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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Captain William Bettis

Captain William Bettis, the well-known and popular Master of the Northern Steamship Company's “Waimarie,” was born in Hobart, Tasmania, in 1854. He came to Lyttelton with his parents in 1862, and left there for Auckland in 1864. As a boy he started in the coastal trade, and served in several sailing vessels till 1874, when he became chief officer of the p.s. “Tongariro,” a boat belonging to Messrs Holmes Bros., and then engaged in the Auckland-Thames trade. He remained on the “Tongariro” for about two years, and then joined the p.s. “Ruby,” of which he was master for some time, and left her to join the Thames Steam Navigation Company, under whose flag he served as master for several years. In 1890 he joined the Hauraki Steamship Company, for which he served as master in the “Ruby” and “Paeroa,” and finally joined the Northern Steamship Company in 1891, when he received the appointment of chief officer of the s.s. “Ohine-muri.” He remained in that position till 1893, and was then appointed master of the “Patiki.” Subsequently he commanded the “Paeroa,” and is now in charge of the “Waimarie.” Captain Bettis was married to an Auckland lady in 1875, and has four sons and three daughters.

Captain W. Bettis.

Captain W. Bettis.