Roger Drayton
Roger Patrick Blundell Drayton JP (4 January 1925 – 21 June 1986) was a New Zealand politician of the Labour Party.
Roger Drayton | |
|---|---|
 Drayton in 1948 | |
| Member of the New Zealand Parliament for St Albans | |
| In office 29 November 1969 – 25 November 1978 | |
| Preceded by | Bert Walker |
| Succeeded by | David Caygill |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 4 January 1925 Templeton, New Zealand |
| Died | 21 June 1986 Paraparaumu, New Zealand |
| Political party | Labour |
| Spouse(s) | Betty Noeline Drayton |
| Children | Two |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service |  Royal New Zealand Air Force |
| Years of service | 1944–69 |
| Rank |  Squadron leader |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
Biography
Early life and career
Drayton, born in Templeton. He attended schools at Sockburn and Hornby before finishing his education at Christchurch Boys' High School.[1]
Drayton trained at Wigram after enlisting in the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) in 1944, serving until 1969, by which time he had risen to the rank of Squadron leader. He served in the administrative section of the RNZAF and served abroad in Australia, Fiji and Singapore. Following World War II he was employed as a computer systems analyst for the Ministry of Defence.[1]
He was a keen sportsman and represented the RNZAF services teams in both cricket and soccer. He was the secretary of the Combined Services Sports Council in 1959. In 1955 he became secretary of the Ellesmere Cricket Association.[1]
Member of Parliament
| New Zealand Parliament | ||||
| Years | Term | Electorate | Party | |
| 1969–1972 | 36th | St Albans | Labour | |
| 1972–1975 | 37th | St Albans | Labour | |
| 1975–1978 | 38th | St Albans | Labour | |
He represented the St Albans electorate from 1969 to 1978, when he retired.[2] Drayton had a well earned reputation as one of the best campaigners in the Labour Party after winning a previously thought marginal seat by over 900 votes and increasing his majority after that. Consequently he was often sought out for advice from candidates and backbech colleagues.[3]
In 1973 he stood unsuccessfully for the Labour Party vice-presidency, but was beaten by Grey Lynn MP Eddie Isbey.[4] In January 1976 he was appointed by Labour leader Bill Rowling as Shadow Minister of State Services.[5] He became Labour's caucus secretary and later was Chief Opposition Whip between 1976 and 1978.[6]
Later life and death
Drayton died at his home in Paraparaumu after a long illness aged 61, survived by his wife, son and daughter.[1]
Notes
- "Former Chch M.P. dies". The Press. 25 June 1986. p. 9.
- Wilson 1985, p. 193.
- Parussini, Peter (2020). Believer: Conversations with Mike Moore. Auckland: Upstart Press. p. 46. ISBN 978-1-990003-04-2.
- Grant 2014, p. 251.
- "Surprises Among Party Spokesmen". The New Zealand Herald. 30 January 1976. p. 10.
- Traue 1978, p. 102.
References
- Who's Who in New Zealand by J.E. Traue (1978, Reed, Wellington)
- Grant, David (2014). The Mighty Totara: The life and times of Norman Kirk. Auckland: Random House. ISBN 9781775535799.
- Wilson, James Oakley (1985) [First ed. published 1913]. New Zealand Parliamentary Record, 1840–1984 (4th ed.). Wellington: V.R. Ward, Govt. Printer. OCLC 154283103.
| New Zealand Parliament | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Bert Walker |
Member of Parliament for St Albans 1969–1978 |
Succeeded by David Caygill |
| Party political offices | ||
| Preceded by Ron Barclay |
Senior Whip of the Labour Party 1976–1978 |
Succeeded by Russell Marshall |