John Sinclair (New Zealand politician) facts for kids

Sir John Robert Sinclair (born 1850 – died 3 December 1940) was an important lawyer in New Zealand. He also served as a member of the New Zealand Legislative Council. This was a group of people who helped make laws for the country. He was part of this council for many years, from 1907 to 1914, and again from 1918 to 1932.

Early Life and Education

John Robert Sinclair was born in 1850 in a place called Anglesey in Wales. His father was from Scotland and had moved to Wales in the 1830s. John started his schooling in Wales.

In the early 1860s, when he was a young teenager, his family moved to New Zealand. They settled in Port Chalmers. John continued his education in Dunedin. He later studied at the University of Otago, where he finished his studies in 1875.

A Career in Law

After finishing university, John Robert Sinclair became a solicitor. A solicitor is a type of lawyer who gives legal advice and prepares legal documents. He worked in Dunedin. He helped the Dunedin City Council and other local government groups with their legal needs. He also worked for the Dunedin Drainage Board.

Before joining the Legislative Council, he wasn't involved in politics. However, he was the chairman of the Otago High Schools Board. This meant he helped lead the high schools in the Otago region. He also held important roles in some finance companies.

Sinclair became a partner in a law firm in Dunedin. Two of his partners, Frederick Chapman and William Cunningham MacGregor, later became judges in the Supreme Court. This shows he worked with very talented people.

Community Involvement

Sir John Robert Sinclair was also very active in his community. He was a member of many different groups. These included the Chamber of Commerce, which helps local businesses. He was also part of the Otago Acclimatisation Society, which looked after animals and plants.

He joined the Athenaeum Committee, which was likely a library or cultural center. He was also a member of the Dunedin Horticultural Society, which focuses on gardening. He supported the Arts Society and the Amenities and Town Planning Society, which worked to improve the city.

Time in the Legislative Council

John Robert Sinclair was chosen to join the Legislative Council on 22 January 1907. He served for seven years until 21 January 1914. He was appointed by the Liberal Government.

He was appointed again on 7 May 1918. He served another term until 6 May 1925, and then a final term until 6 May 1932. This time, he was appointed by the Reform Government.

From 1912 to 1917, he represented New Zealand on the Dominions Royal Commission. This was a special group that looked at trade and other important matters for countries in the British Empire.

Knighthood and Later Life

John Robert Sinclair was given a special honour in the 1918 New Year Honours. He was made a knight by the King. This meant he could use the title "Sir" before his name. The official document for his knighthood was passed on 6 February 1918.

Sir John Robert Sinclair lived to be 90 years old. He passed away on 3 December 1940.