NORTHCROFT, WILLIAM (1807-88) was trained as an architect and surveyor, and practised in Essex. Coming to New Zealand in the Cresswell (1852), he took up land at Bell Block and served in the militia during the Taranaki war. Thereafter until 1867 he was surveyor of roads and bridges. After retiring he again practised his profession. He was a member of the Provincial Council for Grey and Bell (1861-65), and was provincial secretary managing the business of the Council all the time. On one occasion he acted as deputy-superintendent. The Council having adopted responsible government (1866), he resigned and for a year or two was surveyor of roads and bridges. In 1868 he became secretary of the board of education and he was afterwards secretary of the education board. For many years Northcroft was superintendent of St Mary's Sunday School. He died on 11 Apr 1888. (See H. W. NORTHCROFT and C. BROWN.)

Taranaki P.C. Proc. and Gaz.; Taranaki Herald, 12 Apr 1888.

Reference: Volume 2, page 67

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