temple, where he was called in the same year. He practised in London as a special pleader until the death of his father (1859), and he sailed for Otago in the ship Chile (1862). He was admitted a barrister of the Supreme Court, and his first client was Sir Julius Vogel. Towards the end of 1863 he was appointed a revising officer and acting-provincial solicitor in place of T. B. Gillies. In 1865 he was appointed crown prosecutor in Dunedin. Prendergast was called to the Legislative Council in Jul 1865 and in Jun 1866 was appointed Attorney-general (then a non-political office) and conveyancing counsel for the examination of titles. The office being later provided for by act, Prendergast resigned from the Legislative Council and from his Otago offices and practice, and in Mar 1867 was appointed Attorney-general under the new conditions. During the next seven years he set himself the task of consolidating the criminal law of the Colony, and succeeded in getting passed by Parliament no less than 94 acts with this object. Gisborne considered that his progress was the gradual outcome of laborious work and steady perseverance. He was slow, sure and safe, careful and cautious. He was not a politician, and therefore did not suffer from his inability to speak well. He was a member of a commission which changed the common law procedure to the present system. His legal opinions Gisborne says were literary labyrinths, but when the meaning was found it was well worth the trouble. In Apr 1875, on the retirement of Arney, Prendergast was appointed Chief Justice, a position which he occupied for almost a quarter of a century. In his early years he had to preside at all sittings of the Supreme Court in Wellington, on the west coast of both islands and as far north as Gisborne and Wanganui. One of his noted cases was the Attorney-general's appeal for the cancellation of the commission appointing W. B. Edwards (q.v.) as a judge of the Supreme Court. The contention of Prendergast and Conolly that the appointment was ultra vires was overruled by the majority, but upheld by the Privy Council. He was also upheld by the Privy Council against a majority of the Appeal Court of New Zealand in the celebrated Horowhenua block judgment. In 1881 he was knighted (K.B.).

Prendergast was elected a fellow of the New Zealand University (1885). In 1891 he represented New Zealand at the conference in London on the Privy Council. In 1897 he went as commissioner to Rarotonga to inquire into the proceedings of a prominent official there. While Chief Justice, he was six times administrator of the government pending the arrival of a new governor. On one of these occasions (1881) it fell to him to sanction the operations against the natives at Parihaka. He resigned the office of Chief Justice in May 1899. Thereafter he devoted himself to business interests, being for some time a director of the Bank of New Zealand and until his death of the Wellington Trust, Loan and Investment Co. and of the Colonial Mutual Life Co. Prendergast owned from 1871 to 1910 the Tiritea estate (at Fitzherbert and Bunnythorpe) and was the first president of the Manawatu Agricultural and Pastoral association. He died on 27 Feb 1921.

Family information; Cycl. N.Z., i; N.Z.P.D., 1 Mar 1921; Gisborne; N.Z. Times, 19 Jan 1883, 28 Feb 1921. Portraits: by J. M. Nairn in Supreme Court, Wellington; General Assembly Library.

Reference: Volume 2, page 95

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PRESHAW, GEORGE OGILVY (1839-90), came from Scotland to Australia in 1852 by the Garland, with his father (Dr Preshaw, who settled at Castlemaine, Victoria). He spent some time on the Victorian gold fields, where he joined the staff of the Bank of New South Wales. In 1864 he was transferred to New Zealand, where he opened a branch of the bank at Hokitika, in the early days of the gold rush. Preshaw gives a good account of life on the goldfields in his book, Banking Under Difficulties (1888). He died on 29 Nov 1890.

Preshaw; Larkworthy; Harrop, Westland.

Reference: Volume 2, page 95

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PRIME, FREDERICK LAMBERT (1825-1916), who was born in Cambridgeshire, was brought up to the grocery trade at Colchester, Essex. Arriving in New Zealand in 1855, he established himself as a general storekeeper in Auckland, and later as a land and financial agent. For six years he sat in the Auckland City Council, serving as mayor in 1874. He represented Auckland West in the Provincial Council from 1872 until the abolition. Prime was a member of the volunteer rifles during the Maori war, and a member of the education board. For over 30 years he was treasurer and secretary of the Wesleyan home mission fund. He died on 6 May 1916.

Cycl. N.Z., ii (p); N.Z. Herald, 7 May 1916.

