HARRIS, WILLIAM CHAMBERS (1842-85) was born in Hull, his father being registrar in bankruptcy. Educated at Bradfield College, Berkshire, he proceeded to Brasenose College, Oxford, where he graduated (B.A. 1862; M.A. 1867). He was for a year (1864-65) assistant master at St Peter's College, Radley, and was then appointed headmaster of Christ's College, Christchurch, assuming the position in 1866. Harris was a devoted teacher, an energetic worker and no mean athlete, and under him the school made rapid progress. He undertook the work of the chapel in addition to his headmastership, and wrote his sermons every Sunday. His health breaking down, he resigned and became vice-principal and lecturer at Lichfield Theological College (under Selwyn). He was headmaster of Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School at Wimborne, Dorsetshire (1874-77) and vicar of Marchwood, Southampton (1877-79). In the latter year he was appointed organising chaplain to the diocese of Christchurch and inspector of the Church of England schools. In 1882 he became archdeacon of Akaroa, and the following year had again to retire owing to failing health. He died on 6 Jun 1885.

Christ's Coll. Sch. List (p); Jacobs; The Press and Lyttelton Times, 17 Jun 1885.

Reference: Volume 1, page 199

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