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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]

His Worship The Mayor, Mr. John Cowie Gow

His Worship The Mayor, Mr. John Cowie Gow , was born at Strichen, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, in 1855. He was educated at public schools, brought up to agriculture, and learned flourmilling before coming to Port Chalmers, by the ship “Auckland,” in 1880. After a short experience of station life, Mr. Gow worked with Mr. Robert Anderson, at the Woodhaugh mills, Dunedin, and remained with him four years. He was afterwards at the Kakanui mill, Mheono, for two years, and was appointed manager of the Shag Valley mills in March, 1887. Five years later he purchased the property, which he still works. Mr. Gow was for several years a member of the Borough Council, and retired owing to pressure of business in 1897; but being urged by requisition in 1898 to offer himself for the office of mayor, he consented, and was returned unopposed; and has now (1904) been similarly roturned for the sixth time. He held office as president of the Palmerston Agricultural and Pastoral Association page 440 for two successive years, 1897–99, and he was for some years president of the Caledonian Society. He is a member of the Palmerston Masonic Lodge, and has served as chairman of various local societies, including the Palmerston District High School committee. His Worship was married in 1882 to a daughter of Mr. C. Davie, of Cavill Mills, Aberdeen, and has four sons and three daughters.