The Dictionary of Australasian Biography/Williamson, John
Williamson, John, in conjunction with Mr. W. C. Wilson, founded the New Zealander newspaper, first published in 1845, and for twenty years exercised an important influence on New Zealand politics. He was three times elected to the office of Superintendent of the province of Auckland, a position which under the original constitution of New Zealand was analogous to a lieutenant-governorship in Canada, the provinces, however, in New Zealand being very much smaller. Mr. Williamson represented Auckland in the Parliament of the colony down to the time of his death. He was a man of broad Liberal views, and was a member of the second Fox Ministry, without portfolio, from July 12th to August 2nd, 1861. He was also one of the founders of the Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Williamson died in Feb. 1875.