Brian Wilfred Hewat (1894 – 28 February 1970) was a New Zealand barrister and politician who served as the mayor of Invercargill from 1950 to 1953.

Brian Hewat
37th Mayor of Invercargill
In office
1950–1953
Personal details
Born1894
Oamaru, New Zealand
Died (aged 75)
Invercargill, New Zealand
Spouse
Brenda Humphries
(m. 1920)
Children2
Alma materUniversity of Otago
Military career
Allegiance New Zealand
Service / branchNew Zealand Army
Service number9/1305
CommandsInvercargill Battalion
Battles / warsWorld War I
World War II

Biography

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Hewat was born in Oamaru in 1894. He attended Waitaki Boys' High School and the University of Otago, where he achieved a Bachelor of Laws. During World War I he served with the Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment[1] in Gallipoli and France. After the war, he started a law practice in Invercargill and married Brenda Humphries in 1920. He served one term on the Invercargill City Council from 1933 to 1935. During World War II, he was commander of the Invercargill Battalion of the Home Guard.[2][3]

In 1950, Hewat intended to challenge incumbent mayor William Aitchison, who had been serving since the death of Abraham Wachner in August. However, Aitchison withdrew his nomination on 7 November and Hewat was elected mayor unopposed.[4] He ran for re-election in the 1953 mayoral election, but was defeated by councillor Adam Adamson.[5]

Hewat died in Invercargill on 28 February 1970 and is buried in the St John's Cemetery.[2][3]

References

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  1. ^ "Brian Wilfred Hewat". Auckland Museum.
  2. ^ a b "Death of Former City Mayor". The Southland Times. 2 March 1970.
  3. ^ a b "Information on past Mayors of Invercargill City" (PDF). Invercargill City Council.
  4. ^ "NO CONTEST FOR MAYORALTY". Gisborne Herald. Papers Past. 8 November 1950.
  5. ^ "WELLINGTON'S ELECTIONS". The Press. Papers Past. 3 November 1953.
Political offices
Preceded by Mayor of Invercargill
1950–1953
Succeeded by