HICKSON, WILLIAM (1810-85) was born in Liverpool and was a member of the firm of Ridgway and Co., who chartered ships to the New Zealand Company. Amongst these was the Martha Ridgway, which made two voyages (1840 and 1841).

Hickson came out in the Theresa at the end of 1843 to wind up the affairs of the branch establishment in Wellington (Ridgway, Guyton and Earp). He brought only his wife and elder children, but liked the prospect so well that he entered into business on his own account (as Hickson and Co., merchants and shipowners), and was at one time a successful shipowner trading between Sydney and Wellington. He made a special study of marine insurance, shipping and finance. Hickson was called to the nominated Legislative Council by Governor Grey (1848), and was at the same time a member of the Council for the province of New Munster. When the new constitution came into force he did not at once seek election, but in 1854, having retired from business, he was elected to the Provincial Council for Wellington City (which he served 1854-56 and 1865-69). He was a member of Borlase's executive for two years, holding the post of provincial treasurer part of the time. He was a member of the first town board (1863). As a landowner Hickson quite early imported from Australia stud sheep, purebred cattle and thoroughbred horses. He owned some good racehorses and was a constant supporter of the Wanganui and Wellington Racing clubs. For a while he was president of the Wellington Jockey club, and for many years acted as judge. He was also chairman of trustees of the Hutt Park racecourse.

Hickson was a senior justice of the peace from an early date, at a time when the first three on the list were almost automatically invited to join the Legislative Council. He presided on the bench until a year or two before his death. In 1857, when the steamer Wonga was sent down to Wellington from Auckland to be sold, Hickson, Hunter and Rhodes by a vigorous canvass secured a capital of £5,000 to purchase her. Hickson was chairman of the company for the first five years. It bought also the Stormbird from John Jones, and paid its shareholders 10 per cent. each year for four years, and then returned them £19 for each £10 invested. Hickson was a man of great strength and vigorous constitution. He died on 6 Jul 1885. (See C. Rous-Marten.)

Wellington P.C. Proc.; Ward; N.Z. Times, 7 Jul 1885; Evening Post, 28 Oct 1929 (p)

Reference: Volume 1, page 211

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