WILSON, WILLIAM (1819-97) was born at Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland. After serving an apprenticeship of seven years to a seedsman in his native shire, he worked for several private employers. In 1850 he came to Canterbury in the Mariner, and at once established himself as a nurseryman at the Bricks, with shrubs and plants obtained from the other provinces and seeds from England. He was M.P.C. for Kaiapoi (1864-66) and for City of Christchurch (1869-70). He was chairman of the town board, furthered the movement for the creation of a borough and was the first mayor (1868). He was instrumental in the introduction of gas lighting and artesian water and was chairman of the horticultural society, a life member and 11 years vice-president of the A. and P. association. Wilson opened three or four coalmines in the Malvern hills and quarries at Halswell and White Rock. He died on 8 Nov 1897.

Cycl. N.Z., iii (p); Wigram; Lyttelton Times, 9 Nov 1897.

Reference: Volume 2, page 265

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