Aaron Ayers
Aaron Ayers | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1836 Gloucester, England |
| Died | 16 September 1900 Avonside, Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Occupation(s) | Hairdresser, tobacconist, auctioneer, politician |
| Years active | c.1860–1900 |
| Known for | Mayor of Christchurch (1885–1887) |
Aaron Ayers (1836 – 16 September 1900) relocated from England to Christchurch, New Zealand, during his mid-twenties. He spent approximately twenty years working as a hairdresser and tobacconist before shifting his career focus to auctioneering. In 1885, Ayers was elected Mayor of Christchurch without opposition and secured re-election in 1886 after a narrowly fought contest against Charles Louisson. After serving two terms, he stepped down from the mayoralty. In 1887, he unsuccessfully vied for parliamentary seats in both the and the electorates. Following his political career, Ayers led a private life, gaining recognition for his passion for gardening.
Early life
Ayers was born in Gloucester, England, in 1836. He married Isabella Eliza Ayers (née Williams) in Newington, Surrey in 1859. The couple emigrated to Canterbury, New Zealand aboard the Gananoque, arriving at Lyttelton on 9 May 1860.
Upon settling in Christchurch, Ayers constructed a home at 290 Riverlaw Terrace in Opawa, now considered a suburb of Christchurch. This residence is designated as a Category II historic place (registration number 3730).
Professional life
During the first two decades after arriving in Christchurch, Ayers worked as a hairdresser and tobacconist before entering the auctioneering business around 1880.[1] His company, Ayers, Beauchamp & Company, operated out of 190 Cashel Street[2] and specialized in conducting auctions for land, livestock, fruit, and various other goods.[3]
Political career
Ayers served on the Christchurch City Council during the years 1878, 1879, and 1882.[4] He made an unsuccessful bid for the Christchurch mayoralty in 1880, losing to James Gapes.[5] In the following election of 1883, he again sought the mayoral office but was defeated by Charles Hulbert (mayor), who received 671 votes compared to Ayers' 496.[6]
On 17 November 1885, Ayers was elected Mayor of Christchurch without opposition and officially took office on 16 December.[7] Before his inauguration, he participated in significant civic ceremonies including the inauguration of a band rotunda in Latimer Square, commencement of construction on the Corporation Line tramway, and the opening of the Armagh Street Bridge.[8][9] One of his first official acts as mayor was unveiling the Moorhouse Statue situated within the Botanic Gardens.[10]
In the highly competitive mayoral election of 1886, Ayers narrowly triumphed over Charles Louisson, who had strong backing from city councillors and previous mayors.[11][12] After completing his second term in office in 1887, Ayers retired from mayoral duties; Louisson subsequently ran again and was elected without opposition.[13]
Following the passing of John Coster, who served as MP for , a by-election was held where Ayers and Frederic Jones emerged as principal candidates after others withdrew.[14][15] On polling day, Jones secured a clear victory with a margin of 191 votes over Ayers.[16]
In the , Ayers contested the Christchurch South seat but was defeated by a wide margin by victor Westby Perceval.[17][18]
Private life and death
After completing his term as mayor, Ayers led a predominantly private existence, though he continued to contribute as a borough councillor in Linwood. He was well recognized for his enthusiasm for horticulture and floral arrangements, frequently adorning his lapel with a flower.
Ayers experienced a decline in health before passing away on 16 September 1900 at his residence on River Road in Avonside. His final resting place is at Linwood Cemetery, where he was laid to rest. He left behind his wife and eight children. His spouse died on 9 September 1927 and was buried beside him.
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedNZETC Ayers - ↑ "Auctions". The Press. Vol. LV, no. 10181. 31 October 1898. p. 6. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
- ↑ "Ayers, Beauchamp & Compy, Cashel Street, Christchurch". Christchurch City Libraries. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedCouncillors - ↑ "Mayoral Elections". The Star. No. 3933. 25 November 1880. p. 3. Retrieved 13 April 2013.
- ↑ "Mayoral Elections". The Press. Vol. XXXIX, no. 5679. 30 November 1883. p. 3. Retrieved 27 August 2013.
- ↑ "Mayoral Elections". Star. No. 5469. 17 November 1885. p. 3. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
- ↑ "Opening of the Band Rotunda". Star. No. 5485. 5 December 1885. p. 4. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
- ↑ "The City Tramway and Park Bridge". The Press. Vol. XLII, no. 6304. 2 December 1885. p. 3. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
- ↑ "Unveiling the Moorhouse Statue". Timaru Herald. Vol. XLII, no. 3506. 23 December 1885. p. 3. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
- ↑ "Election Notices". The Star. No. 5730. 22 September 1886. Retrieved 8 November 2011.
- ↑ "Mayoral Elections". The Star. No. 5785. 25 November 1886. p. 3. Retrieved 5 November 2011.
- ↑ "Mayoral Elections". The Star. No. 6090. 21 November 1887. p. 3. Retrieved 5 November 2011.
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedrace down to Jones and Ayers - ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs named1887 Heathcote by-election nomination - ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs named1887 Heathcote by-election - ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedChristchurch South nomination, 1887 - ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedGeneral Election, 1887