TANNER, WILLIAM WILCOX (1851-1938) was born at Moulton, Northamptonshire, educated at the Church of England school there, and trained as a cordwainer. In 1877 he married Emily (d. 1927), daughter of John Browett; and two years later they sailed for New Zealand, arriving at Lyttelton by the Waimate in Dec 1879. Tanner took an active part in trades unionism and friendly society and local body work in Christchurch, and in the general strike of 1890 was a prominent mediator. At the general election at the end of the year he was returned as one of the Labour members (representing Heathcote), and he sat continuously in Parliament until 1908. He was defeated then by G. W. Russell (q.v.), for the Avon seat, which he had represented since 1893. In Parliament he gave a general support to Liberal policy and was chairman of the public accounts and railway committees. In 1895 he was a member of the tariff commission.

Tanner was a member of the Ferry Road (now Woolston) school committee, of the Woolston borough council (1893-1900) and the North Canterbury hospital board (1911-14). As a boy he joined the Ancient Order of Foresters in England, becoming chief ranger of court Star Centre of England, and soon after arriving in New Zealand he held the same position in court Star of Canterbury (and later district office). He was a Forester for more than 60 years. Tanner died on 27 Dec 1938.

N.Z.P.D., 30 Jun 1939; Who's Who N.Z., 1908, 1924, 1932; The Dominion, 31 Dec 1938; Evening Post, 16 May 1939. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 185

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