John Duthie

John Duthie (28 February 1841 – 14 October 1915) was a politician and businessman in New Zealand. Originally from Scotland, he came to Auckland in 1863. He set up his own ironmongery in New Plymouth, then Wanganui, and he finally settled in Wellington. In the latter city, he was mayor for one term. He then represented Wellington in Parliament for a total of eleven years. For the last two years of his life, he was appointed to the New Zealand Legislative Council.

Early life Duthie was born on 28 February 1841 in Kintore, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. He was educated at the Aberdeen Grammar School. In that city, he undertook an apprenticeship with Glegg and Thompson, an ironmongery. After his training, Duthie was for some years travelling in Scotland and Ireland for a Sheffield firm.

Professional life in New Zealand

Duthie arrived in Auckland, New Zealand, on 16 November 1863 on the Helvellyn. For some time he acted as traveller for Cruickshank, Smart and Co., ironmongers. About 1866 Duthie moved to New Plymouth and started in business; about two years later extending the operations to Wanganui , where he opened a branch and conducted a growing trade for many years. In 1879 he came to Wellington, and started the business that developed into John Duthie and Co. Limited. Until 1887 or 1888, Duthie retained an interest in the Wanganui business, which he then sold to his partner, James Thain. in the 1880s, where he was a director, and for two years served as the chairman of directors.

Duthie, a conservative politician who was never sympathetic to the ideas of the Liberal Party, was first elected to the three-member electorate of City of Wellington in the 1890 general election, when he came second, with 50 votes behind George Fisher, but 300 votes ahead of Kennedy Macdonald. At the 1893 general election, he was again elected for Wellington, coming third alongside Francis Bell (the later Prime Minister) and Robert Stout (the former Prime Minister), but defeating the incumbent Macdonald. Duthie retired at the end of the term of the 12th New Zealand Parliament in 1896 and did not stand in the 1896 general election.

The resignation of Stout triggered the 9 March 1898 City of Wellington by-election. The election was contested by Duthie and Richard Clement Kirk, with the former being successful. Duthie retired at the end of the term of the 13th New Zealand Parliament in 1899 and did not stand in the 1899 general election.

Duthie stood once more in the three-member Wellington electorate in the 1902 general election and came second, and was thus returned alongside John Aitken and George Fisher. He served until the end of the term of the 15th New Zealand Parliament in 1905. Izard was successful, with Duthie coming second, and the latter's parliamentary career had thus come to an end.

Duthie was remembered as one of the sternest critics of the Liberal Government under Richard Seddon. Duthie had a very direct manner. He believed strongly that he was right, and that everybody who disagreed with him was wrong.

Both the house and the generator building are registered by Heritage New Zealand as Category II heritage structures.

Family and death Duthie married Mary Anne Mercer (born 3 December 1840

Three of their daughters died young: Laura (1 September 1875 – 30 March 1876) was buried at Wanganui, while Isabella Miller (15 March 1867 – 12 November 1896; wife of Thomas Miller ) and Florence (27 January 1876 – 21 December 1896) were both buried at Karori Cemetery.

His wife died on 8 October 1911 and is buried at Karori Cemetery. Duthie died on 14 October 1915 at his residence Balgownie aged 74 years. He was buried at Karori Cemetery in plot number 85 F two days later, next to his wife. He was survived by one daughter and six sons. Duthie Street in Karori is named for him, although he never lived in Karori.