SHARP, JOHN (1828-1919) was born at Maidstone, Kent, and on leaving Chatham House College, Ramsgate, he joined the merchant service and saw a native rising in the West Indies. In 1843 he came to New Zealand by the Ursula as clerk to F. D. Bell (q.v.), and he was later engaged as surveyor to the New Zealand Company, clerk to the Superintendent, resident magistrate and registrar of the Supreme Court at Nelson. As sheriff Sharp was responsible for the trial and execution of the Maungatapu murderers. In public life he represented Waimea East in the Nelson Provincial Council (1855-57), and later Amuri (1873-75). For three years he served as provincial treasurer (1867-70). From 1875-79 he sat as member for Nelson City in the House of Representatives. In 1888 Sharp retired from his position as resident magistrate, and in the following two years he was mayor of Nelson (1888-90). He was a captain in the Nelson Rifles and a member of lodge Southern Star. His wife was Erica Catherine, daughter of A. S. Collins. Sharp died on 4 Jun 1919.

Cycl. N.Z., v (p); Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Nelson Evening Mail, 5 Jun 1919. Portrait: Parliament House

Reference: Volume 2, page 150

🌳 Further sources