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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Mr. John Henry Upton

Mr. John Henry Upton, who filled the Mayoral Chair of Auckland with credit to himself and profit to the city for the years 1889–90 and 1890–91, holds a record in the public service well entitling him to the high esteem in which he is held. Mr. Upton was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1845, and is the second son of the late Mr. Henry Upton, a surveyor and farmer of that county. Educated at the private academy of the Rev. Percy Strutt, M.A., at Spalding, Mr. Upton, on attaining his majority, sailed for Auckland in the ship “Chili.” On arrival, he entered into partnership with his late brother in the still well-remembered firm of Messrs. W. B. and J. H. Upton—the flourishing concern which is now so well known as “Upton and Co.” To enumerate all the public offices held by Mr. Upton during his active life at the Northern Capital would occupy more space than it is convenient to allow, and a few must suffice. Whatever he has undertaken has been faithfully carried to a successful issue, this being the natural result of his unvarying rule to thoroughly qualify himself for any office he might be called upon to fill. As an instance of this it may be mentioned that, before accepting the onerous position of chairman of the Education Board, he made himself well acquainted with the duties of the office by assiduous attention as a member of the Board throughout a period of four years. This, with his two years' chairmanship, made a total membership of six years, following upon some experience as a school committeeman, and as a member of the Board of Governors of the Auckland College and Grammar School. In like manner, Mr. Upton served some four years as a borough councillor before entering upon the more responsible position of mayor. During his occupancy of the chief civic office, Mr. Upton was fortunate in securing for the city a great boon by an arrangement with the trustees of the Mackelvie Trust, under the authority of the Supreme Court, to “house” the famous Mackelvie Art Collection in the same building as the city collection. Later on, when a vacancy occurred through the death of one of the Mackelvie Trustees, Mr. Upton was elected to the Board. Another very important office which Mr. Upton holds is that of chairman of the Auckland City Sinking Fund Commissioners—a post of honour and usefulness occupied by him since the inception of the Board, now (1897) more than ten years ago. The South British Insurance Board and that of the Auckland Gas Company claim Mr. Upton as an active member, the chairmanship of the South British Company having been in his hands for the year 1895, and that of the Auckland Gas Company for 1897. After many years of trusteeship of the Auckland Savings Bank, Mr. Upton became, and was at the time of page 127 writing (July, 1897) vice-president of that institution. For twenty years he has been a member of the Auckland Institute, and was president of that influential society for the year 1894–5. As a churchman, Mr. Upton has been prominent for a quarter of a century. He either is or has been connected with almost every Anglican Church function, including the Diocesan Synod for many years, and the General Synod when held at Christchurch. Auckland, and Dunedin. He is a member of the General Trust, the Melanesian Mission Trust, and many other boards. Though a better worker than player, Mr. Upton has not been slow to help forward the harmless varieties of legitimate recreation, and many a struggling society has been encouraged and aided by his friendly advice and generosity. In 1870 Mr. Upton was married to Miss Gorrie, daughter of the late Mr. William Gorrie, and sister of Mr. Upton's present partner. They have seven children—five sons and two daughters.