Died 1900 66

William Crowther was born in England in 1834 and as a youth was apprenticed as an iron worker. At the time of the Crimean War he and several other apprentices were told by their employer to go to Russia to fit some machinery, but afraid to go, they sailed for the Victorian gold fields in Australia. After working in various occupations in Melbourne, William Crowther arrived in Otago attracted by gold mining prospects, but he engaged in carrying stores to the goldfields.

He came to Auckland with shipments of horses from Otago, and after two consignments decided to start a livery stable business in the city. After difficulties bringing vehicles from Melbourne which were suitable for moving horses on Auckland’s early roads, he acquired two “Albert” cars, one of which he drove from Parnell to town. He also started an Auckland-Remuera bus service. Crowther developed a successful horse stables business in Parnell and Wellesley Street East before retiring and building a 14-room home in Remuera.

He took a keen interest in public affairs being the Chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board in 1893, and for nearly 20 years, a member of the Auckland City Council – and Mayor for two years. He was elected to the House of Representatives three times and served on the Auckland College and Grammar School Board and the University College Council.

66 years
Died 15 Mar 1900
Block D, Row 29, Plot 035

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