POTTS, Thomas Henry FLS 1823–1888

Born Suffolk, England, educated there and trained as a gunmaker, but his interests lay in botany, entomology and horticulture. In 1853 came to Christchurch, bringing with him a fine selection of rhododendrons and azaleas in specially designed cases. He made a garden on the corner of Tuam and Antigua Streets, in 1856 took up land at Governor's Bay and created a garden there. For many years wrote weekly notes “Out in the Open” for the New Zealand Country Journal, published in book form 1882. He discovered two new species of birds, a great grey kiwi and a black-billed gull. Took part in provincial government and was representative for Mt. Herbert in parliament. Contributed drawings which were lithographed for the Transactions of the New Zealand Institute. Represented: Turnbull.