SOMMERVILLE, JOE REGINALD (1843-1910) was born in County Armagh, Ireland, and came to New Zealand with his father (a private in the 65th Regiment), who settled at Turakina and afterwards at No. 2 Line. The son was educated privately and at the Wanganui state school. He eventually farmed at No. 2 Line until his death. In 1859 Sommerville joined the Wanganui Cavalry (Cameron's Yeomanry) with which he served through the Maori troubles. He got his first commission in the Prince Alfred Rifles 1868. (Cornet, Alexandra Cavalry 1877; lieutenant 1881; captain 1884; major, commanding Wellington Mounted Rifles 1895; lieut-colonel 1899.) He commanded the 4th New Zealand Contingent to South Africa (1900), and later was second-in-command of the 5th, joining the brigade staff (Nov 1900). In 1904 he retired as colonel.

Sommerville was an ardent advocate of rifle shooting and for many years was the mainstay of the New Zealand Rifle Association, of which he was president (1885-1903) and chief executive officer during the years when it languished before being taken over by the Government. He commanded the New Zealand teams to Bisley in 1897 and 1902, and was instrumental in the establishment of the Trentham range. Sommerville also took a prominent part in local government. He was a member of the Wangaehu highway board (1874), chairman of the Wanganui county council (1877-84) and the harbour board (1878-84), a member of the Parua road board (1901-07) and of the hospital board, and a justice of the peace (1881). He contested the Rangitikei seat in Parliament in 1905. He was first superintendent of the Veterans' Home in Auckland. Sommerville married (1869), Jane, daughter of T. D. Jones (Wales). He died on 23 Dec 1910.

Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Wanganui Herald, 23 Dec 1910.

Reference: Volume 2, page 161

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