RODRIQUEZ DE SARDINHA, ANTONIO (1832-1905) was a native of Madeira and of good Portuguese family. While living in Madeira he made the acquaintance of T. Mace (q.v.) and in 1852 came to New Zealand with him and E. de Castro in the St Michael. Settling in Taranaki, Rodriquez joined the mounted settlers at the outbreak of the war and greatly distinguished himself in the field, especially in rescuing wounded under fire at Poutoko (2 Oct 1863) and at Kaitake (11 May 1864). He was mentioned in garrison orders and repeatedly by General Warre, and was awarded the New Zealand Cross, which was presented to him by Atkinson in 1877. Rodriquez was farming at Patoka for some years. He died on 12 May 1905.

N.Z. Army records; Gudgeon; Cowan; Wells; Taranaki Herald, 8 Aug 1927, 13 May 1905. Portrait: Taranaki Hist. Coll.

Reference: Volume 2, page 128

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