New Zealand Inspector of Native Mills 🌍


Warning: Draft Information.

This page presents draft information, that is still being actively researched and fact checked. It may be incomplete, and contain more than the normal level of mistakes and factual errors. If you have any corrections or additions please get in touch.

In the early 1850's a new Government post was created with responsibility to inspect Maori mills. The official announcement called the post the "Inspector of Native Machinery", but that name appears nowhere else - it was referred to as a variety of names, including Inspector of Native Mills, Inspector of Maori Mills, or just Inspector of Mills. Daily Southern Cross, Volume X, Issue 674, 13 December 1853

WELLINGTON GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, October 29.
His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to appoint -
Henry Boyton, Esq., to be Inspector of Native Machinery, &c., in New Zealand.
However, even before that announcment, Henry Boyton had taken up the appointment, and travelled on the Government brig Victoria, from Wellington to Auckland in October 1853, where the passenger list stated his title as Inspector of Native Mills. New Zealander, Volume 9, Issue 784, 19 October 1853
PORT OF AUCKLAND.
ARRIVALS. Oct. 16 - Victoria, Government brig, Captain Deck, from Wellington. Passengers - His Excellency Sir George Grey, Lady Grey, A. J. Richmond, Esq. Private Secretary, Archdeacon and Mrs. Hadfield and child, Mr. Boyton, Inspector of Native Mills, Mr. and Mrs. Benstead, S. Maneary, M. Nichols, Perikawau, and nine in the steerage.
Boyton was obviously well known enough that his name was specifically mentioned in the press: Daily Southern Cross, Volume X, Issue 658, 18 October 1853
The Government Brig Victoria, Captain Deck, with His Excellency Sir George Grey, Lady Grey, and suite, arrived from Wellington on Sunday. The Victoria came East about, and has had a fine passage, having sailed on the 10th instant. Archdeacon and Mrs. Hadfield are among her passengers; together with Mr. Boyton, and eight others in the steerage.
An announcement of the new post was made in the Maori press: Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume VI, Issue 153, 26 January 1854
The Natives are requested to take notice that an Inspector of Mills has been appointed by the Governor for the purpose of going about the country and seeing that their Mills are properly constructed. It is recommended that no agreement be entered into for the building of any mill before the opinion of the Inspector is taken as to the elegibility of the site, and as to the machinery and wood work being of good materials and of proper dimensions and further that the certificate of the Inspector be obtained as to the completeness of the mill before the final payment is made.
C. L. Nugent. Native Secretary. 1st February, 1854.
As part of the job, Boyton provided a number of written reports: Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume I, Issue 3, 1 March 1855
MAORI MILLS.
The following Report from the Inspector of Native Mills will no doubt be read with great interest by our Maori friends. The services of Mr. Boyton have been acknowledged on all hands to be most beneficial to the interests of the Native people, and from our own personal knowledge we can say, that the paternal act of the in appointing this gentleman to superintend the Maori Mills is duly appreciated by all the tribes.
REPORT.
To Major Nugent, Native Secretary.
Sir, - Since my last report, I have again visited the mills on the Waikato and Waipa, The new mill at Rangiaowhia is now completed, and in full work, giving very good satisfaction; the old mill which is nearly worn out, but is still working, it is proposed to supercede by a new one as soon as a Millwright can be procured.
The mill at Kihekihe repaired by Mr. Clowe, in consequence of the work being so badly done, the payment was for some time in dispute; but, as both parties referred the matter to me, after a careful investigation in the presence of Dr. Harsant the Police Magistrate, the Rev. J. Morgan, and the Maori Chiefs interested, after a careful examination of the work done, the arrangements entered into, the payments already made, and the statement of both parties; I felt it my duty to strike off £55 from the amount charged, allowing £100 for the work instead of £155 as demanded.
I have also made an arrangement with Messrs. Culbert & Walker to finish, and put in rough, working order, the mill at Matamata, for the sum of £100, agreeably to your instructions.
