Ralph Hanan

Josiah Ralph Hanan known as Ralph Hanan (1909 – 24 July 1969) was a New Zealand politician of the National Party.

He represented the Invercargill electorate in Parliament from 1946 to 1969, and was a son of Josiah Hanan (Mayor of Invercargill 1896–1897) who had previously held the seat. He held positions as Minister of Health 1954-57, and then Attorney-General, Minister of Justice and Minister of Māori Affairs 1960-69.

In 1961, Hanan and nine other National MPs crossed the floor and voted with Labour to abolish the death penalty for murder in New Zealand.

He was Mayor of Invercargill 1938–1941.[1]

References

  1. ^ "Mayors down the years". Invercargill City Council. http://www.icc.govt.nz/YourCouncil/MayorsDownTheYears.aspx. Retrieved 18 October 2010.