New Zealand's First Police NCO

Sergeant John Nash was registered as the first non-commissioned member of the newly formed New Zealand Police Force on 1 September 1886, giving him the number "1" displayed prominently on his headgear (see photo).

Nash was born in Killarney, Ireland, about 1822. He sailed for New Zealand in 1845 with the 65th regiment of the British Army. He may have been part of the Northern War or actions in Wellington in the 1840s.

On leaving the Army in 1857, Nash joined the Nelson Provincial Armed Constabulary as a constable . He was promoted to Sergeant in 1863.

In 1863, John Nash was stationed at Westport during the goldrush. While local businessmen regarded him as an "excellent officer" and a "very steady man" diggers were disgusted that he actually strove to enforce 10 o'clock closing. Press comment made his rigid disciplinary approach to policing notorious. By 1866 Sergeant Nash, back in Nelson, had become third in command of the Provincial Police Force . He was awarded a gold watch (as were other officers) for his work in the hunt for those responsible for the murders at Maungatapu of five gold prospectors .

In 1875 John Nash complained of his policeman's lot to the Superintendent of Nelson, saying that his 160 pounds a year was inadequate because "At the present time I am on duty from 7PM to 7AM and in addition to this I have to Summon Jurors for Coroners Inquests attend the same and also the Criminal sittings of the Supreme Court without any remuneration". His application was denied.

He was discharged on superannuation in 1887 after 30 years service, a recipient of the newly struck New Zealand Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

After leaving the police, John Nash became "Inspector of Nuisances" for the Nelson City Council , a much-sought-after position which he won against 29 other applicants.

He died in 1893, survived by four children of his first wife, Sarah (nee Newport), and his second wife Selina (nee Goddard) and their six children. He had named the youngest - born in the year he became "policeman number one" - "Sargeant John Nash". It is thought John Nash Sr now has more than 200 descendants in New Zealand and Australia.

For further reading see Policing the Colonial Frontier, by Richard S. Hill.

Information on John Nash and his descendants is sought by his great-grandson Colin Feslier.