Major James O’Sullivan: A Life Devoted to Service and Change

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When the bugle gives its blast,

And the bullets hail hard and fast;

When the country wants its man,

Count on the O’Sullivan,

Looks a sojer every inch

To lead a charge would not flinch.[1]

New Zealand Truth, 15 April 1911

James O’Sullivan (1855 – 1925) was a dedicated civil servant whose life story embodies the resilience and adaptability of a man who rose from humble beginnings in Ireland to become a key figure in New Zealand’s Military Logistics history. He witnessed history and was a driving force behind significant changes in the country’s military logistic infrastructure. This biography examines the life of James O’Sullivan, highlighting his contributions to the Defence Stores Department and his role in providing logistic support to New Zealand’s military forces during crucial periods of conflict.

Major James O;Sullivan, November 1911

Born in Ireland in 1855, James O’Sullivan’s early life was marked by modesty and determination. His journey began when he was an agricultural student in Ireland in 1876. However, the allure of New Zealand, often described as the fortunate Isles with their golden apples, captured his imagination. He abandoned his agriculture studies and set out for New Zealand.

He spent a year on the Wild West Coast searching for gold but eventually realised that the best gold mines were not in the ground but in the government buildings in Wellington. So, he crossed Cook Strait and secured a position in the Native Office under Thomas Lewis, Under-Secretary, and the Hon. Johnny Sheehan, the Native Minister.

Office work proved challenging for someone accustomed to outdoor life, prompting O’Sullivan to apply for a transfer to the Armed Constabulary (AC). Under the guidance of Sergeant Major Coleman (later Major), he quickly adapted and became a sharp trooper, training at the Mount Cook depot alongside many future New Zealand Military and Police luminaries.

Assigned to Opotiki in 1878, O’Sullivan’s posting was short as disputes with Māori in the Taranaki in 1879 led to the Opitiki garrison’s recall to Wellington for further training. Following a short training period, O’Sullivan and 100 AC men redeployed to New Plymouth on the Government Schooner rigged steamship SS Stella.

Trooper O’Sullivan enjoyed a fulfilling four-year stint in Taranaki, which reached its pinnacle with the successful capture of Te Whiti and Tohu during the morally questionable Parihaka campaign of 1881. While some of O’Sullivan’s fellow AC troopers, including the renowned Colonel Malone of Gallipoli fame, decided to take their discharge from the AC and settle in the Taranaki, O’Sullivan remained committed to his service in the AC, proceeding to Taupo, where new challenges awaited.

The journey to Taupo involved a five-day march after a redeployment by sea to Napier. Reflecting on this experience in 1916/17, O’Sullivan could not help but smile when comparing it to the march undertaken by the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces (NZEF) over the Rimutakas from Featherston to Trentham. He especially noted the stark contrast in the burdens carried by himself and his fellow AC men as they trudged from Napier to Taupo. In those days, there was no Army Service Corps to provide support. Each man had to shoulder the responsibility of carrying his Snider rifle and 100 rounds of ball cartridge, along with two blankets, a waterproof sheet, greatcoat, haversack, and a day’s ration consisting of four biscuits, a chunk of cold boiled mutton, and some tea and sugar. [2]

During the 1880s, New Zealand grappled with concerns about a potential Russian threat. During this era, O’Sullivan collaborated with fellow AC members to construct fortifications and install artillery in Auckland, Wellington, Lyttelton and Port Chalmers. This effort laid the essential groundwork for New Zealand’s coastal defence system. In 1885, Captain Sam Anderson, who led the Defence Stores, selected O’Sullivan to replace a retiring member of the clerical staff of the Defence Stores. Despite the expectations typically associated with a clerical role, O’Sullivan immediately immersed himself in hands-on store administration. In 1886, O’Sullivan took on the role of Quartermaster for the South Island Volunteer Camp in Oamaru. With this assignment, O’Sullivan began to build his military network, initially encountering Captain Alfred Robin, who would eventually rise to Major-General and Chief of the General Staff, and Heaton Rhodes, who would later serve as a Minister of Defence.[3]

During the subsequent decade, O’Sullivan honed his skills, and following Anderson’s passing in 1899, he stepped into the position of Acting Defence Storekeeper, a role that received official confirmation in November 1900.[4]

In 1889, O’Sullivan married Jessie Hunter Mouat in Wellington. Their union began a family that would grow over the years. In October of the same year, they welcomed their first daughter, Helena Grace. Subsequently, in April 1891, their second daughter, Moya Kathleen, was born. The family continued to expand with the birth of Jessie Madeline in October 1892, followed by the arrival of a son, William Eric, in October 1894. In October 1896, another son, Leo Desmond, joined the family. Finally, on 16 October 1899, the family celebrated the birth of their son James.

During O’Sullivan’s time as Defence Storekeeper, he managed the challenges posed by significant global and domestic conflicts, including the South African War, the 1913 waterfront strikes, and the First World War. O’Sullivan was pivotal in equipping contingents for these conflicts, supporting rifle club meetings and overseeing volunteer and Territorial Force camps. Furthermore, he led the modernisation and transformation of the Defence Stores, introducing new weapons and equipment into a resurgent and growing military force.

O’Sullivan’s dedication and exceptional performance caught the attention of Prime Minister Richard Seddon. In January 1907, he was appointed Director of Ordnance Stores and commissioned into the New Zealand militia as a Quartermaster with the rank of Honorary Captain.[5]

In December 1910, Major General Alexander Godley arrived in New Zealand to assume the position of Commandant of the New Zealand Military Forces with the support of a group of seconded British officers with the mandate to revitalise New Zealand’s military’s organisational and functional framework. As part of this effort, Lieutenant Colonel Knox from the British Army Service Corps (ASC) was seconded to be the Director of Supply and Transport in New Zealand to oversee the establishment of the New Zealand Army Service Corps (NZASC).[6]  However, the Director of Equipment and Stores position, held by O’Sullivan, remained without a seconded British officer.

In January 1911, Colonel J.L Wheeler, Army Ordnance Department (retired), offered his services as the Director of Equipment and Stores. After thirty-four years as an Ordnance Officer in the British Army, he had recently retired in New Zealand. Having served in various ordnance roles, including an operational post as the Chief Ordnance Officer in China during the Boxer Rebellion, participating in the relief of the British legation at Peking, Wheeler was highly experienced “in the provision, control, issue and inspection of arms, ammunition, equipment and ordnance stores of every description”.[7]

On receiving Wheeler’s application, Godley was highly positive and applied to the Minister of Defence that Wheeler be appointed as the Director of Equipment and Stores, stating that

The work and responsibilities of the Department of Equipment and Ordnance Stores will be enormously increased under the new scheme. Not only will it be our chief spending Department, but it will also, from the nature of its business, be the department which will be subject to the most searching criticism on the part of those who will make it their business to call public attention to the economy or otherwise of our administration.[8]

Godley viewed O’Sullivan’s service as Director of Equipment and Stores thus far as commendable but harboured reservations about his suitability. Despite O’Sullivan’s experience, Godley believed he lacked the necessary military background to meet the demands of the military expansion. Additionally, Godley believed that a fresh start with an experienced officer devoid of local connections would benefit the Stores Department. In his recommendation for Wheeler’s appointment, Godley emphasised to the minister that this change would not necessitate additional funding, as only nine of the ten Imperial officers originally approved had been secured, and Wheeler’s appointment would serve as a substitute for the tenth officer.[9] Despite Godley’s endorsement of Wheeler as the Director of Equipment and Ordnance Stores, the appointment did not receive approval due to the absence of budget allocation. If approved, it could have reshaped the Defense Stores Department and its response to the events 1914.

