Charles Parker (New Zealand)

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Charles Parker was a New Zealand politician.

Charles Parker was born at Newent, Gloucestershire, England, on 4 March 1809. His parents were Sarah Potter (17 November 1783--16 July 1876), a weaver, and her husband, Edmund Parker (2 November 1767--7 November 1853), a builder. Charles was raised in his mother's home town of Cheltenham, Gloucester. He trained as carpenter and builder. On the 6 April 1837 he married his first cousin Hannah Phipps (22 June 1815--14 December 1889).

In 1849 Charles, Hannah and six children sailed on the Kelso to Nelson, New Zealand. The family settled in Motueka, where Charles was soon successful in business, becoming a property developer as well as a builder. He paid for other members of the family to immigrate; Sarah Parker, his 73 year old mother arrived in 1856, and by 1859 five of his brothers and sisters had emigrated with their families.

Parker had became involved in the political life of the colony. He was a member of the Volunteer Reserves a justice of the Peace and actively involved in the Anglican Church until the mid 1860s, when his infant son Henry died before he was baptised. The Anglican priest refused to bury him in consecrated ground. The local Methodist minister agreed to do so and the family switched churches.

In 1853 Charles Parker was elected to the Nelson Provincial Council as member for Motueka and Massacre Bay, a seat which he held until 1857. He then represented Motueka (1857--69 and 1873--76). He was elected a member of the second parliament of New Zealand as member for Motueka and Massacre Bay (1855--56), and re-elelected as member for Motueka for the 4th and 5th parliaments (1866--75). Parker was a populist opposed to the class system and supported John Perry Robinson's programme of liberalising land purchase to prevent the establishment of latifundia.

Parker's local political rival was David Monro, who championed the more conservative 'Supper Party' and large run holders. In a controversial 1871 election, a recount found Parker and Munro spilt the vote exactly equally; the returning officer's casting vote returned Parker as M.P.

He retired to pursue business interests; by 1882 he owned 53 acres of land in Waimea County, valued at £550; he died on 29 June 1898, a wealthy man. Charles and Hannah had 13 children: Charles (1838--1903), Frederick (1839--1905) m. Anne Jane Sutcliffe, Elizabeth (1840--1912) m Thomas Boyes, Henry (1842--1866), Ellen (1844--1845), Edward (1845--1845), Walter (1846--1911), Thirza Ann (1849--1929) m Robert William Skilton, Edmund (1851--1923) m Annie Morris, Emily (1853--1923), Jessie (1855--1904), Arthur William (1857--1946) m Eliza Jane Wilson, and Horace (1859--1867).

He was buried at Motueka Cemetery. His wife Hannah died 14 December 1889, and is also buried at Motueka Cemetery.

Their Gravestone:

Our father and mother Charles PARKER died 29th June 1898 aged 90 years Hannah PARKER died 14th December 1889 aged 75 years also our sister Jessie PARKER died 6th December 1904 aged 49 years.

Charles' death notice records:

DEATH.

PARKER. - At Motueka, Charles Parker Esq., J.P., late of Birmingham, in his 90th year. [Birmingham and Cheltenham papers please copy.] The funeral will leave his late residence on Saturday, July 2nd, at 2p.m. (29/6/1898 pg2 Nelson Evening Mail)

Mr Chas. Parker, of Motueka. whose death was announced yesterday, was an old Nelson settler, he having arrived her 49 years ago. He lived at Motueka the greater part of his colonial life, and he represented that district in the Provincial Council and in the New Zealand Parliament for several years. On one occasion he defeated Sir David Monro in a conteset for the latter honour. He was a Justice of the Peace and generally he took much interest in public affairs. Although he had reached his 90th year he retained his mental faculties till the last. He leaves a large number of descendants. (1/7/1898 pg2 Nelson Evening Mail)