BUTT, JOHN (1830-79) was born in Sussex. He became a master mariner and commanded vessels for Henderson and Macfarlane (including some of the Circular Saw line) between Auckland and San Francisco. He was afterwards in business with Captain Anderson as shipchandlers and stevedores. In 1867 he joined the Thames rush, and erected a hotel and theatre at Thames. On the outbreak of the Whangamata rush, he erected a large hotel there, but lost heavily and having sold out went into business with Onyon as shipping and commission agents. He took a keen interest in politics and was M.P.C. for Thames (1869), supporting Williamson. Butt was on the first Thames borough council. He died on 26 Jul 1879.

Thames Advertiser and Star, 28 Jul 1879.

Reference: Volume 1, page 80

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