Robert Herman Wallath (1874–1960) was a New Zealand highwayman, carpenter and farmer.
Robert Wallath | |
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| Born | Robert Herman Wallath 18 July 1874 At Sea |
| Died | 24 July 1960 (aged 86) |
| Resting place | Hurdon Cemetery |
Biography
editBorn at sea in 1874 he was the son of a respected family of German immigrants to New Plymouth. Wallath's crime spree went on for 15 months until he was overpowered when holding up a hotel. There was general astonishment when it was discovered who the perpetrator was. Wallath was sent to Mount Eden Prison in Auckland for eight years, but because of support from New Plymouth people, he was released after four and a half years in 1898. He returned to New Plymouth and married Ada Clara West in June 1901, with whom he had four children (one of whom was adopted), and they had an exemplary lifestyle and were respected members of the community.
In 1959, Wallath wrote a book about his teenage struggle with good and evil, A highwayman with a mission under the pseudonym Georgie.[1] He died on 24 July 1960, and was survived by his wife by two years.[2]
Legacy
editWallath Road in New Plymouth commemorates the Wallath family.[2] In 1893 a book The New Plymouth highwayman: his history, plucky capture, and examination in the police court was published.[3] A song about him was written and performed by Chris Priestley and The Unsung Heroes.[4] In 2024 there was a episode of the Radio New Zealand podcast Black Sheep about Wallath.[5]
References
edit
- ^ Wallath, R.H. (1959). A highwayman with a mission : the story of New Zealand’s most notorious brigand of more than 60 years ago / by Georgie. Avery Press Ltd. OCLC 49683.
- ^ a b Lambert, Florinda. "Robert Herman Wallath". Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Retrieved 12 July 2019.
- ^ The New Plymouth highwayman: his history, plucky capture, and examination in the police court. New Plymouth: Taranaki News. 1893. OCLC 154165211.
- ^ Priestley, Chris and The Unsung Heroes. "Rogue". National Library of New Zealand Catalogue. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
- ^ "Highwayman: the story of Robert Wallath". RNZ. 12 August 2024. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
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