Nevertheless, in September 1911, O’Sullivan was granted the rank of Honourary Major, a decision based on the recommendation of Major General Alexander Godley, despite his earlier initial reservations.[10]

CAPTAIN O’SULLIVAN (Storekeeper Defence Department, Wellington).,NZ Truth, Issue 304, 22 April 1911

On 22 October 1911, tragedy struck O’Sullivan when a devastating drowning accident occurred at Foxton Heads, resulting in the loss of eight lives, including his daughter Grace. While all the bodies, except those of Grace and two children, were promptly recovered, extensive search efforts by O’Sullivan and volunteers eventually resulted in the discovery of Grace’s body on Otaki Beach on 27 October.

As the military transformed from a Volunteer Force to a Citizen Army, it was identified that the current Regimental Quartermaster Sergeants lacked a range of skills related to equipment care, maintenance and accounting responsibility.[11]  A course of action to create a professional Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant cadre was undertaken with thirty men selected from the various military districts to undertake three weeks of intensive training at the Defence Stores Department in Wellington.[12]  With instruction conducted under a curriculum developed and supervised by O’Sullivan, experienced Defence Stores Department staff conducted practical and theoretical training, providing the New Zealand military with its first logistic-centric military training course.

“Staff of the Quarter-master General—men who passed as Quarter-master instructors and are being drafted to the various districts, Colourised by Rairty Colour

The 1913 waterfront dispute saw wharf workers take over the main ports and hinder trade. Prime Minister William Massey called for farmers and rural labourers to enlist as special constables to assist the small police force in regaining control of the wharves. In what was a covert military operation, most of the mounted and foot special constables in the capital were territorial soldiers drawn from the Wellington Mounted Rifle Brigade and the 5th (Wellington) Regiment. Colonel Andrew Russell commanded the mounted special constables with the foot special constables, known as the foot special police, under Major Rawdon St John Beere of the 5th (Wellington) Regiment.[13]

Organising accommodations and arranging the commissariat provisions for a thousand men and their horses for an indeterminate period is a significant challenge that requires careful planning, swift action, and a resourceful staff capable of anticipating every need. This responsibility fell upon the Defence Stores, led by O’Sullivan. Under his direction, every inch of space in the Defence Reserve on both sides of Buckle Street was utilised, with the garrison hall transformed into a sprawling boarding facility.[14]

In addition to supplying pistols, ammunition, and batons to the special constables, O’Sullivan also arranged for various small conveniences that the men greatly appreciated. Establishing a camp post office and telephone bureau was his initiative, and he also ensured the provision of daily weather reports so that many farmers among the special constables could stay informed about the weather in their respective districts. O’Sullivan and the staff of the Stores Department worked tirelessly, often getting only two or three hours of sleep out of every twenty-four, frequently labouring from 4 a.m. until midnight nearly every day.

The mobilisation of 1914 was the acid test of the reorganisations and re-equipment of New Zealand’s military forces that Sullivan had logistically facilitated since the South African war. New Zealand’s military was required to mobilise and dispatch an expeditionary force and provide the organisational structures to maintain a sustained reinforcement programme, coastal defence and Keypoint Security trooops. Supporting this tremendous effort was O’Sullivan and his Defence Stores.

As the NZEF finalised its preparations before the departure of the NZEF Main body transport ships, General Godley visited the Defence Stores on 24 September and thanked O’Sullivan and the Defence Stores Staff for their contribution to mounting the NZEF. The Dominion reported that,

In saying “au revoir” General Godley paid tribute to the work of the store staff under Major O’Sullivan in equipping the Expeditionary Forces. The complimentary remarks of General Godley were greatly appreciated by the store staff, whose work has been extremely arduous. But there is much recompense in appreciation when none is looked for in this time of stress.[15]

From the early days of the mobilisation, gossip circulated, questioning O’Sullivan’s integrity and the Defence Stores business practices. Some business community members expressed dissatisfaction with the past and present methods of the Defence Stores. Aware of such gossip as early as October 1914, Godley departed on 16 October and had been at sea for ten days before preparing a handwritten note to Colonel James Allen, the New Zealand Minister of Defence. Reacting to what could only be described as gossip, Godley’s note set in motion a series of events that questioned the integrity and performance of the Defence Stores and led to O’Sullivan’s removal as Director of Stores. Godley wrote that he had “heard a good deal of talk about the conduct of the Stores at Wellington and criticism of J O’Sullivan”, adding that the Coast Defence Commander had spoken to him about irregularities with the Defence Stores. Opening up to Allen, Godley aired his view that he had little doubt “that O’Sullivan and probably some of his subordinates are, like all Quartermasters and Storekeepers feathering their nests to a certain extent”. However, Godley balanced this statement by stating, “the equipping of this Force and the South African contingents, by O’Sullivan, was extremely well done”. Godley recommended that it was the right time for an entity such as the Public Service Commissioner to audit the Defence Stores as the store’s accounting system had grown to the stage where he was sure more checks were required. Godley concluded his note to Allen with a caveat that whatever the end state of the Audit, “the good work done by O’Sullivan and his Department should not be overlooked.”[16]

It was not until July 1915 that pressure from outside of the military forced Allen, under the Commission of Inquiry Act 1908, to have a Commission of Inquiry (COI) appointed by the governor-general to investigate the business methods adopted by the Defence Stores, in particular procedures related to the purchase of stores. Probing the Defence Store from July through to August, the Commission questioned over forty witnesses, including General Robin, O’Sullivan, key appointment holders in the Defence Stores and representatives of many businesses with relationships with the Defence Stores.

In discussing the Director of Stores position, the Commission correctly stated that this position was not clearly defined as the appointment had dual responsibility to both the Public Service Commission and the Minister of Defence. Robin clarified O’Sullivan’s situation in that,

Except for the interference by the Public Service Commissioner, he is filling the position under the designation of QMG3. This is the pith of the whole question. This dual control cannot tend to efficiency. If the control of the Public Service Commissioner is to continue all officials under the Public Service Commissioner should only be so as regards pay and advancement; in all other matters, they must be under the Commandant under regulations, Major 0’Sullivan is under military law as an Officer.[17]

Based on Robin’s replies and remarks, it is evident that the Defence Stores Commission investigation was not impartial and poorly conducted with a lack of depth, leading to the assumption that the commission members approached the investigation with preconceived ideas about O’Sullivan and the Defence Stores. Despite the points highlighted by the report that Robin easily rebutted, it is apparent that the Defence Stores had the military’s confidence. Robin reported to Allen in December on the Defence Stores Enquiry that,

It must be satisfactory to you to note that there is no real ground for the alarmist reports which last year, and during the early part of this year, were so freely circulated. [18]

Following Robin’s correspondence, Allen updated Godley with the news that the “Stores Department, about which there was an inquiry, has come fairly well out of it”.[19]  It must be remembered that Godley’s private conversations and reaction to gossip, summarised in his correspondence to Allen in October 1914, helped fuel speculation about O’Sullivan.

1915 had not been kind to O’Sullivan, and after being found at no fault following the Stores Commission enquiry, he still faced a toxic relationship with the Board of Supply, a new organisation created to relieve the Defence Stores of provisioning responsibilities. The year’s strain affected O’Sullivan’s health, and he suffered two mental breakdowns, which forced him on an extended leave break from 18 October 1915 following an inspection of the Auckland Military District.[20] On hearing that O’Sullivan was to resume work early in January 1916, the Board of Supply reacted by sending the following message to Arthur Myers, the Minister of Munitions,

We understand that O’Sullivan has been instructed to resume duty on 4 January although his leave does not expire until 18th. Our opinion is that he should not be allowed to resume duty under any circumstances. The Board are of the opinion that his reinstatement would not be to the advantage of the department and would force the Board to seriously consider its position.[21]

This ultimatum placed the military in a difficult position. O’Sullivan’s long service and experience had been highly beneficial to the Defence establishment, and based on the Stores Commission report findings, there was no justification for his removal. This impasse continued until February, when negotiations between Robin and the Board agreed upon several initiatives agreeable to both parties, allowing progress forward. Robin proposed to the Board that an “Inspecting Quartermaster” post be created to provide the Commandant with an advisor on Military equipment specifications. This post was seen as necessary due to O’Sullivan’s long service. It allowed him to remain in the service for eighteen months until his planned retirement while moving him to a post amicable to the Board.

