The Mayors of New Zealand.

New Zealand Illustrated Magazine, 1 July 1901, Page 754

The Mayors of New Zealand.

It was thought that some record of the men selected to represent the various boroughs of New Zealand during the Royal Visit would be of interest to our leaders. Thos e Mayors who, in response to our circulars, sent their photos for reproduction in these pages form a very representative selection of the men chosen to take the lead in Municipal matters ; the men who, by building up thriving centres of population, have done so much to make the progress of our country what it is. Their tasks in many cases have been no easy ones. Much apparently thankless toil has been expended iv the process ; much time badly spared from their own concerns. With indomitable energy they have devoted themselves to their tasks, and the salubrious state of our cities, and the number of smiling townships dotted round our fair land are the results of their labours.

f|^R. J. G. W. AITKEN, who was lIW elected by the burgesses to fill ;l|. the Mayoral Chair, and do the =^s honours of the Empire City to the Royal Visitors, is a Scotchman by birth. This is his second term of office, he having held the same position last year. He received his early business training in the offices of a well-known Glasgow mercantile firm, and his experiences there and in their London branch enabled him to establish and build up a substantial business on his own account in Wellington. Mr. Aitken, during his residence in Wellington, has commanded the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens to a marked degree, as the position he holds to-day abundantly proves. The man who has been eminently successful in his own business, providing he takes the interest Mr. Aitken does in municipal affairs, is the one most likely to work most effectually for the good of the city he represents. Mr. R. Mothes, who was elected Mayor of Petone by a narrow majority, was born in Saxony in 1852. He arrived in New Zealand from Australia in 1882, and settled in Petone. Mr. Mothes established the industry of manufacturing violin strings in the colony, and has been engaged for several years in the business of Land, Estate and Commission Agent. He has served Petone for fourteen years as a Councillor, and was

elected Mayor in the fourth find fifth years of the borough's existence, but had to retire on account of ill-health. Mr. Mothes is a Justice of the Peace. He has always taken a great interest in educational and charitable and athletic matters, as well as Friendly Societies, and is at present a trustee of the Wellington Benevolent Institution and a member of the local School Committee, Past Master of the Lodge Ulster, M.Z.C., and past officer of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, etc., etc., as well as president and vice-president of several athletic clubs. Mr. James Baillie, Mayor of Carterton, Wairarapa, is a native of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, Scotland. He came out to the colony in the barquo "Hudson," arriving in Wellington iv 1879. Mr. Baillie is a qualified chemist and druggist, having passed the standard examination of the Pharmacy Board of New Zealand. He established his present business in Carterton in 1894 Although he had never held a seat in the Borough Council, it was well known that he took a very keen interest in the affairs of the borough, and his election was l'egarded as one calculated to considerably advance its interests. He is an enthusiastic bowler, and acts as secretary to the local club. Mr. P. H. Wood, Mayor of Greytown, was born in London in 1849, and received

his education at the City of London School and JCroydon College. He emigrated to Melbourne in 1867, and came across to New Zealand »in 1874. For the last twenty-six years he has successfully carried on the business of Auctioneer and Stock Salesman in the Wairarapa. At the present time he has branches at Masfcerton, Cartertoh, Greytown, and Martinborough. Mr. Wood has occupied his present position of Mayor at different intervals for seven terms, and on this, his eighth year of office, he was returned unopposed. He has done much good work for the borough, and certainly deserves this mark of confidence from the burgesses. Mr. E. Dockrill, who was re-elected Mayor of New Plymouth by a large majority, is a native of County Wexfoi'd, Ireland. He landed in Auckland in 1866, and spent two years goldmining on the West Coast, and eleven on the Hauraki Peninsula. He was Chairman of the Corby Goldmining Company during its palmy days of dividend paying, and was one of the original owners. He settled in New Plymouth about twenty-one years since, and has been an exceedingly useful member of the community. For eleven years he has served on the Borough Council, and the present term is his fourth as Mayor. He is on the Board of Governors of the High School, and also on that of the Hospital and Charitable Aid, School Committee, etc., etc.

