WILSON, JAMES IRWIN (1832-1913) was born in County Tyrone. On the death of his father, who was a surveyor and engineer, he came to Victoria (1852) and practised the same profession. He was engaged in the survey of Geelong and Ballarat. In 1855 he came to New Zealand and was appointed by Ligar to the survey staff, being employed for some time in the Mahurangi, Wade and Waiwera districts. In 1862 he was appointed provincial surveyor and in 1864 was sent to take charge of military surveys in the Waikato, following Heaphy's breakdown in health. In the following year, in consequence of retrenchment by the General Government, Wilson resigned and went into private practice with his two brothers. In 1866 he rejoined the Government service, being appointed district surveyor for north Auckland. Transport being very imperfect, he had to make several voyages round North Cape and across the Kaipara bar. In 1876 he again went into private practice. Wilson married Johanna (1837-1906), daughter of John Munro (q.v.). He died on 4 Oct 1913.

N.Z. Surveyor, Dec 1913; N. R. McKenzie

Reference: Volume 2, page 264

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