EDWARDS, NATHANIEL (1822-80) was born in England and arrived in New Zealand by the Slains Castle in 1845. He was for some time engaged on the government survey staff in the Awatere and also in managing a flaxmill. The failure of the mill threw him on his own resources and he took employment as accountant for Fell and Seymour. In 1857, with George Bennett, he acquired the business. The firm purchased a fleet of small steamers, with which they founded the Anchor line (1862). Edwards sold out to his partners in 1866, but soon re-entered business as general merchants in Christchurch in partnership with Bennett, Aiken and Connell. After four years there he retired with a competence and lived in Nelson.

Edwards took little part in public affairs and had no aspirations in political life. He represented Nelson in the Provincial Council (1868-69, and 1875-76), being a member of the executive in the last few months. He also represented Nelson City in Parliament (1869-70) and two years later was called to the Legislative Council, in which he sat until his death (on 15 Jul 1880).

Cycl. N.Z., v; The Colonist, 17 Jul 1880; N.Z. Times, 13 Aug 1880. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 1, page 131

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