William Perry (New Zealand politician)

Sir William Perry (23 August 1885 – 20 March 1968) was a member of the New Zealand Legislative Council.

The Honourable Sir William Perry
Member of the Legislative Council
In office 22 June 1934 – 31 December 1950
Personal details
Born	23 August 1885 Wairarapa, New Zealand
Died	20 March 1968 Wellington, New Zealand

In 1919, Perry founded Taratahi, New Zealand’s largest agricultural training centre, by bequeathing his farm to the Crown.[1][2]

He was appointed to the Legislative Council from 22 June 1934 to 21 June 1941, from 23 June 1941 to 22 June 1948, and from 23 June 1948 to 31 December 1950 when the Council was abolished.[3] He was appointed by the United/Reform Coalition Government, and then by the First Labour Government.

He was Deputy Chairman of the War Cabinet from 10 June 1943 to 22 August 1945 (it had been dissolved on 21 August). Sidney Holland had been Deputy Chairman from 30 June 1942 to 2 October 1942, when he resigned.[4]

Perry was president of the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association (RSA) from 1935 to 1943.[2] He was chairman of Massey Agricultural College from 1934 to 1935.[5]

Perry later lived in Wellington. He was appointed a Knight Bachelor in the 1946 New Year Honours.[6] He died in 1968 and was buried at Karori Cemetery.[7]