William Granger Johnson
Nominated Member of the Legislative Council
In office
1944–1947, 1953–1959
Personal details
Born28 July 1900
Suva, Fiji
Died1978 (aged 78)
Australia

William Granger Johnson (28 July 1900 – 1978) was a Fijian businessman and politician, serving as a nominated member of the Legislative Council in two spells during the 1940s and 1950s.

Biography

Granger was born in Suva in 1900,[1] the only son of Australian Blance (née Wadeson) and Canadian William Henry "Tavua" Johnson.[2] Growing up, he was given the nickname Tui (chief), becoming known as Tui Johnson.[3] He married Val, with whom he had five children,[2] and also joined the Fiji Defence Force, becoming a lieutenant.[4] In 1930 he was appointed German consul in Fiji.[5]

He went into business and after working at Brown and Joske, he joined W.R. Carpenter in 1937,[6] going on to become managing director.[3] He later served as chairman of the Suva Chamber of Commerce.[7]

Following the 1944 elections, he was appointed to the Legislative Council by Acting Governor John Fearns Nicoll as one of the two nominated European members.[8] In 1945 he was an acting member of the Executive Council, covering for the absent Hugh Ragg.[9] Although he was not reappointed following the 1947 elections, he was nominated to the Legislative Council again in 1953,[10] serving until the 1959 elections. He also served on Suva Town Council, representing the Muanikau ward until retiring in 1955.[11][12]

Johnson retired in 1970 and moved to Queensland in Australia.[13] He died in Australia in 1978 at the age of 78.[3]

References

  1. ↑ Tavua Johnson Fiji... Land of our fathers
  2. 1 2 Prince of Fiji commerce Pacific Islands Monthly, September 1953, pp78–80
  3. 1 2 3 Tui Johnson Pacific Islands Monthly, December 1978, p71
  4. ↑ Indian platoon in Fiji Defence Force Pacific Islands Monthly, December 1937, p55
  5. ↑ The London Gazette 26 August 1930, p5295
  6. ↑ Mr. W.G. Johnson Pacific Islands Monthly, May 1937, p49
  7. ↑ PAYE is unpopular Pacific Islands Monthly, December 1954, p11
  8. ↑ Fiji election: Constitution of New Council Pacific Islands Monthly, September 1944, p9
  9. ↑ Late Fiji news Pacific Islands Monthly, February 1945, p47
  10. ↑ New Fiji Legislative Council Pacific Islands Monthly, October 1953, pp19–20
  11. ↑ Suva's new councillors Pacific Islands Monthly, November 1952, p20
  12. ↑ "Even a Ratepayer Can Understand Suva Finances Now" Pacific Islands Monthly, November 1955, p157
  13. ↑ And so say all of us Pacific Islands Monthly, March 1970, p37
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