Maori Wars - Telegraph Line

[Michael Dobbs]

A bit of a long shot - but as a result of our presence at STAMPEX we had an individual turn up and ask if we know of anyone interested in the Maori Wars and if so did they know anything of a Royal Engineers detachment from Chatham responsible for the installation of a telegraph line from Auckland down the Great South Road.

Thanks, Mike  :D

[Lindsay Chitty]

Just reading through some old posts. Gerald Ellott is a good starting point, who I believe is a member of the Society.

[gellott]

According to the Journals of the Deputy Quartermaster General of NZ D. GambleThe Electric Cable from Auckland to Pokeno (Queen's Redoubt, Stores arrived 7 February 1863, and work started on 11 March 1863 and the line was completed from Auckland to Drury 6 July 1863. Electric Telegraph through the bush from Drury to Queen's Redoubt 15 August 1863.
John Watts has made a specialised study of the Telegraph system in NZ and can be contacted at  <jlwatts463@gmail.com>
In the book "Road to War" Maurice Lennard, he records that Second-Corporal A.Brodie and Lance-Corporal Butcher RE arrived from England to advise on the construction. The work was delayed due to a shortage of poles. The cost of te first 17 miles was £360.
I am sorry that I culd ot be of more help but all my reference books and library have been donated to the Christchurch Philatelic Foundation. Gerald Ellott MNZM RDP