Alexander Watt Williamson

Another of the family who truly left his mark was the youngest member of the family, Alexander Watt Williamson, who was born a year after Francis had left England on his journey to New Zealand.

From early childhood, the intelligence of young Alex was most noticeable. He was of quiet nature, and spent most of his days with a jar or tin in hand, quietly moving about the garden or nearby trees looking for insects or unusual leaves. Sitting on a tree stump, he would peer into the jar at his latest find for a long time before gently setting it free. On other days, he would lie on his back looking into the trees, watching the birds pour forth their sweet song. His fund of knowledge grew rapidly.

By the time he began lessons at a little side school, his knowledge often supplemented that of the teacher. At home, he tired his family with questions, but he always knew that the best source of knowledge willingly given was Francis. His brothers and sister attended the same school. After finishing school with an honourable record, it had been assumed his formal education was complete—but for Alex, it was only just beginning.

He entered Whanganui Grammar School, where records show he was a first-class pupil. Four happy years followed, in which he gained distinction in all subjects. His personality remained quiet and kindly, and he continued to crave knowledge.

Eventually, in 1871, he entered the newly opened University in Dunedin. It had not been easy to persuade his father that his life lay not in farming but in education. He begged and cajoled until his father, though initially shocked, gave him £200 as a goodbye share of the home farm 'Brandon'. Alexander took up studies at Otago University, completing the course in three years and earning the first degree ever awarded by a New Zealand university.

University Achievements

From the History of Otago University by G.E. Thompson:

"Only one student has ever been granted a degree by the University of Otago before its incorporation into the University of New Zealand, and that student was Alexander Watt Williamson from Whanganui. He was awarded a Bachelor of Arts in 1874. His photograph and certificate hang in the Registrar’s Building at the University."

The University, after a number of years wrangling, opened to students in 1871. The Stock Exchange building in Dunedin (commissioned as a Post Office but never used as one) housed the university until the main building was completed in 1879. In 1874, Otago agreed to affiliate with the University of New Zealand and surrendered the power to confer degrees, making Alexander Watt Williamson's degree the only one granted solely by Otago.

Degree Conferral

On June 23rd 1874, the Otago University Council resolved to confer the degree of B.A. upon Alexander Watt Williamson after a favourable report by the professors. Professor Sale prepared a Latin diploma, later translated to English:

Translation of Otago University Degree Certificate (21 April 1948):
“We, the University of Otago, Chancellor and Professors, by this document, wish to declare that Alexander Watt Williamson, after examination held particularly in subjects connected with Physical Science, has been awarded the degree of Bachelor of Arts. In witness whereof we have had the common seal of the University hereto affixed.”

George S. Sale, Professor of Greek, Latin and English
John Shand, Professor of Mathematics and Physics
Duncan MacGregor, Professor of Philosophy
James Gow Black, Professor of Chemistry and Mining
J. Richardson, Chancellor, University of Otago

Later, in 1876, he was issued a second degree certificate from the University of New Zealand and paid a £2/2/0 fee. Thus, he held two certificates for the same degree.

Diary Notes and Journey to University

Although not a diarist by nature, Alexander made occasional notes and pasted exam results into a repurposed 1866 diary. His travel to Dunedin included stays in Wellington and journeys via Cobb’s coach, with records of his board, lodgings, and class marks.

In 1871, he enrolled in Mathematics, Greek, Latin, and English. His class standings were consistently high, and he won a prize that year. He later excelled in Chemistry, Geology, Mineralogy, English Literature, and Philosophy. Laboratory results show he scored 783 out of 800 marks in one course.

Post-University Career

After completing his degree, he returned to Whanganui and began teaching at Turakina School (1874–1881), then Patea School (1882–1893), and later became Headmaster of Taita School and Epuni School in Lower Hutt. He retired in 1914.

He remained active in the Knox Presbyterian and Taita Methodist Churches, serving as Sunday School Superintendent for both. After retirement, he lived with his son Sam in Gordonton until his death in 1928. His wife Emma returned to Lower Hutt and lived there until her death in 1939.

Photos: Degree in Latin, Cobb Coach, English Degree, Paper clippings

From the Otago Evening Star, 1920 – Fiftieth Jubilee of Otago University

The Varsity’s ‘One and Only’ Graduate

Mr Alexander Watt Williamson, who has the truly unique distinction of being the ‘One and Only’ graduate of the Otago University before it was incorporated with the University of New Zealand, was born near Coventry in Warwickshire on November 2nd, 1849. He left the ‘Old Country’ with his parents, brothers and sister in 1851, arriving at Port Nicholson on the ship William Hyde in February 1852.

The family settled in the Whanganui district, and in 1869 Mr Williamson took up school work, being appointed to the Mataonga School, now named the Okoia School. It was from this school that he went on to university.

Another announcement was as follows:

When the University opened in 1871, the total number of students attending classes was 81. Last year, 1920, the roll had risen to 943 students, distributed among faculties as follows:

• Arts and Science: 341
• Medicine: 340
• Law: 53
• Mining and Dentistry: 33
• Commerce: 82
• Home Science: 67
• Agriculture: 2

Of the above, 591 were male and 352 were female.