HAMILTON, Augustus 1853–1913

Noted ethnologist, born Dorsetshire, England; showed early interest in natural history. Arrived New Zealand 1875 and taught in Wellington, Westland, and Hawke's Bay, where he founded the museum. Was Registrar of Otago University 1890 and exhibited with OAS 1890–1904, holding office with the society. In 1903 succeeded Sir James Hector as Director of the Dominion [now National] Museum, Wellington; he had a particular interest in the Maori collection. Published his celebrated Maori Art 1907, was the founder of the Polynesian Society. Exhibited with the NZ Academy of Fine Arts and was on the Council, exhibited views of Mt Cook at Otago Industrial Exn 1898.