EYES, WILLIAM HENRY (1819-1907) was born in Liverpool and educated near Knutsford, Cheshire, after which he was in the office in Liverpool of Gladstone and Sergeantson, cotton brokers. He then sailed for Australia in the Bishop Heber, arriving early in 1839. In 1841 he made a four months' journey overland with cattle and horses to Melbourne, and then entered into partnership with Lord in a cattle station near Batemans Bay.

Shortly afterwards Eyes was induced by his cousin the Rev C. L. Reay to come to Nelson in the schooner Star of China (1845). For seven years he managed a station for George Duppa; was then manager of Richmond Brook and was for some years associated with Charles Empson in the Meadowbank station, which did not flourish. Eyes was member of the Provincial Council for Lower Wairau (1860-71). In 1862 he was illegally elected Superintendent and in 1865 he gained that post in due form, holding it for a little more than four years. While Superintendent he moved the seat of government from Picton to Blenheim. Thereafter he was on the executive from 1871 to 1873. Six years before the provinces were abolished he passed a resolution in the Council calling for their overthrow. Defeating Weld in a parliamentary election, Eyes was M.H.R. for Wairau (1861-71), resigning to become commissioner of lands for the province, a post which he held for two years. He was at different times resident magistrate, coroner, sheriff, receiver of land revenue and returning officer. He died on 12 Apr 1907.

Marlborough P.C. Minutes and Gaz.; Cycl. N.Z., v (p); Marlborough Express, 13 Apr 1907.

Reference: Volume 1, page 134

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