George Hutchison (New Zealand politician) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids George Hutchison
Member of the New Zealand Parliament for Waitotara
In office 26 September 1887 – 8 November 1893
Preceded by	John Bryce
Succeeded by	In abeyance
Member of the New Zealand Parliament for Patea
In office 28 November 1893 – 29 June 1901
Preceded by	New electorate
Succeeded by	Frederick Haselden
Personal details
Born	1846 Dundee, Scotland
Died	30 July 1930 (aged 84) Saint Heliers, Auckland, New Zealand
Profession	Lawyer

George Hutchison (born 1846, died 1930) was an important New Zealand politician. He was a lawyer who served in the New Zealand Parliament for many years. He represented areas like Waitotara and Patea. His father was also a well-known politician.

Early Life of George Hutchison

George Hutchison was born in Dundee, Scotland, in 1846. His father, William Hutchison, later became the Mayor of Wellington and a Member of Parliament. Young George studied in Ireland and Scotland until he was 15 years old.

In 1866, George moved to New Zealand with his parents. His father, who was a journalist, had a job with The Southern Cross newspaper in Auckland. George then studied law. From 1872, he worked as a lawyer in Wanganui and later in Wellington. He married Agnes Hogg in Wanganui on 31 March 1874.

George Hutchison's Political Career

George Hutchison wanted to become a Member of Parliament (MP). An MP is someone elected to represent people in the country's main law-making body. His first try was in April 1875, in the Rangitikei by-election. He did not win this election.

His father, William Hutchison, became an MP in 1879 for the City of Wellington. George tried again in 1881 for the Waitotara area. However, he decided not to run there. Instead, he ran in the Egmont area but was not successful. He also tried to win a seat in the Taranaki area in 1884.

Serving in Parliament

George Hutchison was finally elected to Parliament in 1887. He represented the Waitotara area until 1893. After that, he represented the Patea area from 1893 until 1901. He was an independent politician, meaning he did not belong to a major political party. He was also a lawyer.

For six years, from 1890 to 1896, both George and his father were Members of Parliament at the same time. George resigned from Parliament in 1901. His seat in Patea was then declared empty, and a new election was held to choose his replacement. This was called the 1901 by-election.

Later Life and Travels

In 1899, George Hutchison went to South Africa. He worked as a legal adviser for Lord Roberts during the Second Boer War. He returned to South Africa in 1901 and continued to work as a lawyer for a few years.

In January 1906, he came back to Taranaki, New Zealand. By 1908, he was working as a lawyer again in Wanganui. He tried to get back into Parliament in 1908 for the Wanganui area, but he lost the election. After this, he spent two years living in England.

Finally, George Hutchison returned to Auckland, New Zealand. He lived there for the rest of his life. He passed away on 30 July 1930, at the age of 84, in the Auckland suburb of Saint Heliers.