Other formats

    TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Mr. John Henry Heaton

Mr. John Henry Heaton, who has been a member of the Harbour Board since 1884, was born at Ackborough, Lincolnshire, England, in 1840, and was educated at Hull, in Yorkshire. In 1858 he left England for New Zealand, landing in Auckland per steamer “Lord Ashley.” His first experience of colonial life was as a purser in the employ of the Intercolonial Mail Company, the Panama Mail Company, and Messrs. McMeckan, Blackwood and Co., whose steamers were engaged in the Australian and New Zealand intercolonial trade. After being thus engaged for seventeen years, Mr. Heaton decided to close his seafaring career; and to make use of the knowledge and connection thus gained, he at once established himself as a customs, shipping, and forwarding agent, in which he has prosperd for the past twenty years. During the latter part of that time Mr. Heaton has been an active worker in various public capacities. He has been a valued member of the Harbour Board for the past eleven years; has represented Te Arc Ward in the City Council, as specified under “Ex-Councillors;” has been thrice elected Mayor of Melrose—1880, 1890, and 1891; has been a member of the Licensing Bench for the last four years or more: has been a member of the Charitable Aid Board since 1892; was one of the most active members of the Eight Hours Demonstration Committee; and was a member of the Board of Review under “The Land and Income Assessment Act” in 1892, besides filling from time to time quite a number of smaller offices. In strictly commercial matters, too, Mr. Heaton has taken his part. When the Wellington Woollen Company was formed, he was one of the first Board of Directors, and held the office for over two years. He has also held a seat on the directorate of the New Zealand Times Company, Limited. In 1888 Mr. Heaton was honoured with the Commission of the Peace; but he resigned the appointment after a trial of some three or four years. In all his varieu capacities Mr. Heaton is most attentive to his many engagements, and does much to make matters pleasant for those with whom he is associated. Reference to Mr. Heaton's business is made under “Wellington Agents.”