THREE VON TEMPSKY LETTERS

Turnbull Library Record, Volume 10, Issue 2, 1 October 1977, Page 54

THREE VON TEMPSKY LETTERS

G. F. Von Tempsky

G. F. Von Tempsky Major F.R.

Sharon Dell

Gustavus Ferdinand von Tempsky has become one of New Zealand’s few folk heroes; his name conjures up a vision of a man with black curls, open-necked shirt, trousers tucked into knee-length boots, a revolver in his belt and a curved sword held high, dashing courageously into action. Apart from the glamour which he injected into it, von Tempsky made a notable impact on the history of New Zealand during his short career. The tactics, based on his South American experience, which he introduced to the field and the self-reliance and independence with which he conducted his campaigns are recognised as having had a vital influence in developing and directing the quality and effectiveness of the Colonial Defence Force. Increasingly, too, his artistic legacy is being appreciated and acknowledged. His watercolours with their strength of colour and vigorous design have a compelling immediacy and are of no small historical interest as unique records of incidents in the wars of the 1860 s.

It was with some delight, therefore, that two previously unrecorded letters were found in an autograph book belonging to Walter Mantell. Dated June and October 1867, they fit together with another already held of August the same year and record the difficulties which he was experiencing at a time when (according to standard biographical sources) his life was a picture of domestic bliss. In 1866 the Forest Rangers had been abruptly disbanded and von Tempsky had returned to Auckland where he apparently relaxed with his family. Free from the constant anxieties of the wars he could give practical expression to his appreciation of the beauties of nature by tending his garden, indulge his love of music and work up from his sketches a series of watercolours depicting scenes from the wars. The letters printed below not only present a more realistic view of this period but also a rare expression of his artistic intention.

Auckland June 29 [18]67

My dear Mantell I send this mail some pictures relating to Maori subjects to Wellington. Sir George Grey has kindly offered to see them raffled for me, and R. Pharazyn will do the work of arranging the raffle for me. Could I ask you to give me a lift in this matter?—l have studied Maori nature under a pictorial aspect and have done my best with the limited artistic practice I possess to give an exposition of my ideas on the subject, sufficiently true to nature to be recognisable and sufficiently idealized to suit artistic purposes. If my exposition therefor does not

offend your more complete experience—would you give me your support in the raffle; also—should you think that I am a fair exponent of that curious and original race of beings —would you go a step beyond and think how my abilities in that department might be further employed. The present Govt, has left me stranded high —and dry —on my former laurels—and does not think it advisable to give me another chance for new ones —Pounds shillings & pence therefor have become an important consideration in my daily life with a rising family. If therefor you could see a way of offering further employment to my brush you would confer a great favour on yours very sincerely

P.S. The pictures are addressed to Pharazyn and will be exhibited at the Club. The second letter, together with the draft title page it mentions, was found in the Library’s copy of the first volume of the Wellington Punch which had been in the possession of Robert Pharazyn, to whom the letter is addressed. Auckland Aug 1 [18]67

My dear Pharazin I just write to let you see a specimen of lithographic pen work—or rather an imitation of it. It is supposed to represent the title page of a Wellington Punch. I suppose there is not sufficient enterprise in Wellington to furnish capital for a venture like that; though I still think it would pay properly pushed and economically managed. Keep the specimen as a small memento from me. I fear I have given you much trouble with my pictures. The Maori horizon here looks exceedingly threatening, though the majority of people are poohpoohing all danger. A small goldfield has opened at the Thames. As a step to an opening up of the whole Thames district it is a matter of considerable importance to Auckland. With many remembrances to the Lomaxes I remain yours very sincerely G. F. Von Tempsky Wellington Octob. 23 [1867]

My dear Mantell I am off tomorrow to Wanganuy—to command a composite force of rangers and maories—Allow me to express my thanks for your sympathy during my “eclipse”— Hypatia contains one of the most harrowing descriptions ever penned —the massacre of the Lybran prisoners in the amphitheatre—

Wether the powerful writing can condone the want of artistic tact in the choice of the subject is I suppose an open question. Many thanks for the books —I remain yours very sincerely

More details of the paintings mentioned are in a report published in the Wellington Independent of 11 July 1867, p. 3: EVENTS OF THE NEW ZEALAND WAR. There are now on view in the Club some cleverly painted pictures on maori subjects from the brush of a well-known gallant officer of the colonial forces. The pictures are six in number and represent “Takapua [sic] Lake, North Shore,” “Officer of Military Train cutting down a rebel at Nukumaru,” “A Hauhau Country,” “Attack on Burrt’s [sic] Farm,” “The Maoris leaving Orakau Pa,” and “A Maori Ambush, Wanganui”. We believe the pictures are to be raffled under the distinguished patronage of Sir George Grey.

It has not been possible to trace the fate of these paintings beyond 16 July 1867 when the Wellington Independent notes (p. 3) that the pictures “have been removed by the kind permission of Dr Hector, to the Colonial Museum, where they are now on view pending arrangements being made for their disposal by raffle”, but it is clear from the titles listed in the report of 11 July that among them were several now proudly held in public collections.