Frederick Fitchett

Born in 1851 in Grantham, Lincolnshire, England,[3] Fitchett was educated at the University of Melbourne and Canterbury University College, Christchurch, graduating Bachelor of Arts in 1879 and Master of Arts in 1880.[4][5] He was admitted to the Bar the following year, and began practising law in Dunedin. In 1887 he was conferred with an LLD from Canterbury.[5]

Fitchett represented the Dunedin Central electorate from 1887 to 1890, when he retired.[6] In 1890 he was the junior opposition whip.[7] In 1890 Fitchett visited London, where he married Lina Valerie Blain at St Simon's Church, Cadogan Square, on 16 April.[8] The couple had one son.[3]

In 1895 Fitchett was appointed as the parliamentary draughtsman and assistant Crown law officer.[4] He served as solicitor-general from 1901 to 1910,[1] and represented New Zealand at the 1907 conference of French, British and colonial representatives that considered the New Hebrides question.[4] He was appointed public trustee in 1910,[1] and remained in that role until his retirement in 1917.[1][9] In the 1911 Coronation Honours Fitchett was appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George.[10]

Fitchett was a member of the senate of the University of New Zealand from 1883 until 1915.[1][4] He died in Auckland on 5 October 1930,[11] and his ashes were buried at Waikumete Cemetery.[12]

• Wilson, James Oakley (1985) [First ed. published 1913]. New Zealand parliamentary record, 1840-1984 (4 ed.). Wellington: V.R. Ward, Govt. Printer. OCLC 154283103.