Early life and career

Martin was born in England in 1882.^[1] He migrated to New Zealand in 1900 and became involved in the local union movement. He first worked in Taranaki in butter factories before moving to Auckland in 1908.^[2] He was a founding member of the Workers' Educational Association (WEA).^[3]

In 1913 he became secretary of the Auckland Brewery Workers' Union until 1917 when he became secretary of the Coach Workers' Union. He was then elected a member of the first Executive of the Labour Party in 1916 and was president of the party's Eden branch.^[3] He was also the President of the Auckland Fabian Club and secretary of the Auckland Labour Representation Committee (1928–29, 1930–34).^[2]

Political career

A frequent candidate in local elections, he was on both the Auckland City Council (1931–33, 1935–38) and the Auckland University Council (1936–56).^[2] Between 1935 and 1938 (when Labour held a majority on the Council) Martin served as Deputy-Mayor.^[4]

Martin was appointed to the New Zealand Legislative Council in 1936 and served for two terms until 8 March 1950.^[5] He was Chairman of Committees from 1939 to 1948,^[6] when he was promoted to Speaker from 1948 to the end of his tenure.^[7] Martin was regarded right throughout his career as an excellent chairman.^[2]

Death

Martin died on 19 June 1956 in Auckland.^[1] He was survived by his wife, son, daughter and five grandchildren.^[3]