Bennet, Henry A.B.

Born:

Assistant Superintendent of Government Stock, Wellingon Valley (1829-32).

Career Highlights

Henry A.B. Bennett had previously held the appointment of Superintendent of Agriculture at Norfolk Island, until he was deemed unfit for the situation and replaced by Alexander McLeod. Bennett was appointed assistant superintendent of government stock operations at Wellington Valley in September 1829, consequent to the relocation of the headquarters of the Stock Department (and its Superintendent John Maxwell) from Wellington to Emu Plains. Under Maxwell's direction, he was responsible for organising a series of cattle drafts over the mountains to Emu Plains and Mulgoa in 1830-31, by which means the extent of government stock and stockmen at Wellington Valley was gradually reduced. Bennet took charge of the stores in December 1830 when Superintendent Kinghorne departed and closed the government's agricultural establishment. Bennett left Wellington Valley days after the arrival of the missionaries in October 1832, handing the stores over to Reverend Watson.