John James Paterson [sic], Mayor of Dannevirke for a single term (1905-1906).
Mr John James Patterson, who occupied the Mayoral Chair during the year 1905–1906, was born at Collingwood, Melbourne, Australia, on the 6th of January, 1857, and is the only surviving son of Mr. Thomas Patterson. He was educated at the Ballarat public school, Grenville College, and the Ballarat School of Mines, and at the latter institution gained a certificate as a duly qualified mining survevor. He then went to Melbourne University, and in 1874 came to New Zealand, under engagement to the Education Department of the Provincial Government. For some time he was an assistant-master of the Christchurch Normal School, and from 1882 to 1889 was head-master of the Woolston Public School. During this period he studied at Canterbury College, and in 1884 gained his B.A. degree. Mr. Patterson is also a proficient shorthand writer, and, while in Melbourne, was for a time a reporter on the staff of the Melbourne “Herald.” In 1889 he resigned his position as head-master of the Woolston School, and after living for a time in Auckland, settled in Palmerston North, where, in 1896, he gained his law degree. Shortly afterwards he removed to Dannevirke, and has since conducted a successful practice. Mr. Patterson holds the Kensington art master's certificate, and an advanced tonic sol-fa certificate. For six years continuously he has represented the Dannevirke district on the Hawke's Bay Education Board, and in fraternal matters is a Freemason and an Oddfellow. Mr. Patterson is married, and has three sons and three daughters. His eldest son is a medical practitioner, the second is in a banking institution, and the third is a matriculated student following his legal studies.
Tararua District Council
