VAUTIER, JOHN HELIER (1834-1907) was the son of a Jersey farmer, was educated in his native island and brought up to the building trade. In 1854 he went to Liverpool, and from there to Melbourne in the Lightning. After spending a few months there he came to New Zealand in the Onkaparinga, arriving at Wellington a few hours before the earthquake (1855). In 1857 he visited the goldfields at Collingwood, but soon moved to Hawke's Bay, to find a great demand for building at Napier. Afterwards he went into business as a merchant and eventually as a wood and coal merchant, from which he gradually invested in several ships. This business he ran profitably until 1885, when he sold out and devoted his attention to his landed properties and public service. He was a member of the first Napier harbour board (1875) and continued to serve throughout, being eventually made a life member. He was elected to the borough council in 1875, was first chairman of the works committee till 1878, and mayor 1878-82. Vautier was a trustee of the Napier Savings Bank throughout the 36 years of its existence. He died on 19 Dec 1907.

Cycl. N.Z., vi (p); Hawkes Bay Herald, 20 Dec 1907.

Reference: Volume 2, page 211

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