Author(s): Anna Rogers

New Zealand

Photos, Some Art, Document Reproductions (illustrator). 1st. Irish folk have long been a source of immigrants to various parts of the world and New Zealand has been no exception. In this book, sub-titled "The Story of the Irish in New Zealand", Anna Rogers follows the progression of Irish settlers to NZ -- her interest in the topic largely fired by stories of her grear-grandmother who arrived, with her sisters, in 1884 from County Rosscommon. Her "story" is an excellently woven combination of history, fact, anecdotes, recorded experiences, religious factors and the conditions in Ireland that prompted such massive exodus by so many to all corners of the world, but mainly to English speaking destinations. In an introductory note Anna Rogers explains the intent of this work as giving "a taste of why and how so many Irish people migrated ro New Zealand in the 19th century . to tell something of what happened to them after they arrived . to show at least some of the considerable contribution made to New Zealand's history by the Irish who chose this country as their home." That she achieved these objectives and more is revealed in what is a very fine account of the Irish aspect of early NZ settlement. Many of the originals were attracted during the gold rush period, including numbers from the Australian diggings, later the menfolk found work on major development projects throughout the country, particularly on railway expansion schemes. others turned to business, with the calling of publican being much favoured. On the other hand, others took up service in law enforcement. Religious differences between Irish Catholics and Irish Protestants travelled with the immigrants and caused some disturbances between rival factions, mainly on the NZ West Coast. These enmities eventually weakened as the settlers adapted the ways of their new hoameland. However, the loyalty of the Irish to the Catholic faith remaind strong, was an important factor in their community life and was undoubtedly influential in developing what the author describes as "Irish Pride." The place of Irish women settlers is not overlooked, and there are sad tales of exploitation of young women in domestic service, but also of others who succeded against all the odds, some when becoming widowed. Rogers traces the political power weilded by those of Irish descent back to NZ's first Governor, William Hobson, later several Irish men, or desendents therof, would take up Prime Ministerial responsibilities, with Sir Joseph Ward becoming the first Catholic premier. Others established major business firms, became eminent in legal circles, academia or as writers and artists. Readers do not need to have Irish ancestors to enjoy and learn about the contributions Irish immigrants made to NZ's pioneering and development. First edition from Random House, 1996, 246 pages including references, bibliography and index, illustrated throughout with b/w, photos, some art, document reproductions.