Charles Edwin Major, Mayor of Hawera, and native of St. Heliers, Jersey, came to New Zealand in 1872, and after being managing clerk in a law office, started business as Licensed Land Broker at Hawera

in 1881, Mi. Major is a member of the Patea Harbour and Egmont National Park Boards, and has been Coroner for the district for a number of years. He was defeated for a seat in the House of Representatives at the last two general

elections as a supporter of tho present Government, and was beaten at hint eloction by fifty-five votes. He was elected Mayor of Hawera first in 1885, when only twentyfive years of age, and again in 1886 and 1894, and each succeeding year except 1897. The water and drainage schemo, which has proved an unqualified success, just comploted at a cost of £33,000, was initiated and carried out during his tenure of oflieo. Mr. Major is an adept at all outdoor sports, and has won many races up to half-a-railo, jumping, and shot-putting contests. He organised and won the first Wellington swimming races. Mk. Edmund Goodbkhkkk, the Mayor of Fielding, hails from the Midland Counties. He was born in 1854, and lauded in New Zealand in 1880. He settled in Fielding, and engaged in the business of a Land and Estate Agent. Ho has always takon a practical interest in public matters, and was elected to a seat on the Borough Council in 1887, and to the Mayoral Chair in 1891, and again in 1898, since which ho has retained the position. Mr. Goodbehero has also done good work on the Palmerston North District Hospital and Charitable Aid Board for some years past, and was appointed Chairman of that body last year.

Mr. George M. Snelson was the gentleman elected by the burgesses of Palmerston North to fill the Mayoral Chair. He was born in Leicester in 1837, and landed in Wellington in 1863, moving to Palmerston North in 1871. He was chosen as first Mayor of the newly-gazetted borough in 1876, and the present is his tenth term of, office in that capacity. A noted feature of his services has been securing reserves for the town to the value of something like £30,000. Mr. Snelson arrived at the time when the want of communication caused many privations. Mrs. Snelson was the first white woman who took the trip up the

Manawatu Bi ye r to Palmerstou a three days' journey, for which the Maoris charged a

fare of £10

Provisions were very dear, flour being £32 showing pioneer settlement was beer and skittles."

per tun, not, "nil

Me. John Deummond, Mayor of Dannevirke, born in Scotland in 1853, and arrived in New Zealand in 18G5. His occupation is that, of Engineer and Cycle IVlanu-

facturer. Four years ago he was chosen as Mayor of the borough, and has been returned unopposed on each successive occasion. Air. Drummond has given much of his time and energy to the public service, and has at various times occupied the responsible positions of Chairman of the

T a r a d a 1 c Board of River Conservators, the Taradale Towii Board, the M c an e\e Road Board and also a

member of the Waipawa County Council. He has also done all in his power to encourage volunteering, and is

of the Dannev

rke Rifles

captain

Dr. John Logan Campbell, Mayor or Auckland, was born in 1817. He gained his degree of M.D. at Edinburgh University, and his diploma of surgeon at. the Roynl College of Surgeons there. In 1839 he emigrated to Australia, aud the year

after came across to New Zealand. With his part-

ner, Mr. W. Brown, hi; purchased the site in Shortland Street at, the first sale of town lots, and started the first mercantile firm in Auckland. In 1848 he decided to travel, and visited the Old Country and many parts of the European Continent. In 1855 he was elected

Sup erintendent of the Auckland Pro-

vince. He

has also filled at

1. Mr. Edward Doekrill. 2. Mr. J. Bailie. 3. Mr. C. E. Major. 4. Mr. E. Mothes. 5. Mr. 3 . G. W. Aitken. 6. Mr, F. H. Wood. 7. Mr. E. GoodbbUere. 8. Mr. G. M. Snelson. 9. Mr. J. Drummond.

different times the position of member for Auckland and Parnell in the Gen-

eral Assembly and was also one of the Stafford Ministry. He has held Presidentships in a variety of Auckland Institutions. His liberality is too well known to require mention. Tho establishment of the Auckland Free School <>f Art was due to it ; the volunteers in the district have

received much encourage-

ment, and last, but by no means least, thei-e is the magnificent gift of Cornwall Park with which he his Mayorship of the city.

inaugurated

Mr. Robekt Taylor Waknock, Mayor of Grey Lynn, arrived in the colony from Ireland in 1862. He

stained in business as a member of the firm of Warnock Bros., Soap and Candle Manuf ac-

