The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]
Mr. W. J. Hurst
Mr. W. J. Hurst, Mayor of Auckland for 1877, entered public life as a member of the Auckland Provincial Council. On the 2nd of December, 1870, during Mr. Gillies' Superintendency, he moved a resolution condemning the financial proposals of Dr. Nicholson's Government, which led to the resignation of the Executive. Of the Government then formed Mr. Hurst became a member without portfolio. He afterwards accepted the Provincial Treasureship, which he held for about three years, but resigned upon the election of Mr John Williamson, as Superintendent of the Province. On the 20th of December, 1876, he contested the mayoralty, and was elected by a considerable majority. As a member of the Board of Education and other public bodies, Mr. Hurst saw a large amount of public service. He died at Folkestone, Kent, England, in June, 1886, and left a widow, but no family.