Harris was born in 1826 in Deddington, Oxfordshire, England. His parents were John Harris and Ann. He trained in law and came out to New Zealand in September 1850, arriving in Dunedin on the Poictiers.
Harris married Annie Cunningham Cargill in Dunedin on 3 September 1851. She was the daughter of William Cargill, who was to become the first Superintendent of Otago in 1853. Harris and Cargill had different political views, but Harris often agreed with William Cutten, who was married to another of Cargill's daughters. Annie Cunningham died on 18 January 1881, aged 51. They had three daughters and six sons. Harris remarried on 3 November 1881, to Kate Philomena Dunphy, daughter of William Wallis Dunphy.
Professional life
After his arrival in Dunedin, Harris practised as a lawyer for several years and was in partnership first with John Gillies and, in addition, since July 1857 with his son Thomas Gillies. In 1858, he was appointed judge at the District Court and he held that position until 1862 when the office was abolished. Harris speculated with land. He had extensive holdings in Waihola, Otokia, Lee Stream, and West Taieri. He lost £28,000 over a four-year period and this was a major reason for his resignation in 1865 from the Superintendency. After his political career had finished, he continued working in the legal profession. He never recovered from his financial losses and was even imprisoned for one year for his debts.
Political career
Harris was elected onto the Provincial Council in 1853, representing Port Chalmers until 1859. He was a member of the executive in 1858–59. In 1862, he was elected Deputy-Superintend for Otago Province. He was Superintendent of Otago Province from 16 April 1863 until his resignation on 23 June 1865. He claimed significant differences in opinion with his executive, as well as a need to devote more time to his private financial affairs, as reasons for his resignation. During his Superintendency, he championed the first New Zealand Exhibition and was its chairman when it was held in Dunedin in 1865. In 1867, he contested the Dunedin mayoralty. There were four candidates running for the second time that the mayor was elected. Harris, JamesTurner, Thomas Birch and John Millar received 340, 273, 200 and 101 votes, respectively. He served for one term and was succeeded in 1868 by Thomas Birch. He was twice called to the Legislative Council. His first term was from 1858–64. During his second term from 1867–68, he was a member of the second Stafford Ministry, holding the role of Solicitor-General from 26 October 1867 until 13 May 1868. Harris was a man of influence and standing in the community. According to Bernard Foster, if it had not been for his financial difficulties, Harris "would probably have played an even more important part in provincial and colonial politics".
