William Thomas Jennings (1854 – 6 February 1923) was a Liberal Party Member of Parliament in New Zealand.
Early life
He was born in Auckland, where he attended St. Paul's school and subsequently became an apprentice printer in the offices of the New Zealander. Subsequently, he worked for a number of newspapers: the Thames Guardian and the Dunedin Guardian as foreman, then the Dunedin Age and The Oamaru Mail as manager, followed by a move back to Auckland in 1882 to become foreman on the Evening Star.[1]
A social reformer, he worked hard to represent men and women of the labouring classes and to improve their conditions. He was called to a seat in the New Zealand Legislative Council on 15 October 1892 as a representative of labour, and was known for his common sense, ability and courtesy. He also worked with the secretary of the New Zealand Tailoresses' Union to improve working conditions for women in that industry.[1] He resigned from the Legislative Council on 23 October 1902, three years into his second term.[2]
His death in Wellington on 6 February 1923 was reported in The Argus (Melbourne).[4] According to court documents, he died in Wellington but resided in New Plymouth as a widower with 3 surviving sons and 1 daughter. [5] His wife Dora Mary Jennings (née Brannigan) of Tasmania, passed away 2 years prior aged 60, mother of his 6 children. According to their obituaries they had 2 sons killed during world war 1. [6][7][8]
Other positions held
He also held the following positions at various times in his life:[1]
lieutenant in the Hobson Rifle Volunteer Corps
past district grand president of the order of Druids
honorary secretary to the Auckland Liberal Association
chairman of the Auckland Typographical Association
