George Waterhouse (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Waterhouse
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| 7th Premier of New Zealand | |
| In office 11 October 1872 – 3 March 1873 |
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| Monarch | Victoria |
| Governor | George Grey George Bowen |
| Preceded by | Edward Stafford |
| Succeeded by | William Fox |
| Speaker of the New Zealand Legislative Council | |
| In office 22 April 1887 – 21 September 1887 |
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| Preceded by | William Fitzherbert |
| Succeeded by | William Fitzherbert |
| Member of the Legislative Council of New Zealand |
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| In office 13 May 1870 – 30 June 1890 |
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| Premier of South Australia | |
| In office 8 October 1861 – 3 July 1863 |
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| Monarch | Victoria |
| Governor | Sir Richard MacDonnell Sir Dominick Daly |
| Preceded by | Thomas Reynolds |
| Succeeded by | Francis Dutton |
| Member of the Parliament of South Australia |
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| In office 3 April 1860 – 7 December 1864 |
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| Constituency | State-at-large |
| In office 26 February 1857 – 8 September 1857 |
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| Preceded by | seat established |
| Succeeded by | Lavington Glyde |
| Constituency | East Torrens |
| In office 3 July 1851 – 3 June 1854 |
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| Constituency | East Torrens |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 6 April 1824 Penzance, Cornwall, United Kingdom |
| Died | 6 August 1906 (aged 82) Torquay, Devonshire, England |
| Political party | None |
| Spouse | Lydia Giles |
| Children | 2 (adopted) |
| Parents | John Waterhouse Jane Beadnell Skipsey |
| Relatives | Jabez Waterhouse (brother) Joseph Waterhouse (brother) John Waterhouse (nephew) Walter Waterhouse (great nephew) |
| Signature |  |
George Marsden Waterhouse (born 6 April 1824 – died 6 August 1906) was an important political figure. He served as the leader, or Premier, of two different colonies. He was the Premier of South Australia from 1861 to 1863. Later, he became the seventh Premier of New Zealand from 1872 to 1873.
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Early Life and Family
George Waterhouse was born in Penzance, England. His father, Reverend John Waterhouse, was a leader in the Wesleyan Missions. These missions helped spread the Christian faith in Australia and the Pacific Islands.
In 1839, when George was about 15 years old, his family moved to Hobart, Australia. Four years later, he moved to Adelaide. There, he started his own business as a merchant, buying and selling goods.
His Time in Australia
Starting in Politics
George Waterhouse first entered politics in South Australia. He was elected to parliament in August 1851. He represented the area called Electoral district of East Torrens. He left parliament after three years.
He was elected again in 1857 but resigned shortly after. He believed in free trade, which means allowing goods to be bought and sold without many government restrictions. This idea helped the economy grow.
Leading South Australia
In 1860, George Waterhouse was elected to the South Australian Legislative Council. This was a part of the government that made laws. He wanted all of Australia to have the same rules for taxes on imported goods.
He became a chief secretary in the government in 1860. In 1861, he became Premier of South Australia. His government worked to solve a problem with a judge. After this, he tried to resign.
However, he was asked to form another government. This government lasted until July 1863. It faced some challenges with its finances and eventually ended. In 1864, he left politics in South Australia. He then spent some time living in England.
His Time in New Zealand
A Leader in New Zealand
In 1869, George Waterhouse moved to New Zealand. On 13 May 1870, he was appointed to the New Zealand Legislative Council. This was similar to the Legislative Council in Australia.
He served in the government for a short time in 1871. In October 1872, he became the Premier of New Zealand. He was the first Premier to be a member of the upper house of parliament.
He resigned in March 1873. He found it difficult to lead the government from the upper house. He remained a member of the Legislative Council until he resigned in 1890.
Later Life and Legacy
George Waterhouse's health became poor. In 1889, he retired and moved back to England. He passed away in Torquay, England, on 6 August 1906.
He had a long career in both Australia and New Zealand. His health sometimes made his work difficult. However, he holds the special honor of being a Premier in two different colonies. Despite his important work, he never received a special title like a knighthood.
Personal Life
George Waterhouse married Lydia Giles in 1848. She was the daughter of William Giles. They adopted two daughters. One of their daughters, Fanny, married William Fitzherbert in 1875.
