DERROM, JAMES (1818-98) was born at Corfu while his father was serving with the army of occupation in the board of ordnance. In 1824 he went to England. He was educated at a private school at Plymouth and the Grammar School at Glasgow and eventually at Deal, where he studied military engineering.

His father having been appointed barrackmaster at Auckland, Derrom came with him in the Tyne (1841) and entered into business as an architect and builder. He was clerk of works for the building of the district hospital and the Avondale asylum. In 1853 Derrom was selected, at a meeting of the operative and working classes held at the White Hart hotel, as a suitable candidate for the Provincial Council, and he was duly elected to represent the City of Auckland (1853-55). In 1860 Derrom raised the Victoria Company of the Auckland Volunteer Rifles, of which he was lieutenant (1860) and captain (1862). He afterwards commanded the first rifle battalion. He was also captain of the first volunteer fire brigade. Derrom died on 26 Dec 1898.

N.Z. Herald, 28 Dec 1898.

Reference: Volume 1, page 118

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