The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]
Mr. John Mathews
Mr. John Mathews was born at Bradford-on-Avon in 1834, learned the coach-building trade in London, and emigrated to Victoria in 1854. Six years later he came to Dunedin, and soon afterwards commenced business in Great King Street. Mr. Mathews took a keen and active interest in public affairs, and, in 1884, was elected as a city councillor for Leith Ward. He was also a member of the licensing committee, and an active member of the Union Street school committee for a number of years. Mr. Mathews died on the 21st of March, 1897, leaving a widow, and a grown-up family of four sons and two daughters.