MAGINNITY, ANDREW THOMAS (1849-1918) was born in Wellington, his father (an Irishman) having come to New Zealand in the ranks of the 65th Regiment in 1847. He was educated in the regimental school, at Finnimore's Commercial School and Toomath's Commercial and Grammar School; passed the civil service examination in 1868, and became a junior clerk in the Treasury. In 1873 he was chief clerk in the Telegraph department; in 1875 assistant secretary for telegraphs; in 1876 Secretary, and in 1879 postmaster and clerk to the magistrate and warden and receiver of goldfields revenue at Collingwood.

Having studied law there, Maginnity was admitted a solicitor in 1886 and entered into practice (the firm being later Maginnity, Son and Houlker). Maginnity was a school commissioner, a member (and chairman) of the Nelson education board and the harbour board, member of the Victoria University College council and a trustee of the Nelson School of Music. He was chancellor of the Anglican diocese (1907-18), a member of the general synod and of the Victoria lodge of freemasons.

As a young man he served in the Greytown cavalry, and with No. 2 division Armed Constabulary against Titokowaru. He was captain in the first torpedo company of volunteers, which was largely recruited from the post and telegraph service, and later of H battery (Nelson); and was a promoter of the Nelson defence rifle club and of the swimming association.

In 1914 Maginnity was called to the Legislative Council by the Reform Government. He died on 12 Mar 1918.

N.Z.P.D., 1914-18; The Katipo, Aug, Oct 1895; Who's Who N.Z., 1908; The Colonist, 13 Mar 1918. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 25

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