The 1897 Cyclopaedia of New Zealand describes William Hamer as a 'chemist, druggist, and aerated water manufacturer'. He was born in England where he studied for the medical profession and subsequently went into the pharmaceutical trade. On arrival in New Zealand in 1890, he first settle in Wanganui as a dispenser. When he came to Foxton he purchased a branch of the business of Mr R. Leary of Palmerston North. He was elected to the Foxton Borough Council in 1893.