The mill at Mangatae, near Rev. J. Morgan's, is in a forward state. A new mill has also been agreed for at Tireke. The natives of Maungatautari are desirous of building a new mill, aud also another at Kawhia. The mill at Patetere is nearly finished. And preparations are making for commencing the mill at Mangarewa, near Rev. J Battle's, on the Waipa, by Mr. Chandler. I also visited the mill at Mohoanui, and assisted in dressing the stones, and making a little alteration in the dressing machine. Tke new mill at Te Rore will be commenced immediately.
The mill at Whatawhata was undergoing a little repair on the dressing machine; but had been at work through the season.
At Kaitotehe the natives are rebuilding their dam, so as to be ready for grinding their next crop. The new mill at Tuakau, built by Messrs Cox & Chandler, is now finished, and answers well; and so satisfied are the natives with their mill, that they only waited for my inspection and certificate, to give the builders £100 in addition to the amount contracted for.
The natives of Wakapaka on the Waipa, a little below Whatawhata, are wishing Mr. Chandler to build them a mill; the Chief Tangere, has requested me to draw up an agreement, provided Mr. Chandler after ascertaining the price of materials in Town, offers such terms as you may think it advisable to accept.
The Chief Katipa of Waiuku wants Mr. Cox to build a mill for him; but as he was not there when we came through last week, we were not able to make any arrangements with him respecting it. With respect to teaching the Maories to manage their own mills, I have not yet had an opportunity of carrying out, as I have not been enabled to stay long enough in one place to give the necessary instructions; and it is the opinion of those persons whom I have consulted, as to the best means of carrying it out, that it will not be practicable unless some separate establishment be instituted for that express purpose.
Your obedient, Humble servant, (Signed) H. Boyton, Auckland, Dec. 21, 1854.
The cost of having an Inspector of Mills was given in the government budget as £250 - presumably that was not all paid as salary, but also had to cover the considerable travel involved as well: Daily Southern Cross, Volume XII, Issue 858, 18 September 1855
ESTIMATES OF THE EXPENDITURE OF THE GENERAL GOVERNMENT OF NEW ZEALAND, FOR THE YEAR COMMENCING 1st JULY, 1855. DEPARTMENT OF THE GENERAL GOVERNMENT NOT PROVIDED FOR ON THE CIVIL LIST.
...
Inspector of Mills £250
The supplementary estimates gave the same number, but made it clear they were not covering a full year: Daily Southern Cross, Volume XII, Issue 859, 21 September 1855
SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES OF THE EXPENDITURE OF THE GENERAL GOVERNMENT OF NEW ZEALAND, FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING 30th JUNE. 1855.
NATIVE SECRETARY'S DEPARTMENT. Auckland. Inspector of Mills, June 1st to September 30,- 1855, £250
Another report was written in 1855: Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume I, Issue 9, 1 December 1855
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF MAORI MILLS.
To the Native Secretary. Sir, - I beg to report that in my late tour of inspection of the Maori Mills I visited the following places. After landing at Maketu where they have not yet decided upon building a Mill, I proceeded to Roto Rua where two mills are in course of erection. The one at Ohinemutu is completed by the millright, but the Natives have not finished the Mill-dam; having but little wheat to grind, they are content to put it off till next season. The mill at Te Ngae is also commenced, and will probably be finished in time for the next crop. The new mill at Patetere was ready for grinding when I arrived there, and as they had no miller, I stayed with them to assist in grinding their wheat, and also to instruct one of the Natives to manage the Mill in future by themselves.
At Otorokai also, two of the Natives were chosen to act as millers; I therefore stayed with them to instruct them to grind and to manage the Mill.
At Maungatautare I found the Mill very much out of repair, and not in a condition to grind their wheat, from having had so many different persons engaged as millers. I was therefore obliged to do some repairs to the Mill, and then instruct one of themselves to grind and take care of the Mill in future.
