Title: The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Author: Cyclopedia Company Limited

Publication details: The Cyclopedia Company, Limited, 1897, Wellington

Part of: The Cyclopedia of New Zealand

License: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 New Zealand Licence

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Mr. Edward Dixon, who sat in the Council as a representative of Te Aro Ward from September, 1877, to September, 1879, was well known in Wellington as an old and prosperous colonist, and one who took a keen interest in all that concerned the progress of Wellington. He was born at Worksop, Nottinghamshire, in 1825. Prior to leaving for the colonies, he was for some time in the employ of the Duke of Portland's head-gardener. Mr. Dixon came to Wellington in 1853 per ship “Royal Albert,” his second wife and three children by his first accompanying him. After a trial of farming with his brother at Karori, and of the confectionary trade in the employ of the late Mr. Peter Laing, he entered into business on his own account as a cordial manufacturer, establishing in Cuba Street the business now being carried on by his daughter-in-law, Mrs. George Dixon, of Dixon Street. Here Mr. Dixon, with the able assistance of his wife and children, built up a good trade and made a competency before disposing of his business to his eldest son George, who, it will be remembered, was drowned about eleven years ago when on his way to Wellington in the “Taiaroa.” A little over twenty years ago Mr. Dixon's second wife died, and he married a third time. In October, 1890, after enjoying many years of well-earned retirement, Mr. Dixon died, leaving a widow and fifteen children, of whom Mr. Joseph Dixon, of Masterton, is the eldest surviving son; Mr. Samuel Waters, of Wellington, and Mr. Beck, cordial manufacturer, of Palmerston North, are sons-in-law. Mr. Dixon was a man of most upright character, and was thoroughly respected. He took a very great interest in the Wellington Cricketers' Association, devoting unsparing y both time and money to the furtherance of its objects. The clock in the grand-stand at the Basin Reserve was presented by his family in rememberance of his love for page 295 cricket and kindred sports. In church matters, too, he was more than ordinarily enthusiastic, filling many times the position of churchwarden at St. Peter's. He was an Oddfellow of the Manchester Unity, and was in every way a thoroughly good citizen. The picture given herewith is a true likeness, and will be appreciated by his very large circle of friends.