MILLS, CHARLES HOUGHTON (1844-1923) was born at Nelson, his father being in the Prisons department there. He received most of his education in the public schools in Wellington, and spent four years as a pupil teacher in Te Aro school. He then went to sea for a few years; joined the Wakamarina rush and worked on farms; finally establishing himself in a commission agency at Havelock. There he took a leading part in public life, being member of the Provincial Council for Pelorus (1874-75), a member of the Pelorus road board and school committee, the Havelock town board, and the Picton hospital and charitable aid board. Later he was for some years a member of the Marlborough county council, education board and land board.

In 1887 Mills contested Waimea-Picton against Seymour and Harkness, without success; but he gained the seat in 1890. At the following election the electorate was extinguished, and he was returned for Wairau as a supporter of the Seddon Government. He held the seat until 1908, and for eight years was senior Government whip. In 1900 he joined the ministry in charge of Customs and other departments, and he held office also in the Hall-Jones ministry (1906).

Mills retired from the House in 1908, and a few months later was called to the Legislative Council of which he was a member 1909-16. He married (1871) a daughter of John Morrison and died on 3 Apr 1923.

N.Z.P.D. 1890-1923 pass. (notably 15 Jun 1923); Cycl. N.Z., v; Who's Who N.Z., 1908; N.Z. Times and Evening Post, 4 Apr 1923. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 45

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