1 Mr. John Townley. 2. Mr. J. M. Killen. 8. Eev. Charles Jordan. 4. 3V1r. Hugh Campbell. 5. Dr J. L. Campbell. 6. Mr. E. T. Waraock. 7. Mr. W. J. Buckland. 8. Mr. D. A. Sutherland. 9. Mr. E. W. Dyer.

tnver s, shortly after his

arrival

By energy and perseverance the

f i yin li a s

gained a slendid re-

cord, and taken many prizes at, the various exhibitions throughout the colonies. MrWarnock .served in the No. I Conipauy Auckland Volunteers during the Maori War. He has been for many years vestryman of St. Matthews' and All Saints' Churches. For thirteen and a-half years

lie acted as Chairman of

the Newton Road Board

When the district whs turned into ii borough ho was elected the tirst Mayor, aud held the position two and a-half years. He has served the diatricfc in various capacities for twenty-three years. On the name of Grey Lynn being given to the borough

he was

again elected Mayor, and has now entered on his second year in that capacity.

Mb. Hugh Campbell, the Mayor of Parnell, is the senior member of the well-known firm of solicitors, Messrs. Russell and Campbell. Mr. Campbell was first elected Mayor of Parnell in November, 1898, and re-elected the following year. Under the Municipal Corporations Act, 1900, he was chosen last April to fill the same responsible position. During his occupancy of the chief seat in the Council, an extensive system of drainage has been instituted, and many other substantial improvements have been effected in the Borough. Amongst Mr. Campbell's recent Mayoral duties was that pleasant one of receiving the Royal Visitors on the occasion of the laying the foundation stone of the Victoria College for Maori Girls. Mr. Campbell holds an excellent position in his profession, and is President of the Auckland District Law Society, and also of the Auckland Law Institute.

Mk. Donald Alexander Sutherland, J.P., was elected by an overwhelming majority to fill the Mayoral Chair at Onehunga. On a previous occasion he held the same position for three consecutive terras, and has never yet been defeated when consenting- to stand. He is a native of Onehunga, his father, Mr. Donald Sutherland, arriving in New Zealand in the early fifties from Sutherlandshire. He was educated at the Auckland Grammar School, and is a man of leisure and independent means. He married the daughter of the late Mr. J. B. Kelsall. In local politics, his name is synonymous with careful administration and financial soundness.

Mr. Robert William Dyer, barrister and solicitor, was the gentlemen, elected to fill the Hamilton Mayoral Chair for the present terra. He is the son of Mr. R. C. Dyer, of Cambridge, and was born at Mahurangi in 1859, and educated at the Church of England Grammar School, Paruell, and at St. John's College. He was articled to the late Mr. E. A, Mackechnie, and admitted to practice in 1881. He started in his profession at Cambridge, and managed the late Mr. ¥. A. Whitaker's business there for three years. He removed to Hamilton in 1889, in which

year he was elected a member of the Borough Council there. His election as Mayor last April was unopposed.

Me. William Francis Bdckland, who has recently been returned for his third term as Mayor of Cambridge, was born at Auckland in 1847. He received his education at the Church of England Grammar School, under the Rev. J. Kinder, and also at St. John's College, Tamaki. Mr. Buckland served his country in Parliament on two different occasions. His first term was from 1884 to 1887, and his second 1890 to 1893. He has always interested himself greatly in the welfare of his country, and spared no pains to advance the district in which he resides.

Mr. John Townley, the present Mayor of Gisborne, was the eldest son of Richard Townley, of Warrington, Lancashire. He landed in Napier in 1863, and ten years later opened a furnishing warehouse at Gisborne, in which a nourishing business is still conducted. Mr. Townley saw active service as a volunteer at the capture of the Omaranui Pa in 1867, where the Maoris made a gallant stand against the pakehas. On Gisborne assuming the honour of a borough in 1877, he was one of the first Councillors, and retained his seat till 1890, when he was elected Mayor, a position he has held to the present day. He is Superintendent of the V.F.B. and Chairman of the Harbour Board.

