WATSON, JOHN, was born at Ballydarton, County Carlow, Ireland. Coming to New Zealand at the invitation of Governor FitzRoy in 1843, he was appointed in 1845 assistant police magistrate at Russell, Bay of Islands, and a justice of the peace. Early in 1846 he was sent to Akaroa as police magistrate (relieving C. B. Robinson); in 1847 he became resident magistrate, and in 1849 collector of customs. He resigned about 1870 to return to Ireland.

Cant. O.N.; Godley, Letters; Anson; J. Hay.

Reference: Volume 2, page 239

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