He was a well-known figure in his adopted city, a successful businessman, and involved in many clubs and organisations.

John Vigor Brown, his brothers and their mother arrived in Melbourne on 22 January 1862 on the Water Nymph.

He was also managing director of White Swan Brewery, and Hawke's Bay Soap and Tannery.

J. S. Barton and L. B. Campbell were farewelled by the mayor in May 1933, when their term ended and the municipal affairs once again rested with the borough council.

[10][11] The resulting mayoral election was contested by the incumbent and C O Morse, the chairman of the Earthquake Relief Committee.

[12] The election caused great interest, and Morse and Brown received 4110 and 1808 votes respectively.

[13][14] While mayor, Brown was involved in the new Hawke's Bay Rugby League and helped them secure access to McLean Park in 1911.

When Thomas Wilford became leader later in 1920, Brown objected[21] and transferred his allegiance to the Reform Party.

Prime Minister William Massey had given Brown the official party endorsement, despite the local Reform committee having already chosen John Mason as their candidate.

[25] In 1925, Brown failed to receive Reform nomination, with new party organizer Albert Davy ensuring it went to Mason.

[3] In 1910, Brown had a 31 feet (9.4 m) launch built for the family, named Water Nymph after the ship used for his emigration to Victoria during his childhood.