PALMER, JOHN (1837-1902) was born in Oxfordshire, England. He studied at St John's College, Auckland (1861-63), was ordained deacon in 1863, and appointed a missionary at Norfolk Island. In 1866 he proceeded to Norfolk Island to erect the buildings for the headquarters of the Melanesian mission, and in 1867 he was ordained priest by Bishop Patteson. He married (1869) a daughter of B. Y. Ashwell (q.v.). He was in charge of the Melanesian mission in 1892-94 pending the appointment of Bishop Wilson to succeed John Selwyn. In 1893 the Archbishop of Canterbury granted him the honorary degree of bachelor of divinity. In 1894 he became archdeacon of southern Melanesia. He retired after serving 36 years in the diocese. Palmer died at Auckland on 1 Mar 1902.

N.Z. Herald and Auckland Star, 3 Mar 1902.

Reference: Volume 2, page 76

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