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1881 Christchurch Mayoral Election
The Christchurch mayoral election held on 30 November 1881 was contested by German-born baker, hotel proprietor and businessman George Ruddenklau, and businessman Charles Taylor. The election was won by Ruddenklau with a small margin. Background and campaign The election was set for 30 November 1881. At the beginning of September 1881, city councillors Taylor and Aaron Ayers were discussed in the media as likely candidates for the upcoming mayoral election. On 25 November, the incumbent James Gapes announced his candidacy for a third term as mayor, as he was not satisfied with the other two contenders for the position, city councillors Charles Taylor, and George Ruddenklau. Following a requisition, Gapes arranged a public meeting at short notice for Friday, 25 November at the Gaiety Theatre in Cathedral Square, which was well attended. At the meeting, chaired by the local member of parliament Samuel Paull Andrews, Gapes explained his political views and justified his actions ove ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
John George Ruddenklau
John George Ruddenklau JP (23 May 1829 – 15 December 1891) was Mayor of Christchurch from December 1881 to December 1883. A baker from Germany, he was later the proprietor of the City Hotel. He was very active with a number of organisations, founded the German Benefit Association, and was the driving force behind the establishment of the German Church. Early life Johann George Rüddenklau was born in Niedermeiser on 23 May 1829 and baptised two days later.Entry in the church book from Niedermeiser, held by the Protestant state church office in Kassel His birth name was later Anglicised by adopting John as his first name, and dropping the umlaut from his surname. Niedermeiser is today a suburb of Liebenau in the district of Kassel, in Hesse, Germany. His parents were John Ruddenklau and his wife, Annie Gertrude Ruddenklau (née Engelbrecht). The eldest of five children, he had two brothers and two sisters. John George Ruddenklau often signed documents and was referred to as ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
