Maurice O'Rorke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Maurice O'Rorke
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George Maurice O’Rorke
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| 5th Speaker of the House of Representatives | |
| In office 1879–1890 |
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| Prime Minister | John Hall |
| In office 1894–1902 |
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| Prime Minister | Richard Seddon |
| Member of the New Zealand Parliament for Onehunga (previously Town of Onehunga) |
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| In office 1861–1881 |
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| Member of the New Zealand Parliament for Manukau |
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| In office 1881–1890 |
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| In office 1893–1902 |
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| 8th Superintendent of Auckland Province | |
| In office February 1875 – March 1875 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 2 May 1830 Moylough, County Galway, Ireland |
| Died | 25 August 1916 (aged 86) Auckland, New Zealand |
| Political party | Liberal |
| Spouse | Cecilia Mary Shepherd |
| Relations | Alexander Shepherd (father-in-law) |
| Children | Edward |
Sir George Maurice O’Rorke (born 2 May 1830, died 25 August 1916) was an important New Zealand politician. He was known as George O’Rorke before he became a knight in 1880, after which he was called Sir Maurice.
He represented the Auckland areas of Onehunga and later Manukau in Parliament. He also served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives. He strongly supported the idea of provinces in New Zealand, and for a short time, he was the eighth leader, or Superintendent, of the Auckland Province.
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Early Life and Education
George O’Rorke was born in Moylough, County Galway, Ireland, on 2 May 1830. He was the third son of Rev John O’Rorke, who was a minister and a large landowner.
He attended Trinity College, Dublin, a famous university. In 1852, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with high honors in classical studies. Soon after finishing his university studies, he traveled to Melbourne, Australia. He then moved to Auckland, New Zealand, in 1854. In New Zealand, he worked as a farmer in areas like Papakura and Onehunga.
Political Career
O’Rorke was a Member of Parliament (MP) for a long time. He represented the Onehunga area, which later became Manukau, from 1861 to 1902. He was out of Parliament only for a short period between 1891 and 1893.
He held several important roles in government. From 1873 to 1874, he was the Minister of Immigration and Crown Lands. He also served as the Chairman of Committees from 1871 to 1872.
O'Rorke was a strong supporter of the provincial system in New Zealand. This system meant that different regions had their own local governments. He spoke out against the decision to get rid of this system.
Auckland Provincial Council
Besides his work in the national Parliament, O'Rorke was also involved in local government. He was a councillor on the Auckland Provincial Council from November 1865 to October 1876. From December 1865, he became the Speaker of this council. In 1875, he was elected as the Superintendent of the Auckland Province, serving for about five weeks.
Speaker of the House
One of his most important roles was being the Speaker of the House. He held this position from 11 July 1879 to 5 November 1902, with a break from 1891 to 1893. The Speaker is like the referee in Parliament, making sure debates follow the rules.
O'Rorke was very dedicated to education. He also supported the idea of Imperial Federation, which was about strengthening ties between the British Empire and its colonies.
Knighthood and Later Life
In 1880, George O'Rorke was made a knight, which is a special honor. After this, he became known as Sir Maurice. In 1904, he was appointed to the Legislative Council, which was another part of New Zealand's Parliament at the time. He served there until he passed away.
The O'Rorke Hall, a student living building at the University of Auckland, is named after him to honor his contributions.
Interests and Family Life
Polo Player
Sir Maurice O'Rorke was also a keen polo player. He was the Captain of the Auckland Polo Club.
Personal Life
In 1858, he married Cecilia Mary Shepherd. Her father, Alexander Shepherd, was the second Colonial Treasurer of New Zealand. Sir Maurice and Cecilia had one son named Edward (Eddie) Dennis O’Rorke. Cecilia passed away in 1910. Sir Maurice O'Rorke died in Auckland in 1916, at the age of 86. His son survived him.