At Rangiawhia three Mills were in operation, one of which had undergone some repairs to the water wheel; there is also another Mill partly built, but shut up for the present, the natives not, having the money ready to pay the instalment due to the millwrights. A new Mill has been erected at Te Rore on the Waipa and has commenced grinding. The Mills at Mohoanui and Wata Wata have also been in operation this season. A new Mill has just commenced building at Terike on the Waikato; at Taupiri the Natives have not finished the dam. The Mill has ground about 40 tons of Flour this season, and a new Mill is about being commenced at Kawbanga, near Rev. R. Maunsell's and an agreement has been entered into with the Millwright to build a Mill at Wawitu.
In taking a general review of the state of the Maori Mills for this season, I find there have been thirteen in operation, five in the course of erection, seven about being commenced, for which money and materials have been already collected, and four standing in an unfinished state.
Three of the above Mills, it will be perceived, are now managed by Native millers; and I have no doubt that, with a little assistance which I shall be able to give them when I travel that way, they will be able to carry on the works of their respective Mills for their own benefit and satisfaction.
Your most obedient Humble servant, H. Boyton, Inspector of Native Mills Auckland, Nov. 12th, 1855.
The 1855 report was also published to wider circulation several months later, with some editing especially of place names: New Zealander, Volume 12, Issue 1033, 12 March 1856
HIS Excellency the Governor has been pleased to direct that the following Report from Mr. Boyton, Inspector of Native Mills, should be published for general information.
By His Excellency’s command, Andrew Sinclair, Colonial Secretary.
Auckland, Nov. 12, 1855.
Sir, - I beg to report that in my late tour, as Inspector of the Maori Mills, I visited the following places. After landing at Maketu, where they have not yet decided upon building a mill, I proceeded to Rotorua, where two mills are in course of erection - the one at Ohineinuto is completed by the millwright, but the Natives have not finished the mill-dam; having but little wheat to grind, they are content to put it of till next season. The mill at Te Ngae is also commenced, and will probably be finished in time for the next crop, preparations are also making to begin a mill at Tarawera. The new mill at Patetere was ready for grinding when I arrived there, and as they had no miller, I staid with them to assist in grinding their wheat, and also to Instruct one of the Natives to manage the mill, in future by themselves.
At Otorokuf also, two of the Natives were chose to act as millers; I, therefore, staid with them to instruct them to grind end to manage the mill. At Maungataaini I found the mill very much out repair, and not in a condition to grind their wheat, from having had so many different persons engaged as millers; I was, therefore, obliged to do some repairs to the mill, and then instruct one of themselves to grind, and take care of the mill in future.
At Rangiawhia three mills were in operation, one of which had undergone some repairs to the water wheel. There is also another mill partly built, but shut up for the present, the Natives not having the money ready to pay the instalments due to the millwrights. A new mill has been erected at Te Rore, on the Waipa, and has commenced grinding. The mills at Mohoanui and Whatawhata have also been in operation this season, A new mill has just commenced building at Tireke, on the Waikato. At Taupiri the natives have not finished the dam. Ihe mill has ground about forty tons of flour this season; and a new mill is about being commenced at Kawbanga, near the road to Mr. Maunsell’s; and an agreement has been entered into with the mill wright to build a mill at Waiuku.
In taking a general review of the state of the Maori mills for this season, I find there have been thirteen in operation, five in the course of erection, seven about being commenced, for which money and material have already been collected, and four standing in an unfinished state.
Three of the above mills, it will be perceived are managed by Native millers, and I have no doubt that, with a little assistance, which I shall be able to give them when I travel that way, they will be able to carry on the work of their respective mills for their own benefit and satisfaction.
Yours, &c., (Signed) H. Boyton, Inspector of Native Mills.
The costs of having an inspector were sometimes questioned: New Zealander, Volume 12, Issue 1068, 12 July 1856
NATIVE SECRETARY'S DEPARTMENT, £1500.
Dr. LEE asked for information respecting the "Maori Messenger," which might be made of great service if properly conducted.
