OHS, Johnsonville Town Board records

Descriptive Data

Archives IdentifierOS021Date Range1874-1949DescriptionThe desire for some form of local authority suited to the needs of smaller settlements led to the enactment of a Town Districts Act in 1881. Town districts were limited to areas not constituted as boroughs, not exceeding two square miles, and containing not fewer than 50 householders. Following passing of this Act, Johnsonville Town Board was constituted in February 1882, taking over from Johnsonville Local Board. The area it covered comprised Johnsonville, part of Ohariu, and most of what is now Newlands. The Board could appoint offices such as Town Clerk and works overseer.

There was a feeling in 1902 that Johnsonville was ready to be constituted a borough. Amalgamation with the neighboring borough of Onslow was sought, but this came to nothing and the Town Board continued as a dependent Board within Hutt County. With population growth, Johnsonville’s desire to control their own affairs independent from the Hutt County increased. A local Boards’ petition led to the Towns Boards Amendment Act 1908 which gave Town Boards independence of the counties. At the same time a new Makara County was formed and the Johnsonville Town Board offered no objection when Newlands separated to become a part of this County. The Johnsonville Town Board became the Johnsonville Independent Town Board in 1908 with the passing of the Town Boards Act. This Act gave Johnsonville the status of an independent Town District.

This series contains a mix of records, mainly loose papers related to both of the Johnsonville Town Boards and it's environs. These records consist of correspondence, reports, and newspaper clippings collected and curated by members of Onslow Historical Society and include original records and compiled information.MediumLoose papersSystem of ArrangementThe items were transferred in two boxes. Most of the records were enclosed in the folder and numbered from 1 to 12. The original system of arrangement has been maintained for those folders with an exception: The Local Government Commission inquiry and finding reports were arranged in chronological order.Collection TypeOnslow Historical Society

Access Information

Restriction StatusOpen

Related Agencies

Controlling or Creating AgencyOnslow Historical SocietyRelationship Date Range1974-present

Related Agencies

Controlling or Creating AgencyJohnsonville Town BoardRelationship Date Range1882-1908

Related Agencies

Controlling or Creating AgencyJohnsonville Independent Town BoardRelationship Date Range1908-1953

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OHS, Johnsonville Town Board records