William Hughes Field facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Hughes Field
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William Hughes Field between 1900 and 1909
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| Member of the New Zealand Parliament for Otaki |
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| In office 6 January 1900 – 20 November 1911 |
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| Preceded by | Henry Augustus Field |
| Succeeded by | John Robertson |
| In office 10 December 1914 – 1 November 1935 |
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| Preceded by | John Robertson |
| Succeeded by | Leonard Lowry |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 17 July 1861 Wanganui, New Zealand |
| Died | 13 December 1944 (aged 83) Wellington, New Zealand |
| Political party | Liberal Party |
| Other political affiliations |
Reform Party |
| Spouse | Isabel Hodgkins |
| Relations | Henry Augustus Field (brother) Tom Field (unknown relationship) William Mathew Hodgkins (father-in-law) Frances Hodgkins (sister-in-law) William Noel Pharazyn (son-in-law) |
William Hughes Field (born July 17, 1861 – died December 13, 1944) was an important person in New Zealand's history. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for many years. He was part of different political groups, including the Liberal Party and the Reform Party. Field also played a big role in making tramping (hiking) popular in the beautiful Tararua Range.
Contents
William Hughes Field's Life
Early Life and Family
William Hughes Field was born in Wanganui, New Zealand, in 1861. He was the fourth son of Henry Claylands Field and Margaret Symes Purlow. William became a lawyer and worked in Wellington.
He married Isabel Hodgkins in 1893. Isabel was also known as Cissy. Her father, William Mathew Hodgkins, was a famous watercolour artist. Isabel's sister, Frances Hodgkins, was also a celebrated painter. William and Isabel had five children: two daughters and three sons. Their oldest daughter, Lydia, married Noel Pharazyn.
Helping New Zealanders
William Field was very involved in improving things for people in his area. He worked to make railway services better. One train was even called "Field's Express" because of his efforts. He also helped with the building of the Tawa Flat tunnel.
Field led the campaign to electrify the Johnsonville railway line. This electric service was extended to Paekākāriki in 1940. Later, in 2011, it reached Waikanae in his electorate. He also worked with Charles Gray to build the Centennial Highway. This important road runs along the narrow coastline south of Paekākāriki.
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Love for Tramping
William Field was a key figure in the history of tramping (hiking) in the Tararua Range. He helped promote the "Southern Crossing," which is a very popular tramping route. Because of his contributions, both Field Peak and Field Hut are named after him. Field Hut is the oldest purpose-built tramping hut still standing in New Zealand. He was also a founding member of the Tararua Tramping Club, one of the first tramping clubs in the country.
His Time in Parliament
William Field first became a Member of Parliament for the Otaki area in 1900. He won a special election held after his older brother, Henry Augustus Field, passed away.
He first represented the Liberal Party. He was seen as a "country liberal" who supported land ownership. Over time, his political views changed, and he began to support the Reform Party.
In the 1911 election, he lost his seat to John Robertson of the Labour Party by a very small number of votes. However, he won it back in the 1914 election. William Field continued to serve as an MP until he retired in 1935.
For his service, he received two special medals. In 1935, he was given the King George V Silver Jubilee Medal. In 1937, he received the King George VI Coronation Medal.
Death
William Hughes Field passed away in Wellington on December 13, 1944. He was 83 years old. His wife and their five children survived him.