Mr. BELL complained of the inefficiency of this department, and hoped the Government would make strict inquiries, and endeavour to put it on a proper footing. He would for instance mention the Inspector of Mills, and "Maori Messenger": what earthly use were they? - Mr. STAFFORD could say little as to the efficiency of the department, but the sum voted was less than in former years, and the Government were considering the best mode of expending the sum. - Major GREENWOOD protested against crippling the Government by refusing the vote, and thought it extremely hard if they refused confidence enough in the Ministry to trust them with seeing the money properly appropriated. - Mr. HALL attacked the arguments as perfectly unsound - a pure ruductio ad absurdum. - Mr. BRODIE recommended to the House to be guided in questions affecting the Natives by the hon. member for the Pensioner Settlements, (Major Greenwood) who knew more about such matters than all the other hon. members put together.
Item Agreed to.
It sounds as if the Inspector stopped working in 1857, perhaps due to unrest amonsgst the Maori, but the Maori printed a request for him to resume his work, and offered to pay for that work: Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume IV, Issue 10, 15 October 1857 page 13
Ahuahu, June 20lh, 1857.
Friend Mr. Turton,
This is our word, respecting an Inspector of Mills, that he be sent back to his work; and it is with us to pay him the sum of 9l. 0 0 per annum for each Mill; there are 26 Mills. We will pay this sum to the Governor, and let him pay the Inspector. This we do that the work may be done well; and that the Inspector may do his work well, and be responsible to the Governor. Now, if you consent, let it be printed in the "Maori Messenger;" so that it may be seen by the owners of the Mills.
From Anatipi, Hone Pumipi, Hone Te One, Kepa, Hone Eketone. And from the old men, Nuitone, Matiri, Takerei, And from all the assmbly.
The report was referred to in a newspaper article about Maori millers: New Zealander, Volume XIII, Issue 1209, 18 November 1857
THE MAORIES AS MILLERS
One of the contributors to the Exhibition at the Auckland Mechanics’ institute, the other day, fancied - as exhibitors are often wont to fancy that the articles he sent had not so good a place allotted to them us their merits deserved. So, forthwith, he writes to the papers complaining that "an astute committee" considered "vegetables, flowers, stuffed birds, ferns, and Maories," as of more importance than mill-castings. This note called forth another from "A Visitor," in reply, in which the writer said, "The point I consider most objectionable is the sneer at the Maories, who certainly behaved with great propriety. If you look at the General Government Gazette for June 20, 1856, you will see a list of Maori Mills, which will give some idea of the extent to which the Maories have supported the Foundries of Auckland"
Now we do not think that the Maorles were "sneered" at any more than the "vegetables, flowers, stuffed birds, or ferns," but that as the cobbler thinks "there’s nothing like leather," so a machinist thinks machinery should have the first place even at a Show, primarily projected with a view to the floral and horticultural products of the Province. Anyhow we are glad, for the reasons given below, that the "astute committee" were fallen foul of.
On reference to the Gazette of the date named, we find a list of twenty-seven mills, mostly completed and in working order - but some half-dozen still in course of erection, or requiring repairs - and one or two of the earlier ones requiring a thorough overhauling or reconstruction. This statement is made on the authority of Mr. Boyton, the Inspector of Mills, and the latest date to which the return is brought down, is April, 1856, or nineteen months ago; but we believe it does not include all the mills belonging to the Maories, although a note mentions that four others were about to be constructed at Waiuku, Tarawcre, Aotea, and Whaingaroa.
This return, in fact, relates to this Province only; while, if we look to the other sections of the Northern Island, we shall find that there are many to be added to the number of Maori-owned mills. In Wellington, for instance, there are three, the machinery of which has been imported direct from England. Two of these mills are in the Aburiri district; and the third has been erected in the Wairarapa at a cost of £900. In addition to these, there are at least six good mills in other parts of the Wellington Province. There are also six native mills in the Taranaki Province; and besides those enumerated in the last Auckland return, (those we now cite,) we learn that there are several more mills now in course of construction for the Natives of this Province.
