THE HON. GILBERT CARSON

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2202, 15 July 1914, Page 7

THE HON. GILBERT CARSON

The Hon.. Gilbert Carson was born at sea on board the ship Jane Qiffdrd, on her way to Auckland- in 1842,. His parents'/wero. .then emigrating from (Scotland to New Zealand, Mr. Carson'was educated, at. Auckland, where lie spent his,youth. He learned his business with .Messrs'. Williamson and Wilson, of the old "New Zoalander" office) Auckland, completed his term in 1863, ' and shortly aftorivards became manager He servedwith the Auckland Volunteers at the time of the Maori War, and assisted in 'the building of the Wairoa redpubt, under Colohel -Lyon. -He was. in active engagements at Wairoa, and was a recipient of the war medal. About 1867 he came to' Wellington, where for seven.: years,-hoJield a 'position-as comppsitoy and . "Hansard" reader - iii the Government Printing, Office. In 1874 Mr. Carsoil purchased'the "Wangauni Chronicle,"and he' has heen associated with the management of that journal. ever since. He has been » prominent tforkor in- the -cause of ''temperance reform. In 1896 (Mr. Carson was'elected to represent Waiiganui in tjie House of Representatives. ! Previously lie had'contested the. Wanganui -seit on four successive 'occasions.. In his second attempt was only 27 votes behind his opponent;-the late Mr. Ballancp. - In addition to his political 'experience Mr. Carson has been an indefatigable worker . upon local public bodies, and has -a remarkable record of service to his credit. His services as a. borough councillor extended oyer a term' of twonty years, and lie was Mayor of, Wanganui for three consecutive years in the 'eighties.' He was chairman of the Wanganui Harbour Board for somo years, ancl has also been chairman of the following bodies Board, Education, Board, Board of Governors, Girls' College, Licensing Committee, School Committee, Chamber of C'ommcrco, Public Library Committee, Public Museum Committee. -Mr. Carson lias also beon' associated with tho Bible Society, Sunday School Union, and the No-License League, and he.was one of tho founders' of the Boys' Club, and has been an oflice-bearcr sinco the. foundation of that institution. He is president of tho Biblc-in-Schools Leaguo for tho Wanganui and New Plymouth distripts.