Alfred Dillon (1841 – 13 November 1915) was a Liberal Party Member of Parliament in New Zealand. Historian David Hamer remarked that Dillon was the prime example of a "Seddonian" Liberal politician, due to humble, rustic background and appeal as a "man of the people".[1]
Alfred Dillon | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the New Zealand Parliament for Hawkes Bay | |
| In office 6 December 1905 – 14 December 1911 | |
| Preceded by | William Russell |
| Succeeded by | Hugh Campbell |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1841 Wales |
| Died | 13 November 1915 New Zealand |
| Political party | Liberal |
Biography edit
Early life edit
Dillon was from humble origins in Wales before moving to New Zealand in 1857.[2] There, he worked for years as a farm labourer, bullock driver and carrier before acquiring land; he was a rarity amongst Liberals as a runholder with about 3,500 acres (14 km2). A poor speaker and sneered at by William Russell as illiterate, he appealed as a "man of the people" who had made his way by his own efforts. He retained the image of the rugged pioneer; short, barrel-chested, bushy-bearded and usually clad in thick country tweeds.[1]
Political career edit
| Years | Term | Electorate | Party | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1905–1908 | 16th | Hawkes Bay | Liberal | ||
| 1908–1911 | 17th | Hawkes Bay | Liberal | ||
Dillon won the Hawkes Bay electorate in 1905, beating the oligarchical Leader of the Opposition William Russell, but was defeated six years later in 1911.[3] He was 64 years old when he entered Parliament and was known affectionately as "Dad" by other Liberal members.[4]
Notes edit
- ^ a b Hamer 1988, p. 196.
- ^ Hamer 1988, p. 362.
- ^ Wilson, James Oakley (1985) [First ed. published 1913]. New Zealand Parliamentary Record, 1840–1984 (4th ed.). Wellington: V.R. Ward, Govt. Printer. p. 193. OCLC 154283103.
- ^ Hamer 1988, p. 197.
References edit
- Hamer, David A. (1988). The New Zealand Liberals: The Years of Power, 1891–1912. Auckland: Auckland University Press. ISBN 1-86940-014-3.
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