Mr. John Barrett, who is a Director, and also the Overseer of the Addington Central Dairy Factory, was born in West Australia in 1855. He arrived with his parents in Canterbury, and received his education at the old High School in Lincoln Road, now the West Christchurch School. His father, the late Mr. Thomas Barrett, took up 350 acres of land at Tai Tapu. Mr. Barrett was on the farm until he went to learn the grocery business with Mr. Gillespie in High Street—the leading grocer of that time—and had fourteen years' useful experience in that establishment. He was also with the late Mr. L. Preece, of Papanui Road, for some years. In 1884, Mr. Barrett started farming at Spreydon, where he worked till 1898, and during that period showed considerable interest in the dairy industry, making many experiments of his own on his farm. He was elected a director of the Central Dairy Factory in 1893, was re-elected at the annual meeting three years later, and appointed overseer in 1897. Since his appointment the company has paid dividends at the end of each financial year. Mr. Barrett was married in 1882 to Miss Emily M. Johnstone, fourth daughter of Mr. Joseph Johnstone, of Springfield Road, and has one son.

Standish and Preece, photo.
Mr. J. Barrett.

Mr. Robert Ellison, Secretary of the Canterbury Central Co-operative Dairy Company, was born in 1870 in Lyttelton, and received his education in Timaru and Dunedlu. He entered the employment of Messrs Sclanders and Co., merchants, Christchurch, and continued with them as shipping clerk until the closing of their Canterbury branch. Mr. Ellison was appointed to his present position in 1895. In aquatics, he has been a member of the Union Rowing Club. Mr. Ellison was married In 1896 to a daughter of Mr. W. I. Ballinger. J.P., of Christchurch, and has one son.

Standish and Preece, photo.
Mr. R. Ellison.