The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Nelson, Marlborough & Westland Provincial Districts]
Captain George William Bignell
Captain George William Bignell, Secretary and Harbourmaster for the Hokitika Harbour Board, entered upon his present duties in the year 1886. He was born in Leeds, England, in the year 1844 and followed the sea from his early boyhood. In 1861 Captain Bignell came to New Zealand by the barque “Donna Anita,” and found his way to the West Coast, after being in the employment of Messrs J. T. Peacock and Co., of Lyttelton, for two years. Since that time, he has been associated with local shipping, and was for many years master of the s.s. “Titan' and the s.s. “Waipara.”