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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Clayton, Matthew Thomas

Clayton, Matthew Thomas (Captain), Surveyor of Lloyd's Register and General Shipping Agent, 23, Palmerston Buildings, Auckland, was born at Selsey, Sussex, in England, in 1831, and is the fifth son of the late Mr. William Clayton, of Glynn House, Selsey. He was educated at the Northgate Chichester Boarding School. In 1844 he was apprenticed to the sea, and joined the ship “London” (Captain Gibson), but in 1846 was transferred to the “Statesman, on which he served until 1850. Mr. Clayton became third officer in 1819, second of the “Simla” in 1850, chief officer of the “King William” in 1851, chief officer of the ship “Hope” in 1858, chief officer of the ship “Kent” in 1856, and master of the same ship on the 1st of January, 1859. During those years he traded to all parts of the globe. In January, 1859, he became commander of the ship “Kent,” belonging to the celebrated Black wall Line, owned by Messrs Money Wigram and Sons, and held the command until 1863, when he was commissioned to bring the Australian Steam Navigation Company's paddle steamer “City of Brisbane” to Sydney. It was then his intention to settle in New South Wales, but in May, 1864, he arrived in Auckland and joined the New Zealand Insurance Company, as Marine Surveyor, a position which he has held ever since. In 1876, during the Premiership of Sir Julius Vogel, Captain Clayton was appointed examiner of Masters and Mates in Seamanship; also surveyor under the Wrecks Act. He held the former position for twenty years, and the latter until the Act became obsolete. In 1876 he was appointed surveyor to Lloyds Register for Shipping. Captain Clayton is a marine artist of considerable skill, and his pictures command a ready sale all over the Colony. He is a zealous member of the Anglican Church, and acts as Lay Canon of the Cathedral Chapter, and is also a member of the General Trust Board.

Hanna, photo.Captain M. T. Clayton.

Hanna, photo.Captain M. T. Clayton.