Biographical.

William Benson (born at Leeds in 1840) joined Major Jackson's company of No. 1 Forest Rangers at Auckland and took part in the fighting in the Waikato in 1863–4. He then went as a volunteer under Major von Tempsky to Wanganui and assisted in the relief of Pipiriki. In 1865 he fought in the East Coast War, and, in 1868–9, served in the engagements which were brought about by the Te Kooti revolt. He was reputed to be a man who could not be trifted with. In June, 1873, he was accused by Captain Read of having threatened to shoot him, and was bound over to keep the peace. He died at Ormond on 26 April, 1911. Three of his brothers—Frederick, Henry and Edwin—also settled in Poverty Bay.