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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Mr. Charles Heaphy

Mr. Charles Heaphy, sometime member for Parnell in the New Zealand House of Representatives, was born in St. John's Wood, London, in 1822, and was the youngest son of Major Heaphy, who lost his arm in an engagement at the Pass of Douro, during the Peninsula War, and also acted as aide-de-camp to the Duke of Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo. Prior to leaving England, Mr. Heaphy was studying at the Royal Academy for the profession of an artist, when he was suddenly offered the position of draughtsman to the New Zealand Company, and accordingly he sailed for New Zealand in the pioneer ship “Tory,” in 1839. After his arrival, he was engaged in exploring, in company with the late Sir William Fox and other old colonists, in the Taranaki and Nelson districts. Subsequently, he re-visited the Old Country, in connection with the New Zealand Company and returned to the Colony in the ship “Princes of Wales,” in 1842, and took up land at Nelson, but was driven off it by the Maoris. In 1867 he was returned to the House of Representatives, unopposed, as member for Parnell, but resigned his seat in 1869, when he accepted the appointment of Commissioner of Native Reserves. About 1878–9 he was made one of the judges of the Native Land Court and he retained the position until the time of his death, which occurred in 1881. Mr. Heaphy was married to Catherine, eldest daughter of the Rev. Mr. Churton, LL.B., the first resident clergyman in New Zealand, and afterwards first minister of Old St. Paul's, Auckland; and was survived by his widow.

Hanna, photo. Mr. C. Heaphy.

Hanna, photo. Mr. C. Heaphy.