GIBBS, WILLIAM (1819-97) was born in London, where he served his apprenticeship to a painter and glazier. He arrived in Nelson by the Duke of Bronte in 1852 and proceeded by schooner to Motupipi, Golden Bay, where he farmed until the first discovery of gold on his land (before the Otago discoveries). He then erected a store, built a wharf and commenced carrying by bullock team to the fields. At that time he owned most of the land upon which Collingwood was afterwards laid out. For some time he was resident magistrate and warden. He was member of the Provincial Council for Massacre Bay (1858-61), for Collingwood (1865-69) and for Golden Bay from 1869 until the abolition. Gibbs was a candidate for the superintendency in 1869. He contested the Collingwood seat in the House of Representatives against Collyns in 1871 (losing by three votes) and was elected in 1873, sitting for that constituency until 1881. He was again magistrate at Golden Bay until his retirement. Gibbs died on 7 Nov 1897.

Cycl. N.Z., v; The Colonist, 23 Nov 1897. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 1, page 163

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