OBITUARY

Southland Times, Issue 20615, 13 October 1928, Page 7

OBITUARY

JOHN MacINTOSH ROBERTS. (Per United Press Association.) Rotorua, October 12. The death is announced of Mr John Macintosh Roberts, N.Z.S.C., the oldest veteran of New Zealand's wars. Born in Bombay (India) in 1840, he arrived in the Dominion in 1855, served with distinction in the Maori wars, afterwards holding an important civic position as warden and magistrate. He retired in 1909 to his home at Rotorua. Two sons and two daughters survive him. MAORI WAR VETERAN. Wellington, October 12. Lieut.-Colonel J. M. Roberts, whose death is reported from Rotorua, was a well-known figure in the Maori wars. He joined Major Jackson's Forest Rangers in 1863 and later Von Tempsky’s corps. He took part in many engagements, notably Orakau, Ngututoeanu, Moturoa and Ngatapa. In 1869 he was Officer Commanding the Urewera expedition column, was mentioned in despatches and was awarded (he New Zealand Cross. From 1870 to 1878 he was Officer Commanding in the Taupo and Tauranga districts. From 1879 to 1881 he was Officer Commanding in Taranaki and also commanded at Parihaka. In 1886 he became Officer Commanding the Permanent Militia and relinquished his military duties in 1888 and was appointed resident magistrate, finally retiring in 1909.