Johnstone, Leslie (Mrs), active 1917

Date: 1917, 2011

By: London, Karol, active 2011

Reference: MS-Papers-10803

Description: Collection comprises a typescript and manuscript article `Notes on the Maori disturbances in New Zealand during 1868 & 1869. By a Danish officer'. This article was originally written in Danish in 1868 by Hans Thiele and later translated into English. This translation was written by Thiele and his daughter Marie Madeleine Thiele (see note at end of article). Thiele served with the yeomanry cavalry who aided the Armed Constabulary and the Colonial Government troops under Colonel Whitmore who were fighting Titokowaru's forces in the South Taranki region. The war was engaged over rights to confiscated land and this history is highlighted in these accounts. Beginning at Wairoa (Waverley) this first hand account is detailed and gives a great insight into the tactics and practices of the colonial forces and Titokowaru's warriors, and their various military engagements. Thiele indicates the number of casualties and comments on the Hauhau's rites of cannibalism and the practice of removing the human heart from those slain in battle. Theile comments on pa sites, redoubts and fortifications. The narrative traces the defeat of the colonial troops in the early part of the campaign in 1868 then continues into 1869 as Colonel Whitmore purses Titokowaru at the Waitotara River and on to Patea. The article ends with Thiele detailing the removal of fifty Maori prisoners by the paddle steamer `Sturt' from Wanganui to Wellington. Includes photocopy of Thiele's obituary `Old colonist dies' published in the Fiji Times, 27 June 1917. Also a detailed biography of Hans Thiele compiled by Karol London. Source of title - Supplied by Library Hans Henrick Thiele was a Captain in the Danish Army (1864). Fought with the yeomanry cavalry in Taranaki against Titokowaru (1869). From New Zealand he travelled to South America, Britian and Fiji. Died in Suva in 1917. Quantity: 1 folder(s). 0.01 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Typescripts & printed material Transfers: Collection taken into the Manuscripts Section, transfers made from there. - To Photographic Archive - Black and white photographic print of Edith and Hans Thiele at Nausori in Fiji.