BAYLY, WILLIAM (1834-1902) was born in Devonshire, the son of Thomas Bayly (q.v.), and at an early age came to Taranaki with his parents in the Amelia Thompson (1841). Educated in New Plymouth, he took up farming and dealing in stock with some success. In the Taranaki war he served under Major Brown, being severely wounded at Waireka. After the war he bought a farm at Stony River and later acquired properties at Warea, Rahotu and Okato. Bayly took a prominent part in the local government of the province. He was a member of the Provincial Council for Omata (1869-74), and was a member of the executive and treasurer until his voluntary retirement in 1873. After the abolition he was a member of the county council and the New Plymouth harbour board, and was mayor of New Plymouth on two occasions (1881-83, 1886-87). Important works were carried out during his term of office. He was one of the founders of the Moturoa freezing works. During the Te Whiti troubles (1879-81) Bayly was captain of the Okato rifles. He died on 7 Jul 1902.

Cycl. N.Z., vi; Taranaki Herald, 25 Oct 1873, 8 Jul 1902.

Reference: Volume 1, page 41

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