HARRIS, BENJAMIN (1836-1928) was born at Lisburn, County Antrim, Ireland, his parents being of Irish and French stock. His father, George Harris (1804-80), was a sergeant in the 65th Regiment. Harris accompanied his parents to Canada, but returned to England in 1846 and in the following year sailed for Wellington. In 1851 his father took up a farm at East Tamaki, and in 1860 Harris himself took up land at Pukekohe. Native unrest compelled him to leave, and he joined the Otahuhu Cavalry under Maj. Nixon. In 1862 he made another attempt to cultivate the farm, but in 1863 war broke out. Harris acted as guide to the 60th Regiment into Tuakau, and then rejoined his own corps with the rank of lieutenant (1863) and received his baptism of fire at Paterangi. After the war he returned to his farm to find the buildings burned down, and he took charge of immigrants just arrived at Pokeno, Tuakau and Pukekohe (1866). He was elected captain of the Tuakau and Pukekohe Rifles at the same time (1869), and afterwards major (1878). In 1875 he was commanding the South Franklin Rifles, and in 1885 he raised the first mounted rifle corps in Auckland province.

In 1862 Harris was elected a trustee of the Pukekohe highway district. He represented Ramarama in the Provincial Council (1874-75). In 1879 he was elected M.H.R. for Franklin, in 1882 for Franklin North (defeating W. F. Buckland) and in 1893-96 he represented Franklin again (defeating W. F. Massey). In his first term in Parliament he acted as whip for the Opposition party. In 1896 Harris lost his seat to Massey. He was called to the Legislative Council in 1897, and was a member till 1923 (when he retired). He was a member of the Auckland land board (from 1892), the Franklin county council from 1876 (some years chairman) and the Harrisville school committee (for 18 years). Harris died on 12 Feb 1928.

Auckland P.C. Proc.; Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Cycl. N.Z., ii (p); N.Z.P.D., 3 Jul 1928; Cowan, i; Russell (p); N.Z. Herald, 13 Feb 1928, 12 Jan 1933. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 1, page 198

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