Still, taking the return as it stands, we find that in the important districts of Waikato, Waipa, Rangiawhia, Rotorua, and Kawhia, the natives are possessed of about thirty flour-mills - the erection of which must have entailed considerable expense upon them - and the completion of each of which furnishes another surety of more friendly relations between the two races: a point we consider of even more importance than the amount of employment erection of these mills has afforded our British mechanics. For the Maories, although they have not yet graduated in our School ot Political Economy, and do not yet admit the doctrine of "small profits and quick returns" - although their notions of trading arc still tinged with the old Protectionist fallacies which for so many years formed the staple ot after-dinner conversation at the Market-ordinary or the County Agricultural Show; they do know that the Pakeha is and must he their best customer, and that it is to their interest to encourage him to settle amongst them.
But it is not only as Mill-owners that the Maories are among the most profitable customers the British mechanic has in this Colony. We believe we are correct in asserting that a very large, if not the larger proportion of the best Ploughs and Threshing-machines imported into this Province, has been sold to the Maories. And they will have THE BEST.
These are truly gratifying facts to have to notice, aml we hope ere long to have to record the appearance of the Natives as competitors with European settlers in the exhibition of cereal products. Ihe Exhibition of the other day was most carefully conned over by the Natives who were present. The same will be the case, or we are much mistaken, at the forthcoming Cattle Show. And even as they have shown that they are open to the conviction, slowly as that has come to pass, of the superiority of European sailing vessels over their picturesque canoe, and of the oar over the paddle, - so we shall find them gradually competing with us in corn, cattle, and every agricultural product, and competing in earnest.
It is evident, indeed, that another and better phase is manifesting itself in the Native mind; and though at present it is noticeable mainly in reference to material things, it cannot fail to eventuate in the development and encouragement of a higher stage of civilivation than they now possess. Even through their appetites and their desire for the acquisition of individual wealth, will their intellectual and moral perceptions he elevated. Hori Haupapa, it will be remembered, urged his Maori brethren to "follow the example of the Europeans," to "strive to possess some portion ot their wealth, and acquire mills, and ploughs, that we may he able to procure better food for our families than we lived upon in our youth;" and the desire for better food will lead to a desire for better houses, for more suitable clothing, for greater cleanliness - all three potent auxiliaries in carrying on the great work of Christian civilization.
It certainly appears that Boyton retired from the post, and noone else seems to have been appointed to replace him. The next we hear of Boyton is when his drowned body is recovered from Auckland Harbour. New Zealand Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 5845, 11 August 1880
THE DROWNING CASE.
The dead body of the man found floating in the harbour on Monday morning was yesterday fully identified as the body of Mr. Henry Boyton, an old gentleman 81 years of age, who resided by himself in a cottage in Cook-street. At first the police and others were under the impression that the deceased was Mr. Samuel Hogg, shipwright, Onehunga; but Sergeant Greene was communicated with, and found that Mr. Hogg was alive. Mr. Boyton's neighbours missed the old gentleman on Monday and Tuesday, and, observing the notices in the Herald, they communicated with Mr. Bowring of Symonds-street, who was an old acquaintance and intimate friend of the deceased. The latter at once went to the police station, and after giving a minute description of his friend was shown the body, which he at once identified. They were friends of twenty-four years' standing, and there can be no doubt as to the identification. Mr. Boyton was a very old settler in New Zealand. He came out to Wellington with the New Zealand Land Company and settled in the province of Wellington. He was a native of Dover, and a millwright by trade, and on coming to Auckland he was appointed by the Government as inspector of Maori mills. For many years past he has led a very retired life, making few acquaintances. He was very temperate and abstemious in his habits, and lived by himself in Cook-street, employing himself for the most part, cultivating his garden and taking an occasional walk on the wharf. On Sunday afternoon, Mr. Bowring's son dined with the deceased, and he was not afterwards seen alive. It is supposed that, in taking his customary walk on the wharf, he must either have stepped over as he was very near sighted, or that he was seized with a sudden giddiness and toppled overboard without being observed. The inquest, which was to have been held yesterday, has been postponed until 2 o'clock to-day. Mr. Boyton was in easy circumstances, and owned sufficient property to keep him comfortably. Messrs. Russell and Devore solicitors, had, we believe, the management of his property.
The Auckland Start had already printed the mistaken identification, and had to correct that. Ironically, they still got the name wrong for much of the report, having inserted a "y" into the name: Auckland Star, Volume XI, Issue 3141, 11 August 1880
THE BODY FOUND IN THE HARBOUR.- A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY.
