Frederick Fitchett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frederick Fitchett
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| Member of the New Zealand Parliament for Dunedin Central |
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| In office 1887–1890 |
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| Preceded by | Thomas Bracken |
| Succeeded by | Constituency abolished |
| Solicitor-General of New Zealand | |
| In office 1901–1910 |
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| Preceded by | Walter Scott Reid |
| Succeeded by | John Salmond |
| New Zealand Public Trustee | |
| In office 1910–1917 |
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| Preceded by | Joseph William Poynton |
| Succeeded by | Robert Triggs |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1851 Grantham, Lincolnshire, England |
| Died | (aged 79) Auckland, New Zealand |
| Political party | Independent |
| Spouse |
Lina Valerie Blain
(m. 1890) |
| Profession | Barrister |
Frederick Fitchett (1851 – 5 October 1930) was an important New Zealand politician and lawyer. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Dunedin in the late 1800s. Later, he held key roles in the government, including the Solicitor-General and the Public Trustee.
Early Life and Education
Frederick Fitchett was born in 1851 in Grantham, England. He later moved to New Zealand. He studied at the University of Melbourne in Australia. He also attended Canterbury University College in Christchurch, New Zealand.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1879. The next year, he completed his Master of Arts. In 1881, he became a lawyer. He started his law practice in Dunedin. In 1887, he received a special law degree called an LLD from Canterbury.
Political Career
Fitchett became a politician in 1887. He was elected as an MP for the Dunedin Central area. He served in the New Zealand Parliament until 1890. During his time as an MP, he was a junior whip for the opposition party. A whip helps make sure party members vote together.
He decided to retire from Parliament in 1890. That same year, he visited London, England. There, he married Lina Valerie Blain on April 16. They had one son together.
Important Government Roles
After leaving Parliament, Fitchett continued to serve New Zealand. In 1895, he was appointed as a parliamentary draughtsman. This means he helped write new laws. He also became an assistant Crown law officer.
From 1901 to 1910, he was the Solicitor-General. This is a very important legal role. The Solicitor-General gives legal advice to the government. In 1907, he represented New Zealand at a special meeting in London. They discussed issues about the New Hebrides, which is now Vanuatu.
In 1910, Fitchett was appointed Public Trustee. This role involves managing money and property for people. He held this position until he retired in 1917. For his service, he was given a special honor. He became a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1911.
Later Life and Legacy
Frederick Fitchett was also involved in education. He was a member of the senate for the University of New Zealand. He served on the senate from 1883 until 1915.
He passed away in Auckland, New Zealand, on October 5, 1930, at the age of 79. His ashes were buried at Waikumete Cemetery.
