GIBSON, JOHN, a Devonshire man believed to have been of Scots descent, came to Wellington in 1850 in the William Hyde. He had land in the city, but in a few years moved to Wanganui, where he became a well known settler and represented Wanganui in the Wellington Provincial Council (1854-56). He was distinguished by his outspoken opposition to Featherston and advocacy of the separation of Wanganui and Waitotara from Wellington province. Gibson was drowned at sea about 1869.

Wellington P.C. Proc.; Parltry Record; Woon; Wanganui Chronicle, 12 Jan 1860.

GIBSON, MARY VICTORIA (1856-1928) was born at Lyttelton, the daughter of Captain F. D. Gibson, and was educated at Mrs Crosby's school, the Christchurch Girls' High School and Canterbury College (M.A. 1888). She first taught in primary schools, becoming head mistress of the girls' side of the East Christchurch school. In 1898 she was appointed principal of the Girls' High School, which expanded considerably during her term of office. She was responsible for the opening of the branch school at Avonside, the foundation of the Old Girls' association and the establishment of Acland residential hostel for country girls. Miss Gibson retired in 1928 and died on 2 Sep 1928.

Who's Who N.Z., 1924; Hight and Candy; The Press, 3 Sep 1928.

Reference: Volume 1, page 163

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