Robert Wellwood

Robert Wellwood ( 21 May 1836 – 26 January 1927) was a New Zealand farmer, auctioneer, commission agent and mayor. He was born in County Kilkenny, Ireland in 1836.

He was elected unopposed as the first mayor of Hastings on 29 September 1886

Biography

Early life Wellwood was born May 1836 in County Kilkenny to Ambrose Wellwood and Ann Proctor, in a time when Ireland was still united with Great Britain. Wellwood emigrated to the colony of New Zealand aboard the Queen of Avon, arriving in Wellington in July 1959. Returning briefly to work for J N Williams, he then went off to participate in the Otago gold rush. He came back after his fortunes weren't favoured and managed land around Frimley, there on purchasing his Waikoko homestead to farm the surrounding land.

Borough council On 2 January 1884, Hastings was proclaimed a town district by the Governor, having met the requirements of over 500 population and 50 householders with a population around 617. The new town board would have five elected commissioners, with candidates competing for votes at a public meeting, Wellwood amongst them. A debate on whether Wellwood, Russell or Tanner could claim the title of "Father of Hastings" ensued. The first councillors would be Russell, Tanner, C Doney, T Foreman, and F D Luckie - excluding Wellwood. At the next election, Wellwood would replace Russell when the latter was elected to parliament, with J N Williams and future mayor George Ellis replacing Luckie and Doney.