KING, EDWARD (1825-65) was born in Sussex, England, and arrived in New Zealand in 1850. He began business as a general merchant in Auckland, and with the exception of nine months spent on the Victorian diggings he continued successfully until retiring in 1863. On the outbreak of the Waikato war he was appointed superintendent of stores, but retired in Nov 1864. He was a director of the Auckland Bank and the Bank of New Zealand, and a trustee of the Auckland Savings Bank. He acted as secretary for the Auckland exhibit at the industrial exhibition in Otago, and for several land associations formed under the provincial ordinances of the early fifties. As a member of the Papakura association, he took part in developing the coal measures at Drury. King for many years rendered consistent public service. He helped to form several schools under the common schools ordinance (1859) and to found churches at Wairoa, Papakura and Drury. He was a churchwarden of St Matthew's, a member of the diocesan and general synods and secretary of the orphans' home. He helped to promote the Auckland horticultural society, of which he was secretary and treasurer, and also the acclimatisation society. King was a member of the Auckland Provincial Council for City of Auckland (1857-61) and for Auckland West (1861-65). He died on 27 Oct 1865.

Southern Cross, 28 Oct 1865.

Reference: Volume 1, page 250

🌳 Further sources