The family was of humble origin, had come out to New Zealand from London as assisted immigrants and were running a painting and paper-hanging business, but had come to status in their new country.

[8] Gapes and George received 820 and 365 votes, respectively, which represented the largest majority in a Christchurch mayoral election at that time.

[11] During his mayoralty, he was involved with several relief and charitable funds, including for the sinking on 29 October 1894 of the SS Wairarapa, which was one of New Zealand's deadliest disasters.

[12] On 23 February 1876, he married Marion (or Marianne) Elizabeth Prebble (24 September 1852 – 17 March 1919) at St Luke's Church in Christchurch.

As the Cyclopedia was vanity press, it gave Gapes the chance to downplay the family's humble background, and he focussed on their important associations in Christchurch.

[21] Gapes died at his Christchurch residence on 16 April 1913, aged 65,[22] and was buried at Linwood Cemetery.