John Aitken

Background

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

Career

John Guthrie Wood Aitken (6 February 1849 – 17 August 1921) was the Mayor of Wellington, New Zealand from 1900 to 1905. Aitken was employed by James Templeton and Company, Glasgow. He was apparently a skilled employee, being sent to London to take charge of the Company, a position he held for 12 years.

Aitken became a Director of Guardian Insurance Company, the Australian Widows" Fund (which amalgamated with the Mutual Life Association of Australasia), Scoullar and Company, Fresh Food and Ice Company, Consolidated Dental Company, as well as some other companies.

He was also Chairman of Directors of the New Zealand Board of the Loan and Mercantile Association. 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) to 1905, and then the Wellington East electorate from 1905 to 1908. He did not stand in 1908, thus ending his term.

Aitken was one of the founders of the Boys Institute and assisted developing the Young Men’s Christian Association in Wellington.

He was a supporter of Bible in Schools and the Prohibition movements. Aitken died at his home at 2 Levy Street, Wellington on 17 August 1921.

Achievements

• Together with the Review Doctor James Gibb, Aitken was a co-founder of Scots College and Queen Margaret College.

Membership

He was a member of the Legislative Council from 1914 to 1921.

Connections

partnership:

George Wilson