19 Facts About Frederick Whitaker

Sir Frederick Whitaker was an English-born New Zealand politician who served twice as the premier of New Zealand and six times as Attorney-General.

Frederick Whitaker married Jane Augusta Griffith, stepdaughter of Alexander Shepherd at St Paul's Church in Auckland on 4 March 1843.

Frederick Whitaker lived in Auckland and was appointed a County Court judge until this position was abolished in 1844, at which time he returned to work as a lawyer.

Frederick Whitaker was appointed to the General Legislative Council on 3 March 1845 until 22 December of that year.

Frederick Whitaker was then appointed to the Legislative Council of New Ulster Province, but that Council had not met when the new Constitution arrived.

Frederick Whitaker transferred to the new Legislative Council on 26 May 1853 and remained a member until his resignation on 19 December 1864.

Frederick Whitaker was again appointed on 8 October 1879 and remained a member until his death 12 years later.

Frederick Whitaker was elected onto the Auckland Provincial Council on 19 October 1854 for the Suburbs of Auckland electorate, and he served until 25 September 1855.

Frederick Whitaker was appointed to the Auckland Executive Council from 14 March 1854 to 22 January 1855 and was the provincial law officer.

Frederick Whitaker became the first Attorney-General of New Zealand in the Sewell Ministry led by Henry Sewell in 1856.

Frederick Whitaker did not serve as Attorney-General in the subsequent Fox Ministry that was in power for a fortnight, but was again appointed to this position in the Stafford Ministry from 2 June 1856 onwards.

Frederick Whitaker served as Attorney-General until the defeat of the Stafford Ministry on 12 July 1861 and went back to the law.

In October 1863 Frederick Whitaker was called upon to form a government to replace Premier Domett following his defeat at a vote of no-confidence.

Frederick Whitaker's term ended due to differences between himself and Governor Grey over the conduct of the New Zealand Wars.

Frederick Whitaker served briefly as the member of Parliament for Parnell from 1866 to 1867.

Frederick Whitaker lost his seat in the House in 1879, when he was defeated for Eden.

When Hall resigned in April 1882, Frederick Whitaker became Premier for the second time, serving until September 1883.

Frederick Whitaker was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1884 and served again as Attorney-General, and as leader of the Legislative Council from 1887 to 1890.

Frederick Whitaker was buried at St Stephen's Cemetery in Parnell.