The Liberal Government | |
---|---|
Ministry of New Zealand | |
1891–1912 | |
Date formed | 24 January 1891 |
Date dissolved | 10 July 1912 |
People and organisations | |
Monarch |
Victoria Edward VII George V |
Governor |
The Earl of Onslow (1889–1892) The Earl of Glasgow (1892–1897) The Earl of Ranfurly (1897–1904) The Lord Plunket (1904–1910) The Lord Islington (1910–1912) |
Premier Prime Minister (from 1901) |
John Ballance Richard Seddon William Hall-Jones Joseph Ward Thomas Mackenzie |
Member party | Liberal Party |
Opposition party |
Conservatives
[n 1] Reform Party |
Opposition leader |
|
History | |
Election(s) | |
Legislature term(s) | |
Predecessor | Continuous Ministry |
Successor | Reform Government |
The Liberal Government of New Zealand was the first responsible government in New Zealand politics organised along party lines. The government formed following the founding of the Liberal Party and took office on 24 January 1891, and governed New Zealand for over 21 years until 10 July 1912. To date, it is the longest-serving government in New Zealand's history. The government was also historically notable for enacting significant social and economic changes, such as the Old Age Pensions Act and women's suffrage. One historian described the policies of the government as "a revolution in the relationship between the government and the people". [1]
New Zealand's foreign policy at this time expressed a sense of nationhood but also of Britishness: New Zealanders were proud of their young nation and of being part of the British Empire. The annexation of the Cook Islands can be seen as part of a desire to create a miniature empire in the Pacific, which would be part of the wider British Empire. New Zealand's enthusiastic involvement in the Boer War expressed both loyalty to 'mother Britain' and a sense of being a nation which could play its part on the world stage. The war was the first overseas conflict to which New Zealand committed troops. [35] [36] Although the New Zealand blue ensign became the country's national flag, the Union Jack, the flag of Great Britain, continued to be widely used (the medals awarded at the conclusion of the war featured the flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand).[ citation needed]
The formation of the Liberal Party came after the victory of liberal-leaning members of parliament, led by John Ballance, at the 1890 general election.
The attempt by Harry Atkinson and other members of the previous government to stack the Legislative Council against the new government backfired on them. [37] [38]
The government lost its majority at the 1911 general election, but managed to stay in office with the support of independent MPs until the following year. The government was eventually defeated in a vote of confidence on 10 July 1912, with the defection of some Liberals like John A. Millar.
Election | Parliament | Seats | Total votes 1 | Percentage | Gain (loss) | Seats won | Change | Majority |
1890 ² | 11th | 74 | 76,548 | 56.1% | - | 38 | - | 2 |
1893 | 12th | 74 | 175,814 | 57.8% | +1.7% | 51 | +13 | 28 |
1896 | 13th | 74 | 165,259 | 46.0% | -11.8% | 39 | -12 | 4 |
1899 ³ | 14th | 74 | 204,331 | 52.7% | +6.7% | 49 | +10 | 24 |
1902 4 | 15th | 80 | 215,845 | 51.8% | -0.9% | 47 | -2 | 14 |
1905 5 | 16th | 80 | 216,312 | 53.1% | +1.3% | 58 | +11 | 36 |
1908 6 | 17th | 80 | 250,445 | 58.7% | +5.6% | 50 | -8 | 20 |
1911 7 | 18th | 80 | 194,089 | 40.7% | -18.0% | 33 | -17 | -14 |
Notes:-
1. The vote totals and percentages, from 1890 to 1902, exclude the four Maori electorates. From 1890 to 1902 additional votes cast in four three-member electorates are included. The comparability over time of the vote totals are also affected by unopposed elections. The electorates where there was no contest numbered six in 1890, three in 1893 and 1899, and one in 1911.
2. There were no organized parties at the time of the 1890 election. The figures given are an approximate indication of the division of political opinion between Liberals and others.
3. The seat figures given are from the Elections New Zealand website. They are the same as those in the International Almanac of Electoral History.
