F. Russell Miller Explained

F. Russell Miller
Order:40th
Office:Mayor of Invercargill
Term Start:1971
Term End:1983
Birth Name:Francis Russell Miller
Birth Date:2 February 1914
Birth Place:Dunedin, New Zealand
Death Place:Invercargill, New Zealand
Spouse:Dorothy
Children:4
Alma Mater:University of Otago

Francis Russell Miller (2 February 1914 – 25 February 1992) was a New Zealand politician who served as Mayor of Invercargill from 1971 to 1983.

Early life

Miller was born in Dunedin and raised in Invercargill. He attended St. George Primary School and Southland Boys' High School. After graduating from the University of Otago Medical School with Bachelors of Medicine and Surgery,[1] he spent seven years in Britain studying at the University of Edinburgh and practising as a surgeon during World War II. He returned to Invercargill in 1946[2] and worked as a general practitioner until 1957.[3]

Political career

Miller entered politics in 1962, winning a seat on the Invercargill City Council as the highest polling non-incumbent candidate.[2] He topped the poll at the next election and was subsequently appointed deputy mayor,[4] a position he held for two terms.[5] [6]

In 1971, Miller successfully ran for mayor, defeating fellow councillor F. W. Harvey.[7] He was re-elected in 1974[8] and did not face a challenger in 1977.[9] In the 1978 Queen's Birthday Honours, he was appointed a Companion of the Queen's Service Order. In 1980, Miller faced his toughest election, but ultimately defeated his deputy mayor and eventual successor Eve Poole.[10] During his mayoralty, he established Invercargill's first sister city relationship with Hobart, Australia. He retired in 1983, and at twelve years was the longest-serving mayor of Invercargill until Tim Shadbolt.[3]

Death

Miller died on 25 February 1992 at the age of 78. He was cremated and interred at the Southland Crematorium.[6]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO . 19 May 1937 . Otago Daily Times . Papers Past.
  2. Web site: New Council [...] Wide Interests ]. 14 October 1962.
  3. News: Former city mayor, surgeon dies aged 78 . The Southland Times . 26 February 1992.
  4. Web site: Anti-Fluoridationists Poll Poorly . 11 October 1965 . The Southland Times.
  5. Web site: Local Body Election Results . 14 October 1968 . The Southland Times.
  6. Web site: Information on past Mayors of Invercargill City . Invercargill City Council.
  7. News: Local Body Election Results . 11 October 1971 . The Southland Times.
  8. News: Local Election Results . 14 October 1974 . The Southland Times.
  9. Web site: Local Election Results . 10 October 1977 . The Southland Times.
  10. News: Local Election Results . 13 October 1980 . The Southland Times.