Background
He was born in Chard, Somerset, England in about 1816 and baptised on 16 May 1816.
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Robert Parris
Edit ProfileCareer
Unsuccessful at farming, he became farm manager at Street John"s College in Auckland for Bishop Selwyn. Parris was promoted to general superintendent of the industrial school. In about 1852, he moved back to New Plymouth.
He joined the Executive Council as Provincial Treasurer under George Cutfield from January to June 1857.
He resigned from the provincial council in July 1857 when he was appointed district land purchase commissioner for the province. He joined the militia and was promoted captain in June 1863, and major in May 1865.
Subsequently, he was best known as Major Parris. Fluent in Māori, he acted as an interpreter during the New Zealand Wars.
He was appointed a judge in the Compensation Court in August 1866.
He was later a judge in the Native Land Court. He was given a military funeral at Street Mary"s Church.
Membership
Parris was one of the original members of the New Plymouth Provincial Council, being elected on 20 August 1853 for the Grey and Bell electorate.
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Born
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Died
September 18, 1904 (aged 88) -
Nationality
New Zealand