DILWORTH, JAMES (1815-94) was born at Dungannon, County Tyrone, Ireland, and educated at the Royal School there under Dr Darley (afterwards bishop of Kilmore). For some years he assisted on his father's farm, and about 1839 emigrated to Australia. He lived for some time at Parramatta, New South Wales, but finding the heat excessive he came to New Zealand about 1841.

In Auckland he was interested first in the New Zealand Banking Company and acquired considerable property at Mount Hobson. During the war he contracted (in partnership with Williams, of Bay of Islands) to supply meat to the troops. He represented Southern Division in the Auckland Provincial Council (1853-60). Dilworth was a strong supporter of the Church of England and a member of the diocesan trust board. To the Young Men's Christian Association and the Auckland Jubilee Kindergarten he made annual contributions of £100 each. He was for some years on the Auckland University College council. Dilworth was largely interested in the Thames Valley Land Co. and was a trustee of the Auckland Savings Bank. He left a large estate out of which a handsome endowment was bequeathed for educational purposes (notably the Dilworth Ulster Institute). He died on 23 Dec 1894.

Cycl. N.Z., ii (p); N.Z. Herald, 24, 27 Dec 1894.

Reference: Volume 1, page 121

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