A MAORI WAR VETERAN

Taranaki Daily News, 5 January 1927, Page 10

A MAORI WAR VETERAN

THE LATE ROWLAND PEGLEY. STIRRING EXPERIENCES. (Contributed.) Recently there was a “passing over” of one of the few remaining veterans of the Maori War, Rowland H. Pegley, of Waitara. He served with No. 2 Division of the Armed Constabulary from 1808 to 1371, and was engaged in all the fighting with his division from Wanganui to New Plymouth. From Waitara he was shipped to Wliakatane, and with his division formed part of Colonel St. John’s column that marched up the River Whakatane into the Urewera country. He was present in all the fighting which took place. He was then with General Sir George Whitmore when at Ruatahuna. He, with his division, formed the rearguard of the column on the retreat to Ahikeruru. All were later sent to the support of Colonel Herrick, who was attacking the Urewera natives under Te Kooti, from Lake Waikaremoana. On the Government deciding to abandon the attempt to cross the lake, all were sent to Taupo, and, under Colonel Mac Donnell, took part in engagements in Taupo and Tepapa. Mr. Pegley was with his division until the cessation of hostilities, and on the breaking up of the division he, with others, formed a portion of the force occupying Taupo under Major Scannell in 1885.

Many were the stirring engagements Mr. Pegley could relate, and very entertaining he was. Mr. Pegley suffered and endured many hardships in ensuring that all might enjoy peace Mid happiness.