On 8 April 1916, Captain Thomas McCristell, the Trentham Camp Quartermaster, was formally appointed to O’Sullivan’s post as the redesignated Director of Equipment and Ordnance Stores and QMG3 with the honorary rank of Major.[22] Updating Godley, Allen reported that

Captain McCristell has been placed in 0’Sullivan’s position, the latter being made Inspector of 0rdnance Stores. I should think 0’Sullivan has been more enquired into than any other officer in the department, but nothing very detrimental has come out about him; however, it seemed to me to be wise, especially in view of the fact that the Supplies Board -which is under the control of the Hon. Mr Myers, was so determined about it, that he should give up his position as head of the Stores. I have every confidence that McCristell will do well there. [23]

Although Allen still held O’Sullivan in high regard, Godley’s response was less optimistic, and he made it clear that he did not hold O’Sullivan in the same esteem as Allen replying,

I am sorry, but not altogether surprised, to hear about 0’Sullivan. I think you know my feeling about him, which is that considering the class of man he is, and the opportunities he has had, one can only be astonished at his moderation. Ninety-nine out of a hundred in his position would have made a large fortune.[24]

Signalling the end of the Defence Stores Department era was the resignation of O’Sullivan in January 1917.[25]  At his request, on 31 January 1918, O’Sullivan retired from active duty after nearly thirty-nine years of continuous service, sixteen years of which he was in charge of the Defence Stores. In what must have been a bittersweet decision, O’Sullivan had provided thirty-nine years of continuous service in the Defence Department, seventeen of which were the head of the Defence Stores. Joining the service as an Armed Constabulary Trooper sent into the field with only “his Snider and 100 rounds, two blankets, waterproof sheet, greatcoat and haversack”, O’Sullivan must have been satisfied that because of his contribution, the New Zealand soldier of 1917 (including two of his sons) was as well-equipped and supported as those in any other modern army.[26]

After retiring from the service, O’Sullivan established his residence on a farm near Huntly, where he lived until he passed away on Christmas Eve 1925. His widow and two sons, James and William, who worked alongside him on the Huntly farm, and two daughters, Mrs Kathleen Lawson and Jessie, survived him. During the war, his son William served as an Armourer Sergeant in the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps and achieved recognition as a prominent Wellington representative Rugby player. Regrettably, Lieutenant Desmond O’Sullivan, another son, tragically lost his life in the Great War.

Major O’Sullivan spent most of his working life in Wellington, where he actively participated as a member of the Hibernian Society and the Wellington Bowling Club. His funeral occurred in Wellington, and he was laid to rest next to his daughter Grace in Karori Cemetery.

Major James O’Sullivan’s life is a remarkable testament to resilience and adaptability. From humble beginnings in Ireland, his journey led him to New Zealand, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s military logistics history. His dedication to the Defence Stores Department and his unwavering commitment to providing logistical support during critical periods of conflict showcased him as a dedicated civil servant. O’Sullivan’s career began in the Armed Constabulary, where he swiftly adapted to the demands of military life. His roles as Defence Stores clerk and later Defence Storekeeper highlighted his hands-on approach to store administration and his ability to build a robust military logistic network. His leadership in modernising the Defence Stores and introducing new equipment contributed significantly to New Zealand’s growing military capabilities. Despite facing personal tragedies, O’Sullivan continued to make substantial contributions. His creation of a professional Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant cadre and his pivotal role in managing the military logistics related to the 1913 waterfront dispute underscored his indispensable value to the military. When World War I erupted, O’Sullivan played a crucial part in equipping and supporting the forces. Unfortunately, he also endured controversy and unjust allegations, leading to his removal as Director of Equipment and Stores—a sombre end to an illustrious career.

While history has somewhat forgotten his contributions to New Zealand’s military logistics, this article aims to rekindle interest in O’Sullivan’s remarkable achievements.

Notes

[1] “Storekeeper Defence Department Wellington,” NZ Truth, Issue 303 15 April 1911, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZTR19110415.2.24.

[2] “Major James O’Sullivan,” Free Lance, Volume XVI, Issue 867, 16 February 1917, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZFL19170216.2.36.

[3] “Major James O’Sullivan.”

[4] “Defence Storekeeper Appointed,” New Zealand Gazette No 98 p. 2154., 29 November 1900.

[5] “New Zealand Militia Honorary Officer appointed,” New Zealand Gazette No 45, 23 May 1907.

[6] Julia Millen, Salute to service: a history of the Royal New Zealand Corps of Transport and its predecessors, 1860-1996 (Wellington: Victoria University Press, 1997, 1997), 42-49.

[7] “Colonel J L Wheeler A O D applies for position of Director of Equipment [ and ] Ordnance Stores,” Archives New Zealand Item ID R24763490 (Wellington) 1911.

[8] “Director of Equipment and Ordnance Stores – Proposals for appointment of,” Archives New Zealand Item ID R24763374 (Wellington) 1911.

[9] “Director of Equipment and Ordnance Stores – Proposals for appointment of.”

[10] “Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, Resignations and Retirement of Staff and Territorial Force Officers,” New Zealand Gazette No 74, 21 September 1911.

[11] “Arms and Uniforms,” New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7978 (Christchurch), 8 December 1911, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZTIM19111208.2.104.

[12] “Defence System,” Otago Daily Times, Issue 13786, 22 November 1911, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ODT19111122.2.80.

[13] John Crawford, “Overt and covert military involvement in the 1890 Maritime Strike and 1913 Waterfront Strike in New Zealand,” Labour History, no. 60 (1991).

[14] “Peeps at the Barracks,” Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1903, (Wellinfgton), 11 November 1913, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/DOM19131111.2.76.

[15] “Defence Stores Staff,” Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2264, , 25 September 1914, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/DOM19140925.2.47.

[16] “Correspondence Major General Godley to James Allen 26 October 1914,” R22319698 – Ministerial Files – Correspondence with General Godley  (1914).

[17] Wellington  Defence Storekeeper, “Defence Store Commission (Commission of Inquiry re Defence Stores), July 1915 – September 1915,” Archives New Zealand Item No R3898696  (1915).

[18] Defence Storekeeper, “Defence Store Commission (Commission of Inquiry re Defence Stores), July 1915 – September 1915.”

[19] “Correspondence James Allen to Major General Godley 4 January,” R22319698 – Ministerial Files – Correspondence with General Godley  (1916).

[20] “Reports Report on equipment etc. Auckland District Major O’Sullivan,” Archives New Zealand Item No R22432211  (1915).

[21] “Munitions and Supplies Board, August 1915 April 1921,” Archives New Zealand Item No  R3898765  (1915-21).

[22] The officer selected to replace O’Sullivan was Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Thomas McCristell. A professional soldier with a flair for administration, McCristell had been pre-war Adjutant to the 2nd Battalion, 17th (Ruahine) Regiment before being appointed as the Camp Quartermaster at Trentham Camp. “McCristell. Thomas James,” Personal File, Archives New Zealand (Wellington) 1914.

[23] “Correspondence James Allen to Major General Godley 13 April “, R22319698 – Ministerial Files – Correspondence with General Godley  (1916).

[24] “Correspondence Major General Godley to James Allen 24 March,” R22319699 – Ministerial Files – Correspondence with General Godley  (1916).

[25] “Retired on Superannuation,” Evening Post, Volume XCIII, Issue 28, 1 February 1917, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19170201.2.78.

