Alexander W. Johnston

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.

Alexander W. Johnston
Member of the Legislative Council
In office
1928–1932
Personal details
Born20 August 1869
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Died15 June 1932(1932-06-15) (aged 62)
ProfessionSoldier, businessman

Biography

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
  1. "Hon. A. V. Johnston Dead", Pacific Islands Monthly, August 1932, p40
  2. Hon. A. W. Johnston New Zealand Herald, 7 July 1932
  3. Legislative Council Elections Samoanische Zeitung, 3 December 1926
  4. 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
  5. Lauofo Meti (2002) Samoa: The Making of the Constitution, National University of Samoa, p20
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