MACE, FRANCIS JOSEPH (1837-1927) was born at Madeira and educated in Leamington and at Islington, London. He came to New Zealand in the St Michael (1852) with his parents, who took up land at Omata. There, in company with Wellington Carrington, he gained much experience of the natives, and when the fighting commenced in 1860 he enlisted in the volunteers under Burton. While scouting he discovered a force of about 500 hostile Maori in position near Waireka. The settlers were at once assembled in the stockade and shortly afterwards firing began (resulting in the death of Ford, Passmore, Shaw and two boys). Mace carried despatches to New Plymouth, and acted as guide to Captain Cracroft and the force from H.M.S. Niger in the attack on Waireka (Mar 1860). For this he was presented by the Government with a revolver. He then joined the mounted troop, and for two years was orderly to Colonel Carey. He had his horse shot under him, and was himself twice hit. Mace received the thanks of the Government for his services in this campaign and was offered a commission, which he declined.

In 1862 he was promoted from sergeant to ensign, and serving with his mounted troop under Colonel Warre was constantly in action. Several times with a strong escort he carried despatches between New Plymouth and Opunake. The services of Mace and the mounted volunteers were highly spoken of by Warre, who described his courage as proverbial. In Jul 1863 he was promoted lieutenant and recruited 215 men in Otago for the military settlers. He became captain in Sep 1863. Leading these mounted troops later, he frequently distinguished himself, Haultain remarking that the mounted volunteers in Taranaki were second to none. Mace was wounded in an ambuscade at Warea, where he was surrounded by 70 natives. At the taking of Ahuahu he had his horse killed under him. In 1864 he was specially mentioned (with Rodriquez) for conspicuous courage and coolness in carrying out wounded men under fire. They received the New Zealand Cross at the end of the war (Jan 1877). Returning to civil life, Mace was a member of the Provincial Council for Omata (1873-76), of the Oakura road board (20 years a member, and some time chairman); of the school committee and the licensing committee. He married (1863) a daughter of Hamer Arden. He died on 7 Aug 1927.

Taranaki P.C. Proc. and Gaz.; N.Z. Gaz.; Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Cycl. N.Z., vi (p); Gudgeon, Defenders of N.Z. (p); Cowan, N.Z. Wars, i (p); Taranaki Herald, 8 Aug 1927.

Reference: Volume 2, page 8

🌳 Further sources