Major Von Tempsky

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 6, 2 October 1937, Page 3 (Supplement)

Major Von Tempsky

I read the article by “Gem” in your columns, and can endorse his remarks. But there is an error in spelling the compound word ‘‘Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu.” Whether the writer or the printer marde the mistake, I know not. The last word is spelt “Mau” in lieu of “Manu.” I point this out because it is apt to go down in history in the wrong form. The Major, as I knew him and his Rangers, was the embodiment of an ideal soldier. It is well known how the Government of the day, after an engagement, gave him a dinner, and the Premier said thereat "that Major Von, Tempsky had done more to raise the character of the colonial force than had been achieved by any officer during the war; that he was the great bulwark of the self-reliant policy; that he was the lion of the hour.” Notwithstanding such an outburst in the Major’s favour, the next day he had orders to place himself and his men under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Fraser. Not to extend this, the gallant Major sent in his resignation rather than serve under a junior officer who had been jumped up because of “back-stair influence.” The Government declined to accept his resignation and placed him under arrest. And also deprived him of his sword. The Major ultimately withdrew his resignation. However, he served, and was shot at Te Ngutu-o-te-Manu, when gallantly defending his Rangers. > Mention is made of his sword. I have been told by a gentleman living in Wellington that the gallant Major’s sword is in a certain hall in Auckland. If my informant sees this, I trust he will himself disclose its hiding-place. —Mark Maxton (Greytown).