Charles Louisson
Charles Melville Louisson | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1840 London, England |
| Died | 19 April 1924 |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, businessman |
| Years active | 1865–1924 |
| Known for | Mayor of Christchurch, member of the New Zealand Legislative Council, president of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club |
Charles Melville Louisson (1840 – 19 April 1924), often referred to as Charles Louisson or Chas Louisson, was a notable figure in New Zealand's political and commercial sectors. Originating from London, he emigrated to Australia during his teenage years, where he engaged in agricultural work and gold mining. In 1865, he settled in Christchurch to collaborate with his brother Alfred in various enterprises involving transportation, trade, and farming throughout the South Island. Later on, their brother Cecil joined them, and together they took ownership of a Christchurch brewery that flourished under their leadership.
After achieving financial success, Louisson dedicated six years to the Christchurch City Council (1881–1887) before being elected twice as Mayor of Christchurch (1887–1889 and 1897–1899), each time without opposition. Upon concluding his mayoral duties, he was appointed to the New Zealand Legislative Council, serving from 1900 until 1924. Additionally, he held prominent positions as a trustee within Freemasonry and presided over the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club (NZMTC) for 18 years, during which he secured and developed the Addington Raceway grounds.
Early life
Born to George Melville Louisson, a London-based umbrella craftsman, Charles Louisson entered the world in 1840 and received his education at Gravesend. At age 14, he relocated to Melbourne, where he gained skills in stock-riding and horse training. He also participated in gold mining activities at Ballarat. In 1865, he moved to Canterbury to join Alfred in managing a transport business traversing the Port Hills, shortly before the inauguration of the Lyttelton Rail Tunnel. Subsequently, the brothers operated as general merchants in Hokitika. Charles held the rank of sergeant major with the Westland Light Horse Volunteers. After an unsuccessful attempt at sheep farming in Marlborough, they managed a modest farm near Southbridge.
Life in Christchurch
In 1871, Alfred and Charles Louisson returned to Christchurch and were soon accompanied by their brother Cecil. Between 1871 and 1876 (dates vary), the siblings acquired a controlling interest in the Crown Brewery Company and eventually took full ownership, with Alfred acting as the primary business strategist. The brewery's location at Antigua and St Asaph Streets remains a brewing site (now Canterbury Brewery), although it ceased operations following the 2011 Christchurch earthquake and was marked for demolition. The Louisson brothers also ran a drapery and outfitting enterprise with outlets throughout New Zealand.
Working alongside Alexander Fergusson of the National Bank, Alfred served as co-trustee of the Marks Benevolent Fund (presently known as the Hyman Marks Trust), which contributed £10,000 toward establishing the Marks Ward at Christchurch Hospital. The foundation stone for this ward was laid by Fergusson and Louisson in 1896; this ward corresponds to what are now wards six and seven of the hospital.
A distinguished Freemason, Louisson held the position of District Grand Master for Canterbury under the Scottish Constitution. He also was the inaugural president of the Christchurch Beautifying Association and played significant roles within Christchurch’s Jewish community, including serving as treasurer.
On 3 July 1878, Louisson married Hannah Harris, daughter of Maurice Harris JP of Christchurch, at Beth El Synagogue. The couple had four children: two sons—Maurice George (born 1879) and Cecil (born 1880)—and two daughters. Their residence for several years was at 214 Gloucester Street, later moving to a Colombo Street home designed by prominent architect Joseph Maddison.
Political career
Louisson dedicated six years to serving on the Christchurch City Council (CCC), holding the mayoral office from 1887 to 1889 and later from 1897 to 1899.
His initial entry into local government was in 1881 when he ran for the South-west Ward councillor position. After his opponent withdrew, he was elected without contest. With councillors retiring annually on a rotational basis, Louisson secured re-election unopposed in 1884. He chose to retire in 1887 and did not immediately pursue another term.
Louisson made his first bid for the mayoralty in 1886, receiving endorsements from several former mayors and councillors; however, he was narrowly defeated by the sitting mayor, Aaron Ayers, by a margin of five votes. Upon Ayers’ retirement in 1887, Louisson stood again and was elected without opposition. He served two back-to-back terms, initially intending to step down after one year but remained due to the absence of challengers. He concluded his service at the end of 1889.
In 1897, Louisson was once more invited to run for mayor and was returned unopposed. Following a delegation’s request, he accepted a second term in 1898. His successor, William Reece, was also elected unopposed in 1899.
During his first tenure as mayor, Louisson represented New Zealand as a Commissioner at the Melbourne International Exhibition. Additionally, he contributed to public welfare through service on the Charitable Aid Board and North Canterbury Hospital Board, as well as involvement with institutions such as the Deaf and Dumb Institution at Sumner and Sunnyside Lunatic Asylum. His contributions were honored twice by Christchurch residents with gifts including a silver epergne, a tea set, and jewelry presented to the mayoress.
Louisson received an appointment to the Legislative Council on 22 December 1900 for a seven-year term. He was subsequently reappointed in 1908 and again in 1918, maintaining his position until his passing.
Horse racing
As an active member of the Canterbury Jockey Club, Louisson also held the presidency of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club (NZMTC) in Christchurch from 1906 until his death in 1924. He was instrumental in moving the trotting club’s venue from Lancaster Park in Waltham to Addington, where Addington Raceway has operated since 1899. Under his guidance, significant expansions were made to the facilities. The Louisson Handicap became a recurring annual race for many years, and he generously donated the trophy for the New Zealand Trotting Cup, which was crafted in England. The New Zealand Trotting Cup continues to be Canterbury’s foremost social and sporting occasion.
Death
In his later years, Louisson resided on Heaton Street in Strowan. He passed away on 19 April 1924 and was laid to rest at Linwood Cemetery two days afterward. His wife died on 18 November 1928 and was buried alongside him. They left behind four children who survived them.