William Fitzherbert (New Zealand)
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Sir William Fitzherbert KCMG MLC (1810 - 1891) was a New Zealand politician. He served as Minister of Finance, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Speaker of the Legislative Council.
Fitzherbert was born in Dorset, England, on August 15, 1810, and studied medicine in Paris and London. He came to New Zealand in 1841, settling in Wellington.
He soon became active in politics, serving both on the Wellington Provincial Council and in the New Zealand Parliament. He was elected to the 2nd Parliament as a representative of the City of Wellington electorate, but resigned part way through the term to successfully seek election as representative for the Hutt electorate. He retained this seat until 1879, when he was appointed to the Legislative Council. He also served as Colonial Treasurer (Minister of Finance) for the duration of Frederick Weld's premiership.
Fitzherbert was also Superintendent of the Wellington Province from 1871 until the abolition of the provinces in 1876.
He served as Speaker of the House of Representatives from 1876 until his appointment to the Legislative Council, and then as Speaker of the Legislative Council until his death.
He received a KCMG in 1877 and died in 1891.
| Preceded by Dillon Bell |
Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives 1876 – 1879 |
Succeeded by Maurice O'Rorke |