[26] “Major James O’Sullivan.”

NZ Defence Stores July 1870 – June 1871

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Head Office – Wellington

  • Inspector of Stores – Edward Gorton
  • Clerk – George Simpson Lockie

Wellington Defence Stores -Mount  Cook Depot, Buckle Street

  • Storekeeper – Henry Elmhirst Reader
  • Clerk – Alexander Crowe
  • Armourer Edward Metcalf Smith
  • Armourer – Edwin Henry Bradford
  • Arms Cleaners
    • William Warren
    • John Shaw
    • James Smith
    • Walter Christie
  • Magazine Keeper –  William Corliss

Auckland Defence Stores – Albert Barracks

  • StoreKeeper – William St Clair Tisdall
  • Clerk – John Blomfield
  • Clerk – John Price
  • Armourer – George Evitt
  • Arms Cleaners
    • Thomas Gibbins
    • Charles Phillips
    • William Cook Rockley
    • John Penligen
  • Magazine Keeper – John Broughton

District Sub Storekeepers

District Sub Storekeepers at:[1]

  • Hamilton
  • Tauranga
  • Opotiki
  • Te Wairoa (Rotorua)
  • Tauranga
  • Napier
  • Marton
  • Wanganui
  • Patea
  • New Plymouth
  • Blenheim
  • Nelson
  • Christchurch
  • Hokitika
  • Dunedin
  • Invercargill

Defence Stores Stock Holdings

As of 17 August 1870, Small Arms, Ordnance and Ammunition in military use in New Zealand consisted of:[2]

In Store

Small Arms

  • Snider (All Patterns)  2293
  • Medium Hay Pattern                                                                   7726
  • Enfield Pattern 1853                                                                   1460
  • Rifle Breech Calisher & Terry                                                       26 
  • Rifle Sword Short Enfield Pattern 1853                               33
  • Rifle Spencer                                                                                     4
  • Rifle Mont Storm                                                                              5
  • Percussion Muskets Pattern 1839                                    222
  • Carbine Breech Calisher & Terry                                                284
  • Carbine Muzzle Enfield Artillery Carbine                                 67
  • Carbine Revolver Colt                                                                     4
  • Carbine Percussion Various Types                                             12
  • Revolvers, Various types                                                               215
  • Swords Cavalry                                                                                  153

Ordnance

  • RBL 40 Pounder                                                                                2
  • RBL 6 Pounder                                                                                  2
  • 24 Pounder Howitzer                                                                     3
  • 42/5 inch Mortars                                                                            11
  • 6 Pounder Carronade                                                                     1
  • 3 Pounder Smooth Bore                                                                 1

Small Arms Ammunition

  • Snider                                                                                                   470228
  • Enfield                                                                                  1804983
  • BL Carbine                                                                          251324
  • Revolver                                                                              287148
  • Precussion Muisket                                                         160152

Ordnance

  • Cartridge                                                                             14145
  • Shot/Shell                                                                           22806

On Issue

Small Arms

  • Snider (All Patterns)                                                       208
  • Medium Hay Pattern                                                      9263
  • Enfields Pattern 1853                                                      6473
  • Rifle Breech Calisher & Terry                                       7
  • Rifle Sword Short Enfield Pattern 1853                     224
  • Rifle Spencer                                                                      4
  • Percussion Muskets Pattern 1839                              1007
  • Carbine Breech                                                                  1271
  • Carbine Muzzle Enfield Artillery Carbine                 218
  • Carbine Revolver Colt                                                     2
  • Carbine Percussion Various Types                             267
  • Revolvers, Various types                                               934
  • Swords Cavalry                                                                  903

Ordnance

  • RBL 12 Pounder                                                                6
  • RBL 6 Pounder                                                                  4
  • 6 Pounder Brass Gun                                                      1
  • 24 Pounder Howitzer                                                     7
  • 32 Pounder Iron Guns                                                    3
  • 24 Pounder Iron Guns                                                    8
  • 12 Pounder Iron Guns                                                    5

By August 17, 1870, the inventory of Camp Equipment, Implements, and Saddlery utilised by the New Zealand Military comprised the following items:

In Store

  • Tents, Circular                    326
  • Tents, Indian                      30
  • Tents, F.O Marquee        13
  • Waterproof Sheets         523
  • Blankets                               647
  • Axe Felling                          166
  • Axe Pick                               1036
  • Hook Fern                           115
  • Hook Bill                               91
  • Spade                                   1298
  • Shovel                                  1214
  • Wheel Barrow                   413
  • Mattocks                             111
  • Cross Cut Saw                    41
  • Saddle Riding                     285
  • Bridles                                  262
  • Pack Saddles                      101

On Issue

  • Tents, Circular                    130
  • Tents, Indian                      14
  • Waterproof Sheets         58
  • Blankets                               275
  • Axe Felling                          235
  • Axe Pick                               239
  • Hook Fern                           90
  • Hook Bill                               35
  • Spade                                   400
  • Shovel                                  291
  • Wheel Barrow                   85
  • Mattocks                             18
  • Cross Cut Saw                    14
  • Saddle Riding                     48
  • Bridles                                  48
  • Pack Saddles                      47[3]

Inspections

While not a comprehensive compilation, Gorton, in his role as Inspector of Stores, carried out inspections during the specified period at the following locations:

  • July 1870, Auckland
  • August 1870, Wanganui and Napier
  • December 1870, Wanganui and Auckland
  • April 1871, Christchurch
  • May 1871, Dunedin
  • June 1871, Auckland, Tauranga, Thames

Mount Albert Powder Magazine

In February of 1871, newspapers carried reports about a rumour circulating regarding the arrest of an individual suspected of attempting to ignite the powder magazine at Albert Barracks. These allegations’ accuracy remained uncertain, spurring a call to implement strict measures to safeguard the magazine from potential incidents. Interestingly, changes had occurred after the British Garrison’s departure; formerly, not even a lit pipe or cigar would have been permitted past the vigilant sentry at the gates. However, the entry regulations had since been relaxed, even allowing for firing rockets within the Barrack-square on multiple occasions. This alteration raised concerns about the decline in vigilance.[4]

Adding to the discomfort was the realisation that the amount of powder stored within the Albert Barrack magazine exceeded the quantity recorded in official documents. The concern stemmed from the potential for an explosion capable of causing catastrophic damage to Auckland, resulting in the loss of numerous lives across a wide area. Given the magazine’s central location within a densely populated city, urgent appeals were directed towards the authorities, urging them to exercise the utmost caution and explore the possibility of relocating the magazine to a safer site.. Satisfyin the demand of the local population, an announcement was made in March that the Powder Magazine was to be transferred from Albert Barrack to Mount Eden.[5] In May of 1871, the process of soliciting bids for the construction of a powder magazine at Mount Eden was initiated.[6]

Rifle Sights

After a thorough inspection of a batch of rifles by the armourers revealed unauthorised modifications to the sights, Gorton issued a directive in November 1870. This directive brought attention to the fact that specific rifles had been subject to unauthorised alterations to their back sights. Gorton’s instruction explicitly stated that any rifles found to have been altered should be immediately returned to the stores. Additionally, he warned that volunteers using the modified rifles during Government prize competitions would be disqualified.

Iron Sand Experiments

Armorurer and Artificer Edward Metcalf Smith had amassed several years of experience in the iron industry before commencing a gunsmith apprenticeship at the Royal Small Arms factories in London and Enfield, followed by a tenure at the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich. Arriving in New Zealand in 1861 as the Garrison Armorer, he progressed to the role of armourer for the Taranaki Militia and Taranaki Rifle Volunteers in 1864. While in Taranaki, he developed a keen interest in establishing a viable iron industry using Taranaki iron sands.[7]

By 1871, Smith had relocated to Wellington, assuming the position of Defence Armourer. Leveraging the resources of the Armourers shop, he persisted in refining his iron sand smelting process through experimentation and innovation.[8]

Notes

[1] District Sub Storekeepers roles encompassed dual responsibilities. These holders often held other functions, such as Militia Drill Instructors or Sub Storekeepers for the Public Works Department. In certain instances, Armed Constabulary Sub-Storekeepers also undertook the role of District Sub Storekeepers.

