DRANSFIELD, JOSEPH (1827-1906) was born at Huddersfield, Yorkshire, where his father owned a woollen mill. He was educated at the local school; as a young man sailed for Australia in the Falcon, and spent five years in and around Sydney. In 1857 he crossed to Wellington, where his brother, C. E. Dransfield, had established a merchant's business. They worked together for a while and did well. In 1860 Dransfield was a coal merchant, carrying out considerable contracts for the New Zealand Steam Navigation Co. and McMeckan Blackwoods. He widened his interests and in 1888 sold to the United Importers Co.

Dransfield was a member of the Provincial Council (representing Wellington City 1863-67, and 1869-73). Twice during that time he was a member of the executive. He was chairman of the town board which preceded the City Council, and was mayor of the City (1870-74). Dransfield took the first steps towards the reclamation of land from the harbour. He was again mayor in 1878, and had been re-elected when financial embarrassment led to his resignation. He was chairman of the Wellington chamber of commerce (1878-79) and a director of the New Zealand Steam Navigation Co. Dransfield died on 21 Sep 1906.

Wellington P.C. Proc.; Cycl. N.Z., i; Ward; Evening Post, 3 Oct 1929 (p).

Reference: Volume 1, page 127

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