Titokowaru's War
When settlers were threatened by Maori led by Titikowaru in 1867, Bryce volunteered and became a lieutenant in the Kai-iwi Yeomanry Cavalry Volunteers. Bryce was proud of his commission, but an incident at William Handley's woolshed in November 1868 clouded his military career. Initially it was reported as an attack on a band of Hauhau warriors, killing two and wounding others and where Bryce was 'prominent and set the men a gallant example' according to his commanding officer. Later and more accurate reports had the Maori as a group of unarmed boys, aged from ten to twelve.
The incident was reported as an attack on woman and children in the 'History of New Zealand' published in 1883 and led to a libel action against the publisher George William Rusden. Bryce was awarded damages as it was proved no women were present at Handley's woolshed, and Bryce denied being directly involved.
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