William Downie Stewart, Jr.

Not to be confused with William Stewart (politician).

William Downie Stewart (29 July 1878 – 29 September 1949) was a New Zealand Finance Minister, Mayor of Dunedin and writer.

Contents

Early life

Stewart was born in Dunedin in 1878. His father was William Downie Stewart, a lawyer and politician. His mother was Rachel Hepburn, daughter of George Hepburn.[1]

Political career

Parliament of New Zealand
Years Term Electorate Party
1914–1919 19th Dunedin West Reform
1919–1922 20th Dunedin West Reform
1922–1925 21st Dunedin West Reform
1925–1928 22nd Dunedin West Reform
1928–1931 23rd Dunedin West Reform
1931–1935 24th Dunedin West Reform

Downie Stewart was Mayor of Dunedin (1913–1914) and the author of a number of books.[1]

William Downie Stewart represented the Dunedin West electorate from 1914 to 1935.[2] His father had previously represented the Dunedin West electorate.[2]

Minister of Finance and resignation

Downie Stewart was Finance Minister in 1931–1933. He resigned after the devaluation of the New Zealand currency, a measure he opposed.[3][4][1] Downie Stewart stood in the 1935 election as an Independent National candidate.

Notes

  1. ^ a b c Dale, Stephanie. "Stewart, William Downie - Biography". Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/3S35. Retrieved 30 December 2011. 
  2. ^ a b Scholefield 1950, p. 141.
  3. ^ Wood, p. 118
  4. ^ Burdon, 'New Dominion', p. 161

References