JOHNSTON, ROBERT, was educated at Foyle College, Londonderry. In 1855 he joined the 89th regiment (Royal Irish Fusiliers) as ensign, being promoted lieutenant the same year and serving in the Crimea, India and South Africa. He bought out in 1862 and, coming to New Zealand, served in the war with the 2nd Waikato Regiment. (Lieutenant 1863; captain 1864). After the war Johnston adopted teaching, and conducted a grammar school in Wellington and later the Portora school in Blenheim. In 1876 he closed his school in Blenheim, and joined the Wellington education board. He died on 29 Jun 1922.

Marlborough Express, 1 Sep 1937.

Reference: Volume 1, page 237

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