Reference: Volume 2, page 95

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PRITT, LONSDALE (1822-85) was born in Lancashire, and educated at the Charterhouse and at Trinity College, Cambridge, graduating B.A. in 1844. He was ordained deacon (1845), and at the suggestion of Selwyn took up teaching as a preparation for missionary work in New Zealand. In 1855 he came to Nelson as chaplain to Bishop Hobhouse, and in 1858 was attached to the headquarters of the Melanesian mission, then established at Kohimarama. There he organised the central school as a model training institution, and was for eight years right-hand man to Bishop Patteson. In 1866 he was stationed at Hopuhopu (Waikato), where he shared in the hardships of missionary life and home mission work. He was collated archdeacon of Waikato (1871). In 1873 he was appointed vicar of St Mark's, Remuera, where he remained until 1885. He was a governor of St John's College.

Pritt married first (1863) Mary, daughter of C. Otterson (Nelson), and second (1876) the youngest daughter of G. Williams (Auckland). He died on 31 Oct 1885.

C. M. Yonge, Life of John Coleridge Patteson (1874); Cycl. NZ, ii; NZ Herald, 2 Nov 1885.

Reference: Volume 2, page 95

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PROSSER, EVAN, was born in Wales, educated there and trained as a pharmaceutical chemist. In 1863 he was residing at Queenstown, and a few years later he followed the gold discoveries to Westland, where he was in business as a chemist and druggist in Hokitika. He was mayor of Hokitika in 1868, represented the West Coast Goldfields in the Canterbury Provincial Council (1865-66) and was later a member of the first Westland county council. He was one of a party of seven who bought a large water race on the goldfields. Returning to Dunedin, he entered into business there and became one of the founders of the firm of Kempthorne, Prosser and Co., of which he was a director on its incorporation (1879). In 1873 he was elected to the City Council. He also stood twice for the Provincial Council in that year without success, being defeated in the first case by Fish by 612 votes to 534 (Apr 1873). In 1882 Prosser purchased the wholesale drug business of Edward Rowan and Co. in Sydney, and in 1886 resigned from Kempthorne, Prosser and Co.

Canterbury P.C. Proc.; Cycl. NZ iv and v; Harrop; Otago Daily Times, 27 Jan 1882.

Reference: Volume 2, page 95

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PROUDFOOT, PETER, was a son of James Proudfoot, of Dunedin. He served on the survey of Otago under C. H. Kettle, and afterwards continued in the office. When the department was in a neglected condition in 1853 he accepted the dual position of chief surveyor and commissioner of crown lands. He initiated the surveys for the towns of Bluff and Invercargill but, his health being delicate, he transferred the field work to J. T. Thomson in 1856. He represented Eastern District in the Otago Provincial Council from 1855 till his death (on 14 Oct 1857), and was commissioner of lands during the same period and a member of the education board. His daughter married G. Fenwick (q.v.).

Hocken, Otago.

Reference: Volume 2, page 95

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PUAHA, RAWIRI KINGI (?-1858), a Ngati Toa chief of high rank and influence, was born at Kawhia, and traced his descent from the leaders of the Tainui canoe. He was the eldest son of Hinekoto and Te Matoe (who was killed at Pararewa in 1821). He married Ria Waitohi, daughter of Te Pehi Kupe (q.v.).

In 1819-20 Puaha was a leader in Tuwhare's expedition. Though not compelled to do so, he remained behind at Marakopa during the heke Tahutahu-ahi to protect the women (1821), and later he went south with the heke under Te Rauparaha. He was early influenced by Christianity and disposed to be friendly towards the pakeha. He was baptised by the Rev S Ironside (1 Aug 1841) and became a Wesleyan teacher.

Puaha warned Captain Wakefield against the survey of the Wairau block, which he always asserted was not included in the territory sold to the New Zealand Company. He refused to accept a schooner in satisfaction of his own interest in the land and tried to dissuade Wakefield from attempting to arrest Te Rauparaha and Rangihaeata. At Tua Marina on 17 Jun 1843 his people were unarmed, and in the midst of the korero he read from his Bible and passionately appealed to the disputants not to resort to violence. After the clash he and his wife protested in vain against the killing of the prisoners. Puaha was present when Te Rauparaha was captured and was taken on board H.M.S. Driver, but was at once released and cooperated actively with the colonists and troops, only desisting when Rangihaeata had fled from his positions in the Horokiwi valley.

After the death of Te Rauparaha and Rangihaeata, Puaha took a more prominent part in the affairs of the tribe. He died at Takapuahia, Porirua, on 6 Sep 1858, widely respected as a consistent and conscientious Christian.

