KNOWLES, JOHN (1823-91) was born in London, educated there and was in the service of the New Zealand Company before coming to New Zealand as storekeeper and clerk in the Gertrude (1841). He remained in the Company's service until operations were suspended; then worked his passage to England and became connected with the Canterbury Association (1845). He came to New Zealand again in 1850, and a third time with E. G. Wakefield (1853). In 1855 he was appointed clerk in the Superintendent's office. He edited the Wellington Independent for nine years (1855-64), the Wanganui Chronicle for a short time, and was also connected with the New Zealand Spectator. In 1869 Knowles went to England as secretary with Featherston and Bell. Returning in 1871, he was appointed Under-secretary for Public Works and retired in 1883. He died on 3 Dec 1891.

N.Z.C. papers; Ward; N.Z. Times, 4 Dec 1891.

Reference: Volume 1, page 253

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