COLENSO, William FLS, FRS 1811–1899

Born Penzance, Cornwall, apprenticed there as printer and book- page 70 binder and worked in London as compositor. 1834 arrived at Paihia mission station in Bay of Islands as C.M.S. catechist and printer and produced the first books printed in New Zealand. Spent two years as student at St. John's College and ordained deacon; for some time in charge of mission station at Ngaruroro in Hawke's Bay. Travelled a great deal in the North Island and became authority on Maori subjects and natural history of New Zealand: writings include papers on ferns and on fossil remains of the moa: was a founder and active member of New Zealand Institute. Later led public life in Hawke's Bay. Lithograph made by D. Blair after Colenso drawing, The Anchorage, Russell in Hocken. Also lithographs after Colenso drawings in Turnbull.