GRAHAM, WILLIAM AUSTRALIA (1841-1916) was born in Auckland, a son of George Graham (q.v.). He was educated in Auckland and at Clewer House school, Windsor, and Hele's grammar school, Exeter, and returned to New Zealand in 1854. A surveyor by profession, he became closely acquainted with the Maori and acted as interpreter for General Carey in his negotiations with the King tribe. He represented Waikato in the Auckland Provincial Council (1873-75). In 1882 he settled at Hamilton, of which town he was mayor (1884-87). He obtained for the town an endowment of 120 unallotted acres, and was mainly responsible for the establishment of the Waikato hospital board. Graham married in 1872 a daughter of Walter Coombes. He died on 9 May 1916.

Auckland P.C. Proc.; Featon, p 140; Cycl. N.Z., i (p); Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Waikato Times, 10 May 1916.

Reference: Volume 1, page 175

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