Arthur Atkinson (politician, born 1863) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Arthur Atkinson
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| Member of the New Zealand Parliament for City of Wellington |
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| In office 1899 – 1902 alongside George Fisher & John Hutcheson |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Arthur Richmond Atkinson
5 August 1863 New Plymouth, New Zealand |
| Died | 26 March 1935 (aged 71) Wadestown, New Zealand |
| Resting place | Karori Cemetery |
| Spouses |
Emma Maud Banfield
(m. 1923) |
| Relatives | Arthur Atkinson (father) Jane Maria Richmond (mother) Charles Fell (brother-in-law) Harry Atkinson (uncle) William Richmond (uncle) James Crowe Richmond (uncle) Henry Richmond (uncle) Mary Richmond (cousin) Dolla Richmond (cousin) |
| Alma mater | Corpus Christi College, Oxford |
| Profession | Barrister and solicitor |
Arthur Alfred Richmond Atkinson (born August 5, 1863 – died March 26, 1935) was an important person in New Zealand. He was a lawyer, a Member of Parliament (MP), and a City Councillor for Wellington.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Arthur Atkinson was born in New Plymouth, New Zealand, in 1863. His father was Arthur Atkinson, and his mother was Jane Maria Richmond. He came from a family with many well-known people. His uncle was Harry Atkinson, who was also a politician.
Arthur went to school at Nelson College in New Zealand. Later, he studied in England at Clifton College. He then attended Corpus Christi College, Oxford, a famous university.
After his studies, Arthur became a lawyer in 1887. He then returned to New Zealand to start his career.
Arthur Atkinson's Career as a Lawyer
When Arthur Atkinson came back to New Zealand, he worked in law offices in Nelson and Dunedin. From 1889 to 1890, he worked as a secretary for his uncle, William Richmond, who was a judge.
In 1892, Arthur started his own law practice in Wellington. He joined with Charles Morison to create the law firm Morison and Atkinson. Later, he became a partner in another firm called Atkinson, Dale and Mather.
Political Journey in New Zealand
Arthur Atkinson became a politician to help his community. He represented the City of Wellington in the New Zealand Parliament. He was an MP from 1899 to 1902.
In the 1902 election, he lost his seat. He had spoken out against New Zealand sending troops to the Boer War in South Africa, which made him unpopular with some voters. He tried to get elected again in 1908 for Wellington East, but he was not successful.
Arthur also served on the Wellington City Council. He was first elected as a city councillor in 1909. He continued to serve the city until 1921, when he decided not to run for re-election.
Other Ways Arthur Atkinson Contributed
Arthur Atkinson was involved in many activities beyond politics and law. He and his first wife, Lily, helped start the Forward Movement in Wellington. This group focused on adult education, Bible study, and helping people in need.
He was also very active in the movement to stop the sale of alcohol, known as the prohibition movement. He was the president of the New Zealand Alliance, a leading prohibition group, from 1920 to 1922.
Arthur also worked as a correspondent for important newspapers in London. He wrote for The Morning Post from 1907 to 1911, and then for The Times. He even wrote a biography of politician William Massey and an article about New Zealand for the 1922 Encyclopædia Britannica.
Later Life and Passing
Arthur Atkinson passed away at his home in Wadestown, Wellington, on March 26, 1935. He was buried at Karori Cemetery.
Images for kids
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Arthur Richmond Atkinson
See Also
- Lily Atkinson
- Harry Atkinson