G.B.O.P., 1844/556; S.P. Smith, Taranaki; Cowan, Wars; Buick, Marlborough and Old New Zealander; H. T. Kemp in N.Z. Herald, 23, 30 Mar 1901.

Reference: Volume 2, page 96

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PUCKEY, WILLIAM GILBERT (1805-78). William Puckey, who had been a sea captain living in Cornwall, was one of the earliest lay missionaries in Tahiti under the London Missionary Society. When they were driven out in 1798 he went to New South Wales, where he came in contact with Marsden, with whom he made several visits to New Zealand (the first in 1819-20). His son William Gilbert, was born at Penrhyn, Cornwall, on 5 May 1805, and came to Australia as a small boy when his father returned there. They took up land at Parramatta. In 1819 they came to New Zealand with Marsden, Puckey having offered his services to erect the buildings for the mission at Kerikeri. He also at Marsden's request made a survey of the harbours of Hokianga and Kaipara.

Puckey, junior, who was quiet in demeanour and fond of the natives, soon acquired a good command of the Maori language, and he entered the service of the mission in 1821. In 1831 he married Matilda, daughter of the Rev R. Davis. His parents having returned to Australia, Puckey in 1833 established a new mission station at Kaitaia amongst the Rarawa.

Not being ordained, he was assisted by the Rev Joseph and Mrs Matthews. He attended at St John's College with a view to entering holy orders, but as it would have necessitated leaving Kaitaia with only one ordained clergyman he continued to labour as a layman throughout his life. In 1837 the weatherboard house was completed and in 1843 the church. In that year Puckey was slightly wounded while mediating between Nopera Panakareao and his enemies. He had great influence with the Aupouri and Ngapuhi tribes, amongst whom he lived. His knowledge of Maori was invaluable to Bishop William Williams in the first translation of the New Testament (1837), and he still collaborated in 1844, when he was regarded as one of the best Maori scholars. In 1846, with his son (Walter), he went to Herekino to protect the wreck of H.M.S. Osprey. In that year he established bees at Kaitaia, where he had a good flock of merino sheep. He built several whaleboats and the schooner Phantom, burned lime and shells for building and agriculture, established a printing press, constructed bullock drays and bridges and opened outlying schools. Puckey died on 27 Mar 1878, and his widow on 15 Jul 1884.

W. Williams, William Gilbert Puckey, 1929 (p); Marsden, L. and J.; Jackson; Ramsden; Carleton; Stock; N.Z. Herald, 21 Jul 1884.

Reference: Volume 2, page 96

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PURCHAS, ARTHUR GUYON (1821-1906) was born at St Arvans, in the Wye valley, Monmouthshire, educated privately, and at the age of 18 entered Guy's hospital, where he studied for three years, took his diploma of M.R.C.S., and came under the philosophical influence of F. D. Maurice. He was for some time resident surgeon at the Southern and Toxteth hospital, Liverpool, and in 1844 sailed as surgeon of the Slains Castle for New Zealand. After visiting Nelson and Auckland he returned to England at the end of the year. Having married, Purchas came to Sydney in the Penyard Park, and to Auckland in the Maukin (Oct 1846). He was master at St John's College, and spent three years as resident surgeon of the first hospital in Auckland. In 1847 he was ordained deacon and in 1853 priest, having meanwhile been inducted to the charge of St Peter's, Onehunga, in which he ministered to 1875. He then turned to the practice of medicine, devoting his spare time still to church work. He took a great interest in church music and was one of the compilers of the New Zealand hymnal (1866), which contains some of his compositions. He was a member of the diocesan synod and of the general synod from its foundation; and in 1895 was appointed an assessor of the bishop's court. The other interests of Purchas included the Blind Institute, the Auckland Institute and the scenery preservation society. He promoted the movement to obtain a good water supply for the City, sent samples of Waikato coal to the Great Exhibition of 1851, patented a process for flax dressing (for which he erected a mill at Waiuku), and patented an oil engine (1887). Purchas died on 28 May 1906.

Purchas, op. cit.; J. K. Davis; Cowie; Gorst; N.Z. Herald, 29 May 1906; J. Giles in N.Z. Herald, 31 May.

