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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]
Mr. William Henry Russell
Mr. William Henry Russell,
member of the Hansard staff, is a son of the late Mr. G. R. Russell, of Wellington, and therefore brother to Mr. G. W. Russell, M.H.R. for Riecarton, and to Mr. T. G. Russell, solicitor, of Christchurch. Born in the capital of New Zealand, he received his education at the public schools and at Wellington College. By diligent application to his studies, Mr. Russell was successful, in the days when there were no scholarships, in securing a special prize as “dux,” which consisted of handsomely-bound copies of Shakespeare's works. After leaving college he entered the Education Department, under Dr. Hislop, and remained there ten years. During this time Mr. Russell was diligently employing his spare time, especially in the evenings, in the study of Pitman's system of shorthand, and he soon became an expert shorthand reporter, although entirely self-taught. Mr. Russell left the
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Education Department in 1891 to become Private Secretary to the Hon. J. G. Ward. While occupying this position, he accompanied his chief, then Postmaster-General, to the Postal Conferences held in Sydney and Brisbane two years in succession. In June, 1893, Mr. Russell was promoted to the Hansard staff, in virtue of his abilities as an accomplished shorthand reporter. He has served on four Royal Commissions as secretary and reporter, the last and most important being the Tariff Commission of 1895. In social matters, Mr. Russell is a member of the Wellington Operatic Society. He is also a member of the choir of St. Peter's Church.