David Seath
New Zealand politician
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
David Coutts Seath (31 March 1914 – 18 October 1997) was a New Zealand politician of the National Party.
31 March 1914
David Seath | |
|---|---|
Seath in 1959 | |
| Member of Parliament for Waitomo | |
| In office 1954–1972 | |
| Preceded by | Walter Broadfoot |
| Succeeded by | Constituency abolished |
| Mayor of Taumarunui | |
| In office 1953–1955 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | David Coutts Seath 31 March 1914 Musselburgh, Scotland |
| Died | 18 October 1997 (aged 83) Taumarunui, New Zealand |
| Party | National Party |
| Alma mater | University of Edinburgh |
Biography
Seath was born in Musselburgh, Scotland. He received his education at Waihi District High School, Waihi School of Mines, and the University of Edinburgh. From 1937, he was a public accountant in Taumarunui. During World War II, he was with the Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNZNVR), and served as Lieutenant Commander with British naval forces.[1]
Career
He was Mayor of Taumarunui from 1953 to 1955.[1] He was elected in the Waitomo electorate in the 1954 election, following the retirement of National Party colleague Walter Broadfoot.[2] In 1960 Seath was appointed as Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the Minister of Finance, and held that position from 12 December 1960 to 24 January 1962.[3]
In 1963 Seath was appointed as Minister of Internal Affairs, and held the position from 20 December 1963 to 9 February 1972, when the Marshall Ministry replaced the second Holyoake Ministry.[4][5] He was described as a nervous man easily frightened by Holyoake.[6]
He was a Member of the Executive Council (initially as an Undersecretary) from 24 January 1962 to 9 February 1972.[5] In 1972 Seath was granted the right to retain the title of Honourable for life.[7]
He retired at the 1972 election,[8] and died in Taumarunui in October 1997.