Reference: Volume 2, page 97

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PURDIE, ALEXANDER CALLENDER (1824-99) was born in the parish of Fenwick, Ayrshire, educated there, and trained as a wireworker in Glasgow. While working at his trade he saw many country residences throughout the United Kingdom and had an opportunity of studying botany. Before coming to Otago in the Pladda (1860) he had already made contacts with leading botanists. He was associated with the Exhibition of 1865, and thereafter devoted himself mainly to scientific pursuits. With Beverly, G. M. Thomson and others, he formed the field naturalists club, and he was a staunch supporter of the horticultural society. He sent a species of whale to the British Museum collection. Purdie for many years contributed notes on natural history under the nom de plume of 'Pakeha' to the Otago Witness. He died on 24 Jun 1899. A son became professor of geology in the School of Mines in Adelaide.

Otago Daily Times, 5 Jul 1899.

Reference: Volume 2, page 97

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PURDIE, WILLIAM (1797-1876) was born at Airdrie, Lanarkshire, the son of a farmer. He educated himself as a boy, and eventually got to Glasgow and apprenticed himself (1822) to Walter Rankin, a surgeon of Airdrie. He attended the lectures in anatomy at McKenzie's dissecting rooms in Glasgow, riding 10 miles each way every day. A year or two later he attended James Armour's lectures in midwifery, and eventually he passed for his degree in surgery in 1825. He started a practice in Edinburgh, taking lectures at the Royal Infirmary. In 1829 he was admitted a burgess in the parish of Canongate, either because he was a freeholder or for public services rendered.

In 1831 Purdie's studies were interrupted by the outbreak of cholera. In Edinburgh the epidemic gained an alarming hold in the parish of Canongate. Purdie did Trojan service in combating it, and received a handsome testimonial from the public. In 1833 he gained his degree of M.D. at Glasgow University. He then made a few voyages to Greenland as surgeon in Scottish whaling ships. Here he enforced a strict regime in the use of alcohol, and succeeded in making a reputation for his crews by resisting the ravages of scurvy. Throughout life he was a teetotaller. Purdie having married, settled down to practise in Edinburgh, attracted by the opportunities it gave him for postgraduate study and contact with the highest intellects in medicine. He was a prompt convert to vaccination, and brought a supply of lymph in 1849 to Otago, where it is believed he was the first practitioner to use it. He also recognised the advantages of chloroform, and in 1846 adopted the homeopathic system of treatment. His busy practice did not prevent him taking part in social and religious movements, notably the Edinburgh Mission, the Magdalen, and the Monthly Tract Society.

Purdie had been practising for nearly 25 years when he became interested (through John McGlashan) in the Otago settlement. He obtained appointment as surgeon to the Mooltan, and sailed with his wife and six children. Before the vessel was two days out cholera broke out. It needed all Purdie's stern courage and firmness to enforce discipline amongst the passengers so as to check the outbreak. There were 20 cases, of which nine were fatal. The Mooltan arrived in Otago harbour on 26 Dec 1849. Purdie made up his mind to remain in the province. Before long he acquired 10 acres in North-East Valley, where he was practically the only resident. The 'Woodside' residence stood until 1905. His practice was arduous in the extreme, but not very lucrative. Appointed a magistrate (Jul 1850), he devoted himself faithfully to his judicial work, often sitting on the bench with Strode. He was one of the justices who in 1853 considered the attempts that were being made to stuff the electoral roll with names of Maori voters. It was he who administered a stern rebuke to Mr Justice Stephen when, charged with assault, his Honor protested: 'Do you think I would wait for the slow and tedious process of the law?' In 1854 Purdie was elected to the board of commissioners for the management of the public lands in Dunedin and in 1855 he was elected to the new town board, on which he served until 1860. He was a member of the waste lands board (1856-59). In Sep 1857 he was elected to represent the Western District in the Provincial Council, in which he sat until resigning in 1862. For a few months in 1860 he was in the executive. He worked in connection with the missions at Port Chalmers and North-East Valley, and as an active member of the congregation at Knox Church. Although a Baptist by conviction, he attended regularly at Knox until his own congregation was strong enough to open a church. He died on 30 May 1876.

Otago P.C. Proc.; Hocken, Otago; McIndoe; Fulton (p); Otago Daily Times, 31 May 1876, 25 Jul 1930.

