BENNETT, JOHN BOYLE (1808-80) was born at Clonakilty, County Cork, Ireland. He studied medicine and graduated M.D., but after some years of practice forsook medicine for journalism and a few years later became editor of The Watchman, a religious paper in London. A writer of considerable ability and style, he was invited in 1849 by John Williamson (q.v.) to accept the editorship of The New Zealander (Auckland), and he held that position for six years with conspicuous success. Though his position precluded him from taking a very active part in public affairs, he was closely associated with social movements, particularly the Y.M.C.A., of which he was many years president, and the Benevolent Society (in which also Mrs Bennett was deeply interested). In 1855 Bennett was appointed registrar of births, deaths and marriages for the province of Auckland, and later registrar-general for the Colony. In 1866 he left Auckland to take up his residence in Wellington, where he died on 15 Jun 1880.

Cycl. NZ, ii (p); N.Z. Herald, 16 Jun 1880.

Reference: Volume 1, page 48

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