Five premiers and prime ministers (the title of premier was changed during the term in office of the government) served during the government's tenure, with two (Ballance and Seddon) dying in office:
Party key | Liberal Party | |
---|---|---|
Independent Liberal |
Portfolio | Minister | Start | End | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Prime Minister | John Ballance | 24 January 1891 | 27 April 1893 | |
Richard Seddon | 27 April 1893 | 10 June 1906 | ||
William Hall-Jones | 10 June 1906 | 6 August 1906 | ||
Joseph Ward | 6 August 1906 | 28 March 1912 | ||
Thomas Mackenzie | 28 March 1912 | 10 July 1912 | ||
Minister of Agriculture | John McKenzie | 24 January 1891 | 27 June 1900 | |
Thomas Young Duncan | 27 June 1900 | 6 August 1906 | ||
Robert McNab | 6 August 1906 | 30 November 1908 | ||
Joseph Ward | 30 November 1908 | 1 May 1909 | ||
Thomas Mackenzie | 1 May 1909 | 10 July 1912 | ||
Attorney-General | Patrick Buckley | 24 January 1891 | 20 December 1895 | |
Albert Pitt | 22 June 1903 | 18 November 1906 | ||
John Findlay | 23 November 1906 | 26 December 1911 | ||
Minister of Customs | John Ballance | 24 January 1891 | 27 April 1893 | |
Joseph Ward | 1 May 1893 | 16 June 1896 | ||
Richard Seddon | 16 June 1896 | 29 October 1900 | ||
Charles H. Mills | 29 October 1900 | 6 August 1906 | ||
John A. Millar | 6 August 1906 | 6 January 1909 | ||
Alexander Hogg | 6 January 1909 | 17 June 1909 | ||
George Fowlds | 17 June 1909 | 4 September 1911 | ||
Roderick McKenzie | 4 September 1911 | 26 December 1911 | ||
George Laurenson | 28 March 1912 | 10 July 1912 | ||
Minister of Defence | Richard Seddon | 24 January 1891 | 22 June 1896 | |
Thomas Thompson | 22 June 1898 | 23 January 1900 | ||
Richard Seddon | 23 January 1900 | 10 June 1906 | ||
Albert Pitt | 10 June 1906 | 18 November 1906 | ||
Joseph Ward | 23 November 1906 | 28 March 1912 | ||
Arthur Myers | 28 March 1912 | 10 July 1912 | ||
Minister of Education | William Pember Reeves | 24 January 1891 | 10 January 1896 | |
William Campbell Walker | 11 March 1896 | 20 June 1903 | ||
Richard Seddon | 22 June 1903 | 10 June 1906 | ||
William Hall-Jones | 21 June 1906 | 6 August 1906 | ||
George Fowlds | 6 August 1906 | 4 September 1911 | ||
Josiah Hanan | 28 March 1912 | 10 July 1912 | ||
Minister of Finance | John Ballance | 24 January 1891 | 27 April 1893 | |
Joseph Ward | 27 April 1893 | 16 June 1896 | ||
Richard Seddon | 16 June 1896 | 10 June 1906 | ||
William Hall-Jones | 10 June 1906 | 6 August 1906 | ||
Joseph Ward | 6 August 1906 | 28 March 1912 | ||
Arthur Myers | 28 March 1912 | 10 July 1912 | ||
Commissioner of State Forests | John McKenzie | 1 May 1893 | 27 June 1900 | |
Thomas Young Duncan | 27 June 1900 | 21 June 1906 | ||
Thomas Mackenzie | 6 January 1909 | 10 July 1912 | ||
Minister of Health | Joseph Ward | 8 November 1900 | 6 August 1906 | |
George Fowlds | 6 August 1906 | 6 January 1909 | ||
David Buddo | 6 January 1909 | 28 March 1912 | ||
George Warren Russell | 28 March 1912 | 10 July 1912 | ||
Minister of Immigration | John McKenzie | 24 January 1891 | 2 March 1896 | |
William Campbell Walker | 2 March 1896 | 20 June 1903 | ||
Richard Seddon | 20 June 1903 | 10 June 1906 | ||
Charles H. Mills | 10 June 1906 | 6 August 1906 | ||
James McGowan | 6 August 1906 | 6 January 1909 | ||
George Fowlds | 6 January 1909 | 4 September 1911 | ||
George Warren Russell | 28 March 1912 | 10 July 1912 | ||
Minister of Industries and Commerce | Joseph Ward | 20 January 1894 | 2 March 1896 | |
Thomas Thompson | 2 March 1896 | 21 December 1899 | ||
Joseph Ward | 21 December 1899 | 23 November 1906 | ||
James McGowan | 23 November 1906 | 6 January 1909 | ||
Thomas Mackenzie | 6 January 1909 | 10 July 1912 | ||
Minister of Internal Affairs | John Findlay | 19 November 1907 | 6 January 1909 | |
David Buddo | 6 January 1909 | 28 March 1912 | ||
George Warren Russell | 28 March 1912 | 10 July 1912 | ||
