KENNY, COURTENAY WILLIAM AYLMER THOMAS (1839-1905) was born in Burma, the son of the commandant of Madras presidency. Educated at Harrow and intended for the army, he joined with the 88th (Connaught Rangers) for the Crimea. He was severely wounded in one of the early engagements, and was invalided home. Promoted captain, he came to New Zealand to convalesce and, his regiment having been ordered to India, he resigned his commission and came to Wellington (1858). For many years he had a sheep farm at The Rocks, Queen Charlotte Sound.

Kenny was one of the oldest justices of the peace, and was commissioner of crown lands for Marlborough (1862-65), M.P.C. for Picton (1865-66); deputy-superintendent of the province in 1865 and M.H.R. for Picton (1868-81). He was called to the Legislative Council in 1885, and remained a member till his death (on 12 Dec 1905).

N.Z.P.D., 28 Jun 1906; Cycl. N.Z., v (p); Marlborough Express, 12 Dec 1905. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 1, page 247

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