Bill Hawkins (cricketer)

Bill Hawkins
Member of the New Zealand Parliament for Pahiatua
In office 1904–1905
Preceded by	John O'Meara
Succeeded by	Robert Beatson Ross
Personal details
Born	William Henry Hawkins 1861 Rylstone, New South Wales, Australia
Died	10 August 1930 (aged 68) New Plymouth, New Zealand
Cricket information
Bowling	Left-arm fast-medium
Role	Wicket-keeper
Domestic team information
Years	Team
1886/87–1896/97	Auckland
1887/88–1894/95	Hawke's Bay
Career statistics
Competition First-class Matches 17 Runs scored 91 Batting average 4.33 100s/50s 0/0 Top score 20 Balls bowled 568 Wickets 13 Bowling average 19.00 5 wickets in innings 0 10 wickets in match 0 Best bowling 3/11 Catches/stumpings 13/4
Source: CricketArchive, 26 August 2020

William Henry Hawkins (1861 – 10 August 1930) was a New Zealand cricketer and Liberal Party Member of Parliament.

Work

Hawkins was born in New South Wales and moved to the Wairarapa at the age of 20 to take up journalism. He eventually became editor and manager of the Pahiatua Herald. After losing his parliamentary seat he moved to Tataraimaka in Taranaki, where he took up farming.

Cricket

Hawkins played 17 first-class matches for Auckland and Hawke's Bay between 1887 and 1896. He was a wicket-keeper who also sometimes bowled left-arm medium pace. He captained Hawke's Bay in their match against Wellington in 1887-88.

Politics

New Zealand Parliament

Years	Term	Electorate		Party
1904–1905	15th	Pahiatua			Independent Liberal

Hawkins won the Pahiatua electorate in a 1904 by-election after the death of John O'Meara; but was defeated in the next election in 1905. In World War I he served overseas in the 14th Reinforcement with the rank of captain. On his return he joined the staff of the prohibitionist organisation the New Zealand Alliance.

Death

Hawkins died in New Plymouth on 10 August 1930, and he was buried at Te Henui Cemetery. He was survived by his widow, whom he had married in 1894, and their four sons and a daughter.