Frank Nelson (Western Samoan politician)

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 byHarry Moors/Peter Plowman
Succeeded byLesatele Rapi
Member of the Legislative Assembly
In office
1957–1967
ConstituencyIndividual voters
Personal details
Born4 August 1917
Apia, Western Samoa
Died5 January 1967(1967-01-05) (aged 49)
Apia, Western Samoa

Biography

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
  1. Lauofo Meti (2002) Samoa: The Making of the Constitution, p324
  2. Mr. F.C.F. Nelson Pacific Islands Monthly, February 1967, p157
  3. New Blood In Samoan Assembly Pacific Islands Monthly, December 1957, p23
  4. New Assembly Sworn In Pacific Islands Monthly, January 1958, p99
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