DIGNAN, PATRICK (1814-94) was born at Loughrea, County Galway, Ireland. In 1839 he emigrated to New South Wales, and two years later came to New Zealand in the Sophia Pate (Jun 1841). Settling in Auckland he kept one of the leading hotels in the city.

Dignan's high standing in the community was evidenced by his election as one of the first aldermen of the city (Nov 1851). Courteous, generous and warm-hearted, he was a strong Liberal in the early days of politics. In 1852 he was elected by the Pensioner Settlements to the Legislative Council of New Ulster (which never met). In 1853 he was returned to the first Provincial Council, and he was almost continuously a member (for Northern division 1853-57; City of Auckland 1857-61; Auckland West 1865-75). For four years (1865-69) and again in 1873 he was a member of the provincial executive under the superintendency of Whitaker and Williamson, and finally under Grey. He suffered defeat in 1855 in the contest for the City seat in Parliament. Dignan first entered Parliament in 1867 for City West, which he represented from that date until 1870 and again from 1875-79. In early years he was an active member of the Constitutional Association which brought Whitaker out for the Superintendency (1855). Later he was an ardent supporter of the provincial system and took a leading part in inducing Grey to re-enter the arena in its defence. In 1879 he was called to the Legislative Council, of which he was a painstaking and conscientious member until his death.

Dignan was a member of the Auckland harbour commissioners for many years, a trustee of the Auckland Savings Bank, one of the largest original shareholders of the Bank of New Zealand, and a director of the Auckland Gas Co. He died on 20 Oct 1894.

His eldest son, PETER DIGNAN, was born in Auckland (1847) and educated at St Peter's school and afterwards under the Franciscan monks. After serving his articles to L. O'Brien he was admitted to the bar (1868). He was for 12 years a member of the City Council and was twice mayor (1897-99). He was also a member of the harbour board, chairman of the hospital board, a governor of the Auckland University College and Grammar School, and a commissioner of the Auckland Exhibition. He was for 23 years president of the Christian Doctrine Society and a leading member of the Catholic Literary Institute. As a volunteer he was colonel of the 2nd Auckland battalion.

Hansard, 20 Oct 1894; Cycl. NZ., ii (p); N.Z. Herald, 22 Oct 1894. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 1, page 120

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