Robert William Dyer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert William Dyer
|
|
|---|---|
Robert William Dyer in 1901
|
|
| 14th Mayor of Hamilton | |
| In office May 1901 – May 1903 |
|
| Preceded by | George Edgecumbe |
| Succeeded by | Charles Barton |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1859 Mahurangi |
| Died | 3 August 1939 (age 79-80) Napier |
| Spouse |
Elizabeth Augusta Minnitt
(m. 1885) |
| Occupation | solicitor |
Robert William Dyer (1859-1939) was an important person in New Zealand's history. He worked as a lawyer and a judge. He also served as the Mayor of Hamilton from 1901 to 1903.
Contents
Robert Dyer's Career
Becoming a Lawyer
Robert Dyer started his law training early. He worked with a top lawyer in Auckland named E. A. Mackechnie. By the age of 21, in 1881, he became a qualified lawyer for the Supreme Court. This was quite young for such an achievement back then!
Moving to Waikato
He became a well-known lawyer in Auckland. Later, he moved to the Waikato region. There, he joined a law firm with Sir Frederick Whitaker in Hamilton. Robert first managed the firm's offices in Kihikihi and then Cambridge. In 1889, he moved to Hamilton as Sir Frederick's health was not good.
Role as a Judge
After his time as a lawyer, Robert Dyer became a public official. In 1903, he became a registrar of deeds in Invercargill. This job involved keeping official records of property.
Then, in 1905, he became a stipendiary magistrate. This is a type of judge who hears cases in lower courts. He served in Auckland, then Rotorua, and around 1918, in Hawke's Bay. He worked as a judge for nine years before retiring to Napier.
As a judge in Whakatāne, he was involved in a long court case in 1916. He provided information during the proceedings.
Robert Dyer's Early Life and Family
Where Was Robert Born?
Robert William Dyer was born in 1859 in Mahurangi. His father, Robert Coates Dyer, was a farmer at the time. His father later became a member of the Auckland Provincial Council. He also worked as a teacher.
Robert's Education
Robert's father taught at the Church of England Grammar School in Parnell. He later became the headmaster at Cambridge District High School. Robert attended his father's school in Parnell. He also studied at St. John's College, Tamaki.
His Marriage and Children
On June 23, 1885, Robert married Elizabeth Augusta Minnitt. The wedding took place at St Paul's Church in Auckland. Elizabeth was the oldest daughter of Major Charles Goring Minnitt. Her grandfather was Sir Frederick Whitaker, Robert's law partner.
Robert and Elizabeth had five children. He had three sons and two daughters.
- Elizabeth Caroline Dyer (1886–1967)
- Eileen Dyer (1887–1969)
- Robert William Dyer (1889–1962) - He was injured during World War I in 1915. He got married in 1918.
- Guy Musgrave Dyer (1891–1971)
- Humphrey Goring Dyer (1896–1977)
Robert William Dyer passed away on August 5, 1939, at his home in Napier. He was 81 years old. His wife, Elizabeth, passed away in 1953.
Robert Dyer's Public Service
Serving Hamilton City
Robert Dyer was elected to the Hamilton Borough Council in 1899. He then served as the Mayor of Hamilton. His term as mayor lasted from May 8, 1901, to May 13, 1903.
He had tried to become mayor before, in 1898 and 1899, but he didn't win. However, in 1901 and 1902, he was elected without anyone running against him.
What He Achieved as Mayor
When he looked back on his 3.5 years on the council, he felt proud of some things. He noted that the streets were in much better condition. However, he also had some regrets. He wished he had made more progress on replacing the Union Bridge. He also wanted to finish the water supply system for the city.
During his time, money was spent on a special dinner for the Prime Minister. This might be why his obituary mentioned he was a strong supporter of Richard Seddon, who was the Prime Minister at the time.
Images for kids
-
Robert William Dyer in 1901
