MORRIS, GEORGE BENTHAM (1840-1903) was born in Tasmania, received his early education there, and in 1857 accepted a commission in the Royal Marines (Portsmouth division). For four years he served in H.M.S. Caesar in the Mediterranean, North America and the West Indies, being promoted lieutenant in 1859. In 1862 he returned home, and in 1864 was appointed to the Irresistible coastguard ship. In 1866 he returned to the Portsmouth division, of which he was appointed adjutant (Sep 1867). In Feb 1870 he retired on half pay to settle in New Zealand. He arrived in the ship Countess of Kintore and took up land at Otahuhu, in Waikato and Tauranga. In 1873 Morris was elected to the Auckland Provincial Council for Tauranga, which he represented until the abolition. In 1876 he was elected M.H.R. for East Coast, which constituency he represented until 1879 and Tauranga 1881-95. In the latter year, he was called to the Legislative Council, in which he sat until his death. In the short Stout-Vogel ministry (Aug 1884) Morris was Commissioner of Customs and Minister of Marine. He died on 16 Apr 1903.

N.Z.P.D., pass. (notably 30 Jun 1903); Adjutant-General Royal Marines (information); Cycl. N.Z., i and ii; N.Z. Herald, 18 Apr 1903. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 54

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