Edward Marsh Williams
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Edward Marsh Williams (2 November 1818 – 11 October 1909) was a missionary, interpreter, and judge who played a significant role in the British colonisation of New Zealand.[1] He was born in Hampstead, Middlesex, the eldest son of Archdeacon Henry Williams and Marianne Williams.
Edward Marsh Williams | |
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Native Land Court | |
In office 29 April 1881 – 1891 | |
Personal details | |
Born | 2 November 1818 Hampstead, Middlesex, England |
Died | 11 October 1909(1909-10-11) (aged 90) Te Aute, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand |
Spouse | Jane Davis |
Parent(s) | Henry Williams, Marianne Williams |
At the age of 21 in 1840, when Captain William Hobson arrived in New Zealand, Edward — who had grown up among the Māori at Paihia, and as a result was fluent in Te Reo and understood Māori culture — helped his father translate the Treaty of Waitangi into Te Reo.[2] Edward was appointed by Lieutenant Governor Hobson as government interpreter, Clerk to the Court, and the first postmaster at Auckland. Edward was appointed to judicial positions: as Resident Magistrate for the Bay of Islands and in 1881 Edward was appointed a judge of the Native Land Court (which became the Māori Land Court) of New Zealand.
Williams translated into Māori over 210 hymns and also The Pilgrim's Progress.[1] In 1860, he translated God Save the Queen into Maori.[3] He drew HMS Herald in Sylvan Cove, Stewart Island / Rakiura in 1840.[4][5]