This photo is in our family photo collection. It is a man in the Canterbury Militia Uniform, c 1860s as confirmed by a man who knew about military history in New Zealand. A very old photo! I am not sure if it is a family member or a family friend. No one has written on the back of it which upsets me slightly. The guy in the photo looks very proud to be in the Militia. He has a 'C' on his cap for Canterbury and a good sturdy rifle next to him.
The Canterbury Militia is mentioned in the Cyclopedia of New Zealand if you click here
And there is also a list of men from 1860 on the Christchurch City Libraries website which is useful for seeing if any members of your family were in the militia around that date.
The library website says that it was compulsory at first to be in the militia from about 1845. The militia was mostly gone by 1869, hence why I think this photo is from around 1860s. None of my family where in New Zealand before 1860. Also the back of the photo has a very simple stamp on it, which was common in the 1860s.
I have wanted to get hold of records for later than 1860 but I don't think they exist, or if they do I haven't found them. If anyone knows I would appreciate help on this.
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