Frank Clemens Frederick Nelson (4 August 1917 – 5 January 1967)[1] was a Western Samoan politician. He served as a member of the Legislative Assembly and as Minister of Works, Transport, Marine and Civil Aviation from 1957 until his death.
Frank Nelson | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Minister of Works, Transport, Marine and Civil Aviation | |
| In office 1957–1967 | |
| Preceded by | Harry Moors/Peter Plowman |
| Succeeded by | Lesatele Rapi |
| Member of the Legislative Assembly | |
| In office 1957–1967 | |
| Constituency | Individual voters |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 4 August 1917 Apia, Western Samoa |
| Died | 5 January 1967 (aged 49) Apia, Western Samoa |
Biography edit
Nelson was born in Apia in 1917.[2] He was educated at the Marist Brothers school in Apia and Sacred Heart College in Auckland.[2] He worked for the New Zealand Reparation Estates between 1947 and 1950, before becoming secretary of O.F. Nelson & Co, remaining at the firm until 1955.[2] A keen sportsman, he chaired the Apia Rugby Union management committee and was president of the Western Samoa Amateur Sports Federation.[2]
In 1957 Nelson was elected to the Legislative Assembly as a member of the Progressive Citizens League.[3] Following the elections, he was appointed Minister for Public Works and Road Transport.[4] He was re-elected in 1961 and 1964, retaining his place in the cabinet after both elections.
Nelson died in Apia in January 1967 following a visit to the dentist.[2] His funeral at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral was reportedly the largest in Apia's history.[2]
References edit
- ^ Lauofo Meti (2002) Samoa: The Making of the Constitution, p324
- ^ a b c d e f Mr. F.C.F. Nelson Pacific Islands Monthly, February 1967, p157
- ^ New Blood In Samoan Assembly Pacific Islands Monthly, December 1957, p23
- ^ New Assembly Sworn In Pacific Islands Monthly, January 1958, p99