Alexander W. Johnston
Alexander W. Johnston | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Legislative Council | |
| In office 1928–1932 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 20 August 1869 Edinburgh, United Kingdom |
| Died | 15 June 1932 (aged 62) |
| Profession | Soldier, businessman |
Alexander William Johnston (20 August 1869 – 15 June 1932) was a British-born soldier, businessman and politician. He was a member of the Legislative Council in Western Samoa from 1928 until his death in 1932.
Biography[edit]
Johnston was born in Edinburgh in 1869.[1] He served in the British Army in India and South Africa,[2] before being sent to New Zealand to work as a military instructor.[1] In 1915 he was part of the first reinforcement contingent that arrived in Western Samoa during World War I. He was discharged from the military in 1920.[1] After leaving the army, he became branch manager of the Burns Philp company in Saluafata district.[1]
Johnston contested the 1926 elections to the Legislative Council, but was unsuccessful.[3] However, in 1928 he was appointed to the Council by the Administrator to replace elected member Olaf Frederick Nelson,[4] who had been deported.[5] Prior to the 1929 elections, Johnston resigned from his nominated seat and stood for one of the elected seats. He was elected with the most votes, alongside Samuel Meredith.[5]
Johnston died of pneumonia on 15 June 1932, and was given a military funeral.[1]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d e "Hon. A. V. Johnston Dead", Pacific Islands Monthly, August 1932, p40
- ^ Hon. A. W. Johnston New Zealand Herald, 7 July 1932
- ^ Legislative Council Elections Samoanische Zeitung, 3 December 1926
- ^ Mr. Alexander William Johnston has been appointed to the seat in the Legislative Council of Western Samoa formerly occupied by the Hon. O. F. Nelson The Evening Post, 27 April 1928
- ^ a b Lauofo Meti (2002) Samoa: The Making of the Constitution, National University of Samoa, p20