CARRINGTON, FREDERIC ALONZO (1807-1901) was born at Chelmsford, Essex, his father being later barrackmaster at Douglas, Isle of Man. His grandfather and great-grandfather were prebendary and chancellor respectively in the diocese of Exeter. Frederic studied under Robert Dawson, a distinguished military engineer, and received an appointment in 1826 in the Ordnance Survey. In this service he surveyed a large tract of country in Wales and adjacent English counties and revised blocks of original survey work in various parts of England. After the passing of the Reform Bill (1832) he did much of the work entailed in determining the boundaries of parliamentary boroughs between Bristol and Manchester.

In 1839 Carrington met at the surveyor-general's office in the Tower Captain W. M. Smith (q.v.), who was discussing the duties that he would be called on to carry out in New Zealand. Carrington was attracted by the idea of emigrating and eventually accepted the position of chief surveyor to the Plymouth Company, to select, purchase and survey the land required for the settlement. He sailed in the London, arrived at Port Nicholson in Dec 1840 and carried out his task with complete success. Owing to the difficulties of the Company his engagement terminated in 1843 and he returned to England. There he gave evidence before the select committee of the House of Commons and he exhibited at Sir Roderick Murchison's house his valuable collection of New Zealand fauna, canoes, weapons, carvings, minerals and timber. He twice had an audience of the Prince Consort, who was much interested in his collection and his delineation of country. Thereafter he spent some time on surveys for projected railways and harbour works in Great Britain. His system of surface delineation and plan-modelling attracted much attention as a guide in the planning of drainage and road systems. He received a prize medal at the exhibition of 1851 for his models. Between 1851 and 1856 he carried out important explorations in California, France and Belgium in the interests of British engineering firms.

Early in 1857 Carrington returned to New Zealand with the intention of establishing ironworks, constructing a harbour and managing properties as agent. When the Maori war broke out he was appointed road engineer for Taranaki. He took no part in government until 1869, when he was elected Superintendent of Taranaki, and the following year he was returned to Parliament for Omata. He was re-elected Superintendent (against Brown and Atkinson) and held office until the abolition. In Parliament he sat for Grey and Bell (1871-79).

Carrington died on 15 Jul 1901. He was mainly responsible for the earmarking of one-fourth of the provincial revenues for the construction of protective works at the harbour.

G.B.O.P., 1844/556; Cycl. N.Z., vi; Wells; Taranaki Herald, 15 Jul 1901; Taranaki Daily News, 31 Mar 1891.

Reference: Volume 1, page 88

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