Photos recall ‘Dog Tax War’

Historic images have re-emerged of the “Dog Tax War”, alongside a trove of photographs of Northland’s social and economic life a century ago. Auckland Libraries staff have made digital copies of the images, captured by photographer Charlie Dawes, which go online today. Some will also go on show in an exhibition of his work which opens at the Central Library on Friday.

The so-called war or rebellion in the Hokianga district in 1898 was an armed standoff between some local Ma¯ ori and Government forces.

Ma¯ ori inland of Rawene refused to pay a dogregistration tax. After 40 or more summonses were issued in 1898, the dispute escalated.

Men “stripped for war and carrying guns” went to Rawene, wrote historian Angela Ballara. They intended to fight only if arrested.

The Government sent more than 120 armed men, two field guns and two rapid-fire guns. The British warship Torch anchored off Rawene.

Two shots were fired over the troops’ heads as they marched, possibly to warn of their approach.

A truce was negotiated and 16 were arrested. Some were later sentenced to prison, and others ordered to pay fines.

From England, Dawes (1867-1947) settled at Kohukohu on the northern side of the Hokianga in about 1896 and started a photographic studio around 1900.

Following donations and secondhand shop finds, the latest contribution being a gift from the photographer’s extended family, the library now holds more than 2000 Dawes glass-plate negatives.

“A lot are previously unseen photographs of the Dog Tax Rebellion in Rawene and Waima in 1898,” said principal photographs librarian Keith Giles. “He was a remarkably good photographer.”