[2] Inspector of Stores Edward Gorton, Reporting on system of Store Accounts and with returns of Arms Ordnance Ammunition ans various Stores, Archives New Zealand Item ID R24174887, (Wellington: New Zealand Archives, 17 August, 1870).

[3] Edward Gorton, Reporting on system of Store Accounts and with returns of Arms Ordnance Ammunition ans various Stores.

[4] “The Power magazine  “, New Zealand Herald, Volume VIII, Issue 2196 (Auckland), 8 February 1871, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18710208.2.11.

[5] “Local Epitome,” New Zealand Herald, Volume VIII, Issue 22i8 (Auckland), 6 March 1871, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18710306.2.5.

[6] “The Power magazine  “, New Zealand Herald, Volume VIII, Issue 2278 (Auckland), 15 May 1871, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18710515.2.14.

[7] “Edward Metcalf Smith,” NZETC.victoria.ac.nz. , 1993, accessed 9 April, 2023, https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/2s31/smith-edward-metcalf.

[8] “Experiments with Iron Sand,” Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXVII, Issue 4901, 27 May 1871, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/DSC18710527.2.19.

Defence Preparations – New Zealand Defence Stores 1911

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The passing of the Defence Act 1909 heralded a transformation of the Defence Forces of New Zealand, establishing a military system that influenced the organisation, training and recruitment of the New Zealand Army into the early 1970s. Coming into effect on 28 February 1910, The Act abolished the existing Volunteer system, in its place creating a citizen-based Territorial Army from the units, regiments and Corps of the Volunteer Army.[1]  The Territorial Army’s personnel needs would be maintained by a system of Compulsory Military Training (CMT), requiring the registration of all boys and men between the ages of fourteen and twenty-one years of age.[2] The challenge for Captain James O’Sullivan and the staff of the Defence Stores, an organisation already markedly transformed since 1900, was to meet the material need needs of the growing citizen army that New Zealand was creating.

At Buckle Street, Wellington, during the 1913 waterfront strike. Smith, Sydney Charles, 1888-1972: Photographs of New Zealand. Ref: 1/2-048786-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22820606

The following article published in the New Zealand Times on 8 December 1911 provides an eyewitness account of the activities of the Defence Stores in support of the growing citizen army.[3]

While politicians are prating about the cost of the defence scheme, and its more direct enemies are peregrinating from street corner to street corner with soap boxes, the scheme itself is being steadily proceeded with. Some people probably fail to realise what it means to inaugurate an entirely new system of military defence. The necessary legislation came first, then the mapping out of the requirements in men and money, then the excitement of enrolling, and now there is proceeding the part, of which the public see little and hear little, but which perhaps is the most troublesome of all, and materially the most important, viz., the arming and the equipment of themen.

This task is being carried out at the Defence Stores in Buckle Street, Wellington. It requires a visit there to realise the thought, the work, the experience, that are necessary to carry out a big work of this description. When you enter the Buckle Street stores and see the busy toilers and the preparations for the distribution of arms and clothing over the Dominion, you realise that a big work is in progress.

For instance, the uniforms for the territorials have for the past week or two been arriving. So far the outfits for about nine thousand men in a more or less state of completion, have come, to hand. These all have to be sorted out and shelved. They are in graded in sizes, an ingenious system of measurement, the product of the brain of Captain O’Sullivan, Director of Defence Stores, has been applied, whereby almost any sized youth be fitted. Measuring has been proceeding in the various centres. A form is filled up by the regimental quartermaster for each recruit, and these forms are now arriving at the depot. Next weak commences the task of sending out the uniforms. Each man also gets an overcoat, a felt hat, and a forage cap. Every branch of the service will wear putties instead of leggings. The uniforms in hand at present fill multitudes of shelves—indeed, the place wears the appearance of a busy warehouse. Every article of clothing is the product of New Zealand mills. There is a absolute uniformity of colour, so that the whole New Zealand defence force, from the North Cape to the Bluff, will on mobilisation, present no spectacle of detached units, but one uniform whole. Distinguishing colour badges and trouser stripes will mark the branches of the service, green denoting the mounted, men, and red the infantry. The senior cadets will have neat blouses and long trousers. So far the uniforms in stock comprise only a small portion of what yet remains to be handled. A new brick building is in the later stages of completion for their safer storage. The felt hats are the product of the National Hat Mills, Wellington, and are really a very excellent article. Many large packing cases are stacked in the yards waiting to be dispatched with these goods to the territorial centres.

But this is only one branch of the industry. In other sheds are stacked camp paraphernalia, tents, marching outfits of the latest pattern, containing, in addition to bayonet, water-bottle, overcoat, etc., a handy trenching tool, bandoliers, field outfits, including telephones and heliographs; much leather goods; service boots, which the department is selling, at option, to the men at a low fee, and many other requisites.  Outside in the yard is a new pontoon bridge, lately come to hand, a rather bulky apparatus that has not yet been used. Elsewhere are stored transit water tanks, a sample transport waggon (from which others will be manufactured in the Dominion). Necessary appliances for the eighteen-pounder guns have also been coming to hand, though the guns themselves have not yet arrived.

In other sheds are many large black cases. These contain the service rifles. It is not permitted that the public should know what stock of these is kept. It is a state secret that not even an Opposition order for a “return” could cause to be divulged. Recently, however, ten thousand were added to the stock. Just at present workmen are spending busy hours cleaning up and inspecting the rifles that have been received from the old volunteer corps. Every Government arm in the Dominion has been called in, and as a result every, man will have issued to him a nice clean rifle. It will be a new start over the whole Dominion. It would grieve the heart of the military enthusiast to see the condition in which some of the rifles have been sent In. There is undoubtedly great need for the new quartermasters in the various regiments, to see that this sort of thing does not recur. Some of the Wellington corps have been rather bad offenders. The comparatively slow process of cleaning these arms has been the cause of the delay in their reissue. Every rifle has 104 parts, and these parts are stocked in large quantities.

Of the Dominion’s ammunition store, also, the outsider can know nothing. This much, however, is for public information, that every Saturday morning the Director of the Defence Stores produces his ammunition balance book, to the Commandant, who then known from glancing over the pages exactly how every packet has been distributed and how each part of the Dominion is served.

The Buckle Street stores do not yet present the aspect of a Woolwich Arsenal, but things are very busy there; the will of the people is being given effect to at as rapid a rate as opportunity will permit; evidences are offered of the effective defence scheme now in active operation; and pleasing, indeed, is the outstanding fact that local industries are benefiting to an enormous degree from a new departure in defence that after all, is an admitted necessity.

Arms and Uniforms,” New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7978, 8 December 1911
Defence Stores, Bunny Street, Wellington. Goggle Maps/Public Domain
Former Defence Stores Compound, Buckle Street, Wellington The building on the right of the photo is the original 1911 Defence Stores building. The building on the left is the 1916 extension.
Former Defence Stores Compound, Buckle Street, Wellington.
Former Defence Stores Compound, Buckle Street, Wellington The building on the right of photo is the original 1911 Defence Stores building. The building on the left is the 1916 extension.

Notes

[1] Peter Cooke and John Crawford, The Territorials (Wellington: Random House New Zealand Ltd, 2011), 153.

[2] I. C. McGibbon and Paul William Goldstone, The Oxford Companion to New Zealand Military History (Auckland; Melbourne; Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000, 2000), Bibliographies, Non-fiction, 109-10.

