John Johnstone Paterson
John Johnstone Paterson | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date |
| Died | January 29, 1971 (aged 84) |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, public official |
| Known for | Tai-pan of Jardine Matheson & Co., chairman of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, member of the Executive and Legislative Councils of Hong Kong |
John Johnstone Paterson (29 October 1886 – 29 January 1971) was a distinguished tai-pan at Jardine Matheson & Co. and held positions on both the Executive Council and Legislative Council of Hong Kong.
Biography
As the eldest son of William Paterson, who was previously a partner at Jardine Matheson, J. J. Paterson rose to become the managing director of the company during the 1930s. He also served as chairman of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation on three occasions between 1932 and 1941.
In April 1930, Paterson was appointed to the Legislative Council to temporarily replace B. D. F. Beith, subsequently securing two additional four-year terms in 1934 and 1938. He joined the Executive Council in April 1936, succeeding William Edward Leonard Shenton.
Paterson actively participated in numerous public organizations such as the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps Advisory Committee, Hong Kong Naval Volunteer Advisory Committee, Authorized Architects' Committee, Housing Commission, and Taxation Committee.
During the Battle of Hong Kong, he led the Special Guard Company of the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps, known as the "Hugheseliers," which was mainly composed of elder British veterans. This unit was responsible for defending the North Point Power Station and was among the few that endured the Japanese assault. Paterson was taken prisoner during the Japanese occupation and detained at Shamshuipo and Argyle Street internment camps.
After World War II ended, he moved to Nairobi, Kenya, where he died in 1971.