The Rev. Charles Jordan, B.A , T.C.D., Vicar and Mayor of Tauranga, is a native of Kerry. He was bora in 1838, and received his education at Trinity College, Dublin. After the disestablishment of the Irish Church, under which he held an annuity, he came to New Zealand in 1872, having been appointed to the Cure of Souls at Tauranga by the Colonial and Continental Church Society, an appointment which he still holds. He was elected Mayor of Tauranga in 1887, and again in November, 1900, and re-elected for the present term. The fact that he has been Chairman of the Bay of Plenty Hospital and Charitable Aid Board since 1887, served two terms on the Licensing

Committee, and been Chairman of the Domain Board, shows the practical interest he takes in the welfare of Tauranga, a district for which he predicts a great future.

Mr. J. M. Killen, Mayor of Whangarei, hails from the Emei'ald Isle. He was educated for the Church, many of his relatives being distinguished members of the Presbyterian Church. He gained the highest honours and most valuable prizes of the day at the Royal Academical Institution, the Queen's College and the Presbyterian Theological College, Belfast. He graduated, and took his B.A. and M.A. degrees with honours. He spent some years as a minister of the Presbyterian Church,then practised law inlßßs. He was Chairman of the Whangarei Town Board for three years, and in 1896, when the borough was formed, was elected the first Mayor. With the exception of one year, he has held the office ever since. He is also Chairman of the High School Boai'd and Coroner for the district.

Mr. Arthur Edgar Gravenor Rhodes, Mayor of Christchurch, son of Mr. George Rhodes, one of the pioneer Canterbury settlers, was born at the Level's Station, South Canterbury, in 1859. He was educated at Christ's College Grammar School, where he was a Soanies scholar, and at Jesus College, Cambridge, of which college he was also a scholar, and where he graduated B.A. and LL.B. Returning to New Zealand, he entered politics, being M.H.R. for Gladstone from 1887 to 1890, and for Geraldine from 1890 to 1893. Mr. Rhodes has also had a seat upon the Canterbury College Board of Governors and the Christchurch Drainage Board. He has always been ;, a distinguished patron of genuine athletips, and is now President of the Canterbury Rugby Union, the Christchurch Regatta Club, and the League of New Zealand Wheelmen. Mr. Rhodes considerately lent his fine residence, " Te Koraha," to the Royal Party during their visit.

George Mclntyre, who was unanimously elected Mayor of New Brighton, near Christchurch, prides himself on being a

native of the Pi'ovinco of Ontario, Canada. He is a surveyor by profession, and has practised in Christen ureh since '7H. Ho has held office on the Avon Road Board, the Christchurch Drainage Board, and the Now Brighton Borough Council. He was for five sessions a member of the New Zealand Hansard staff, being an export shorthand writer, and has had some experience of journalism. Since 1874 ho has been continuously a member of the Diocesan Synod, and at one time was a representative in the General Synod. Ho has also for many years held ofiico as Chairman and Managing Director of the Now Brighton Tramway Company.

Mr. B. P. Manhirk is the Mayor of Sydenham. He was born in the district before the idea of it ever being a borough was thought of. Ho was educated at the Christchurch and Sydenham schools. Six years ago Mr. Manhire was elected council lor for the Addington Ward, and shortly after was appointed to represent the borough on the Oharitable Aid Board, of which ho is still a member. In November, 1899, ho was elected Mayor of the borough for the Jubilee Year, and was re-elected last year by a majority of over two to one. Mr. Manhire is a trustee of the Samaritan Home, and takes a great interest in Oddfellowship. His business is that of a painter and decorator.

The electors of Kaiapoi chose Mk. John Daly to fill the position of Mayor of their borough. Mr. Daly was apprenticed to the drapery business in Ireland at the ago of thirteen. Five years later, he decided to come to New Zealand, and on arrival took a temporary billet in a flaxraill until he secured employment in his own line. Mr. Daly's energy and business ability caused him to be, at the age of twenty-one, in full charge of an up-country branch, and he was sent by the firm to establish new branches at Lyttelton, Oxford, Rakaia, Timaru, Rangiora and Kaiapoi. Fifteen years ago he tttarted in business for himself. Mr. Daly is a member of the Kaiapoi Harbour Board, and also of the Licensing Bench.

