NORTHCROFT, HENRY WILLIAM (1844-1923) was born in Chelmsford, Essex, a son of William Northcroft (q.v.). Arriving in New Zealand in 1851 by the Cressy, he attended Bishop Hobhouse's school in Nelson. On the outbreak of hostilities in 1860, he joined the Taranaki colonial forces, serving in Taranaki and Wanganui. During 16 years' service he saw 49 actions. In 1877 he was appointed resident magistrate for the Waikato district, later warden and magistrate of the Thames goldfields, and stipendiary magistrate at Auckland (1892). He retired in 1909. Two years later he was awarded the New Zealand Cross. In 1912 Northcroft accepted an appointment as chief justice and resident commissioner of the Cook Islands, where he drafted the Cook Islands bill, inaugurated the school system and instituted experimental agricultural plantations at Rarotonga. In 1880 he married Margaret, daughter of James Henderson. Northcroft died in Dec 1923.

Who's Who N.Z., 1908, 1924; Gudgeon (p); Auckland Star, 21 Jul 1909.

Reference: Volume 2, page 67

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