William Hepburn Rennie

William Hepburn Rennie CMG (1829–1874) was a British colonial official who served in Hong Kong and St. Vincent.

Early life

Rennie was the son of George Rennie who had been a well-known sculptor, Liberal Member of Parliament and Governor of the Falkland Islands. His younger brother was Richard Rennie who became Chief Justice of the British Supreme Court for China and Japan, in Shanghai.

Career

Rennie entered the Colonial Service in 1851. Was Acting Colonial Secretary in the Falkland Islands from April 1856 till June 1857.[1]

In 1858, Rennie was appointed Auditor-General in Hong Kong and appointed when the responsibility was split from Colonial Secretaries. The position also received a seat as an official member in the Legislative Council.[2] He served until 1870. Rennie transferred to the post of Lieutenant Governor in the colonial island St. Vincent in 1871.[3]

Rennie was awarded a CMG in March 1874.[4]

He died in 1874 at the age of 45.[5]

Place names

Rennie's Farm and Rennie's Mill in Hong Kong were named after him.

References

1. Foreign Office List, 1873
2. Sayer, G.R.; Evans, D.M.E. (1985). Hong Kong 1862-1919: Years of Discretion. University of Hong Kong. p. 56. ISBN 9622091180.
3. The New Annual Army List, Militia List, and Yeomanry Cavalry List. University of California. 1873. p. 126.
4. London Gazette, March 10, 1874, 1591
5. The Illustrated London News - Volume 65 - Page 286

Government offices
Preceded by William Thomas Mercer	Auditor-General of Hong Kong 1858–1870	Succeeded by John Gardiner Austin