Mr. Heney B A I G E N T, Mayor of Nelson, is a native of that town. He

was born iv 1844, consequently he has seen much of the life and difficulties of the early settlers, and the general growth and advancement of the district and colony. He is the sixth son of the late Edwavd Baigent, of Wakefield, who took a prominent part in the early history of Nelson, having represented the Waimea District in the Nelson Provincial Council from its inception to its abolition, and for some years represented his distinct in the House of Representatives. The timber yards and sawmilling business, established by the late Mr. Edward Baigent in 1845-6, have for the past twenty years been carried on by Mr. Henry Baigent. Mr. Baigent has occupied the position of City Councillui for the past seven and a-half years, and retired last March in order to contest the Mayoral Seat, in which he was successful by a majority of one hundred and thirty-

eight over Mr. Francis Tra sk, a n ox - Mayor. Mr. Baigent was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1«96.

Me. Geo. Talbot, the present Mayor of Richmond, is a native of Dorsetshire.

He arrived in tli£ colony in (jMjHewas 1^ the first Mayor of Richmond, and the fact that he has held the position for eleven times in succession unopposed proves the confidence that the electors have in his integrity and untiring devotion to the interests of their boroughHe l'etired from his business, which was that of a general merchant, in 1872. Besides acting as Mayor, Mr. Talbot holds many responsible positions. He is Chairman of the Nelsou Education Board and of the Richmond School Committee, member of the Victoria College Council, the Nelson Harbour Board, and the Nelson Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, etc., etc He has also been a Justice of the Peace since 1876.

Mb. George Lyon Denniston, the newly elected Mayor of Dunedin, is a colonist of thirty-nine years' standing. He am-ived in Dunediu in 1862. He was born at Grlas-

gow, aud his family have been long aud honourably connected with the Clyde and

1. My. Hetnvy Bjgeat. 2. Mr. B. P. Manhire. 8. \lr. Geo. Talbor. 4. Mr. A. E. G. Rhodes. 5. Mr. Geo. "^ Mclntyre. 6. M.t, Aohn Daly. 7. Mr. James Annand.

Clydesdale. Afterspend-

ing five

yea r s 1 n pastoral and agricul tural pursuits in Suther land,

Mr. Dennis-

ton returned to Dunedin iv 1867, and ever since has been identified with commerce. He commenced business for himself in partnership with the hite Mr. Francis Hens haw in 1877, and in 1882 the business absorbed into the wellknown concern of Neill and Co. (Ltd.). Dunedin

was

After acting as Managing Director for over eleven years, Mr. Denniston took an extended trip to England and America Since his return he has been in business on his own account. Mr. Denniston has been President of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce for no less than six years at different times. He has acted as Lloyd's agent for o tago

for seventeen years, and also holds the position of Belgian Con-

go. Mv . Dennis ton, himself an old athlete, has al ways taken a keen interest in all athletic

mutters, and has been President of the Dunedin Club and Dnnedin l<\>(>tball Ohil).

A. A

Mk J. Annani>, Mayor of Moruiii^t.on, is a native of Aberdeen. Ho arrived in Dnnedin

twenty-six years a«;<>, and has resided there ever since. He is si carpenter

by trade, } i : i, \* i 1 1 <_»■ started business on his own

account, fourteen years ago. He has been responsible for the erection of some of Uie best buildings in Diuiedin viz., the A.M. P. Buildings, the Grand Hotel, Butterwortli Bros. 1 warehouse, and many other fine buildings. Mr. Aniiaiul has

Is a a

served

six years in the Mornington Borough Council, this

being his

second year as Mayor. The ratepayers petitioned

1. Mr. E. Murrell, 2. Mr. T. Mackenzie. 3. Mr. F. De St. Orme. 4. Mr. J. Pollock. 5. Mr. G. L. DenniHton, 6. Mr. A. Todd. 7. Mr. H. Wilson. 8. Mr. J. Mill. 9. Mr. W. B. Anderson.

him to take office this year on account of his having inaugurated the Borough Tram Scheme — the cost of the tram is to be charged partly on the rates — and the flotation of a loan of £8,000 at four per cent, at par, for sanitary works throughout the borough, which is not increasing the rates.

