LUSK, DANIEL HENDERSON (1833-1921) was born in Renfrewshire, Scotland, the son of R. B. Lusk (q.v.). Educated at the High School in Glasgow, he studied civil engineering and arrived in New Zealand with his parents in the Thames (1849). He was employed by the Government in the survey of the Canterbury block and Christchurch (1850). Then he was appointed assistant engineer and engineer of roads under C. W. Ligar (1857).

Lusk had a bush farm at Mauku, and was at an early date involved in native hostilities. In 1858 he assisted to form the first volunteer company in Auckland, and when the war broke out in Taranaki he and Judge Maning enrolled 1,500 Ngapuhi and Rarawa to serve against the Taranaki tribes. The offer was not accepted, and the enrolment lapsed. Having surveyed a road from Auckland to Waikato, he was attached to the Royal Engineers in constructing it. When hostilities commenced, he was the principal agent in forming three companies of Forest Rangers (at Mauku, Pukekohe East and Waiuku), and early in the operation he showed a marked faculty for leadership. On 8 Sep he was in command of the stockade at Mauku when his force became engaged in a sharp action, and were extricated with difficulty from a dangerous ambush. Again on 23 Oct, in a fight against an overwhelming force, Lusk gave evidence of his skill and daring. Von Tempsky, who was present as an ensign, remarked that he was a man of consummate judgment about Maori warfare. These operations, which relieved Auckland of danger from a strong body of King natives who had eluded General Cameron in the Waikato, are fully described in Gudgeon (pp. 113-7) and are the subject of a laudatory despatch by Sir G. Grey to the Secretary of State (2 Nov 1863). In Dec the transport service on the river broke down through the sinking of the gunboat Avon, and Lusk, who was with the troops as guide, was transferred to the transport corps. Working with great energy, he opened up a track which he had previously surveyed from Raglan to the Waikato at Te Rore. He was then appointed to command the transport service at Te Awamutu. While in this post he became aware of the enemy entrenching themselves at Orakau, and reconnoitred the position, narrowly escaping capture. He took part in the siege and capture of Orakau and the battle of Rangiriri. After the cessation of hostilities Lusk was appointed to command the Waiuku and Wairoa district. On news arriving of the approach of Te Kooti (1868), he mobilised his force of 300 men and marched them thirty miles into Mercer as a precautionary measure, for which he received the thanks of the Government. He remained in command of this district for another ten years.

In 1893 he was chief crown ranger for the Auckland land district. Retiring in the following year, he took up a cattle station in the King country, where he was one of the earliest settlers of Te Kuiti and was a member of the borough council. He promoted the new county of Waitomo (1906), and was its first chairman. He helped to establish the dairy company and was president of the racing club. After returning to live in Auckland, Lusk was president of the provincial Farmers' Union when the Trading Co. was established, and when the special constables were organised to break the strike (1913).

He married (1864) Ellen Henrietta (d. 1890), daughter of Captain William Butler (q.v.). Lusk's death occurred on 11 Jun 1921.

Cycl. N.Z., ii (p); Cowan i (p); Gudgeon (p); Jourdain; N.Z. Herald, 13 Jun 1921.

Reference: Volume 1, page 271

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