AITKEN, JOHN GUTHRIE WOOD (1849-1921) was the son of a farmer at Park Kilchenzie, Kintyre, Argyllshire, and received his education at Campbelltown Grammar School. Instead of becoming a farmer he entered the Glasgow office of James Templeton, carpet manufacturers, and was later connected with the London branch for twelve years. There he met George Wilson, with whom in 1882 he established a business in Wellington, the firm being known as Aitken, Wilson and Co., general merchants. In 1900 Aitken was elected mayor of Wellington and he held the position unopposed until resigning in 1904. He was a member of the harbour board during the same period. In 1902 he was elected to Parliament for Wellington City and in 1905 for Wellington East. He retired in 1908 and in 1914 was called to the Legislative Council, of which he remained a member until his death (on 17 Aug 1921). He was a prominent member of the Presbyterian Church, and in 1917 was elected moderator of the General Assembly of New Zealand. Aitken was chairman of directors of several important companies, and took a great interest in education and philanthropy. He was chairman of the Wellington education board for some years and of the Wellington College board of governors, and was associated with the founding of the Boys' Institute and the activities of the Y.M.C.A. Aitken was unmarried.

N.Z.P.D., 22 Sep 1921; Cycl. N.Z., i; Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Evening Post, 17 Aug 1921; The Dominion, 18 Aug. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 1, page 20

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