FALCONER, JOHN (1834-86) was born in Edinburgh, educated there and trained as a gardener. Before coming to New Zealand (1858) he had been head gardener at Lauriston Castle. He first settled in the Taieri as a farmer, but soon moved to Nelson, where he practised his own calling. He came to Oamaru in 1861 and had a prosperous career, making a comfortable living and taking his part in the public affairs of the young town. He was a member of the municipal council in 1871 and contested the mayoralty against W. J. Steward. In 1883 he was elected to the borough council and in 1884 he became mayor, a member of the harbour board, a governor of the Waitaki High School and chairman of the charitable aid board. He was a founder of the Presbyterian Church in Oamaru and for many years superintendent of the Sunday school. Falconer was keenly interested in the Horticultural Society and in the North Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association, of which he was president in 1885 and afterwards treasurer. He died on 11 Sep 1886.

North Otago Times, 13 Sep 1886.

Reference: Volume 1, page 135

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