HAMILTON, William James Warburton 1825–1883

Born Kent, eldest son of Rev. John Vesey Hamilton. Educated at Harrow and in Paris and Brussels. 1843 left England for Sydney with only £50.0.0 in his possession: continued to New Zealand on the same ship as the new Governor FitzRoy as his private secretary. Continued with Governor Grey after FitzRoy's recall, but returned to England 1846. In 1848 was back in New Zealand on the survey ship HMS Acheron and stayed here exploring much of the South Island in 1849. Was Resident Magistrate in Wanganui 1850, Collector of Customs Lyttelton c.1855–66, and then Receiver of Land Revenue until his retirement in 1874. He took a leading part in Canterbury affairs. Had earlier bought land in the Canterbury High Country; land still owned by the family. His descendant Sir William Hamilton invented and developed the jet boat. Represented: ACAG.