Mr. Malcolm Niccol, J.P., has for nearly a quarter of a century been a Member of the Auckland Harbour Board, of which he has been several times chairman. He now sits on the Board as a representative of the importers, shippers, and payers of dues. He has been especially noted for his connection with the extension of shipping appliances. Mr. Niccol was born in Auckland in the year 1844, and is the second son of the late Mr. Henry Niccol, the well-known and widely respected shipbuilder. Educated at Mr. John Gorrie's school, he found employment on leaving with Messrs. Cruickshank, Smart and Co., merchants and ironmongers, and, after spending five years with that firm, set up for himself as a shipchandler, shipbroker, and agent. As the result of five years' experience Mr. Niccol discontinued the first mentioned branch, but still carries on the business of shipbroker and agent. For the greater part of his life Mr. Niccol has been a resident of Devonport, North Shore, and he may be said to have been more or less mixed up with every public and social function concerning that district. He was Devonport's first mayor, and occupied that position for five years consecutively. For many years he was a member of the school committee, of the licensing committee, and of the committee of management of the Presbyterian Church. Other offices held by him include the presidency and vice-presidency of the Devonport Bowling Club, Chess Club, Literary Society, and many more. Mr. Niccol was the prime mover in the establishment of the New Zealand Natives' Association, page 140 and was honoured with the first presidency. He was a member also of the Shakespeare Club. An enthusiastic yachtsman, he was for many years chairman of the Auckland Regatta Committee. During the Walkato War he took part with the Volunteers, being under fire in 1863 at Wairoa South. In Freemasonry Mr. Niccol has risen to the highest office in the gift of the brethren—that of most worshipful grand master of the Colony. In this connection reference is made to him on page 412 of the Wellington Volume of the “Cyclopedia.” He is a member of the Supreme Council of England, his mother lodge being St. Andrews, No. 8, N.Z.C., of which he was Master for many years. Mr. Niccol has been thrice married; in 1877 to the eldest daughter of the late Mr. William Atkin, printer, of Auckland, who died in 1882 leaving six children; in 1884 to the daughter of Mr. Woodman, of Plymouth, England, who died in 1894 leaving three children; and in 1896 to the daughter of Mr. F. J. Von Sturmer, of Hamilton. Mr. Niccol is a visiting justice to the Auckland Gaol, and chairman for about thirty mining companies.