Joseph Braithwaite (mayor)
Joseph Braithwaite | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1848 Cliburn, near Penrith, England |
| Died | 1917-03-27 St Clair, Dunedin, New Zealand |
| Occupation(s) | Bookseller, politician |
| Years active | 1863–1917 |
| Known for | Mayor of Dunedin (1905–1906), founder of Braithwaite's Circulating Library and Braithwaite's Book Arcade |
Joseph Braithwaite (1848 – 27 March 1917) was a New Zealand bookseller and political figure who held the office of Mayor of Dunedin between 1905 and 1906.
Early life and family
Braithwaite was born in Cliburn, close to Penrith, England. In 1852, he emigrated with his family to Melbourne, Australia; tragically, his mother passed away during the journey. After his father remarried, the family moved to Dunedin, New Zealand in 1860. On 2 July 1872, Braithwaite married Mary Ann Bellett in Dunedin. Together, they had a large family, reportedly between 16 and 22 children, some of whom achieved distinction in diverse areas.
Among his children, son John Braithwaite was executed for mutiny during World War I but received a posthumous pardon from the New Zealand government in 2000. Other notable sons included Rewi Braithwaite, who took part in New Zealand’s inaugural official international soccer match in 1922; Warwick Braithwaite, a respected orchestral conductor; and Roderick Braithwaite, who held the position of mayor of Hamilton from 1953 to 1959.
Bookseller
In 1863, Braithwaite launched "Braithwaite's Circulating Library" located in Farley's Arcade at the junction of High Street and Fleet Street in Dunedin. By 1867, he had expanded his enterprise to include newsagency services. The business grew further and moved premises in 1883 to become "Braithwaite's Book Arcade" at 38–40 Princes Street.
Council and mayoral career
Braithwaite secured election to the Dunedin City Council in 1901 and was re-elected in 1903. He served as mayor for a single term starting in 1905 before stepping down after one year. During his tenure as mayor, the Dunedin tramway system reached practical completion. Additionally, he contributed three years on the Ocean Beach Domain Board and participated on the city’s licensing committee.
Other activities
A former grand master and lifelong member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Braithwaite was active within various community organizations. Beginning in 1892, he took part in the Anglican Synod and was involved with both the City Mission committee and the Bible in State Schools League. He also held the role of vice-president for the Otago Football Association and chaired the Empire Pictures Company.
Death
Braithwaite passed away at his residence in St Clair on 27 March 1917 and was interred at Southern Cemetery.