REVELL, WILLIAM HORTON (1829-93) was born at Wicklow, Ireland, the eldest son of Thomas Revell, who settled at Kaiapoi in 1854 (and died there 17 Oct 1868). He joined the Canterbury provincial police and in charge of the northern district showed himself a man of great courage and determination. On one occasion single-handed he stopped a prize fight from being held on the banks of the Waimakariri river. He took a great interest in volunteering, and induced many bushmen to join No 5 Company rifle volunteers (1858), which offered its services for the Maori war. In 1863 he received an ensign's commission. Besides being a good drill, he was an expert marksman, winning one of the first four rifles offered in New Zealand for marksmanship. He was inspector of police at Timaru when he retired on the reorganisation.

On 1 Jan 1864 he was appointed agent of the provincial government on the West Coast, when small finds of gold were reported. Accompanied by H. D. Macpherson, Revell reached the mouth of the Grey river by the schooner Mary on 24 Jan 1864. He established a store there, and in the next few months made arduous journeys throughout Westland, as far south as Ross. He purchased the first gold on 27 Jan. It had been intended to withdraw in Sep, but when Revell returned from Canterbury in Aug he found that an important discovery had been made at the Greenstone Creek. Miners soon poured in, and in Dec 1864 Revell marked off sections for the town of Hokitika. He was appointed warden and magistrate on 3 Mar 1865 (issuing the first miner's right on the 21st). On the arrival of the commissioner (Sale, q.v.) Revell was transferred to Greymouth. He showed admirable tact in the administration of a difficult office. In 1879 he was appointed to Westport and Reefton, and about 1890 to Lawrence, where two years later ill-health compelled him to retire.

Revell married in 1867 Emily O'Callaghan. He died at Timaru on 22 Sep 1893.

Harrop, Westland; Preshaw; Hindmarsh; Grey Star, 25 Feb 1928; The Press, 25 Sep 1893.

Reference: Volume 2, page 115

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