HILL, HENRY THOMAS (1849-1933) was born at Lye, Worcestershire, the son of a nail factor. Educated in his native town, he completed his training as a school teacher at Cheltenham Training College. He organised St Mark's school at Nottingham.

In 1873 Hill came to Canterbury in the Merope under engagement to the provincial government, to organise schools. He also taught science at Christ's College and mathematics at Miss Lohse's, and organised the first teachers' association (which held its conference at Christchurch in 1876). While he was engaged at the East Christchurch school, he studied at the University for his B.A., which he gained in 1878. He won the first Bowen prize. In 1878 he was appointed secretary and inspector to the Hawkes Bay education board, a position he held for 36 years. He started the New Zealand Schoolmaster and edited it for some years, and was a member of the commission on teachers' salaries.

Hill had a strong scientific bent and spent much time in the study of geology (F.G.S. 1896), Maori history and folklore. He contributed many papers to the proceedings of the New Zealand Institute and was president of the Hawkes Bay branch and a governor of the New Zealand Institute. He was a member of the Napier borough council and mayor (1917-19), and was a member also of the hospital board, the Hawkes Bay power board, and the High School governors, and chairman of the Parke Island old people's home. He contested the Napier seat in 1920. He was a member of the Anglican diocesan synod.

Hill married (1873) Emily, daughter of John Knowles. He died on 15 Jul 1933.

Who's Who N.Z., 1908, 1924, 1932; Cycl. N.Z., vi; Hight and Candy; Hawkes Bay Herald, 16 Jul 1933; Daily Telegraph (Napier), 18 Jul.

Reference: Volume 1, page 211

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