JOHNSTON, SIR CHARLES JOHN (1845-1918), the third son of John Johnston (q.v.), was a native of Wellington. He was educated at Toomath's Commercial and Grammar School; at the Catholic College of St Mary in Derbyshire, and at Kensington College, London. He returned to New Zealand in 1864 and entered his father's business.

From 1881-87 he was M.H.R. for Te Aro, resigning his seat to visit England. When Wellington celebrated the jubilee of the settlement Johnston, as a native of the town and a son of one of its founders, was elected chief magistrate (1890-91). He was called to the Legislative Council in 1891, being one of the last nominated on the old system of life-membership; and continued in the Council for the rest of his life. In 1915 he was elected speaker, and he held office until his death on 13 Jun 1918. (His knighthood was practically posthumous).

Johnston married Alice Margaret (1850-1931), daughter of Dr Featherston. He was a local director of the Australian Mutual Provident Society, and was for many years a director and chairman of the Wellington Woollen Co. He served in the Wellington Naval Volunteers, and was eventually commander of the brigade. He took part in the Parihaka expedition (1881). His eldest son, FRANCIS EARL JOHNSTON (1871-1917), was a lieutenant in the North Staffordshire Regiment in 1891. (Captain 1900; major 1911; colonel 1914.) He served in the Sudan (1896), and South Africa (1900-02). In the war of 1914-18, he commanded the first New Zealand infantry brigade in Egypt, Gallipoli and France. (CB. 1915). He was killed in action on 7 Aug 1917. Johnston married a daughter of A. G. Fell (Wellington).

N.Z.P.D., 15 Aug 1917, 25 Oct 1918; Cycl. NZ., i (p); Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Studholme; Ward; N.Z. Times, 14 Jun 1918; Evening Post, 10 Oct 1929. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 1, page 237

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