CYCLOPEDIA OF NZ 1897

Wellington Province

WANGANUI:

CLAPHAM, William Henry

Page 1366

Mr. William Henry Clapham, who held a seat on the Wanganui Borough Council for four years, was born and educated in Wellington, where his father, Mr. T. H. Clapham, arrived in the ship `Birman,' one of the first ships of the Port Nicholson contingent, early in 1842. After leaving school in 1869, Mr. Clapham served four years in the office of Messrs. W. B. Rhodes and Co., where he gained considerable experience in mercantile life. In November, 1873, he entered the employ of Messrs. W. and G. Turnbull and Co. as purser in their steamers. Leaving this a year later, he took a situation in Mr. John Duthie's office in Wanganui, and has resided in Wanganui ever since, with the exception of two years, 1879-81, when he was in Wellington as book-keeper for Messrs. John Duthie and Co. Mr. Clapham was elected to the Wanganui Corporation in November, 1892. In Feburary, 1882, he was elected sub-lieutenant of the Wanganui Naval Artillery Volunteers, and captain in April, 1886, and still retains command. He has held the office of chairman of directors of the Wanganui Sash and Door Company almost since its inception in 1884. He is also director of the Wanganui Loan and Finance Company, and a partner of the firm of Messrs. James Thain and Co., ironmerchants.

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