Brian Hewat

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
Born	1894 Oamaru, New Zealand
Died	28 February 1970 (aged 75) Invercargill, New Zealand
Spouse	Brenda Humphries ​ (m. 1920)​
Children	2
Alma mater	University of Otago
Military career
Allegiance	New Zealand
Branch	New Zealand Army
Service number	9/1305
Commands	Invercargill Battalion
Battles / wars	World War I World War II

Biography

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]