Sir James Gunson.

Sir James Gunson is one of Auckland's most prominent public men. He was born in Auckland in 1877, the eldest son of the late Mr. W. Gunson, and was educated at the Auckland Public Schools and Grammar School. Leaving school in 1892, he entered the business of his father, which, after his father's death, he himself conducted for several years until it was purchased by Messrs. Wright, Stephenson and Co. Sir James first entered public life in 1908, when he was elected a member of the Council of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, of which body he became president two years later. In 1909 Sir James was elected a member of the Auckland Harbour Board, and two years later he became chairman of the board, and held that office until 1915, when he was elected Mayor. In 1917, 1919, 1921, and 1923 Sir James was reelected to the Mayoralty without opposition. He did not contest the position in 1925. He took a leading part in war activities, having been president of the Auckland Patriotic Association since its inception, also chairman of the joint committee of the Red Cross Society and St. John Ambulance Association, and, in addition, he served on the National Efficiency Board. In 1918 he was made an Officer and later a Commander of the British Empire, and in 1922 a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George. He was knighted in 1924.