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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]
Mills and Co
Mills and Co. (Thomas Mills), Wine, Spirit, and General Merchants, Johnston Street, Wellington. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private residence, Rintoul Street. Mr. Mills, who is a brother of Mr. E. W. Mills, was born in London in 1827, and educated there. He arrived in New Zealand with the early settlers of the Port Nicholson contingent, by the ship “Birman,” in March, 1842. He readily found employment as a junior clerk with Mr. John Wade, with whom he remained till 1844, when he had a six months' trip to the Chatham Islands. On returning to Wellington, Mr. Mills took a position in the office of the late Hon. John Johnston, where he gained considerable experience. In 1849 he commenced business in the hardware line on Lambton Quay, and for some years conducted a large and profitable trade. About 1855, Mr. Mills disposed of his interest in Wellington, and went into business at the Lower Hutt as a storekeeper. Here he continued for thirteen years, after the expiration of which he returned to Wellington, entering into business with Mr. Vennell as importers and auctioneers. In 1875 Mr. Mills's partner retired from the firm, and the business has since been conducted by him solely, in wines, spirits, and general merchandise. In volunteering Mr. Mills has been associated with the movement for fifty years. In 1845 he joined No. 1 Company in Wellington, and this corps afterwards became the first Company of Militia. While living at the Hutt, in 1860, Mr. Mills assisted in the formation of the Hutt Rifle Volunteers, in which he took the rank of consign under Captain Hugh Cleland. This was at the time of the Maori disturbance, the natives being very threatening. When the Company was fully formed, and ready for action, the natives departed, leaving the settlement in peace. Mr. Mills resigned the captaincy of this Company in 1868, and, on his return to Wellington, was commissioned as captain of No. 2 Company Militia just then called out. He served in this Company till the force was disbanded, and is still an unattached captain of New Zealand Militia. Mr. Mills was one of the first purchasers of land in Pahautanui, where he held interests for some years. He took office as a member of the Pahautanui Road Board, of which he was for a long time secretary and treasurer. In 1852 Mr. Mills married, and has had a family of eight children, of whom but two survive—one son, who is in Western Australia, and one daughter, who is married to Mr. Senn, an officer of the Post-office at Wellington. page 598 (Since Messrs. Mills and Co.'s article was in type, Mr. Thos. Mills has passed away. At the time of writing—May, 1896—the business is being carried on by his son.)