Mr. William George Haybittle, who was Mayor of Feilding during the years 1890 and 1891 was born in London in 1850. In 1853 he came to New Zealand with his father, who was engaged for several years in maritime work in Wellington Harbour. After completing his education in Finnimore's school, Mr. Haybittle went into the drapery trade with Mr. Owen, of Wellington. He went to take up an engagement in a general store at Bulls in 1872. Two years later he was sent to open a branch of that business in Feilding. After managing the business for four years, Mr. Haybittle entered into partnership with Mr. R. London, as London, Haybittle and Co., general storekeepers. Their first premises were on the site now occupied by the Manchester Hotel. When the Parihaka difficulty required the attendance of the Manchester Rifles there, Mr. Haybittle, who was a lieutenant, went with the company. The night he left Feilding his business promises were burned down. On returning, the partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Haybittle opened on his own account in a new shop. Two years later he acquired premises in Fergusson Street, which were also burned by a fire originating in a shop adjoining. Mr. Haybittle re-built in concrete, and continued in business till 1892, when he sold out to Messrs. Bramwell Bros. He then joined the firm of Bartholomew Bros., timber merchants and sawmillers, as a partner, and retired from the firm and from business in 1896. He owns a farm of 550 acres in the Wanganui Harbour Board Endowment Block. He has been a councillor for about six years, is prominent in many local public affairs, and has been a member of the Palmerston North Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. He is at present secretary of the Feilding School Committee, churchwarden in St. John's Anglican Church, a member of the local bowling club, and a Forester and Past Master in the Masonic Order. His private residence is in Grey Street.