BARNETT, JOHN MAUGHAN (1867-1938) was born in Leamington, Warwickshire, and educated at a private school. He studied piano and composition under Gustav Ernest, and the organ under Frank Spinney. After holding the position of organist and choirmaster at the church of King Charles the Martyr (1882-89) and at St Mary Magdalen church, St Leonards-on-Sea, and giving concerts in South Kensington and in the provinces, he came overseas on account of his health. For three years he was organist at the Hobart Cathedral, Tasmania, where he opened the new organ. He composed the anthem used at the laying of the foundation stone of the cathedral chancel and tower, and conducted the Hobart musical union. In 1893 he was organist and choirmaster at Napier Cathedral, and he was first conductor of the liedertafel there. In 1895 he was appointed organist and choirmaster at St John's Church, Wellington, and he was the city organist until 1913, when he took up similar duties in Auckland. He played an important part in establishing the Wellington Choral Society and was conductor of the Wellington Operatic Society. The music of the commemorative ode for the Christchurch Exhibition (1905) was his composition. Barnett married a daughter of the Rev Lewen Tugwell. He died on 1 Jan 1938, 16 weeks after being appointed organist at Christchurch Cathedral.

Who's Who N.Z., 1908 and 1924; Evening Star, 15 Jun 1926; The Press, 2 Jan 1938.

Reference: Volume 1, page 36

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