HARRISON, HENRY SHAFTO (1810-92) was born in Wakefield, Yorkshire, the son of a clergyman. He studied at Clare College, Cambridge, where he graduated B.A. Having married (1831) Henrietta Paterson (Yorkshire), he lived for some years at Warrengate House, Wakefield. He sailed for New Zealand in 1839 in the Bolton.

Arriving early in 1840 they shortly afterwards settled at St John's Hill, Wanganui, where they lived until the trouble of 1847. On this occasion Harrison served as captain, and he was afterwards for many years an officer of militia. Early in 1844 Harrison made an exploration down the Manawatu river, and later in the year he travelled overland with Captain Thomas to Hawke's Bay. In 1851 he was appointed clerk to the Legislative Council. His wife having died (1853), he married (1855) a daughter of Dr Fletcher (Norfolk). On the new constitution being promulgated Harrison was elected to the Provincial Council for Wanganui and Rangitikei (1853), but (being appointed clerk) he resigned his seat. He was again elected in 1861, and resigned his seat two years later on accepting the post of provincial auditor. From 1861-70 he represented Wanganui in Parliament. He was one of the founders of the Wanganui Acclimatisation Society and president for some years of the Wanganui Jockey Club. He bred and raced many fine horses, and introduced racing in the district. Harrison died on 3 Jul 1892.

Family information; Wellington P.C. Proc. and Gaz.; N.Z. Gaz.; Cycl. N.Z., i (p); Wakelin; Ward; Hawkes Bay Herald, 13 Oct 1934; Wanganui Herald, 4 Jul 1892; Wanganui Chronicle, 4 Jul 1892.

Reference: Volume 1, page 199

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