BOWLER, WILLIAM (1803-63) was born in England and brought up to commercial life in London. He became associated with the New Zealand Company in its earliest years and was colonists' clerk, closely concerned in shipping arrangements from 1840 till 1850, when he became shipping manager for the Canterbury Association. At the end of 1851 he sailed in the Stag for New Zealand and at once entered into business in Lyttelton and Christchurch with Isaac Cookson (formerly of Newcastle-on-Tyne), as merchants and shipping agents. The associated firm in Wellington was Bowler, Son and Co. Bowler took a prominent part in public affairs in Wellington. He represented Wellington in the Provincial Council (1857-61). On being defeated he retired from provincial politics, but twice tried to gain a seat in Parliament. The business was sold to Mathieson and Co., of London. Bowler had landed interests in Canterbury, being the owner of the Warren Station, on the Eyre river, in 1852. He died on 6 May 1863.

N.Z.C., papers and reports; Wellington P.C. Proc.; Acland; Godley, Letters; N.Z. Spectator and Wellington Independent, 9 May 1863; N.Z. Advertiser, 7 May 1863.

Reference: Volume 1, page 58

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