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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Captain Henry Johnson

Captain Henry Johnson Chief Pilot of the Wellington Harbour Board, was born in the Shetland Islands in 1849. He went to Liverpool in April, 1867, and shipped on board a vessel trading from Liverpool and Glasgow to various foreign ports. After he had sailed in several ships, he left Liverpool in the “Banda” for Adelaide, S.A. Arriving in 1870 he spent twelve months on a large station. Returning to Port Adelaide he was employed in various coasting vessels till July, 1873. He then entered the service of Captain W. R. Williams, of Wellington, as second officer, and was promoted to chief officer. He was placed in command of the barque “Annie Melhuish” in March, 1877, and in December, 1879, he was appointed to the s.s. “Grafton,” the first steamer owned by Captain Williams, and which was the first large steamer that succe ssfully entered the bar harbours of Greymouth and Westport. Leaving the “Grafton” in April, 1883, he proceeded to Glasgow to bring out the s.s. “Mawhera,” which was specially built for the West Coast trade, and was the first direct steamer from England to enter Greymouth. When Captain Williams disposed of his fleet to the Union Steamship Company, Captain Johnson entered that company's service till October, 1889, when he became chief pilot to the Wellington Harbour Board.

Captain Johnson.

Captain Johnson.