[1] He signed an employment contract with the Canterbury Provincial Council which stipulated that he had to be married, so he proposed to his friend Emily Knowles less than one month before emigrating.

This allowed his to apply for the role of inspector of schools for the education board in the Hawke's Bay.

[1] Hill moved to the East Coast of the North Island and practised as a qualified lawyer, there becoming involved in politics.

[2] Hill's time as mayor was marked by attempts to increase public works and improve the city's finances, for which he received high praise on this prudent, tactful approach.

[1] Hill also received support and endorsement from the Reform Party, in an effort to help oust the Liberal incumbent Vigor Brown.