Career
Lock was an auctioneer, and a grain and produce merchant for 40 years. During his term as mayor, HMS New Zealand visited Nelson in 1913. Lock died on 20 July 1940 at his home in Collingwood Street, Nelson.
The 1893 general election was contested by four candidates in the Nelson electorate: John Graham (1289 votes – elected), Richmond Hursthouse (1011 votes), John Kerr (910 votes) and Lock (74 votes).
Local government
In Lock"s 1913 campaign for the mayoralty he sought lower rates and better use of Council funds. Lock was elected with 1,226 votes to William Wallace Snodgrass" 1,134.
In 1914 Snodgrass mounted a strong campaign against Lock, citing his failure to meet his election promises. Lock, with support from some councillors, mounted an equally strong campaign against Snodgrass, making it one of the fiercest election battles the city had seen.
The final count was so close (5 votes) that it took a further week before the outcome was confirmed.
Lock stood again in 1915. Charles Harley campaigned against him and became mayor, winning by 1,223 votes to 1,065. Harley retired in 1917, and Snodgrass and Lock competed again for the mayoralty.
Lock"s persistence paid off with him being elected from 1921 to 1927.
In 1927 he was defeated by West J Moffatt"s 1,538 votes to his 1,449 votes. He stood again in 1931 and was defeated again by Moffat.
His service with the Education Board spanned 30 years.
