James Parr (politician) facts for kids
Sir Christopher James Parr was an important New Zealander who worked as a lawyer and politician. He was born on May 18, 1869, and passed away on May 2, 1941. Sir Christopher held many significant roles during his life. He was the Mayor of Auckland, a Member of Parliament for the Eden area, and a Minister in the New Zealand government. He also served as New Zealand's High Commissioner in London, representing his country overseas. Later, he became a member of the New Zealand Legislative Council.
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Early Life and Beginnings
Christopher James Parr was born in 1869 in a place called Pukerimu, which is close to Cambridge in New Zealand.
A Career in Public Service
Sir Christopher Parr began his public service by becoming the Mayor of Auckland. He held this important local leadership role from 1911 to 1915. After his time as Mayor, he continued to serve the public in national politics.
Member of Parliament
From 1914 to 1926, Sir Christopher was a Member of Parliament for the Eden area. This meant he represented the people of Eden in the New Zealand Parliament, helping to make laws and decisions for the country.
Government Minister
During his time in Parliament, he also became a Minister in the government. This is like being in charge of a specific part of the government's work. He held several important ministerial roles:
- He was the Minister of Education from 1920 to 1926. In this role, he helped guide New Zealand's schools and learning.
- He also served as the Minister of Public Health from 1920 to 1923, focusing on the health and well-being of New Zealanders.
- From 1923 to 1926, he was the Minister of Justice, overseeing the country's legal system.
- Lastly, he was the Postmaster General and Minister of Telegraphs from 1925 to 1926, looking after postal services and communication.
In 1926, he officially opened the hall at Mount Albert Grammar School, showing his involvement in community and education projects.
Representing New Zealand Overseas
In March 1926, Sir Christopher left Parliament to take on a new and very important role: High Commissioner in London. This meant he was New Zealand's top representative in the United Kingdom, acting like an ambassador.
He served as High Commissioner for over three years, from August 1926 to December 1929. During this time, one of his responsibilities was to explain New Zealand's approach to governing Western Samoa, which was then under New Zealand's care. This was a complex issue, and Sir Christopher believed that the people of Samoa were not yet ready for full self-government. This view was common at the time, but it was a topic with many different opinions.
After returning to New Zealand, he was appointed to the New Zealand Legislative Council in 1931. This council was a part of New Zealand's Parliament that reviewed laws.
In 1933, he was asked to become High Commissioner in London again. He accepted and served a second term from January 1934 to August 1936. After this, he retired and lived in Berkhamsted, England.
Awards and Later Life
Sir Christopher Parr received several special awards for his service. He was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1914. He was then promoted to Knight Commander in 1924, and finally to Knight Grand Cross in 1935. These awards recognized his significant contributions to New Zealand and the wider British Commonwealth.
Sir Christopher James Parr passed away on May 2, 1941, in Berkhamsted, England.
