Chapter 5 - The Armed Constabularies

Three years after Robert William Kirkby disappeared, Robert Kershaw enlisted with the Engineer Volunteer Militia (EVM) in Waikato. The EVM was formed in 1873, consisting of three companies under the command of Major I.R. Cooper, to fulfill dual roles in defense and public works. Their primary task was assisting in the construction of the railway line between Mercer and Ngaruawahia, a route that traversed swamps, clay, and rocky terrain. Their work included swamp drainage, earthworks, cuttings, embankments, culverts, and preparing the railway’s foundation for tracks. A total of 130 men were enrolled in the EVM.

The men were stationed across three key sections—Mercer to Rangiriri as No. 1 Company under Captain Rowe, Rangiriri to Taupiri as No. 2 under Captain Howell, and later, Taupiri to Ngaruawahia as No. 3 under Captain Schofield. Robert Kershaw joined as a Corporal, possibly in December 1873, for a period of 18 months.

A Corporal’s wage was relatively decent at six shillings and sixpence per day. The “Turning of the First Sod“ took place on 10 January 1874, marked ceremoniously by placing a shamrock, thistle, rose, and a flax leaf on the first sod to represent the diverse nationalities involved in the railway’s construction. He was stationed at Rangiriri with 60 men of No. 2 Corps, also known as the Auckland Corps. The work was grueling and physically demanding. Each weekday began before dawn with a stand-to, followed by guard mounting, drills, and continuous labor until tattoo at 8:30 p.m. Sundays were not a day of rest, as a compulsory church parade was required. Despite these challenges, progress on the railway moved steadily. However, Major Cooper, dissatisfied with aspects of the corps’ conduct, resigned. His departure marked the beginning of corruption, fraud, and misconduct within the corps, leading to a court inquiry the following year.

On 25 October 1874, Mauruuru Pango Tarawhiti of Ngāti Ruanui gave birth to Robert Kershaw's first son in Waikato, naming him Eruera Matewhitu Kershaw, after Eruera Matewhitu of Waikato (Ngāti Māhuta). That same day, a tragic canoe accident occurred on Lake Kimihia near the coal mines in Rahuipokeka (modern-day Huntly), resulting in the drowning of Sergeant James Phillips of the EVM. Phillips, Kershaw, and Sergeant Michael Foley had ventured onto the lake for a leisure trip when sudden strong winds overturned their canoe. None of the men could swim. While Foley and Kershaw managed to cling to the capsized canoe and eventually drift to shore after three hours in the water, Phillips lost his grip and drowned. His body was recovered the following day by Kershaw and others among the reeds near the shore.

An inquest was held at the Coal Mines Hotel in Huntly, where both Kershaw and Foley testified. Foley recounted the suddenness of the disaster and the futile attempts to save Phillips as he slipped beneath the water. Kershaw confirmed the harrowing experience, emphasizing the strong winds and waves that made survival nearly impossible. The jury returned a verdict of “accidentally drowned by the upsetting of a canoe in Kimihia Lake.” Tributes to Phillips revealed that he was highly regarded in his company and had served as a trumpeter in the Military Tram before joining the EVM. Interestingly, Foley was another deserter from the 18th Irish Regiment who had left just two weeks after Robert. Unlike Kershaw, he did not bother changing his name. Foley died a few years later from injuries sustained in a drunken altercation in Wellington.

Robert Kershaw completed his 18-month service with the EVM. By September 1875, the EVM was disbanded, with many members transitioning to private railway contracts. The contribution of the EVM to railway construction was recognized in the Public Works Statement of 1874, which praised their efforts in laying the groundwork for one of New Zealand's early railways. In 1875, Robert and Mauruuru’s daughter, Erana Kershaw, was born.

Between 1876 and 1878, Robert and Mauruuru had three more children: Rangipuano Kershaw, born in 1876 at Otākeho, Taranaki; Henry Mitai Kershaw, born in 1877; and Tamou Kershaw, born in 1878 at Otākeho in Taranaki.

On 4 October 1881, Robert Kershaw enlisted with the New Zealand Armed Constabulary and the following month on 5 November 1881, over 1,600 constables and volunteers, led by Major John Bryce, marched on Parihaka from the Pungarehu camp. Upon arrival, they were met with peaceful resistance. Following the instructions of their leaders, Te Whiti-o-Rongomai III and Tohu Kākahi, the people of Parihaka greeted the invading forces calmly. Children sang, and women offered food. Despite this, the Armed Constabulary forcibly entered the settlement, arrested Te Whiti and Tohu, and dismantled the community. Homes were destroyed, crops burned, and livestock confiscated. The Pungarehu blockhouse briefly served as a holding place for Te Whiti and Tohu after their arrests.

The Pungarehu Blockhouse and the surrounding Armed Constabulary Camp played a pivotal role during the Taranaki Land Wars, particularly in the infamous Parihaka campaign of November 1881. Established on 21 June 1880, the camp initially housed companies of the Armed Constabulary, later reinforced by volunteer forces from across New Zealand. By November 1881, it had grown to accommodate over 500 troops, including extensive facilities such as officer and soldier quarters, rifle ranges, stables, a telegraph office, canteens, two wells, a quarry, and a small guard redoubt west of the modern SH45.

While the Parihaka campaign achieved its immediate goals—dismantling the Māori resistance movement and consolidating Crown control over Taranaki—it was widely condemned internationally for its excessive force against an unarmed population. The events at Parihaka remain a stark symbol of colonial suppression and Māori resilience.

On 30 October 1882, Constable Robert Kershaw discovered the body of Constable Richard Madigan lying face down in a pool of blood inside the Pungarehu Blockhouse. Madigan, described as a reserved and temperate man, had been struggling with severe personal turmoil, including strained family relationships and growing paranoia about his comrades. In the days leading up to his death, his mental state deteriorated despite reassurances from his peers and superior officers.

On the morning of his death, fellow constables attempted to save him, but he succumbed to his injuries within half an hour. An inquest revealed that Madigan had taken his own life in a state of temporary insanity, driven by immense psychological pressures. The following month, Constable Robert Kershaw was discharged at Taranaki Parihaka on 20 November 1882, but remained with the New Zealand Army Constabulary until 10 December 1884, when he was discharged due to a reduction in field forces.

Less than six months later, on 18 May 1885, Robert re-enlisted, only to be discharged on 1 July 1885, in Wellington for being drunk.