Arthur Morrow was born in County Longford, Ireland on 11 November 1842. He was educated privately and at the Military Academy, Dublin, for the Royal Marine Artillery. He arrived in Auckland on 9 June 1861 and joined the Survey Department. Signed on Military Establishment 16 May 1863 in No. 1 Royal Company Volunteers. He saw active service in the Maori Wars with the 12th, 18th, 43rd, 65th, and 70th Regiments. He also served with Mulocks Flying Column. Awarded New Zealand War Medal, V.D. (Long and Merit Service) and Officers Long Service Medal.

Morrow won District Champion Belt for rifle shooting 4 times, also medal for best shot in Auckland Province. He served on District Staff for 20 years and commanded the escort to the Prince of Wales (later George V) at Rotorua in 1901. Among his many suggestions were presenting a battleship to the British Government, ways of improving security at dockyards, smoke camouflage, and a new throwing bomb which later became the 'Mills Bomb'.