Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Monro, David
MONRO, Sir DAVID (1813–1877), colonial politician, son of Dr. Alexander Monro tertius [q. v.], was born in 1813. At a very early age he settled in New Zealand. When the first general assembly was convened, 24 May 1854, he was returned as a member of it, and was chosen to second the address to the governor. He was speaker of the House of Representatives in 1861 and 1862, and was knighted. At the general election in 1866 he was elected member for Cheviot, and was again speaker until 1870, when he retired from this post. He was then much incensed at the failure of William Fox, leader of the house, to propose any vote of thanks for his services; and in order to attack him he obtained a seat, but lost it on petition. Thereupon the House of Representatives adopted an address praying that some mark of favour might be shown him for his long services; but Fox still refused to recommend so outspoken an opponent for a seat in the Legislative Council. Monro was then elected to the house for Waikonati, and opposed Fox's government. He died at Newstead, near Nelson, in 1877. His wife was a daughter of J. Seeker of Widford, Gloucestershire.
[Times, 2 May 1877; G. W. Rusden's Hist, of New Zealand.]