James Williamson (New Zealand politician)

James Williamson (1814 – 22 March 1888) was a 19th-century Member of Parliament, merchant and land speculator in the Auckland Region, New Zealand.

His parents were Ann Gardiner and Thomas Williamson, who owned ships and was a linen merchant.

James Williamson started going to sea at a young age on his father's ships.

[2] He was then appointed to the Legislative Council in 1870 and remained a member until his death in 1888.

He became insolvent during the fall of value of rural land in the 1880s, and his was the most spectacular failure of the successful Auckland businessmen.