Minister of Justice | William Pember Reeves | 24 January 1891 | 28 May 1892 | |
Alfred Cadman | 28 May 1892 | 1 May 1893 | ||
William Pember Reeves | 20 July 1893 | 6 September 1893 | ||
Alfred Cadman | 6 September 1893 | 28 March 1895 | ||
William Pember Reeves | 28 March 1895 | 10 January 1896 | ||
William Hall-Jones | 20 February 1896 | 2 March 1896 | ||
Thomas Thompson | 2 March 1896 | 23 January 1900 | ||
James McGowan | 23 January 1900 | 6 January 1909 | ||
John Findlay | 6 January 1909 | 26 December 1911 | ||
Josiah Hanan | 28 March 1912 | 10 July 1912 | ||
Minister of Labour | William Pember Reeves | 31 May 1892 | 10 January 1896 | |
Richard Seddon | 10 January 1896 | 10 June 1906 | ||
William Hall-Jones | 21 June 1906 | 6 August 1906 | ||
John A. Millar | 6 August 1906 | 6 January 1909 | ||
Alexander Hogg | 6 January 1909 | 17 June 1909 | ||
John A. Millar | 17 June 1909 | 28 March 1912 | ||
George Laurenson | 28 March 1912 | 10 July 1912 | ||
Minister of Marine | Richard Seddon | 3 June 1892 | 1 May 1893 | |
Patrick Buckley | 1 May 1893 | 13 October 1893 | ||
Joseph Ward | 13 October 1893 | 16 June 1896 | ||
William Hall-Jones | 16 June 1896 | 6 August 1906 | ||
John A. Millar | 6 August 1906 | 28 March 1912 | ||
George Laurenson | 28 March 1912 | 10 July 1912 | ||
Minister of Mines | Richard Seddon | 24 January 1891 | 6 September 1893 | |
Alfred Cadman | 6 September 1893 | 21 December 1899 | ||
James McGowan | 21 December 1899 | 6 January 1909 | ||
Roderick McKenzie | 6 January 1909 | 28 March 1912 | ||
James Colvin | 28 March 1912 | 10 July 1912 | ||
Minister of Native Affairs | John Ballance | 24 January 1891 | 4 February 1891 | |
Alfred Cadman | 4 February 1891 | 29 June 1893 | ||
Richard Seddon | 6 September 1893 | 21 December 1899 | ||
James Carroll | 21 December 1899 | 28 March 1912 | ||
William MacDonald | 28 March 1912 | 10 July 1912 | ||
Postmaster-General | Patrick Buckley | 24 January 1891 | 4 February 1891 | |
Joseph Ward | 4 February 1891 | 16 June 1896 | ||
Richard Seddon | 16 June 1896 | 21 December 1899 | ||
Joseph Ward | 21 December 1899 | 28 March 1912 | ||
Harry Ell | 28 March 1912 | 10 July 1912 | ||
Minister of Railways | Alfred Cadman | 24 November 1895 | 28 April 1899 | |
Joseph Ward | 17 May 1900 | 13 January 1906 | ||
William Hall-Jones | 13 January 1906 | 24 May 1908 | ||
John A. Millar | 24 May 1908 | 28 March 1912 | ||
Arthur Myers | 28 March 1912 | 10 July 1912 | ||
Minister of Revenue | Arthur Myers | 28 March 1912 | 10 July 1912 | |
Minister of Works | Richard Seddon | 24 January 1891 | 2 March 1896 | |
William Hall-Jones | 2 March 1896 | 30 November 1908 | ||
Roderick McKenzie | 30 November 1908 | 28 March 1912 | ||
William MacDonald | 28 March 1912 | 10 July 1912 |
The Liberal Government | |
---|---|
Ministry of New Zealand | |
1891–1912 | |
Date formed | 24 January 1891 |
Date dissolved | 10 July 1912 |
People and organisations | |
Monarch |
Victoria Edward VII George V |
Governor |
The Earl of Onslow (1889–1892) The Earl of Glasgow (1892–1897) The Earl of Ranfurly (1897–1904) The Lord Plunket (1904–1910) The Lord Islington (1910–1912) |
Premier Prime Minister (from 1901) |
John Ballance Richard Seddon William Hall-Jones Joseph Ward Thomas Mackenzie |
Member party | Liberal Party |
Opposition party |
Conservatives
[n 1] Reform Party |
Opposition leader |
|
History | |
Election(s) | |
Legislature term(s) | |
Predecessor | Continuous Ministry |
Successor | Reform Government |
The Liberal Government of New Zealand was the first responsible government in New Zealand politics organised along party lines. The government formed following the founding of the Liberal Party and took office on 24 January 1891, and governed New Zealand for over 21 years until 10 July 1912. To date, it is the longest-serving government in New Zealand's history. The government was also historically notable for enacting significant social and economic changes, such as the Old Age Pensions Act and women's suffrage. One historian described the policies of the government as "a revolution in the relationship between the government and the people". [1]
