The Dictionary of Australasian Biography/Nairn, Hon. William Edward
Nairn, Hon. William Edward, son of William Nairn, major 46th Regiment, and formerly Inspector of Public Works in Van Diemen's Land, was born at Lynecombe, Somersetshire, in 1812, and graduated B.A. at Oxford in 1833. He emigrated to Tasmania in 1837 with Sir John Franklin, and received a Government appointment. He was made Secretary to the Board of Education in 1839, Clerk to the Executive and Legislative Councils in 1841, Assistant Colonial Secretary in 1842, and shortly afterwards Deputy Controller-General of Convicts. He was appointed Controller-General of Convicts in 1855 in succession to Dr. Hampton, and Sheriff of Tasmania. He was returned to the Tasmanian Legislative Council in 1856 as member for Meander. When the first responsible ministry was formed in November under Colonel Champ, he accepted a seat in it without portfolio, and was sworn of the Executive Council. He retired with his colleagues in Feb. 1857. Mr. Nairn was President of the Legislative Council from Sept. 1859 to August 1868. He resigned his seat in Parliament in April 1869, and died at Hobart on July 9th following.