WATT, WILLIAM HOGG (1818-93) was born in Dundee, and after leaving school was apprenticed to the sea with the White Star line. While serving in one of their ships he made the acquaintance of another apprentice, T. B. Taylor (q.v.), with whom he afterwards came to Australia and sailed in intercolonial ships. Together they bought the schooner Katherine Johnstone, 14 tons, with which they inaugurated a direct service between Sydney and Wanganui. Watt in 1841 settled in Wanganui, where he established the firm as merchants and shipowners in Taupo Quay, while Taylor continued to command the Katherine Johnstone. Their first cargo of merchandise they brought down from Sydney in 1842. Later they acquired the Edward Stanley, Governor Grey, Rosebud, Venture, Seagull and Tyne, with which they maintained a regular service from Sydney, always keeping one vessel in the service with Wellington.

Taylor and Watt exercised a great influence on the prosperity of Wanganui, providing it with vital communications at a time when the settlement was struggling against depression. Their largest vessel, the brig Lady Denison, was purchased as a wreck for purposes of salvage (1867). On the death of Taylor (1871) Watt continued the business. He took a prominent part in the public affairs of the town and district. He represented Wanganui and Rangitikei in the Provincial Council (1853-65), and Wanganui for the remainder of the provincial period (1865-75), being throughout a supporter of Featherston. He represented Wanganui also in Parliament (from 1866-68). In 1872 he was elected first mayor of Wanganui and he held that office on five occasions (1872-73, 1875-78, and 1880-81). He was mainly responsible for the erection of the bridge over the Wanganui river and for the abolition of the toll gates. In 1881 Watt was again returned to Parliament (defeating Ballance), but he was defeated by Ballance at the following election (1884). He was a member of the Wanganui education board and a member and first chairman of the harbour board. He gave the water of Lake Westmere for the town supply. His death occurred on 7 Mar 1893.

Parltry Record; Wellington P.C. Proc. and Gaz; Woan; Wanganui Chronicle, 8 Mar 1893. Portrait: Parliament House

Reference: Volume 2, page 240

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