HOGGARD, JOHN FARR (1815-71) spent his early life in the West Indies, but went to England for his education and is believed to have attended one of the leading universities and to have entered upon a medical course. Having money, he sailed for Australia towards the end of 1839 and there made the acquaintance of one or two other young men, who joined him in the purchase of a small vessel in which they crossed to Mangonui, walking thence overland to Bay of Islands. He did not intend to stay in New Zealand, but after a visit to Sydney in Sep 1840 he made his home here. He seems to have been in business with Daniel Pollen (q.v.) for some little time in Auckland, and in 1843 he joined the civil service as a clerk. In 1844 he was transferred to Wellington, where he practically performed the duties of postmaster, though nominally collector of customs. In 1853 he was appointed postmaster, and he held that position until his death (on 4 Sep 1871). Hoggard was a man of some culture and a pleasing personality.

Records Post and Telegraph department; D. Robertson, Hist. of Wellington Post Office.

Reference: Volume 1, page 219

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