In our last evening's issue we mentioned that the body of the old man found in the harbour had been identified as that of Samuel Hogg, ship-carpenter, of Onehunga. A man was so convinced of the identification that he was prepared to appear and testify to it, and the police were pretty well assured that they had enough evidence to go to the inquest, but on telegraphing to Sergeant Greene it was discovered that Charles Hogg, ship carpenter of Onehunga was there alive and well, and as no other ship-carpenter named Hogg was known there, it was presumed that a mistake had been made. Meanwhile information reached the police that an old man named Henry Boynton, aged 81, who lived in a cottage by himself in Cook-street, was missing, and some of the neighbours, on seeing the body, placed it beyond doubt that the deceased was the unfortunate gentleman. Mr Boynton was a very old settler, and had sufficient means to support himself comfortably. The inquest on the body was adjourned till to-day.
The inquest commenced this afternoon at the Freeman's Hotel before Dr. Philson, coroner, and a jury of twelve, when the following evidence was taken,
Edwin Barrington was chosen foreman.
Sergeant Martin conducted on the part of the police.
Thomas Barron, licensed waterman, plying in the Waitemata harbour, deposed that he resided at Ponsonby. Did not know deceased. On Sunday night he was taking his turn on the water. About six o'clock on Monday morning he was accosted by a man who said he was Captain Moore, of the steamer Vivian, that he had just passed a dead body floating in the water, close to the railway wharf. He went with his boat assisted by a waterman, Thomas Hart, and got the body into the boat. It was then floating towards the mid-stream. Took the body to the Waterman's steps where two constables took charge of it. They searched the body in his presence, and found a silver watch, which had stopped at 7.40, a door key, a buck handled clasp knife, a pair of spectacles in a morocco case, and two silk pocket handkerchiefs. (Produced). No money found. The body was then removed to tho dead-house. He should think from the direction of the body, that deceased fell from the Railway Wharf.
Sergeant Martin said there was a relative of the deceased just arrived from the Thames.
Dr Philson said the gentlemen had better see the body before giving evidence.
Edgar Bowring, musician, son of Alfred Bowring, pianoforte maker, Symond-street, deposed that he knew deceased. Had known him 15 years. Last saw him at 2 o'clock on Sunday at his (Mr Boyton's) house in Cook-street, near the corner of Nelson-street, dined with him.
After hearing further evidence, the jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."
A death notice was placed, though he had few friends who were likely to see it: Auckland Star, Volume XI, Issue 3141, 11 August 1880
DEATH.
BOYTON. - On the 8th instant, by drowning in Auckland Harbour, Henry Boyton; aged 82 years.
The funeral will leave his late residence, Cook-street. To-morrow (Thursday), 12th inst., at 3p.m. Friends are respectfully Invited to attend.
More details came out at the inquest: New Zealand Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 5846, 12 August 1880
THE LATE DROWNING CASE.- CORONER'S INQUEST.
An inquest was held yesterday afternoon, at 2 o'clock, at the Freeman's Bay Hotel, before Dr. Philson, coroner, and a respectable jury (Mr. Barrington, foreman), to enquire into the circumstances of the death of Mr. Henry Boyton, whose body wae found floating in the harbour early on Monday morning.
Thomas Barren, waterman, deposed to having brought the body to the wharf. He estimated that the body had been in the water more than eight hours. From the set of the tides and wind and place where body had been found, believed deceased fell off the Railway Wharf, near the stonework section.
Edgar Bowring, son of Alfred Bowring, pianoforte maker, deposed that he lived in Symonds-street, and was acquainted with deceased for 15 years, as he was in the habit of visiting his father's house about twice a week. Last saw deceased alive on Sunday, at 2 o'clock, when witness dined with him at his residence, Cook-street. Deceased was in his usual health and spirits, and partook heartily. Witness left shortly afterwards. Deceased lived aloue, was unmarried, and managed for himself. They had no spirits or beer at dinner, but coffee. Deceased, of late years, had a kind of shaking palsy. He had no occupation, so called, but spent his time in attending to his garden, and taking a walk in the evening.