Reference: Volume 2, page 98

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PURNELL, CHARLES WILLIAM (1843-1926) was born and educated in London, and came to Taranaki, where he was in the militia. He was engaged in journalism until 1878 when, having been admitted to the bar in Dunedin, he commenced to practice in Ashburton. He was one of the first captains of the Ashburton Guards. Purnell wrote extensively on scientific and political subjects, his main works being An Agrarian Law for New Zealand (1874), The New Zealand Confederation (1877), An Agrarian Law (1878), The Moa and the Maori (1880) and The Intelligence of Animals (1893). His first volume of poems appeared in 1868, followed in 1912 by The Modern Arthur and Other Poems, and in 1922 The Serpent and Other Poems. His wife was Flavia Marie Hyde, daughter of Herbert Wilson, of Jersey. He died on 7 Dec 1926.

Who's Who N.Z., 1908, 1924.

Reference: Volume 2, page 98

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PITT, ALBERT (1841-1906) was born in Hobart, a son of Captain Pitt, harbourmaster; educated there, studied law and was admitted to the Tasmanian bar. Having married, Pitt left for Otago and was admitted to the bar in Dunedin (1864). In the following year he proceeded to Nelson, where he practised at first in partnership with Henry Adams as Adams and Pitt, with a branch in Wellington in charge of E. T. Conolly (1877), and later with Edward Moore.

Pitt represented Nelson in the Provincial Council (1867-68 and 1873-75) and was on the executive in 1874 as provincial solicitor. He contested the parliamentary seat for Nelson in 1878 as an opponent of Grey without success, but in the following year was returned. He took a leading part in the stonewall on the representation bill in 1881, when the interests of the West Coast seemed to be jeopardised. Nelson having lost a seat, he was out of Parliament in 1881 and did not re-enter politics for many years. He was, however, prominent in local matters. He was chairman of the inland communications committee, a governor of Nelson College (1881-1904), a member of the council of Victoria College (1905), a synodsman, and chancellor of the Anglican diocese of Nelson, and throughout was engaged in a busy legal practice. In his early days he defended the Maungatapu murderers. He was for many years city solicitor and crown prosecutor.

Pitt was a keen volunteer. Having joined first in Tasmania, he held a commission in the Nelson artillery cadets and volunteers from 1865 to 1871. In 1873 he became captain of the Nelson battery. He rose to be lieutenant-colonel and to command the district (1877). In 1881 he commanded the majority of the Nelson volunteers who took part in the operations at Parihaka. In 1895 he again commanded the district, and he had charge of the contingent from New Zealand to the Queen's jubilee (1897).

In 1898 Pitt was chairman of the police commission, and in the following year he was called to the Legislative Council. On the retirement of W. C. Walker (q.v.) in 1903 he became leader of the Council and a member of the ministry. He held the portfolios of Attorney-General under Seddon (1903-06); Attorney-General and Minister of Defence under Hall-Jones, and the same offices (with the addition of that of Colonial Secretary) under Ward (1906). His health was now seriously undermined, and he died on 18 Nov 1906.

N.Z.P.D., 27 Jun 1907, et pass.; The Colonist, 19, 21 Nov 1906; Lyttelton Times and N.Z. Times, 19 Nov 1906. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 88

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PYKE, VINCENT (1827-94) was born in Somersetshire and came to South Australia in 1851. At Adelaide he learned of the discovery of gold in Victoria, and he tramped from Adelaide to the nearest diggings, at Mount Alexander. At Forest Creek and Fryer's Creek, Bendigo, he spent the next two years mining with varying success. In 1853 Pyke opened a store at Forest Creek. He was a staunch supporter of miners' rights, and exercised considerable influence amongst the miners. He was selected to lay before the governor (Sir Charles Hotham) their objections to the exorbitant license fees that they had to pay, and suggestions for the amendment of the mining regulations. When the police, on mere suspicion of sly grogselling, burned down a store at Forest Creek, Pyke curbed the fury of the people and persuaded them to seek redress constitutionally. He was one of the promoters of the railway from Castlemaine to Melbourne.

In 1855, when the goldfields were permitted to send eight representatives to the partially elective Legislative Council, the miners insisted on nominating Pyke. In that Council he presented a petition with 800 signatures in favour of the ballot. The fight on this point was a memorable one. The Government, still appointed by the crown, resisted the ballot stubbornly. Eventually it was carried by the help of the miners' representatives. Stawell, the Attorney-general, refused to draw the bill, and a meeting of supporters of the ballot called upon H. S. Chapman (q.v.) to draft it. In a letter to the Otago Daily Times Pyke claimed that Chapman was the author of the Australian ballot system, but he himself was one of its active originators. In 1856 he was again elected for the Castlemaine Boroughs under the new system. In 1857 he was appointed emigration agent to proceed to England, with the Hon Hugh Erskine Childers, on behalf of the Colony. While there, at the request of the Ballot society, he delivered lectures in favour of the new system of voting. Returning to Victoria at the end of 1858, he was appointed warden and police magistrate at Sandhurst.

