Maurice O'Rorke
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Sir Maurice O’Rorke (full name George Maurice O’Rorke) (2 May 1830 - 25 August 1916) was a New Zealand politician, representing (as George O’Rorke) the Auckland seat of Onehunga, later Manakau, and was Speaker of the House of Representatives.
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[edit] Early life
O’Rorke was born in Moylough, County Galway, Ireland, the third son of the Rev John O’Rorke (an Anglican minister and large landowner) and Elizabeth née Dennis his third wife. He went to Trinity College, Dublin, getting a B.A. with high honours in classics in 1852. After working in Victoria, Australia on a farm, he came to Auckland in 1854, farming in Papakura and Onehunga, Auckland.
[edit] New Zealand politician
He represented Onehunga, which became Manakau, from 1861 to 1902, except for 1891-93 when he was out of parliament. He was Minister of Immigration and Crown Lands 1873-1874 in the Waterhouse, Fox and Vogel ministries, but was sacked by Vogel, dissatisfied with his performance. He supported the Provincial system in New Zealand, and spoke out against its abolition by Vogel. He also served as Chairman of Committees.
He was a notable Speaker of the House, serving from 11 July 1879 to 5 November 1902, except for 1891-93. He supported education, and was in favour of Imperial Federation.
He was knighted (Knight Bachelor) in 1880, when he became Sir Maurice, although he had previously used George as his Christian name. In 1904 he was appointed to the Legislative Council, where he served until his death.
[edit] Private Life
In 1858 he married Cecilia Mary Shepherd, daughter of Alexander Shepherd, a one-time Colonial Treasurer. They had one son, Edward (Eddie) Dennis O’Rorke. Cecilia died on 19 September 1910. Sir Maurice died in Auckland in 1916.
[edit] References
| Preceded by William Fitzherbert |
Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives 1879 – 1890 |
Succeeded by William Steward |
| Preceded by William Steward |
Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives 1894 – 1902 |
Succeeded by Arthur Guinness |
