Archibald Hood (1824-1913)

Archibald Hood was born in Scotland in 1826 and arrived in New Zealand as a Sergeant-Major with the Royal Artillery in 1861. He was later awarded medals for his service in Crimea and New Zealand and discharged in New Plymouth after 21 years in the military. As a veteran he was selected to unveil the Royal Artillery hatchment at St Mary's Church in 1909. 

In the 1880s and 1890s Hood published four small booklets which were printed locally by the Taranaki Herald or Thomas Avery: Oronoa - A Story of Paritutu (1887), The Sunken Island - A Maori Legend (1887), Dickey Barrett - With His Ancient Mariners (1890) and Johnny Fro - A Fairy Tale (1894).

Hood was also known for his patriotic poems, some of which were published in the Taranaki Herald. But he was best remembered for his gift of a maze, composed of several thousand boxthorn plants, to Pukekura Park in 1892.

Archibald married Mary Hoskin (nee Lye) after her husband died in 1860. Mary was a successful local businesswoman running Victoria House, a general store and grocery. She died in 1902 and is buried in Te Henui Cemetery.

Archibald Hood died on 2 January 1913 and is buried with Mary in Anglican Block B Row 32 of Te Hēnui cemetery. Their headstone features the following inscription:

In Memory of Mary

Beloved Wife of A. Hood

Died 2nd Nov 1902 Aged 75 Years

Also Archibald Hood

Sergeant Major Royal Artillery

Fought in Crimea

Died 2nd January 1913 Aged 89 Years