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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]
The Hon. Charles J. Johnston
The Hon. Charles J. Johnston, M.L.C., the third son of the late Hon. John Johnston, was born in Wellington in the year 1845. His education commenced in Wellington, and was continued at the Catholic College of St. Mary, in Derbyshire, England, and concluded at Kensington College. Returning to New Zealand in 1864, Mr. Johnston entered the mercantile house of Johnston and Co., of which his father was the founder. Shortly after this he married Miss Alice Featherston, daughter of the late Dr. Featherston, the first superintendent of Wellington, who died in London, where he ably represented the Colony as its first agent-general. For many years Mr. Johnston has been prominent as a public man. He was first returned to Parliament in 1882 as member for Te Aro, Wellington, and at the following general election was re-elected for the same constituency. He resigned his seat in the House of Representatives before the expiry of his second term, and took a trip to Europe. Since returning, Mr. Johnston has rendered valuable assistance to his native city in many ways. It was fitting that a son of one of the founders of the Colony should hold the chief magistracy of Wellington during 1890, the jubilee year of the city and Colony. Mr. Johnston had this honour, and served the ratepayers with conspicuous ability while he held the Mayoralty. In the year 1891 he was appointed to the Legislative Council, his name being included in the last contingent who were made members for life. The Hon. Mr. Johnston has always taken a lively interest in the volunteer movement, and on the formation of the Wellington Naval Brigade was appointed captain. He now holds the rank of Captain-Commandant on the active reserve. In connection with national institutions and industries, the honourable gentleman occupies the important position of deputy-chairman of the New Zealand Board of the Australian Mutual Provident Society, and that of chairman of the Wellington Woollen Company, besides other minor directorships. Mr. Johnston has the honour of representing two of the European powers, holding the position of Consul for Belgium and for Holland. He is a brother of the Hon. Walter Johnston, and a partner with him in the firm of Messrs. Johnston and Co., Merchants, Wellington. Reference to the commercial career of these gentlemen will be found under the head of Wellington merchants.
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