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For the past few months, I have spent a considerable amount of time reading the muster records of the 18th Royal Irish Regiment to gain a deeper understanding of Robert William Kirkby’s story. This was no small task, as it required reviewing over 3,000 pages of handwritten text. However, I am pleased that my persistence has paid off. As his story unfolded before me, I became even more motivated to uncover additional details.

So, what exactly are Muster Lists? From the early 18th century, regimental musters were conducted on a monthly or quarterly basis for payroll and accounting purposes. These, along with pay lists, served as the primary records of soldiers' active service. The muster rolls and pay lists documented key details such as a soldier's rank, general notes about their movements, and their pay. They also recorded any forfeits and disciplinary actions. These documents played a crucial role in maintaining service records for soldiers in the British Army. However, Muster Lists do not contain physical descriptions of soldiers, nor do they provide detailed information about their exact locations or the battles they participated in. To fill in these gaps, I turned to newspaper articles, diaries, dedicated websites, social media pages, and other sources. Through this research, I have uncovered several intriguing pieces of information. One of the most notable findings is that Robert William Kirkby may have enlisted with the 18th Royal Irish Regiment in Ireland rather than England. It is interesting to consider why he chose to join an Irish regiment. Shortly after the attack on the regiment at Drury by Ngāti Pāoa forces, Robert was promoted from bugler to the rank of Corporal, a position he held during the Battle of Orākau in 1864. However, not long after, he encountered disciplinary issues that led to his confinement before being demoted back to Private.

In December 1867, Robert’s status changed to "non-engaged." A few months later, he joined the 18th Regiment Band, which performed at major events in Auckland. Bandmaster Michael Quinn, a known cricket enthusiast, frequently organized matches, and Robert’s name appears in several newspaper reports documenting his participation. It is possible that Robert became "non-effective" again, which may have ultimately influenced his decision to desert the regiment.

Another intriguing discovery is that Michael Foley, a soldier from the 18th Royal Irish Regiment, also deserted. He fled just two weeks after Robert did. Foley and a man named Kershaw were later involved in an incident at Lake Kimihia, where a third individual, Phillips, drowned. Phillips had previously served as a bugler with the military tram, which could explain their connection.

Mauruuru was the mother of the 5 children of Robert Kershaw. Very little is known about her at all. On the death certificates of her three sons Ned, Puano and Mitai she is listed as:

• Mauruuru Pango of Ngati Ruapani

• Merita of Ngati Ruapani

• Mary Pango

On the 1908 Maori Voters Roll she lists her iwi as Ngati Ruanui, her hapū as Ngaruahine and Ngati Haua (a hapū at Otakeho, Taranaki), her address as Taikatu. Maori Land Court minute book references states she died February 1917 but there is no official death registration.  The only record we have so far of her giving evidence in court is the succession to her mothers cousin Waitara, from where our shares in the Ruaotemoko at Normanby derive. Here she states her mother as Ruahau, her brother as Tarawhiti and her sisters as Kaaro& Rangitamoana (the only living sibling at the time).  Ngāti Ruapani also has a whakapapa showing her as the daughter of Pango, and that Mauruuru Pango was listed as an owner in the Waikaremoana Block (not lake) in 1908. Later many of our tipuna received debentures. 

Uncle Hemi Kohi stated in court that she was of Tuhoe and Ngati Ruanui descent. 

Aunty Ngawaina Melbourne especially has been very adamant that we definitely whakapapa to Waikaremoana (see below). 

We know there is a connection with Waikato as her sisters Kaaro and Rangitamoana both married back into Huntly. Robert Kershaw served in the Engineer Volunteer Militia in Huntly area between 1873 and 1875. Her eldest son Eruera Matewhitu states Huntly as his birthplace in 1874, also being named after renowned Waikato ancestor Eruera Matewhitu from Taupiri. Her daughter Erana returns to Waikato and marries Kohi Takoro.  We know she had whakapapa to Ngati Haua in particular at Otakeho. We know she is buried at Taikatu, where her so Tamou was buried 3 years before her death in 1914.