14 Facts About James Gapes

James Gapes was a local politician in Christchurch, New Zealand.

James Gapes went to school there and continued his training in London.

James Gapes held employment with the same firm in London for 22 years.

James Gapes started a glass, paint and paperhanging business in 71 Victoria Street.

James Gapes was a member of many organisations and bodies, often in a leading role, including the Christchurch Hospital Board, Canterbury Lodge Freemason, the Order of Foresters, and Court Star of Canterbury.

James Gapes was elected onto the city council six times: first in February 1873 in a by-election, then in 1874,1877,1878,1879 and 1881.

James Gapes was sworn in as mayor at the next Christchurch City Council meeting on 2 January 1877.

James Gapes was elected again on 24 November 1880, when he defeated Aaron Ayers.

James Gapes was installed as mayor on 15 December 1880.

James Gapes announced on 25 November 1881 his candidacy for a third term as mayor, as he was not satisfied with the other two contenders for the position, the timber merchant Charles Benjamin Taylor, and George Ruddenklau.

The James Gapes family was of humble origin, and they are an example of the opportunities that were available to immigrants to New Zealand.

On 5 August 1876, James Gapes was fined 20s for "drunkenness, assaulting and resisting the police".

Alice Gapes, the wife of James Gapes, outlived him by eight years.

James Gapes outlived her for 13 years and died in Christchurch on 22 October 1899, aged 77 years.