MITCHELSON, SIR EDWIN (1846-1934) was born at Auckland, his parents having arrived at Kaipara in the Hannah Watson. Educated at St Matthew's and Paterson's schools, he served his time as a carpenter, and at the age of 23 joined the staff of J. M. Dargaville at Wairoa. He rose to be manager of the company, and when certain of its activities were sold to the Sash and Door Co. he took over the rest and established the firm of E. Mitchelson and Co. at Dargaville. There he carried on a flourishing timber and kauri gum business till 1922, when he retired, leaving the business mainly to the men in his employ. Mitchelson began public life as a member of the Hobson county council soon after its creation in 1876, and in 1881 he was elected to represent Marsden in Parliament. He sat for Marsden till 1887, and for Eden from that year till 1896, when he lost his seat in contesting the triple electorate of Auckland. Mitchelson was a supporter of Sir Harry Atkinson and held office in his government as Minister of Public Works in 1883-84 and again in 1884. When the party came into power again in 1887 he was Minister of Public Works and Native Affairs, and in 1889 also Postmaster-general and Commissioner of Customs. When his defeat in 1896 furnished him with leisure Mitchelson rendered valuable service in local affairs. In 1903 he became chairman of the Remuera road board and mayor of the City of Auckland, holding the former office for three years and the latter for two. He was chairman of the harbour board (1905-09), a city sinking fund commissioner, a member of the University College Council (1903-05); a trustee of the Auckland Savings Bank and the Veterans' Home; and for some time president of the Auckland Institute and Museum. In 1920 Mitchelson was created a K.C.M.G., and in the same year he was called to the Legislative Council, in which he served till his death (on 11 Apr 1934).

As a sportsman Mitchelson became a member of the Auckland Racing Club in 1883, and he was president for 30 years till his retirement in 1932. He was one of the syndicate of eight which founded the first stud farm (under the style of the Glen Orchard Stud Co., afterwards the New Zealand Stud and Pedigree Stock Co.), with the object of breeding horses fit to race in Australia. One of his first horses was Vampire. Later the syndicate owned such horses as Whakawai, Tranter, Formo, Escutcheon, Fabulous and Corunna. Mitchelson was passionately fond of flowers, and had much to do with the beautification of the racecourse at Ellerslie, where his influence is commemorated by a bronze bust by Bertram Mackennal.

N.Z.P.D., 29 Jun 1934; Who's Who N.Z., 1908, 1924, 1932; N.Z. Herald, 12 Apr 1934; N.Z. Graphic, 10 Sep 1882 (p).

Reference: Volume 2, page 46

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