Charles Bathurst, 1st Viscount Bledisloe was born

Today in Masonic history Charles Bathurst, 1st Viscount Bledisloe was born in 1867.

Charles Bathurst was a British politician and colonial governor.

Bathurst worked as a barrister in the beaning of his career. It wasn't until 1910 that he was elected to parliament.

Bathurst was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the Brits Empire, a chivalric order, in 1917. At the same time he was raised to the peerage of Baron Bledisloe.

In 1926 Bathurst was appointed to the Privy Council, a group of legislators from parliament who are advisors to the monarch. This prior to him leaving the parliament in 1928.

After leaving Parliament, Bathurst was created a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael and St. George, an order presented to non-military individuals who have provided outstanding service in a foreign country. He was also appointed as Governor-General of New Zealand.

During his time as Governor General, Bathurst was well liked and respected by the people of New Zealand. This was in part due to his social conscience in the Depression Era. He insisted that his salary, as well as several civil servants salaries, be cut. He also purchased land where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed and presented it back to the nation as a memorial.

Bathurst served as the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand during his term as Governor-General.

This article provided by Brother Eric C. Steele.