 On 11 October 1855 , Brunner married Jane Robson , the 26 @-@ year @-@ old daughter of a labourer who had brought his family to New Zealand the previous year . It was a respectable match for Jane as Brunner was considered a particularly eligible bachelor in Nelson , one of around 45 professionals working in the town of about 1600 people . His salary had increased to ₤ 300 ( ₤ 24 @,@ 000 ) and he was now Chief Surveyor for the Nelson Province , the local returning officer and the Commissioner of Native Reserves for Nelson . He also owned three properties , including his Nelson office . 
