TRASK, FRANCIS (1842-1910) was born at Merriott, Somersetshire, and came to Canterbury in the Minorca (1860). In the following year he proceeded to the Otago goldfields, where he was engaged for some time at Wetherstone's gully as a butcher. He then moved to Nelson, where he carried on his trade for many years. In 1878 he was elected to the borough council, of which he was a member till 1890, after which he was mayor for 10 years. He carried out many important works for the borough, including the Rocks road to the Waimea and the West Coast. He was also a member of the harbour board and of the town schools committee and a director of the permanent building society from 1880. He was a prominent Oddfellow and Forester and a member of the Nelson Jockey and Trotting clubs. Trask was called to the Legislative Council in 1903 and was a member till his death (on 5 Apr 1910).

N.Z.P.D., 28 Jun 1910; Cycl. N.Z., v (p); The Colonist, 6 Apr 1910. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 200

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