PORTER, THOMAS WILLIAM ROSE (1840-1920) was a son of Major Porter, of the Indian Army and was born in India. As a midshipman in the Royal Navy (1857-59) he took part in naval operations on the coast of China 1858. In 1860-63 he was attached to the 70th Regiment in New Zealand, and from 1863-66 was with the Colonial Defence Force cavalry commanding native forces. He commanded the blockhouse at Mohaka, and distinguished himself at Waerenga-a-hika in assisting the wounded. When the Colonial forces were disbanded he served with the Armed Constabulary (1866-71). In 1868, on the escape of Te Kooti, he served throughout the East Coast campaign, and received £1,000 for the capture of Kereopa Kaiwhatu, the murderer of the Rev C. Volkner. He was later appointed staff adjutant of the East Coast militia district and native land purchase officer. He was four times mayor of Gisborne.

During the Boer war Porter commanded the 7th New Zealand contingent. (Queen's medal with four clasps; C.B. 1902.) For a time he was acting Under-secretary for Defence. In the war of 1914-18 he was partly responsible for promoting the national reserve. He published in 1897 a life of Major Ropata Wahawaha (q.v.) and in 1925 Legends of the Maori and Personal Reminiscences.

Porter married a daughter of Tamai Wha Kanehuai-te-Rangi. He died on 12 Nov 1920.

Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Gudgeon (p); Cowan; Whitmore; Evening Post, 12 Nov 1920.

Reference: Volume 2, page 93

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