KENSINGTON, WILLIAM CHARLES (1845-1922) was born at Criccieth, Wales, the son of Charles J. W. Kensington. He was educated at Grosvenor school, Bath, and King's school, Bruton, Somerset. He served in the campaigns on the East Coast in 1863 and 1864, and was gazetted ensign in the 1st battalion militia in 1865. Having joined the New Zealand government service in 1863 as a survey cadet in Waikato, and passed his examinations in 1866, he was engaged as an inspector of surveys under the native land act and a special commissioner to investigate disputes in Hawke's Bay. In 1871 he was deputy-inspector of surveys, and in 1876 chief draughtsman in the Auckland office. In 1902 he was appointed Under-secretary for Crown Lands. He inaugurated the land drainage branch and had control of the afforestation branch. He retired in 1912, having been awarded the I.S.O. in 1909.

Kensington married (1867) Emily (d. 1869), daughter of G. Owen Ormsby; and (1873) Amy (d. 1906), daughter of Colonel W. H. Kenny. He died on 20 Aug 1922.

Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Jourdain (p); N.Z. Herald, 31 Dec 1901; The Dominion, 21 Aug 1922.

Reference: Volume 1, page 248

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