SYMONDS, JOHN JERMYN (1816-83), the youngest son of Sir William Symonds, surveyor to the Navy, was recommended by Lord Normanby in 1839 for employment in the survey department of New South Wales, and was appointed a draughtsman. He left before the end of 1841 to join his brother (Captain W. C. Symonds, q.v.), in New Zealand. He was appointed acting-protector of aborigines, and was engaged in the survey and purchase of native lands. In 1844 he was sent as police magistrate with F. Tuckett to purchase the Otago Block, and he signed the deed of purchase on 31 Jul 1844. The following year he volunteered for service with the 99th Regiment in Heke's war; received a commission, and was present at Ohaeawai and Ruapekapeka. In 1846 he was appointed private secretary to Governor Grey. He afterwards exchanged into the Ceylon Rifles, and proceeded to England with a staff appointment. He returned to New Zealand in 1849 in the Berhampore, in charge of a detachment of the New Zealand Fencibles, and settled with Kenny's company at Onehunga. G. S. Cooper found him a first-class bushman on the trip with Grey to Taupo (1849-50). He was appointed a justice of the peace in 1853. In Mar 1855 Symonds was appointed Native Secretary and a year later resident magistrate at Onehunga and principal returning officer. He was also magistrate at Kaipara, but resigned in 1858 on being elected to represent the Pensioner Settlements in the House of Representatives (1858-60). In 1861 he was again appointed magistrate and some years later a judge of the native land court, from which he retired in 1882. He died on 3 Jan 1883.

N.Z.P.D., 1858-61; G.B.O.P.; N.Z. Gaz.; Hocken; Cooper; N.Z. Herald, 5 Jan 1883.

Reference: Volume 2, page 181

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