Edward Louis, sergeant in the Armed Constabulary, deposed that deceased was his uncle by the father's side, and was upwards of 80 years of age. He had been many years inspector of Maori mills in the Waikato district for Government, but had retired about 20 years ago from active life and lived on his means. Did not know whether deceased had left a will or money in bank. He was a single man. Last saw him a year ago, when on a visit to Auckland. He was then feeble, but not confined to the house. Deceased was in possession of all his mental faculties, and he had not the slightest suspicion of suicide.
Robert Hampton, tailor, deposed that he had been acquainted with deceased 26 years. Last saw him alive on the 30th July, when he came to his shop to order some clothes, and he appeared to be in his usual health and spirits. He appeared to be suffering more than he had formerly seen him do from shaking palsy, arising from debility and old age. Deceased was in the habit of walking on the Queen street Wharf in the evening, but never knew him to do so on the Railway Wharf. Witness had remonstrated with him, knowing that his sight was failing, but deceased replied that "he knew the place well, and that there was no danger." Deceased owned two cottages, in one of which he lived, and also other property. He receieved money from England, for deceased had taken him to the bank to identify him; and he had, moreover, money out at interest. Was not aware whether he had left a will. Deceased was of a retiring disposition, lived strictly by himself, and was very exact and methodical in his business matters.
Sergeant Martin, of the water police, deposed to having searched the house. He found no will. He had not yet reported the matter to Mr. Macffarlane, Curator of Intestate Estates.
The jury after a few moments deliberation, returned a verdict of "Found drowned;" but that there was no evidence to show how the deceased, Henry Boyton, came by his death.
Auckland Star, Volume XI, Issue 3142, 12 August 1880
The late Henry Boyton, who was accidentally drowned on Sunday night, was a highly intelligent, but somewhat eccentric, man. He was a Kentish man, but not a man of Kent, and left Dover about 40 years ago for this country. According to the statement of his nephew, he was not brought up to any particular trade, but was of a mechanical, and more, of a philosophical turn of mind. On arriving in New Zealand he studied surveying und machinery, leading a kind of reclusive life. He never married, but it is supposed was jilted by a Kentish girl in his younger days. Thirty years ago, from his general knowledge of machinery, he was appointed inspector of Maori mills in the Waikato under Government by Sir George Grey; but having accumulated a competency, sufficient for his modest wants, he retired from active life, erected cottages, in one of which he lived in Cook-street, and passed the last twenty years of his life in his garden and with his books. His library may be taken as an index to his mind and character. He paid some attention to astronomy, and made some improvement in a telescope. He was a member of the Church of England, but owing to a dimness of sight and partial deafness, he had ceased to attend the services of the church. He held no communication with his neighbours, and would not admit of female assistance, but did all his household work himself, and, as Sergeant Martin affirmed, his house was clean and in perfect order. He was an excellent cook, as was evidenced by his young friend, Bowring, the only person who was admitted to his table and close friendship. He was morally honest, strict in his payments, and extremely abstemious in his style of living. His only acquaintances were the Bowrings, Mr. Robert Hampton, of Shortland-street, and Mr Grigg, who was almost the only person he conversed with in his evening walk on the wharf. Some years ago, Mr Boyton, cousidering that the world was full of wickedness and deceit, resolved to live apart from the crowd as much as possible, acting on the advice of Plato, "The world shut out, thy thoughts call home."
New Zealand Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 6043, 12 August 1880
At an inquest on the body of Henry Boyton a verdict of found drowned was returned. Mr, Boyton came out to Wellington with the New Zealand Land Company, and settled in Wellington. He was a millwright by trade, and on coming to Auckland was appointed by the Government Inspector of Maori mills. For many years past he has led a retired and temperate life and lived alone.
Evening Star, Issue 5522, 17 November 1880
During October, twenty-three estates of deceased persons were placed in the charge of the Public Trustee. The amounts ranged from L5, to L2,000 in the estate of Henry Boyton, of Auckland.


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