William Cargill (Berwick MP)

William Cargill (1784-1860) was a Scottish businessman, military officer, and politician, most notable for his involvement in the settlement of Otago, New Zealand. He briefly served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Berwick-upon-Tweed in the United Kingdom.

Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Cargill had a distinguished military career in the British Army, rising to the rank of Captain. He then transitioned to business, becoming involved in merchant shipping and trade.

In 1848, Cargill, along with Reverend Thomas Burns, led the Otago settlement, a planned Presbyterian colony in New Zealand. As the lay leader of the Otago Association, Cargill played a pivotal role in recruiting settlers and overseeing the initial establishment of the settlement, which centred around the city of Dunedin. He served as the Superintendent of Otago Province from 1853 to 1860, contributing significantly to the region's development and infrastructure.

His brief parliamentary tenure as MP for Berwick-upon-Tweed occurred between March and August 1832, following a by-election. His time in Parliament was short-lived and relatively uneventful compared to his later activities in New Zealand.

Cargill is remembered in New Zealand as a founding father of Otago and a key figure in the early history of Dunedin. Cargill's Beach in Dunedin is named in his honor.