Before his departure from the colony , the New Zealand war broke out .
He immediately offered his services , which were accepted the same day , and he was appointed an extra member of Major - General ( afterwards Sir ) Thomas Pratt 's staff .
Before his departure from the colony , the New Zealand war broke out , and he immediately offered his services , which were accepted the same day , and he was appointed an extra member of Major - General ( afterwards Sir ) Thomas Pratt 's staff .