[3] “Arms and Uniforms,” New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7978, 8 December 1911.

Auckland Defence Store, 1861 – 1903

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Throughout the early 1860s, elements from the Militia and Volunteers supported the Imperial troops undertaking the bulk of the military operations in the early years of the New Zealand Wars. In 1861 as George Grey assumed the role of Governor for a second term, Grey undertook a policy of conciliation while also preparing for war.  As General Cameron built up his Imperial forces, Gray reviewed and overhauled the citizen forces of New Zealand. In January 1862, new regulations for the volunteer force were issued, followed on 18 September by the Colonial Defence Act of 1862.  This Act saw the formation of the Colonial Defence Force, the first regular Force in New Zealand. Under the Quartermaster General of the Colonial Defence Force, Captain Robert Collins, the Colonial Store Department and the Militia Store Department assumed the store’s responsibility for the Militia, Volunteer and Regular Forces of New Zealand.

In Auckland, the Colonial Store Department and the Militia Store Department initially operated out of offices on Princes Street. However, approval was granted in October 1863 for the erection of a store adjacent to the Imperial Armoury near the Symonds street entrance to the Albert Barracks.[1]  The two Store Departments essentially carried out the same functions, and in 1865 the post of Superintended of Militia Stores held by Mr E.D King was disestablished with the responsibility for colonial defence stores centralised under the Colonial Storekeeper, Captain John Mitchell.

Military Store Albert Barracks 1871

A review of colonial defence with a reliance on local forces taking over from Imperial Forces saw the passing of the Armed Constabulary Act of 10 October 1867. This Act combined police and military functions into the regular Armed Constabulary (AC) Force. The AC Force was supported by Maori loyal to the crown, Militia and Volunteer units, with Defence Storekeepers in Auckland, Whanganui and Wellington providing the required logistic support.[2]

In April 1869, Lieutenant Colonel Edward Gorton was appointed as the Inspector of Defence Stores, establishing his office at Molesworth Street in Wellington, bringing all New Zealand’s Defence storekeepers under his control.  By January 1869, as the withdrawal of Imperial units became imminent, the dismantling of their central logistic hub at Auckland’s Fort Britomart and Albert Barracks had commenced, with military stores, including guns and ammunition that were not auctioned off to the public or purchased by the New Zealand Government, shipped to the United Kingdom. The departure of the British Military Storekeeper Joseph Osbertus Hamley in July 1870 marked the final withdrawal of Imperial Forces from New Zealand, with the Auckland Defence Store taking over ownership of the Armoury and Magazines located in Albert Barracks.

In May 1869, Captain John Mitchell was suspended as the Auckland Storekeeper due to unauthorised absences. Resigning in July, Major William St Clair Tisdall replaced Mitchell as acting Storekeeper. A small staff assisted Tisdall, some of whom had served in the stores since 1861, including

  • John Blomfield, Clerk
  • John Price, Clerk
  • David Evitt, Armourer Sergeant
  • Arms Cleaners
    • Mr’s F Gibbons,
    • J Penligan and
    • C.C Rockley

Following the departure of Imperial units, the future of Albert Barracks came under debate. In addition to the Defence Stores, the only other military use of the former barracks was by the local Militia and Volunteers, who retained a drill hall and utilised the parade round. The Auckland Improvement (Albert Barrack Reserves) Act of 1872 repealed previous Acts relating to the status of Albert Barracks and placed responsibility for the management and disposal of the land under the Auckland Improvement Commissioners.[3] The Auckland Improvement Commissioners drew up and oversaw plans to develop the bulk of the Barracks into a recreational reserve, with other areas subdivided into roads and plots of land for further development.

By 1871 the growth of Auckland now placed the ageing powder magazine in the centre of a built-up area, raising concerns about its safety. New powder magazines were constructed at Mount Eden, with the first stocks transferred from Albert Park to Mount Eden in September, following which the Albert Barracks magazines were demolished.[4]  With the Auckland district’s supply of ammunition now safely stored at Mount Eden under the care of the Defence Stores magazine keeper, Tisdall and the remaining staff of Storemen and Armourers remained at Albert Barracks.[5] Initially located in the old Imperial Armoury building at the Symonds Street entrance of Albert Barracks, it was considered an obstruction to the Commissioner’s projected improvements.[6] To allow the extension of Princes Street and subdivision of the land between Princes and Symonds Street, in July 1873,  the Defence Stores had been moved into the well-constructed stone building that had previously been the Barracks hospital.[7] The new building included ample accommodation for warlike stores, including small workshops and a forge.[8] The only remnant of the site of the old Armoury were two Russian 18-pounder guns taken at the Crimea and presented by the Imperial Government to the colony of New Zealand in the late 1850s.[9]

The Defence Stores building in Albert Park was described by the Auckland Star as the “hideous eyesore in Albert Park’ and considered a blight on the skyline as it obstructed the view from the park that had been established to replace the Barracks.[10]  By 1883 an agreement was reached between the Auckland Council and the Government, with a plot of land in O’Rourke Street provided to allow the relocation of the Defence Stores.[11] 

Queen St with Albert Barracks on the left hillside C1870-1979. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 898-9969

When the proposal was first mooted to relocate the Defence Store, plans were prepared in the Auckland Public Works office for a three-storied building equal in space to the present location. However, as it intended to centralise the operations of the Defence Stores in Wellington, the original design was countermanded with a design for a smaller building substituted. Tenders for the erection of the new Defence Stores building were published on 10 May 1883 for a building meeting the following specifications,

  • to be constructed of brick, two storeys in height, with a concrete foundation,
  • to have a frontage of 25 feet with a depth of 36 feet.
  • the ground floor was to have
    • a passage seven feet wide,
    • two 18×18 apartments,
    • a staircase leading from the ground floor to the upper storey
  • The upper floor subdivided into
    • An 18×8 office, compartment with lift,
    • a 14 x18 room
    • an 11 x 18 room
  • To the rear of the building
    • a 14×25 shed with an asphalted floor for gun carriages
    • a 6×14 coal shed,
    • a 14×20 Armourer’s shop.

Due to the considerable amount of material accumulated in the old Defence Stores over its many years of operation, Captain Sam Anderson, the Chief Defence Storekeeper, assisted in a stocktake of the old store as it was decommissioned, ensuring only essential materials were transferred to the new building.  Surplus stores were disposed of by tender or redistributed, including over 2000 obsolete muzzle-loading muskets relocated to the Defence Store in Wellington.[12] The old Stores building was soon demolished with much of the material used in the construction of the new building, with the only reminder of the military’s residence of Albert Park being a small portion of the Barracks wall and a few old cannons on display in the new ornamental gardens.

The New Defence Store in O’Rourke Street was one of the earliest purpose-built Storehouses built for New Zealand’s Military. Up to this period, many of the buildings utilised by the Defence Stores were inherited from the Imperial Forces or requisitioned commercial premises.

By 1888, the cost of maintaining a peacetime military had reached the point where cutbacks and savings across the Defence budget had to be made. As part of several reductions across the Defence Department, the Auckland Defence Store was drastically downsized, resulting in the retirement or redundancy of most of the staff. The closure of the Auckland Defence Stores was met with dismay, with the press questioning it as an absurd decision, with the New Zealand Herald noting in an editorial that the closure of the Auckland Defence Store was” solely arising from the Wellington authorities having want of local knowledge and of the requirements of the place.” This pushback on the closure of the Auckland Defence Store resulted in a short reprieve for  James Bloomfield, the Defence Storekeeper in Auckland, who had served since 1861, was granted a reprieve from redundancy and allowed to extend his tenure, retiring in December 1888, handing over the responsibilities of Defence Storekeeper for Auckland to Major John William Gascoyne of the New Zealand Permanent Militia.[13] Following Gascoyne’s departure in 1891, the responsibilities of Auckland Defence Storekeeper were assumed by the Adjutant of the Auckland Brigade Office, who oversaw the duties of the Magazine Keeper at Mount Eden, Mr J Hawthorn.[14]

Concurrent with the Adjutant taking over the Defence Storekeepers’ responsibilities, the Auckland Brigade Office was moved from its offices in the Auckland Supreme Court into the Defence Store O’Rourke Street building, from where the Adjutant conducted his duties related to the Auckland Volunteers and the Defence Stores.[15] This shared arrangement remained in place into the early years of the twentieth century and even saw a telephone installed in 1902.

