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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Israel Joseph Goldstine OBE (20 May 1898 – 16 January 1953) was mayor of One Tree Hill, New Zealand, from 1931 until he retired in 1947.[1] He was a prominent barrister and solicitor in Auckland and chaired several high-profile New Zealand boards.[2]
Israel Goldstine | |
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2nd Mayor of One Tree Hill | |
In office 1931–1947 | |
Preceded by | Joseph Speight Hardwicke |
Succeeded by | Brian Preston Stevenson |
Personal details | |
Born | Israel Joseph Goldstine 20 May 1898 Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
Died | 16 January 1953 54) Auckland, New Zealand | (aged
Spouse |
Dora Solomon
(m. 1924; died 1939) |
Profession | Barrister and solicitor |
Goldstine was born in Brisbane, Australia, but brought up and educated in Auckland, attending Auckland Grammar School.[3] Goldstine studied law at Auckland University College.[3] After serving his articles with William Joseph Napier[4] he was admitted as a barrister of the Supreme Court of New Zealand on 18 February 1926.[5]
Goldstine was a successful barrister and solicitor, and was described in court as displaying 'a doggedness and persistence which is noticeable even for a lawyer, and listeners have no cause to complain that his utterances are mumbled or indistinct'.[4]
Goldstine became actively involved in local government at a young age. He was a member of the One Tree Hill Road Board in his twenties, and became its first deputy mayor when the board became a borough. Goldstine was elected mayor of One Tree Hill on 6 May 1931 at age 33, becoming New Zealand's youngest mayor.
When elected it was noted that his standing in local body affairs is attested by the fact that he is president of the Suburban Local Bodies' Association and an authority on finance, gaining much praise by his analysis of the finances of the Hospital Board.[3] During his time as mayor he was praised for continuing to reduce rates despite large increases in other regions.[6]
Goldstine held the position of Mayor until his retirement from politics in 1947.[12]
Goldstine served as chair of the Milk Council for 10 years.[12] This time coincided with World War II, and a lot of his time was spent overseeing the restrictions on the sale of cream,[13] the delivery of milk to schools,[14] and ensuring milk delivery to homes continued with the ongoing petrol rationing[15] and delivery men serving in the war.[16]
The first Local Government Commission was established in 1947 to reform New Zealand's 695 local commissions, which was considered too many for a country with a population of 1.5 million people. New Zealand Labour Party MP Bill Parry appointed Goldstine as chair of the commission.[17] In this position, Goldstine enjoyed the salary and privileges of a Judge of the Supreme Court, and was known as Judge Goldstine.[17] The commission adopted the Court's strict dress code of wigs and gowns, somewhat to the dismay of the Law Society. Goldstine held this position until his sudden death in 1953.[12][17]
Goldstine was Vice President of the New Zealand Municipal Association, member for 14 years of the Auckland Suburban Drainage Board and chairman for two and a half years of the Auckland (NZ) Armed Forces Appeal Board.[12] During World War II Goldstine was appointed to the National Patriotic Fund Board and the National Patriotic Council. He became deputy chairman of the Auckland Provincial Patriotic Council.[12]
Goldstine was awarded the King George VI Coronation Medal in 1937.[18] In the 1946 New Year Honours, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire, for patriotic and social welfare services.[19]
Goldstine married Dora Solomon in 1924. Goldstine and Solomon had two children, John and Margot.
Solomon died on 20 August 1939, aged 38. She was actively associated with Goldstine's public activities; just prior to her death she had been convener of the Women's Emergency Precautions Committee of Epsom and One Tree Hill.[22] Upon learning of her death, the chairman of the Auckland Transport Board, W. H. Nagle, paid tribute to the charitable, philanthropic and civic activities of Solomon and her devotion to humanitarian causes.[23]
Goldstine was better known among friends and colleagues as 'Izzy',[17] and was known for his sense of humor while conducting business.[24]
Goldstine showed a fondness for sport and particularly enjoyed watching tennis and football. In his earlier years he played football as an Auckland representative.[4] He frequently played golf in Maungakiekie and was quoted as saying: "I have no pretensions to being a 'real' golfer, but I live in hope of reducing my handicap some day."[25]
Goldstine travelled frequently to Australia, which often influenced his ideas in politics and business.