RANFURLY, UCHTER JOHN MARK (1856-1933), 5th Earl of, was the younger son of the third earl, by his marriage with Harriet, daughter of John Rimington. Educated at Harrow, he passed through the Britannia for the Navy, but went instead to Trinity College, Cambridge.

Having succeeded his brother in 1875, he spent some years in Australia, where he engaged in fruit-growing in the Mildura country. He installed an irrigation plant, and was regarded as an authority on fruit-growing. He had also studied at the Geological Institute in London, and was interested in practical mining. In 1888 he visited New Zealand. He was lord-in-waiting to Queen Victoria (1895-97), and in the latter year was appointed Governor of New Zealand, taking up his duties on 10 Aug.

Lord Ranfurly's term of office in New Zealand included the whole period of the South African war, and he took a keen interest not only in the raising and despatch of contingents to the field of war, but in the reception of the men on their return and their subsequent welfare. He was the founder of the Veterans' home in Auckland, and compiled the list of war services known as the Roll of Honour, 1840-1902. During his governorship New Zealand adopted penny postage, largely increased her contribution to the Royal Navy, played her part in the opening of the Pacific cable, established Empire Day and passed the preferential trade act. The boundaries of New Zealand were extended to embrace certain groups of islands in the Pacific, and Lord Ranfurly visited them to proclaim British sovereignty. He left New Zealand on 19 Jun 1904.

In 1897 he was created K.C.M.G.; in 1901 G.C.M.G.; in 1905 sworn of the Privy Council of Ireland; and in 1923 of the Privy Council of Northern Ireland. He was a bailiff grand cross of the order of St John of Jerusalem, and an officer of the Legion of Honour. He died on 2 Oct 1933. Ranfurly married (1880) Constance Elizabeth, daughter of the 7th Viscount Charlemont. Their eldest son and heir, Viscount Northland, was killed in France in 1915.

Cycl. N.Z., ii (p); Burke; N.Z. Herald, 5 Nov 1888; The Times, 8 Oct 1933.

Reference: Volume 2, page 99

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