GRAHAM, GEORGE (1812-1901) was born at Hove, Brighton, England. He belonged to the Grahams of the Border, his grandfather having been an interpreter between the Scots and the English. At the age of 19 he was appointed clerk of works in the board of ordnance (now the Royal Engineers). In 1835 he saw disturbed conditions in Ireland and in 1836 came to New South Wales. In 1840 he came to New Zealand, where he was engaged for some years on public works, roads and fortifications. In the Maori war he laid out the defensive works of Auckland and was instrumental in having the reserve of the Albert barracks enlarged. He advocated employing natives on public works and canals to connect the Waikato and Kaipara with Auckland.

Ordered on service to China, Graham suffered a nervous breakdown there and retired to settle at Mangere, where he farmed successfully. Elected soon after as M.H.R. for Newton, he represented it 1861-69. He was a consistent advocate for Maori rights, and during the Waikato war conferred with Wiremu Tamihana and succeeded in inducing him to make his submission to General Carey. Graham made a considerable fortune, and lived during his later years in England, where he died on 14 Feb 1901. (See W. A. GRAHAM.)

Cowan; App. H.R., 1864; Gudgeon; Cycl. N.Z., ii (p); N.Z. Herald, 1 Mar 1901. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 1, page 174

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