Edward Pearce (politician)
Edward Pearce (1832 – 13 October 1922) was a leading merchant who based himself in Wellington, New Zealand from 1861 to 1899.
![](../I/m/Portrait_of_Edward_Pearce_November_1915_(cropped).jpg)
![](../I/m/Pearce%2C_Edward%2C_Lieutenant_Colonel%2C_Wellington_circa_1885.jpg)
He arrived in New Zealand in 1861 and returned to England after 1899 leaving his sons in charge of his business, Levin & Co. He died at Cheltenham, England, on 13 October 1922.[1]
Own account
Pearce, his wife born Henrietta Diana Cox and their infant eldest son, cabin passengers, arrived in Wellington on the Wild Duck's regular Wellington run from London[2] in mid-January 1861.[3] They had married 18 months earlier in Belize. He had arranged to take a partnership in a substantial Wellington business but after some months proved it to be insolvent.[4] Licenced Customs Agent in January 1863.[5]
In 1866 he formed a group of businessmen: Edward Pearce, W B Rhodes, George Hunter, W M Bannatyne, George Moore, George Hart and F. A .Krull[6][7] to set up a gas company in Wellington.[8]
In Wellington he formed one of the port's principal shipping agencies and in addition conducted a large import and export trade until the opportunity arose for expansion by acquisition.[1]
Levin & Co
In 1889 he amalgamated his business with W. H. Levin's and John Duncan's Messrs Levin & Co. W. H Levin died in 1894 and Pearce became senior partner. Following his retirement his three sons assumed management of Levin & Co.[1] Though Pearces and Levins retained their various involvements control of the business moved to National Mortgage and Agency Company of New Zealand in 1896.
Army
Lieutenant-Colonel Pearce commanded the New Zealand Regiment of Artillery which had twelve batteries throughout the country.[1] He retired in 1885.
National Bank
Pearce was the local (Wellington) director of the National Bank of New Zealand from the opening of the Wellington branch in 1873 [9] and in 1883 with Dunedin's James Rattray was appointed one of two New Zealand directors.[10] Another directorship of national significance was chairmanship of the New Zealand board of the National Mutual Life Assurance Association. Among other directorships he was for many years chairman of: Wellington Patent Slip Co Limited, Wellington Gas Company Limited and Wellington Trust Loan and Investment Co Limited.[1]
Member of Parliament
New Zealand Parliament | ||||
Years | Term | Electorate | Party | |
1871–1875 | 5th | City of Wellington | Independent | |
1875–1877 | 6th | City of Wellington | Independent |
A member of the Provincial Executive during Dr Featherston's administration he stood unsuccessfully in the 1865 by-election for Wairarapa then represented the City of Wellington electorate from 1871 to 1877, when he resigned.[11]
He was the Government appointed member of the Wellington Harbour Board for 16 years from its first constitution and was appointed chairman for 5 years.[1]
Death
He was survived by three sons and two daughters. One of his daughters married Henry Duncan Crawford, son of Coutts Crawford.[1]
References
- "Obituary: Mr. Edward Pearce". Evening Post. 14 October 1922. p. 8. Retrieved 30 January 2016.
- The Wild Duck
- Shipping Intelligence Wellington Independent 18 January 1861 Page 2
- Wellington Independent 13 June 1862 Page 3
- Wellington Independent 10 January 1863 Page 3
- Death Wanganui Chronicle 30 November 1914 Page 4
- Evening Post 30 November 1914 Page 8
- Evening Post 22 August 1866 Page 3
- Evening Post 21 March 1873 Page 3]
- Otago Daily Times 29 August 1885 Page 4
- Wilson, James Oakley (1985) [First ed. published 1913]. New Zealand Parliamentary Record, 1840–1984 (4th ed.). Wellington: V.R. Ward, Govt. Printer. p. 226. OCLC 154283103.
Political offices | ||
---|---|---|
Preceded by William Valentine Jackson |
Chair of Wellington Harbour Board 1883–1887 |
Succeeded by John Duthie |
New Zealand Parliament | ||
Preceded by William Waring Taylor Isaac Featherston Charles Borlase |
Member of Parliament for City of Wellington 1871–1877 Served alongside: George Hunter |
Succeeded by William Travers |