BOOTH, JAMES (1830-1900) was born in Westmorland and educated there and in London. He came to New Zealand in the Slains Castle in 1852 under engagement to the Church Missionary Society to assist the Rev. R. Taylor (q.v.). After revisiting England he settled down in 1856 with his brother at Pipiriki, farming and teaching in the capacity of a catechist.

In 1864, when Hauhau emissaries were at work on the river, Booth reported the plans of the invaders to Wanganui and took munitions and supplies to the friendlies, who were besieged at Hiruharama. He and his family were detained by the Hauhau for several days until the battle of Moutoa (May 1864), when they escaped to Wanganui. In 1865 he was appointed resident magistrate at Wanganui, and during the rest of the campaign he was constantly in the field with the commanders for Maori purposes. In 1866 he was appointed a judge of the native land court and in 1867 he was stationed at Patea. In May 1868 he issued a warrant for the arrest of two of Titokowaru's chiefs and called upon Colonel McDonnell to execute it, thus precipitating the renewal of hostilities.

In 1883 Booth was appointed magistrate at Gisborne, where he died on 14 May 1900.

Cycl. N.Z., i (p); Cowan, ii; Poverty Bay Herald, 5 Jan 1924.

Reference: Volume 1, page 55

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