History of Churton Hart & Divers, Barristers and Solicitors, Howick, Auckland

<body> <p>HISTORY <br> <br> 1903 <br> The firm was established by John Morrison Melville who practised on his own account for many years.<br> 1920’s <br> John Melville took in two partners and the firm became known as Melville Ferner & Brown. Ray Ferner was subsequently appointed a stipendiary magistrate and the firm reverted to a sole practice under the name J M Melville.<br> 1935<br> John Melville formed a company called New Zealand Forest Products.<br> 1937<br> Arthur Henry Churton admitted to the partnership and the firms name changed to Melville Churton.<br> 1938<br> John Melville and Arthur Churton were joined by Jock Cairns in partnership. At that time Jock Cairns was a resident partner at a branch office in Mangataroto. After the end of World War II, Jock Cairns resigned and later was a senior partner of the firm Cairns Slane in Auckland.<br> 1952 <br> Harold Brainsby joined the practice. Harold had a background as a journalist for the Auckland Star and had represented New Zealand at the 1934 Empire Games in London.<br> 1959<br> John Melville died, working in the firm until his death.<br> 1962<br> The firm became known as Churton Brainsby & Hart upon the admission to the partnership of Andrie Hart.<br> 1975<br> Upon the death of Harold Brainsby, Les Divers joined the partnership as the partner responsible for litigation.<br> 1979<br> The firm was expanded by the addition of Phillip Wong as a principal.<br> 1987<br> Arthur Churton died, working until the day he died.<br> 1999<br> Phillip Wong resigned from the partnership, Andrie Hart became a consultant and the firm name was changed back to Churton Hart & Divers. At the same time the practice became based in Highland Park after occupying premises in the General Buildings in Shortland Street for the previous 60 years.<br> <br> <br> <br> CHURTON HART & DIVERS<br> 26A Aviemore Drive Highland Park; Phone: 533 9476; Fax: 5339482<br> PO Box 82040 Highland Park, DX EP 82005; Email: ldivers@propertylawyer.co.nz<br> ©Copyright 2008 All rights reserved<br> Website designed &<br> hosted by WEBDZINZ<br>  </p> </body>