MESSENGER, WILLIAM BAZIRE (1834-1922) was born in Essex. His father, William Messenger, 1801-90, a midshipman in H.M.S. Queen Charlotte, was wounded at Algiers in 1816, and afterwards served in the East India Company. He settled in Taranaki in 1853 and was in the naval brigade at Waireka, 1860.

Educated at Woodford House Academy, Messenger came to Taranaki with his parents in 1853 and at once took up a bush section. When hostilities broke out with the natives he joined the volunteers (1858), becoming a sergeant (1859), ensign in the militia (1860), lieutenant (1862) and captain (Jul 1863). After assisting to build the stockade at Omata, he moved into New Plymouth and accompanied Stapp's force to Waireka, where he saw his first service (Mar 1860). After much skirmishing in the neighbourhood of New Plymouth he joined the Bushrangers under Atkinson and Webster, and was present at Mahoetahi (Nov 1860). When fighting was renewed he was at Allen's Hill (Oct 1863). He was then appointed to command a company of the Military Settlers from Australia (Feb 1864) which was ordered to build a blockhouse at Sentry Hill, and afterwards moved on successively to Manutahi, Poutoko and Kaitaki. In the same year Messenger was sent to occupy the redoubt at Pukearuhe.

In 1863 he was elected to the Provincial Council for Omata (which he represented to 1868). In Feb 1869 the Rev J. Whiteley called at Messenger's house on his way to hold a service at White Cliffs. He declined an invitation to spend the night, and next day was murdered by a Ngati-Maniapoto party at White Cliffs. After making sure that other settlers were safe, Messenger tried unsuccessfully to persuade friendly natives to accompany him to the scene. When Stapp's force came up they advanced from Urenui and found the bodies of the slain. Messenger received the thanks of the Government for his conduct. He was then stationed at Urenui under Good; assisted the militia to construct a blockhouse at Te Arei; and then proceeded as second-in-command of a force of Armed Constabulary, Bushrangers and friendlies to join in the pursuit of Titokowaru. He was recalled from this duty and spent the next few years in command of the post at White Cliffs and of armed parties of the A.C. making roads and bridges. He was promoted sub-inspector (1st cl.) in 1877; major in the permanent force, commanding the artillery at Wellington (1885); lieut-colonel 1899; commandant Royal N.Z. Artillery 1901. In 1889 he commanded the force which apprehended Te Kooti and turned him back from the East Coast.

Messenger commanded the 10th N.Z. contingent, which sailed for South Africa (11 Apr 1902). He was on the staff of Mr Seddon during his South African tour, and returned to Melbourne in command of an Australian contingent. He went on the retired list as lieut-colonel on 30 Apr 1903, and died on 8 Apr 1922. He married (1863) Arabella, daughter of T. Mace.

Taranaki P.C. Proc.; Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Cowan, N.Z. Wars; Taranaki Herald, 10 Apr 1922.

Reference: Volume 2, page 44

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