BEEHAN, WILLIAM (1853-1917) was born at Tralee, Kerry, Ireland, and arrived in New Zealand in 1873. After a period on the goldfields he served with John Cosgrove in Auckland, and later with Holloway, Garlick and Co., finally starting on his own account. He was a strong Liberal and was chairman of the central Liberal committee (1890), and president of the Auckland Liberal and Labour association for seven years. He assisted to establish the first Labour League, and was president of the shop assistants association which co-operated in the passing of the shop hours act. He assisted also in organising the tailoresses' union and other textile workers, and was a constant champion of benefit societies. In 1903 Beehan was called to the Legislative Council, of which he was a member till his death (on 27 Oct 1917).

N.Z.P.D., 29 Oct 1917; N.Z. Herald, 28 Oct 1917

Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 1, page 43

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