John Taiaroa
John Grey Taiaroa (16 September 1862-31 December 1907), of Ngai Tahu descent, was an All Black Halfback who played nine matches for the team in 1884, the warm-up in Wellington and all eight matches of the tour of New South Wales; New Zealand played and won all eight games. There were no test matches on the tour, as there was not yet an Australian national team, and wouldn't be until 1903.[1]
Born in Otakou, the son of Hori Kerei Taiaroa, a New Zealand Member of Parliament, Taiaroa played school-boy rugby for Otago Boys' High and then for the Otago provincial side. He went on to set a national record in the long jump and represent Hawke's Bay in cricket during the 1890s.[2][3]
In 1886 Taiaroa hit the headlines after signing his father's name on a promissory note. Despite a warrant being issued for his arrest in was not served and the charges were later dropped.[4][5]
He spent most of his life as a lawyer in Hastings.
References
- ^ "THE FAMOUS MAORI FOOTBALLER, JACK TAIAROA". jottingsonrugby.com. 2011 [last update]. Retrieved 21 December 2011.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|year=(help) - ^ "John Grey Taiaroa : New Zealand All Black". rugbymuseum.co.nz. 2011 [last update]. Retrieved 21 December 2011.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|year=(help); no-break space character in|title=at position 5 (help) - ^ "John Taiaroa | New Zealand Cricket | Cricket Players and Officials". espncricinfo.com. 2011 [last update]. Retrieved 21 December 2011.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|year=(help) - ^ "Papers Past — Star — 5 May 1887 — MAGISTRATE'S COURT". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 2011 [last update]. Retrieved 21 December 2011.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|year=(help) - ^ "Papers Past — Daily Telegraph — 14 May 1887 — THE CHARGE AGAINST YOUNG TAIAROA DISMISSED". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 2011 [last update]. Retrieved 21 December 2011.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|year=(help)