HURSTHOUSE, CHARLES WILSON (1841-1911) was born in Norwich, England, and educated in New Plymouth, where he arrived with his parents at the age of two. In 1855 he entered the survey department as a cadet, and two years later became assistant surveyor. In this capacity he was sent to survey the Waitara purchase, but was turned off by Wi Kingi's people (1860). He served in the Taranaki war (1860-64), and was present at Waireka and Mahoetahi. (Ensign of Military Settlers, 1866; lieutenant Taranaki militia, 1869; captain New Zealand militia, 1881; retired 1905.) He represented Grey and Bell in the Taranaki Provincial Council (1869-73). In 1871 he was appointed a surveyor in the Public Works department to lay out railway routes; in 1875 resident engineer in Taranaki, and in 1880 a road surveyor making roads to Parihaka. He then proceeded to make the explorations for the North Island main trunk railway. While on this duty, in Mar 1883, he and T. Newsham were captured by Mahuki and bound hand and foot for 48 hours. He was for many years engaged in the King Country and as resident engineer began the construction of the line, which he completed to Mokau station, 34 miles from Te Awamutu. In 1901 he was made chief engineer of the new Department of Roads. Hursthouse married a daughter of Dr E. L. Humphries (q.v.). He died on 26 Feb 1911.

Cowan, Wars and Old Frontier; Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Jourdain.

Portrait: Taranaki Hist. Coll.

Reference: Volume 1, page 228

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