NICCOL, HENRY (1819-87) was the son of William Niccol, a well-known yacht builder on the Clyde, and came to New Zealand in the Jane Gifford (1842). Settling at Waiheke, he built the schooner Thistle, which he sold to Captain Bateman. Some time later he established a yard in Mechanics' Bay, where he built a topsail schooner, the Albert, to the order of Governor FitzRoy. In 1845 he built the brig Franklin for W. S. Grahame, in 1846 the Undine for R. C. Barstow and in 1850 the 90-ton schooner Waitemata. His partner (Sharp) having died in the early fifties, Niccol carried on the business alone, building many small vessels for the coastal and intercolonial trade and for the Government of Tonga, including the Albatross (in which Earl Pembroke cruised in the Pacific), the Novelty barque for the Circular Saw line, and the Eclipse topsail schooner.

In 1864 Niccol removed his yard to North Shore, where he laid down a patent slip, the only one then in the colony. There he built his first steamer, the Southern Cross 300 tons, and many more trading vessels and yachts, including the Waitangi, which won the commodore's challenge cup at Port Jackson. Altogether by 1887 he had built 181 vessels, aggregating 10,519 tons. Niccol was a member of the first Auckland harbour board and chairman of the Devonport highway board. He died on 9 Nov 1887.

His son, MALCOLM NICCOL (1844-1925) who was born in Auckland, and educated at Gorrie's school, was in business as a chandler, shipbroker and agent. He was a member of many local bodies, five times mayor of Devonport between 1882 and 1902, and 20 years a member of the Auckland harbour board (six years chairman). For 60 years a freemason, he was grand secretary (1900-21). Niccol died on 27 Jul 1925.

N.Z. Herald, 25 Jun, 11 Nov 1887; 28 Jul 1925; Barclay; Who's Who N.Z., 1924; Cycl. N.Z., ii (p).

Reference: Volume 2, page 65

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