The Borough of Cromwell elected Mr. Edward Murrbll to occupy the Mayoral Chair for the present year. Mr. Murrell is a watchmaker by trade. He was born in Abei'deen, and came to New Zealand in 1861 under engagement to Mr. Gr. Coats, of Nelson, now Coats and Co., of Christchurch. He has been in business on his own account at different times in Nelson, Greymouth, and Cromwell. He was a Borough Councillor for fifteen years, and this is his second term as Mayor. He has also held the position of Chairman of the School Committee.

Me. Andrew Todd, Mayor of South Dunedin, is a colonial. His parents came to New Zealand in 1858, and settled at East Taieri, where their eldest son, Andrew, was bom three years later. From there the family moved to Oaversham. In 1892 Mr. Todd married, and removed to South Dunedin, where he has done useful work in the Council and School Committee. Mr. Todd takes great interest in church works and has been connected with the Caversham Baptist Church. He is a cutter by trade, and has been in the employ cf the well-known firm of Ross and Grlendinning for twenty years. His favourite hobby is the culture of chrysanthemums, and for several years he has been a successful prize winner at the Dunedin Show.

Mr. W. B. Anderson is the present Mayor of North East Valley. He was born in this distriot, and has resided in it for the greater part of his life. His occupation is that of a farmer. He has always taken a keen interest in municipal work, and has served his

borough faithfully as a Councillor for the past seven years. Mr. Anderson is also to the fore in matters connected with Friendly Society work, and has done much to further the advance of his district generally.

Mr. Thomas Mackenzie, the present Mayor of Roslyn, was only four years of age when he arrived in New Zealand in 1858. He tried his hand s 1 trade, surveying* bush farming, etc. In 1887 he was elected Member for Clutha, and kept his seat for ten years, when he accepted an appointment in London in order to get a grasp of the produce trade of this colony in Britain. He did this to some effect, exposed abuses, and promoted a better knowledge of the quality of our products by means of the exhibitions in the Imperial Institute, and arranging dinners of New Zealand meats. He was appointed a Governor of the Colonial Institute, and elected F.R.Gr.S. on his

return

In July, 1900, he contested successfully the Waihenuo seat. In April last he was elected Mayor of Roslyn unopposed. He is fond of exploring, having made several trips from the interior Otago Lakes to the Western Fiords. He is on the Otago Education Board, the Charitable Aid and Hospital Board, Governor of the Otago High School Boai'd, and also on the .Royal Commission of Teachers' Salaries.

Mr. John Pollock, the Mayor of Maori Hill, was a native of Glasgow. He came oat to the colony in 1875, and is a carpenter by trade. He has always taken a great interest in civic matters, and has been connected with the borough of Maori Hill for the last twenty-four years. He has occupied the Mayoral Chair for three terms, having been first elected in 1896, and re-elected in 1897, and in 1901 the residents in the borough thought it fitting to do him the honour of again electing him to represent them.

The Mayor of Quetuistown is Mr. Francois De St. ORME,anativeof Marseilles, in France, tie has been connected with the borough as a Councillor since 1878, and with the exception of the years 1891 and 1892, he has held the position of Mayor since 1887. He is now seventy-four years of age, fifty of which he has spent in this colony. Queeustown owes much to the manner in which this energetic gentleman has carried out his duties while at the head of affairs. Mr. Mill, now elected for the third time Mayor of Port Chalmers, arrived in this colony in 1862 in the capacity of mate of the ship "Homeward Bound." The diggings were in full swing, and all hands deserted to make their fortunes. Mr. Mill, intending to settle in New Zealand, had only shipped for the outward passage, and refused an offer of £10 per month to return with the

ship. He is now interested in a number of businesses from Auckland to the Bluff, and • also carries on a large business us stevedore. He has the largest grain stores in New Zealaud, and has Immehes at Wellington, Titnaru, Oamaru, Dunedin, and the Blul^ retaining his headquarters at. Port Chalmers, whei'O he tirst started business. Mk. Hknky Wilson, the present Mayor of Gladstone, a suburb of luvereargill, is a very old colonist, having emigrated from his native town of Birmingham as a boy of thirteen in 1852. For upwards of thirty years he was connected with the hardware trade in Invercargill, and in the sixties and seventies carried on a large importing business. Recently he has retired from business, but is still active and energetic, and devotes his well-known capacity for business to the good of the Borough in which he dwells.

sul for Ota-