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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]

Mr. John Griffen

Mr. John Griffen was a member of the first Dunedin City Council, which came into existence in 1865. He arrived in Otago from Victoria in the days of the gold rush, and afterwards started in business as a wine, spirit, and provision merchant in Dunedin. In 1870 he contested the Mayoralty with Mr. H. S. Fish, but was defeated, after an exciting contest, by sixty-five votes. Business reverses followed shortly afterwards, and some time later Mr. Griffen was appointed chief clerk at the Dunedin gasworks, and retained the position until he resigned owing to ill-health. He, however, died a fortnight afterwards; namely, on the 22nd of November, 1891, when he left a widow, six sons and three daughters.