Routine activities conducted by the Auckland Defence Stores in O’Rourke Street included various tenders to provide uniforms and repair equipment. Following the bloodless Dog Tax War of 1898, the Defence Store in O’Rourke street took custody of the surrendered arms, including [16]

  • one Winchester repeating rifle
  • one Winchester carbine
  • two Green’s American patent Snider breech-loading rifles
  • one Snider rifle
  • one muzzle-loading carbine
  • one Lee Bolt shotgun, single barrel
  • three breech-loading single-barrel guns.
  • three double-barrel breech loaders (nearly new)
  • ten double-barrel muzzle-loading guns
  • two single-barrel guns
  • four bundles of ammunition (various)

 In 1903 the Police expressed an interest in taking over the building as accommodation for the Auckland Police Commissioner. Following an inspection by the Defence Storekeeper, Mr James O’Sullivan, arrangements were made to transfer the Defence Stores from the O’Rourke Street Property to Mount Eden and hand the building over to the Police.[17] In 1904, the Defence Stores building handover to the Police was concluded, ending the sixty-year relationship between Auckland’s Albert Park and the Military.

The Police fully refurbished the former Defence Store Building into a residential villa. The building survived into the 1960s when it was demolished to allow the construction of Auckland University.

1905 view of the refurbished Defence Store building(Center of the photo next to Police Station)

Despite the construction of new buildings for the Defence Stores in Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin during the early 1900s, no new permanent buildings were constructed for the Auckland Defence Stores as the existing powder magazines at Mount Eden, constructed in 1871, were deemed sufficient to meet current and projected needs. Following the transition of the Defence Stores into the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps in 1917, a new Ordnance Depot was constructed for the Northern Region to replace the infrastructure at Mount Eden in the late 1920s. However, it was not in Auckland but at Hopuhopu in the Waikato. Temporary Ordnance Stores were established in Auckland during World War Two, utilising rented commercial premises.  In the post-war era, ordnance warehouses established at Syliva Park utilised buildings constructed for the United States Forces. Besides Explosive Store Houses at Ardmore, no permanent dedicated storage infrastructure was ever constructed for the RNZAOC in Auckland. 

The significance of the Defence Store building in O’Rourke Street is that, excluding smaller unit storehouses and ammunition storehouses, it remains the only purpose-built military warehouse constructed for the New Zealand Army in Auckland.

Notes

[1] Queen’s Redoubt Assistant Military Secretary, “Correspondence Stating That There Is No Objection to the Erection of a Store for Colonial Purposes Adjoining Armoury Albert Barracks,” Archives New Zealand Item No R24075932 (1863).

[2] M. R. Wicksteed, The New Zealand Army: A History from the 1840s to the 1980s ([Ministry of Defence, 1982), Non-fiction, 2-3.

[3] Under the provisions of the Public Domains Act 1860, the Auckland Military Reserves Act 1871 established the land that Albert Barracks occupied as Crown land.

[4] “New Power Magazine at Mount Eden,” New Zealand Herald, Volume VIII, Issue 2377, 7 September 1871.

[5] The Magazine Keeper was Mr J Broughton; Tindall’s other staff consisted of his Clerk Mr J Blomfield. Armourer Mr D Evitt and Three Arms Cleaners Mr’s F Gibbons, J Penligan and C.C Rockley. “D-13 Nominal Roll of the Civil Establishment of New Zealand on the 1st July 1872,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives (1872); “Nominal Return of Officer in Defence Department and Armed Constabulary Force on 1 July 1872,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1873 Session I, H-24a (1872).

[6] “Deputation from the Auckland Improvement Commissioners,” New Zealand Herald, Volume X, Issue 2859, 28 March 1873.

[7] “Militia Store Move,” Auckland Star, Volume IV, Issue 1087, 17 July 1873.

[8] “Wooden Building in Albert Barracks,” New Zealand Herald, Volume X, Issue 09, 30 September 1873.

[9] “Russian Guns,” New Zealand Herald, Volume XI, Issue 3927, 13 June 1874.

[10] “Albert Park Armoury,” Auckland Star, Volume XII, Issue 3523, 22 November 1881.

[11] Linking Princes and Symonds Streets, O’Rourke Street is now occupied by Auckland University, Captain Anderson, “Old Defence Store to Be Sold by Tender, All the Muzzle Loading Rifles to Be Sent by “Hinemoa”,” Archives New Zealand Item No R24280543 (1883).

[12] “Flashes,” Wanganui Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 5047, 27 April 1883.

[13] “Reductions in Civil Service,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1888 Session I, H-30, 11 May 1888.

[14] A. H. McLintock, ” Frederick John William Gascoyne,” http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/1966/gascoyne-or-gascoigne-frederick-john-william.

[15] “Volunteer Gossip,” Observer, Volume XI, Issue 656, (1891).

[16] “The Maori Trouble,” Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 114, 16 May 1898.

[17] Wellington Defence Storekeeper, ” Subject: Report of Inspection of Defence Stores Auckland. Again Urges Removal of Store from O’Rourke [O’rorke] Street to Mount Eden Cost to Be Met by Police Department ” Archives New Zealand Item No R24743403 (1903).

John Henry Jerred

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Located in Wellington’s Karori cemetery is the long-forgotten grave of John Henry Jerred, Assistant Defence Storekeeper, who died on 20 December 1902.  John Henry Jerred had served in Government service for twenty-two years from 1880 as a Police Constable, Engineer on Torpedo Boats, and as a storekeeper in the Defence Stores. However, losing a leg while in the Police had adversely affected his ability to gain life insurance, join a Friendly Society, or earn a fair wage leaving his family financially unprepared for his early death. Such was the standing and high esteem of John Jerred that his friends erected a fitting memorial to John’s life. Sadly, now in disrepair, John Jerred’s graveside and his life have long been forgotten. Thanks to the keen eyes of members of the NZ Remembrance Army, John Jerred’s resting place has been rediscovered and is on the path to refurbishment.

John Jerreds Headstone, Robert McKie Collecrion
John Jerreds Gravesite, Robert McKie Collecrion

Born in London in 1860, John was an engineer by profession and arrived in New Zealand around 1879 and commenced his career in Wellington.

Joining the Armed Constabulary on 1 February 1880, John undertook the required initial training and settled into the Depot Routine at the Armed Constabulary’s Mount Cook Depot in Wellington. In September 1880, John was one of many Armed Constabulary men sent to Ripapa Island in Lyttelton Harbour as guards for 160 Māori from Parihaka.

Ripapa Island was briefly utilised as a quarantine station with purpose-built accommodation for over 300 immigrants. However, with the more spacious Quail Island designated a quarantine station in 1875, Ripapa’s barracks were devoid of purpose until the government found a use for it as a prison for Māori Ploughmen that had been imprisoned without trial due to the Parihaka Māori settlement’s passive resistance campaign against the surveying and selling off its land by the government, which led to the 1881 Parihaka invasion.

[Medley, Mary Catherine] 1835-1922 :[Quarantine Island Port Lyttelton. 1880s or 1890s], Alexander Turnbull Library. the new Ripapa (known as Ripa) Island quarantine station included barracks, a hospital, service buildings, a barrack master’s cottage and a jetty.

