BOARDMAN, ABRAHAM (1824-97) was born near Bolton, Lancashire, and educated at a private school and Chester Diocesan Training College for teachers. Before attaining the age of 20 he was appointed to take charge of a large church school in Liverpool, and while there passed examinations for education diplomas. He became accountant in a Liverpool office and then in London, whence he sailed in 1864 for New Zealand. Letters which he wrote on the population question secured him an engagement as leader-writer on the New Zealand Herald and he received an appointment in the Superintendent's office. He made a detailed report upon claims for war compensations and was appointed curator of intestate estates. As a member of the Ponsonby highway board, Boardman resisted the proposal to create a separate borough, but helped to carry out important works, suggested amendments in municipal law and promoted the merger of Ponsonby in the City of Auckland. He was a member of the Ponsonby school committee, the harbour board and the City Council and was elected mayor of Auckland (Dec 1896) but had to resign a few months later owing to ill health. He died on 21 May 1897. Boardman was a trustee of the Auckland savings bank, was once manager of the Thames Goldmining Co. and the first general manager of the South British Insurance Co. He was a member of the Anglican synod for 17 years and of the general synod.

Cycl. N.Z., ii (p); N.Z. Herald, 12 Dec 1896 (p), 22 May 1897.

Reference: Volume 1, page 54

🌳 Further sources