The fourteenth Mayor was Mr Richard Essex, who held office for one term in 1907-1908. He came to New Zealand from England and eventually settled in Palmerston North in 1891. In partnership with his wife, he established a book and fancy goods business in Main Street, near the Railway Station. In 1908 Mr Essex was a candidate for a second term in office, but was defeated by Mr J. A. Nash. It was 60 years later before another sitting Mayor was defeated in a election. Mr Essex died in 1911.