GLEDHILL, FRANCIS ULLATHORNE (1803-82) was a native of Halifax, Yorkshire, and saw a good deal of the political reform agitation in the north of England before coming to Taranaki by the Bella Marina in May 1844. He commenced business as merchant and auctioneer and manufacturing leather. When the constitution was inaugurated he was a candidate for the superintendency of Taranaki (Jul 1853), but was unsuccessful. He opposed state education on the ground that the settlers were well able to pay for the needs of their children. He was, however, elected to Parliament for New Plymouth (1853-55). He was a member of the Provincial Council (for New Plymouth 1857-65 and for Grey and Bell 1865-73); and represented Omata in Parliament (1865-66). Gledhill was also a member of the New Plymouth town board, of the first harbour board and of the mounted volunteers. He died on 2 Oct 1882.

Parlt. Record; Cycl. N.Z., vi; Taranaki Herald, 4 Oct 1882. Portrait: Taranaki Hist. Coll.

Reference: Volume 1, page 168

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