ROBERTS, JOHN MACKINTOSH (1840-1928) was born in Bombay and educated at the Academy at Inverness. At 15 he came to New Zealand in the Carnatic with his parents, who took up land at Hunua, Auckland. In 1860 he went in a small schooner to Otago and tried his luck at Gabriel's Gully. At the beginning of the Waikato war the farm buildings were burned by hostile natives, and Roberts joined the Forest Rangers under Major Jackson (Aug 1863). In Nov he was given his ensigncy in von Tempsky's company, and in Mar 1864 promoted lieutenant. He was an intrepid scout and bush fighter and earned the title of 'Deerfoot' in von Tempsky's diary. He distinguished himself at Rangiaowhia and Harini (Feb 1864). At Orakau he and Captain Ring led the storming party, Ring being mortally wounded (2 Apr).

At the conclusion of hostilities Roberts was appointed resident magistrate at Rotorua, with charge also of the Taupo district. In 1868 he was gazetted sub-inspector of the Armed Constabulary and proceeded with that force from Waikato to Patea on the outbreak of hostilities. Serving again under von Tempsky he was present at the relief of Turuturumokai (12 Jul) and was left in command of that post. At Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu (7 Sep) he recovered the body of von Tempsky and, returning for Buck, found him dead. He very skilfully led 80 men out of the ambush, showing reckless bravery and having narrow escapes. He displayed resolute bearing, coolness, courage and judgment on this occasion. At the battle of Moturoa two months later (7 Nov) he covered the retreat, giving confidence and inspiration to new troops which had gone into action as soon as they arrived at the front. It was mainly due to him that the force in the dense bush was able to draw off in good order. For these services Roberts received the New Zealand Cross and was promoted major (inspector, A.C.). After serving at Ngatapa (Jan 1869) he was again transferred to the West Coast; here he was present at the defeat of Titokowaru at Tauranga-ika (2 Feb), Otautu (13 May) and Whakamara. He led the right column in the pursuit of Te Kooti in the Bay of Plenty and Urewera, and at the conclusion of hostilities was appointed, with the rank of lieut-colonel, to command all the Colonial forces mobilised for the operations at Parihaka. After that he was appointed to command the Armed Constabulary in Auckland and in 1889 was appointed magistrate at Wairarapa, and later at Tauranga and Opotiki. He remained in service until 1909, when he retired to live in Rotorua. Roberts was the beau ideal of a frontier soldier, cool, courageous and dashing. He married Jesse (d. 16 Feb 1908), daughter of Major Clare, N.Z.M. Roberts died on 12 Oct 1928.

Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Maxwell; Whitmore (p); Gudgeon; Cowan, i and ii (p); Gorton; N.Z. Herald and Auckland Star, 15 Oct 1928.

Reference: Volume 2, page 126

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