SYMES, WALTER (1852-1914) was the son of a Somerset farmer, and came to Canterbury with his parents in the Ann Wilson (1857). He was educated at the public school in Nelson, the Wesleyan school in New Plymouth, and finally (his parents having removed to Wanganui in 1864), under Godwin, of the Wanganui collegiate school. Articled to H. B. Roberts (1869), he was unable to complete his term owing to the death of his tutor. He spent four years auctioneering in Wanganui and Palmerston North, and then went farming on D'Urville island. While in Wanganui he was lieutenant in the Alexandra Cavalry (1877; captain 1881), but resigned his commission on leaving the district to take up land at Waverley. There Symes was chairman of the Wairoa road board, and afterwards a member of the Patea county council (1883-95) and chairman (1886-95). He was also a member of the Patea harbour board (1885-95), the hospital board (1880-95), the licensing bench (chairman 1890-96) and honorary secretary of the Waverley and Waitotara racing club (1883-96). In 1890 Symes bought property at Toko, to which he removed in 1896. He was on the Stratford county council (1896-99). In 1896 he was elected M.H.R. for Egmont, which he represented to 1902 (defeating Monkhouse twice). From 1902 he sat for Stratford. He was chairman of the A-L petitions committee (1900-06). Symes formed the Stratford Mounted Rifles (1900), of which he was captain to 1901 (and thereafter life captain). He married (1882) Elizabeth Anne, daughter of John Treweek (Tokomairiro and Kai-iwi), and died on 14 Oct 1914.

Who's Who NZ., 1908; Cycl. NZ., vi (p); N.Z.P.D., 19 Oct 1914. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 180

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