David Stark Durie led a colourful life. From a childhood in Scotland and then Norway where his father, Charles Durie, was British consul, to fighting in Portugal and in the Spanish Carlist wars where he met Colonel William Wakefield who invited him to travel to New Zealand to assist in establishing the new colony.

Durie established himself as part of the administering 'elite' and was active in military and civil roles in Wellington, around the Porirua district and along the Kapiti Coast. He held no less than fourteen government appointments in New Zealand, ranging from the first Inspector of Armed Police, to Customs Officer and Police Magistrate at Waikanae and then Resident Magistrate at Wanganui where a number of place names commemorate his contribution to the city.

The book: 'By His Excellency's Command' gives a valuable insight to the life and times of this one of New Zealand's early pioneers. Bob Maysmor, the author, is David Stark Durie's great-grandson. He lives close to where Major Durie saw action against the Maoris in the late 1840s.

Hardcover, 216 pp incl. 8pp colour, over 200 photos, maps and illustrations, published by the author. ISBN 0-473-08872-X. Retail $49.95, only available from the author.

There is a fuller history of David Stark Durie coming soon. Bob Maysmor has very generously donated much of his research and archive to Dr Bruce Durie. We will be posting more information as this is all reviewed, collated and disseminated.

There are a very few copies remaining of Bob Maysmor's Book, 'By His Excellency's Command', which is out of print. If you are interested in purchasing a copy please make direct contact: Click Here