Richard Packer (politician)
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Richard Packer | |
|---|---|
| Member of the New Zealand Parliament for Town of Christchurch | |
| In office 1856–1859 | |
| Preceded by | Henry Sewell |
| Succeeded by | Henry Sewell |
| Canterbury Provincial Council | |
| In office 1853–1860 | |
| Preceded by | new office |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1794 |
| Died | 27 July 1872 (aged 77–78) |
| Spouse | Hannah |
Richard Packer (1794 – 27 July 1872) was a New Zealand politician and Member of Parliament from 1856–1859 representing the Town of Christchurch electorate. He was also a member of the Canterbury Provincial Council, including its treasurer.[1]
Political career
| Years | Term | Electorate | Party | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1856–1859 | 2nd | Town of Christchurch | Independent | ||
Packer was elected to the first Canterbury Provincial Council in 1853, together with Samuel Bealey and Thomas Cass.[4] He was a member of the 1st and 2nd council, from 1853 until 1860.[5] During a day of low attendance in October 1854, he secured a suspension of the standing orders, which allowed him to pass the first two readings of a bill to enlarge the council's membership by 12 additional members. Whilst there was justification for such a measure due to the long session lengths, the Executive Council consisting of Henry Tancred, Henry Godfrey Gouland, Charles Simeon, and William John Warburton Hamilton regarded the matter as a vote of no confidence and resigned.[6] Packer was part of the Executive Council in 1855 and again in 1857.[7] For a time, he was Provincial Treasurer and Provincial Secretary.[1][8]
Henry Sewell vacated his seat for the Town of Christchurch electorate on 21 October 1856 to commence overseas travel.[9] Packer was elected on 18 November in the 1856 Town of Christchurch by-election to fill this vacancy.[10][11]
On 28 December 1859, Packer resigned his seat at parliament.[10][12] The 18 January 1860 by-election was won by Sewell, who had returned from overseas.[13]
He served on the Waste Lands Board until his death.[14]