Hon. W. Montgomery, M.L.C.

(Member of the Executive without Portfolio).

Hon. W. Montgomery, M.L.C.

William Montgomery was born in London, in 1822, and is therefore 73 years of age. His parents were Ulster people, and he was educated at Belfast. Followed seafaring pursuits in early life, but in 1860 settled as a merchant in Canterbury. Was an active Provincial, politician, being Treasurer of Canterbury in 1868-70. Was returned to House of Representatives for Akaroa in 1874, and continued to represent that district till 1887, when he retired. In 1893, was called to the Legislative Council, and there acts as Member of the Executive without portfolio. Declined Cabinet office in the Grey Government of 1877; led the Opposition against the Atkinson Government which succeeded Sir George Grey's Ministry. Was Colonial Secretary and Minister of Education in the first Stout-Vogel Government of 1884, which Ministry lasted only a fortnight; declined office in the second Stout. Vogel Government set up a few weeks later. Has always taken an active interest in local politics, and is at present a member of the Board of Governors of Canterbury College, and a member of the North Canterbury Board of Education. His son (Mr. W. H. Montgomery) sits in the Lower House for Ellesmere, which includes the whole of his father's old constituency.