Each guard was issued with a Snyder repeating rifle with 40 rounds of ball ammunition and an Adams revolver with 18 Rounds. A typical guard shift was for 24 hours, starting at 9 am. Daily routine allowed the prisoners out of their barracks for recreation from 9 am to 1 pm, and following lunch, from 2 pm to 6 pm, after dinner, they secured their prisoners in their barracks for the night. The guards were on shifts throughout the night to ensure that two were always awake. Following relief at 9 am, the old guard unloaded the streamer from Lyttleton of provisions and coal before cleaning their weapons and standing down for the rest of the day.

He was completing such a shift on 10 December 1880 when before standing down, John cleaned his revolver. On completion of cleaning his revolver, he reloaded it. However, he noticed a spot on the chamber that he had missed in his exhausted state, which he then cleaned and distracted with tiredness, accidentally discharged the revolver into his leg, shattering the thigh bone.

Admitted to Christchurch hospital, the leg was set. It was expected that after a period of recovery, Jonh might keep his leg with only a limp to remind him of the accident. Unable to return to full duty, John remained on light duties and, in July 1881, was posted to Wellington, where he took up duties as a librarian. However, John’s recovery was not going well, and in November 1881, he was admitted to Wellington hospital, with the only option being the amputation of his leg on 13 November. Now permanently disabled, John returned to his role as a librarian.

From the late 1870s, New Zealand had been under the spectre of incursion by Russia into the Southern Seas prompting what has become known as the Russia Scare. Cognisant of the potential threat, the New Zealand Government decided to construct fortifications and purchase torpedo boats to protect the harbours at Auckland, Wellington, Lyttleton and Port Chalmers. With Torpedo boats ordered and due for delivery in 1884, John’s skills as an Engineer became useful. On 17 May 1883, he was attested as an Artificer in the Permanent militia, taking charge of the machinery of the torpedo boats allocated to Wellington.

 

Example of a spar torpedo boat, http://navymuseum.co.nz/spar-torpedo-boats/

With the torpedo boats used on alternative weekends by the Wellington and Petone Naval volunteers, John could not remain on the torpedo boats when they took to the sea for their weekend exercises due to not holding the correct certification. To rectify this and increase his utility, John sat and passed the examination on 8 October 1883, gaining the required certification.

To service the construction of fortifications on the then remote Miramar peninsula, the Defence Department purchased the motor launch the SS Ellen Balance in 1885, with Jarred placed in charge of its engines in November 1885. However, with the ongoing maintenance of the Torpedo boats proving troublesome, John was put back in charge of them in January 1886.

Star Boating Club Submarine Mining Volunteer Corps, Shelly Bay, Wellington. Andrews, C J, fl 1979 :Photographs of the Star Boating Club Submarine Mining Volunteer Corps. Ref: 1/2-091774-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23233117

The Torpedo Boat SS Waitemata had been transferred to Auckland in 1885 and required an experienced engineer to keep it operational, so Jarred was transferred to Auckland on 20 April 1886 to take charge of the SS Waitemata. On 4 August 1886, John was attested for three more years’ service in the Permanent Militia.

Auckland’s climate was favourable for Jarred, but his time in Auckland was short, and in May 1887, he was recalled to Wellington to take charge of the Defence vessel SS Isabel as the Engineer & Stoker.

In 1887, John married Mary Ann Bell, and they had two children, Ida Isabel, born in 1888 and Harold Vincent, born 1 December 1894.

Despite John’s experience as an engineer, he was considered because of his disability, a liability. In a cost reduction exercise typical of the Defence Department, John was dismissed from the service under a scheme of only keeping physically able men employed on 22 February 1888. This dismissal did not sit well with John. He appealed the decision highlighting that the savings made in dismissing him were negated because it cost more to employ civilian engineers to fill the void left by his dismissal. John’s appeals, although supported by many, were unsuccessful in reversing his dismissal. However, he has offered the caretaker position for the Ministerial Residence on Tinakori Road in Wellington in compensation.

Returning to the employ of the Defence Department on 9 December 1889, John was appointed as Arms Cleaner in the Defence Stores. Under the Defence Storekeeper, Captain Sam Anderson, John was not utilised as an Arms Cleaner but was employed in Clerical and General Store Work. On the death of William Warren, one of the Defence Stores Storeman on 28 January 1894, John was appointed as Acting Storeman.

On 28 September 1899, the New Zealand Premier’ King Dick’ Seddon offered to the Imperial Government in London, in the event of war with the Boer Republics, the services of a contingent of Mounted Infantry for service in South Africa. The offer was accepted, and when war broke out on 11 October 1899, New Zealand was swept up in a wave of patriotic fervour. This mobilisation pushed the Defence Stores Department to its limits as it equipped the New Zealand Contingents to the war in South Africa. From 6 to 21 October 1899, under the direct supervision of the Under-Secretary for Defence, Sir Arthur Percy Douglas, the Defence Storekeeper Captain Anderson and his small staff spent up to 16 hours daily receiving, recording, branding and then dispatching all manner of essential items to the assembled Contingent at Karori Camp.

Clothing for a New Zealand Contingent being distributed at the Defence Stores, Wellington. Auckland Libraries Heritage Images Collection
Fitting out a New Zealand Contingent at the Wellington Defence Stores. Auckland Libraries Heritage Images Collection

The Defence Stores were located at the Military reserve in Wellingtons Mount Cook, then known as Alexandra Barracks. The Stores buildings were old and not fit for purpose as they leaked and were cold and draughty. The hours worked by the Defence Stores Staff and the poor infrastructure took it’s toll on the Staff of the Defence Stores.

Scene in Mount Cook, Wellington, taken between 1882 and 1931 from Tasman Street, showing Mount Cook Prison/Alexandra Barracks (top, to left). Photographer unidentified.Ref: 1/2-066816-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22855721

On 7 December 1899, the Defence Storekeeper, Captain Sam Anderson, suddenly died. This was at a critical time as the Defence Stores Department, which after years of neglect, was at breaking point due to the mobilisation. Captain James O’Sullivan, a long-time and experienced member of the Defence Stores, succeeded Anderson as acting Defence Storekeeper.

Anderson’s Death was followed by the death of the Assistant Defence Storekeeper, Mr Thomas Henry Sewell, in June 1900. John replaced Sewell.

With further contingents sent to South Africa, the pace of work at the Defence Stores did not lessen. Despite his disability, John had a robust constitution. Still, the strain of long hours and a poor working environment took a toll on his system, leading to an attack of acute pneumonia, and after four days of illness, John died on 20 December 1902 at the age of forty-six.

John’s death was unfortunate for his family and placed them in a dire financial position. Having lost one of his legs, John was ineligible for life insurance and could not join a Friendly Society. His salary was so small that it prevented him from making adequate provisions for his family’s future. To make ends meet, Mary attempted to find work but illness and hospitalisation requiring surgery incapacitated her further. Some relief was found when she partitioned the Premier and the House of Representatives for assistance on two occasions. Her petitions were supported by John’s long service and supporting statements from prominent Defence Department and Government members. The Under Secretary of Defence stated to the House that John “was highly valued as a most efficient Clerk and thoroughly zealous and painstaking officer by his immediate superiors.” Also assisting Mary in her petitions were several articles in the press that highlighted the poor working conditions in the Defence Stores and how those poor conditions had contributed to the poor health of many of the Defence Stores staff. Mary’s petitions were successful, and she was granted two grants, each of €50 (2021 NZ$9,319.35).

Considering John’s service, when Mary decided to relocate her family to Woolston in Christchurch in 1903, the Minister of Railways covered the expenses for her household removal from Wellington to Christchurch.

A wide circle of friends deeply regretted John’s death. As a tribute to their departed friend, they covered the costs of erecting a memorial stone at John’s grave in the Karori Cemetery.

Copyright © Robert McKie 2021