WILLIS, WILLIAM JARVIS (1840-84) was born in Sussex, educated at Eton, and received a commission as ensign in the 14th Regiment. He came to New Zealand in 1861 as lieutenant and adjutant of the 2nd battalion, with which he served until the end of the war. Having married (1864) Amelia, daughter of D. Riddiford, he sold out and settled here. Willis was appointed resident magistrate in Wairarapa and on taking up a farm at Marton continued to act as chairman of petty sessions for Rangitikei. During the Maori troubles he was a major in command of the militia and volunteers in Rangitikei and Manawatu. Later he was appointed resident magistrate for that district. In 1864 he purchased Woodendean, near Marton, and soon afterwards introduced the first Romneys into the district. In 1879 Willis resigned from the bench to contest the Rangitikei seat as a supporter of Hall. He defeated C. L. McLean; but owing to indifferent health he resigned early in the following year. He was chairman of the Upper Rangitikei highway board, a member of the Rangitikei county council and in later years chairman of the Porewa, Marton and Paraekaretu licensing benches. He died on 1 Mar 1884.

Parlty Records; J. G. Wilson; Rangitikei Advocate, 3 Mar 1884.

Reference: Volume 2, page 263

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