Ted Howard (politician)

Ted Howard
Member of the New Zealand Parliament for Christchurch South
In office 1919 – 1939
Preceded by	Harry Ell
Succeeded by	Robert Macfarlane
Personal details
Born	18 June 1868
Died	26 April 1939
Political party	Labour Socialist Party
Spouse(s)	Harriet Garard Goring
Relations	Mabel Howard (daughter)
Children	3
Profession	Politician, trade unionist

Edwin John (Ted) Howard (18 June 1868 – 26 April 1939) was a New Zealand politician of the Labour Party, and the father of cabinet minister Mabel Howard. He had been a prominent member of the New Zealand Socialist Party, a precursor to the Labour Party.

Ted Howard was born as Edwin John Harney in Bristol, England in 1868. He joined the Royal Navy, deserted his ship and married on 12 February 1889, under the surname Howard, Harriet Garard Goring in Christchurch. They lived part of the time in Australia, and part of the time in New Zealand. His three daughters, Adelaide, Mabel and Elsie, were born in Adelaide. When his wife died in the Adelaide suburb of Bowden in 1903, he came to New Zealand with his daughters.

Howard represented the Christchurch South electorate from 1919 to 1939, when he died. He was Chairman of Committees from 1 April 1936 to 20 September 1938. His daughter Mabel Howard hoped to be nominated as Labour's candidate for the 1939 by-election. Despite having much local support, Labour eventually chose Mayor of Christchurch Robert Macfarlane as their candidate.

Eventually, Mabel was elected as a Member of Parliament for Christchurch East after a by-election, becoming the fifth female MP in 1943.

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