John Anderson

John Anderson (9 May 1849 – 26 May 1934) was a Scottish-born New Zealand engineer. He played rugby union for West of Scotland during his time in Scotland for his education and represented Scotland internationally. He lived in New Zealand from infancy and together with his brother, took over his father's company. The company flourished under their guidance and became one of New Zealand's largest builder of bridges for roads and rail.

Early life Anderson was born at Edinburgh in 1850. His father was John Anderson, who was to become mayor of Christchurch and an influential businessman. His mother was Jane Anderson (née Gibson). The Andersons emigrated to Canterbury in New Zealand at the end of 1850 on , one of the First Four Ships, and settled in Christchurch. His parents, who had married in 1845, had previously lost two children during infancy and it is thought that this contributed to their decision to emigrate; John Anderson Jr. was their only child alive at that point. Another son, Andrew, was born in 1851.

International career

He was capped only once for Scotland. His debut came in the second international match on 5 February 1872 playing against England at The Oval, London.

Professional career Upon his return to New Zealand, Anderson Jr. joined his father's company. A champagne lunch of such proportions that the location for the presentation is still called Champagne Flat was held at the opening of the Waiau Ferry Bridge, these days a Category I heritage item registered with Heritage New Zealand. Another early and outstanding bridge was the Waiteti Viaduct, the northernmost viaduct on the North Island Main Trunk railway a few kilometres south of Te Kūiti. This structure was also completed in 1887. Probably the most significant structure on the North Island Main Trunk Railway is the Makatote Viaduct south of National Park. At , it is the highest on this line. It took three years to build and Andrew Anderson moved his family to the construction village, so that he could oversee the work. The viaduct was commissioned in 1908. The company diversified by importing engines, locomotives, they built steam engines, and started building oil storage tanks once the importation of oil began. In September 1892, he was declared elected unopposed in the North-West ward. At the time, councillors were elected for two-year terms. Anderson resigned in mid-April 1894 as he was about to leave for a trip to England. Anderson was succeeded in the North-West ward by Harry Beswick, who would a year later be elected mayor. Anderson returned from his trip in November 1894.

John Anderson, Sr. was an inaugural director of the New Zealand Shipping Company and when he died in April 1897, the directorship was transferred to Anderson Jr.

Death

Anderson died on 26 May 1934 in Christchurch.