Pitt Street (Normanby)

Two eponyms contend for Pitt Street in Normanby. They were father and son, and both named George Dean Pitt. The young Pitt joined the army in 1839, and in his career served in the 48th and 80th regiments.

In 1848 Governor George Grey appointed George Dean Pitt a Member of the Executive Council of the Province of New Ulster [the North Island]. When in charge as lieutenant governor during Grey's absence, he appointed his son as his private secretary. At the time of his father's death in 1851, the younger Pitt was aid-de-camp attached to the 80th Regiment.

Transferred to Victoria in 1858, the younger George Pitt showed himself an able administrator. By 1863, with the rank of major, he was inspector of musketry and commanded a battalion of militia. Assuming responsibility for the Victorian volunteer force, he was famously successful in organising and training the volunteers.

At the outbreak of war in the Waikato, Pitt was appointed military secretary to General Duncan Cameron, and served in the Waikato, Tauranga and Whanganui campaigns. At the start of the campaigns he was sent to Victoria to recruit volunteers for the Waikato Militia.  These men came on the promise of land for settlement at the end of their service.

After the departure of General Cameron, Pitt served with General Chute during the infamous march through Taranaki.

From 1872 until 1877, Pitt was employed in quartermaster duties at the Cape of Good Hope. Retiring to England in 1882, he was gazetted as Master of the Regalia in the Tower, a role more commonly known as the keeper of the Crown Jewels.

The author of 'Here and there memories' recorded only as H.R.N. remembers George Dean Pitt as an effective leader. He "never harassed and seldom punished men, and yet he held them in the bondage of his personality", while "he spoke in the sweetest voice that ever poured from under a moustache."

This story was originally published in the Taranaki Daily News.