John Cowell Boys (1824–89)

Born in Sussex. Served on the survey staff of the New Zealand Company, 1842–5. Returned to England and completed his professional qualifications before going to New Zealand again in 1849. Later, owing to ill health, gave up field surveying and became inspector of surveys. Noted breeder of Romney sheep. Advised the introduction of the hedge sparrow to combat the caterpillar in Canterbury, New Zealand.