GRAY, WILLIAM (1817-73) was born in Scotland, educated there and spent 10 years in the post office at Aberdeen, rising from the position of stamper to that of chief clerk. In 1852 he emigrated with his family by the Simlah to New Zealand and entered into business in New Plymouth. For some years he conducted a school in Market Place and performed the duties of librarian to the Taranaki Book Club, which developed into the Mechanics' Institute. His shop was the rendezvous of politicians, theologians and literati. In 1854 Gray applied for the position of postmaster, and a year later, on the resignation of J. Stephenson Smith, a memorial was sent to the Government which resulted in his being appointed (Aug 1855). Three years later he was promoted to Nelson, where during the war he acted as government almoner towards the Taranaki refugees. He became secretary and inspector of post offices and in that capacity made several visits to San Francisco. He died there in Jun 1873.

Taranaki News, 28 Jun 1873; D. Robertson, Early History of the N.Z. Post Office (1905); Wells

Reference: Volume 1, page 176

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