JOHNSTON, WALTER WOODS (1839-1907) the eldest son of John Johnston (q.v.), was born in London. He received his education in New Zealand, and afterwards in France, and then joined his father's business in Wellington.

Johnston entered Parliament in 1871 as member for Manawatu, which he represented continuously until 1884. In the last three years he served as Postmaster-general and Minister of Public Works in three successive governments (those of Hall, Whitaker, and Atkinson). He was a sound administrator. In 1888 he was elected one of the shareholders' committee to investigate the condition of the Bank of New Zealand. When the head office of the bank was transferred to Wellington (1894), he was elected a shareholders' director, but resigned the following year to accept appointment as a government director under the new scheme of control. He was also a director of the Equitable Assurance Society of the United States.

Johnston married (1868) a daughter of Forster Goring (q.v.). He died on 31 Aug 1907.

N.Z.P.D., 3 Sep 1907; Cycl. NZ., 1 (p); Ward; N.Z. Times, 1 Sep 1907; Evening Post, 10 Oct 1929

Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 1, page 237

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