WOON, GARLAND WILLIAM (1831-95), the son of William Woon (q.v.) was born at Nukualofa, Tonga, and came to New Zealand with his parents in 1834. He was educated at the mission school at Waimate (under R. Taylor, q.v.), and in 1846 was apprenticed to Williamson and Wilson, publishers of the New Zealander (Auckland). Completing his term (1849) he then joined the family at Waimate (Taranaki), and in 1850 his father set him up as a printer in New Plymouth. In 1852 he married Ann, daughter of William George (Helston, Cornwall).

In partnership with W. Collins, Woon established the Taranaki Herald (4 Aug 1852). Wicksteed was the first editor. In 1854 Collins withdrew from the paper, Woon carrying on until 1867, when losses in the post-war depression compelled him to sell out to Henry Weston. His later editors were Crompton, C. W. Richmond, J. C. Richmond, Arthur Atkinson and R. Pheney. Woon had a good knowledge of Maori and many native friends, and so was often able to give valuable intelligence of Maori affairs. For some time he practised as a native interpreter and land purchase officer. In 1868 he went to the Thames diggings, but having no luck was appointed in 1874 clerk in the provincial works department. Later he was clerk and interpreter to the R.M. at Wanganui, where he retired (1892) and died (6 Jun 1895).

Woon (p); Taranaki Herald, 1852-57 and Jubilee issue, 4 Aug 1892

Reference: Volume 2, page 269

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