Map of the North Island, New Zealand.

James McKerrow (1834 - 1919)

Astronomer and Surveyor-General of New Zealand, and Chief Commissioner of Railways in the country. Born in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, Scotland, to Andrew McKerrow and Margaret (née Steven), he migrated to Dunedin, New Zealand, in November 1859. From 1859 to 1873, McKerrow worked as the District and Geodetical Surveyor of Otago, followed by Chief Surveyor of Otago until 1877. He then served as Assistant Surveyor-General of New Zealand from January 1877 to October 1879, concurrently holding the position of Secretary of Crown Lands and Mines from February 1878 to January 1889. In October 1878, he took on the role of Surveyor-General of New Zealand, later adding the position of Chief Commissioner of New Zealand Railways in January 1889. Notably, McKerrow conducted the reconnaissance survey of the Otago Lake districts from 1861 to 1863, covering an area of eight thousand square miles. His survey reports were presented to the Royal Geographical Society of London, earning special commendation from President Sir Roderick Murchison. Additionally, he participated in British expeditions for observing the Transit of Venus in 1874 and 1882 in New Zealand. Elected as a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society of London in 1884.

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