BAILLIE, WILLIAM DOUGLAS HALL (1827-1922) was born at New Brunswick, Canada, of a very old Scottish family which had been domiciled in Ireland for many years. Educated at the Royal Military College at Woolwich, he was commissioned at the age of 19 as an ensign in the 24th foot, with which he served for six years in India under Sir Hugh Gough and Sir Colin Campbell. He was present at the battle of Chillianwallah. Returning to England in 1853, he was promoted captain and appointed commandant at Chichester. He resigned from the army to come to New Zealand in the Oriental (1857) and settled in Marlborough. He had a run of 5,000 acres on the Wairau, which he disposed of after a few years and settled at Para, near Picton. Baillie maintained his interest in military matters in New Zealand and was for some years colonel commanding the Marlborough forces. In 1881 he took part in the expedition to Parihaka.

He took a keen interest in local government. In 1860 he was elected to the Provincial Council, in which he represented Wairau Valley (1860-65) and Tuamarina (1869-76). He was the second Superintendent of the province (1861-63), his term being one of the most stormy in the very troubled provincial history of Marlborough. After being defeated for the superintendency in 1863 he was elected speaker, holding that position for two years. He was several times a member of the executive between 1863 and 1865, and deputy superintendent in the latter year. His firm control of affairs and conciliatory manner were of considerable service. He was called in 1861 to the Legislative Council, of which he was a member till his death (25 Feb 1922), and for 23 years chairman of committees. He was the last life member of the Council. Baillie was for 20 years a member of the Marlborough education board. He married (1854) Hannah Maria Ann, daughter of Major Greensill, commissary of ordnance.

Marlborough P.C. Minutes and Gaz.; Parltry Record; N.Z.P.D., 29 Jun 1922; Col. Gent.; Cycl. N.Z., v (p); Marlborough Express, 27 Feb 1922. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 1, page 30

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