John Aitken (politician)

John Guthrie Wood Aitken (6 February 1849 – 17 August 1921) was the Mayor of Wellington, New Zealand from 1900 to 1905.^[1]

The Honourable John Aitken
Aitken in about 1906
Member of the New Zealand Parliament for City of Wellington
In office 1902–1905
Member of the New Zealand Parliament for Wellington East
In office 1905–1908
Preceded by	New electorate
Succeeded by	David McLaren
15th Mayor of Wellington
In office 1900–1905
Preceded by	John Blair
Succeeded by	Thomas William Hislop
Member of the New Zealand Legislative Council
In office 1914–1921
Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand
In office 20 November 1917 – 18 February 1919
Personal details
Born	John Guthrie Wood Aitken (1849-02-06)6 February 1849 Kintyre, Argyleshire, Scotland
Died	17 August 1921(1921-08-17) (aged 72) Wellington, New Zealand

Biography

Early life

Aitken was born at Low Park Farm, Kilchenzie, Kintyre, Argyleshire, Scotland, on 6 February 1849 and educated at Campbeltown Grammar School.

Aitken was employed by James Templeton and Co, Glasgow. He was apparently a skilled employee, being sent to London to take charge of the Company, a position he held for 12 years. In 1882 he became acquainted with George Wilson and entered into partnership with him as a general merchant in Wellington, New Zealand. Aitken became a Director of Guardian Insurance Company, the Australian Widows' Fund (which amalgamated with the Mutual Life Association of Australasia), Scoullar and Co, Fresh Food and Ice Co, Consolidated Dental Co, as well as some other companies. He was also Chairman of Directors of the New Zealand Board of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company.

Political career

New Zealand Parliament

Years	Term	Electorate		Party
1902–1905	15th	City of Wellington			Independent
1905–1908	16th	Wellington East			Independent

John Guthrie Wood Aitken caricature, 1900

In 1899 Aitken entered politics being elected Mayor of Wellington from 1900 to May 1905 when he retired. He represented the City of Wellington electorate from 1902 (he was successful in his first attempt to enter parliament^[2]) to 1905, and then the Wellington East electorate from 1905 to 1908. He did not stand in 1908, thus ending his term. He was a member of the Legislative Council from 1914 to 1921.

He was Chairman of the Wellington Education Board, and in 1917 was the first layman to be Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand. Aitken was one of the founders of the Boys Institute and assisted developing the YMCA in Wellington. Together with the Rev. Dr James Gibb, Aitken was a co-founder of Scots College and Queen Margaret College. He was a supporter of Bible in Schools and the Prohibition movements.

Both Aitken Street and Guthrie Street in Wellington are named after him.^[3]

Death

Aitken died at his home at 2 Levy Street, Wellington on 17 August 1921,^[1] and he was buried at Karori Cemetery.^[4]