Protected Plate

This glass plate negative, which dates to the early 1880s, depicts the military graves at Waihi Cemetery, located on Pikituroa Road near Waihi Redoubt in Normanby. Waihi Cemetery is the resting place for many officers and soldiers who died during the Taranaki Wars, particularly at the battles at Turuturumōkai and Te Ngutu o te Manu, the engagement at which Major Gustav von Tempsky was killed. Captain Frederick Ross, whose body was found with his heart removed after the battle at Turuturumōkai, is perhaps one of the most notable persons interred at Waihi Cemetery.

This particular glass plate is special because it is stored in a custom designed frame with wooden shutters to protect the glass. Mount Taranaki, visible in the background, has been etched into the glass plate by hand.