Life and times of a pioneer

Jennifer Ashton, author of At the Margin of Empire: John Webster and the Hokianga 1842-1900, published recently by Auckland University Press, will speak about the man, his times and her book at Village Arts gallery in Kohukohu on Saturday week (June 13).

Born in Scotland in 1818, John Webster arrived in New Zealand in 1841, and spent most of the rest of his life in the Hokianga. He fought alongside Tamati Waka Nene in the Northern War, married one of Nene's relatives, and carved out a fortune as the region's leading timber trader. He was a friend of Frederick Manning and in the course of his colourful life met many luminaries of the day, including George Grey and Richard Seddon.

“Jennifer, who graduated with a PhD in history from the University of Auckland in 2012, uses John Webster's life as a lens through which to view the early history of New Zealand,” gallery spokesman Wally Hicks said. “An intimate and revealing account of life at this time, Webster's biography also explores the wider transformation of relationships between Maori and Pakeha during the 19th Century.”

A personal connection dating back almost 20 years, to a trip to Opononi, had inspired Ms Ashton’s writing about John Webster and the Hokianga. Described by Paul Little in North & South as “a fascinating portrait of both man and milieu,” the book had received numerous favourable reviews.

At the Margins of Empire is available at the Village Arts boutique Art and Heritage.

Meanwhile Mr Hicks expected Ms Ashton’s presentation (starting at 2pm) to attract keen interest, and recommended contacting the gallery (gallery@villagearts.co.nz, phone (09) 405-5827, to book a seat. Food and beverages will be available from the Koke Hotel and Cafe next door.