ISLINGTON, SIR JOHN POYNDER DICKSON-POYNDER (1866-1936), 1st Baron, was the son of Rear-admiral J. B. Dickson and Sarah, daughter of Thomas Poynder. Succeeding his uncle as baronet in 1884, he assumed the additional name of Poynder. Educated at Harrow and Oxford, he gained his commission as lieutenant in the 3rd battalion the Royal Scots. He served in the South African war and was aide-de-camp to Lord Methuen (D.S.O.). After retiring he became major and honorary colonel of the Wiltshire Yeomanry.

From 1898-1904 Dickson-Poynder was a member of the London County Council (for St George's, Hanover Square). He took a great interest in the feeding of school children and other social activities. In 1892 he was elected in the Conservative interest for Chippenham, which he represented till 1910, when he was appointed to be Governor of New Zealand. Having travelled widely in the British dominions, Dickson-Poynder was converted to Liberalism in 1905, but always asserted his independence. He was created first Baron Islington on taking office as Governor of New Zealand. His term lasted only two years. He retired on 2 Dec 1912 to undertake the chairmanship of the Indian public services commission.

In 1914 he was Under-secretary for the Colonies; in 1915-19 Under-secretary for India, and in 1920-26 chairman of the National War Savings committee (P.C. 1911; K.C.M.G. 1911; G.C.M.G. 1913). He was chairman of the Imperial Institute (1914-21) and president of the African Society (1915-16), chairman of the Royal Northern Hospital (1891-1912) and a knight of justice of the Order of St John.

Islington married (1896) Anne, daughter of R. H. D. Dundas. He died on 7 Aug 1936, the title becoming extinct.

Who's Who N.Z.; Burke, Peerage; The Times, 8 Dec 1936.

Reference: Volume 1, page 232

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