Eighteen months later a public meeting demanded that he should re-enter politics, and subscribed £500 for his expenses. Pyke resigned his post and was duly elected for Castlemaine Boroughs. Towards the end of 1859 he joined the Nicholson ministry as commissioner of trade and customs, and a year later he became president of the board of lands and works and commissioner of lands and surveys. Having charge of the administration of the goldfields, he was responsible for sending out several expeditions, under Alfred Howitt and others, which opened up new fields in Gippsland. In the third Parliament Pyke was elected for Castlemaine (1861), which returned him altogether seven times. The goldfields of Otago (1861) attracted from Australia to New Zealand a coterie of men who had made their mark in the parliamentary life of Victoria—Chapman, Wilson Gray, James Mackintosh and Pyke. (Chapman, Mackintosh and Pyke remained for life executive councillors of Victoria.) While still in the Victorian Parliament Pyke paid a health visit to New Zealand in 1862 and inspected the goldfields. He was invited by the provincial government to apply his experience to the organisation of a goldfields department. On 23 Dec 1862 he was gazetted secretary for the goldfields. In the five years during which he held that office Pyke drafted very carefully, and amended from time to time, the necessary regulations; and drafted the acts for the Provincial Council. The office was abolished in 1867 owing to the General Government asserting its right to control the fields. In the following year was held a conference of delegates appointed by the provincial government and local interests of the mining population. Pyke was chairman. The result was an amended code which provided for the new methods of mining. In Victoria Pyke was the author of a mining companies act, which was afterwards used in framing New Zealand legislation. Appointed warden and resident magistrate at the Dunstan, he at first had his home in Clyde, but later moved to Lawrence.

In Aug 1873, after a stiff contest with four other candidates, Pyke was elected M.H.R. for Wakatipu. This district (afterwards extended to Dunstan) he represented until 1890, when he contested Mount Ida against M. J. S. Mackenzie and was defeated. He was a staunch advocate of Central Otago. He was first chairman of the Vincent county council, which was named after him. He foresaw a great fruit industry when the district was irrigated from the Clutha. He proposed a railway to Dunedin, and in 1876 carried an empowering bill. Three years later he turned the first sod, but it was a slow movement. In 1887 he brought in a bill to allow a syndicate to carry out the work, but it was thrown out. Next year he proposed that it be constructed out of land revenues, but the Legislative Council rejected it. In 1889 he piloted Sir Harry Atkinson over the route, but he did not see the fulfilment of his schemes. Pyke was the first chairman of Vincent county council (1877-82). He returned to Parliament for Tuapeka in 1893. His outside interests were active and varied. He took part in the exploration for a pass between the lakes and the west coast of Otago, by way of the Hollyford river. He was a keen volunteer, and held a captain's commission. As a freemason he was grand master for Otago under the Scottish Constitution. A strong churchman, he was lay reader at Clyde until a vicar was obtained. He was an accomplished elocutionist and an entertaining lecturer; but his real profession was journalism. He started the Southern Mercury in Dunedin (1874) to advocate the popular cause, and contributed to it a humorous column signed 'Timon.' A year or two later he gave up control of the Mercury and edited the Guardian for a short term. He was proprietor and editor of one of the publications known as Dunedin Punch. He published handbooks on Otago (1868) and the New Zealand land laws (1893), and in 1887 brought out his History of the Early Gold Discoveries in Otago. Pyke did his best literary work as a novelist. His best-known stories, Wild Will Enderby (1873) and The Adventures of George Washington Pratt (1874), are full of colonial colour and are well conceived and written. Both were published in Dunedin. In 1884 he wrote a prize story, Craigielinn, for the Ayrshire association, and in 1886 a series of old identity stories in the Tapanui Courier. Few men in Australia or New Zealand have had a more versatile life. Pyke died on 4 Jun 1894. His wife (née Miss Renwick) died on 7 May 1898.

Victoria Leg. Assembly debates; Pyke, Op. cit.; Barclay; Gilkison; Ross; Saturday Advertiser, Apr-Jun 1881; Melbourne Argus, 5 Jun 1894; Pyke in Otago Daily Times, 7 Jan 1893; Otago Daily Times 5 Jun 1894, 26 Sep 1930 (p). Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 99

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