New Zealand's foreign policy at this time expressed a sense of nationhood but also of Britishness: New Zealanders were proud of their young nation and of being part of the British Empire. The annexation of the Cook Islands can be seen as part of a desire to create a miniature empire in the Pacific, which would be part of the wider British Empire. New Zealand's enthusiastic involvement in the Boer War expressed both loyalty to 'mother Britain' and a sense of being a nation which could play its part on the world stage. The war was the first overseas conflict to which New Zealand committed troops. [35] [36] Although the New Zealand blue ensign became the country's national flag, the Union Jack, the flag of Great Britain, continued to be widely used (the medals awarded at the conclusion of the war featured the flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand).[ citation needed]
The formation of the Liberal Party came after the victory of liberal-leaning members of parliament, led by John Ballance, at the 1890 general election.
The attempt by Harry Atkinson and other members of the previous government to stack the Legislative Council against the new government backfired on them. [37] [38]
The government lost its majority at the 1911 general election, but managed to stay in office with the support of independent MPs until the following year. The government was eventually defeated in a vote of confidence on 10 July 1912, with the defection of some Liberals like John A. Millar.
Election | Parliament | Seats | Total votes 1 | Percentage | Gain (loss) | Seats won | Change | Majority |
1890 ² | 11th | 74 | 76,548 | 56.1% | - | 38 | - | 2 |
1893 | 12th | 74 | 175,814 | 57.8% | +1.7% | 51 | +13 | 28 |
1896 | 13th | 74 | 165,259 | 46.0% | -11.8% | 39 | -12 | 4 |
1899 ³ | 14th | 74 | 204,331 | 52.7% | +6.7% | 49 | +10 | 24 |
1902 4 | 15th | 80 | 215,845 | 51.8% | -0.9% | 47 | -2 | 14 |
1905 5 | 16th | 80 | 216,312 | 53.1% | +1.3% | 58 | +11 | 36 |
1908 6 | 17th | 80 | 250,445 | 58.7% | +5.6% | 50 | -8 | 20 |
1911 7 | 18th | 80 | 194,089 | 40.7% | -18.0% | 33 | -17 | -14 |
Notes:-
1. The vote totals and percentages, from 1890 to 1902, exclude the four Maori electorates. From 1890 to 1902 additional votes cast in four three-member electorates are included. The comparability over time of the vote totals are also affected by unopposed elections. The electorates where there was no contest numbered six in 1890, three in 1893 and 1899, and one in 1911.
2. There were no organized parties at the time of the 1890 election. The figures given are an approximate indication of the division of political opinion between Liberals and others.
3. The seat figures given are from the Elections New Zealand website. They are the same as those in the International Almanac of Electoral History.
Five premiers and prime ministers (the title of premier was changed during the term in office of the government) served during the government's tenure, with two (Ballance and Seddon) dying in office:
Party key | Liberal Party | |
---|---|---|
Independent Liberal |
Portfolio | Minister | Start | End | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Prime Minister | John Ballance | 24 January 1891 | 27 April 1893 | |
Richard Seddon | 27 April 1893 | 10 June 1906 | ||
William Hall-Jones | 10 June 1906 | 6 August 1906 | ||
Joseph Ward | 6 August 1906 | 28 March 1912 | ||
Thomas Mackenzie | 28 March 1912 | 10 July 1912 | ||
Minister of Agriculture | John McKenzie | 24 January 1891 | 27 June 1900 | |
Thomas Young Duncan | 27 June 1900 | 6 August 1906 | ||
Robert McNab | 6 August 1906 | 30 November 1908 | ||
Joseph Ward | 30 November 1908 | 1 May 1909 | ||
Thomas Mackenzie | 1 May 1909 | 10 July 1912 | ||
Attorney-General | Patrick Buckley | 24 January 1891 | 20 December 1895 | |
Albert Pitt | 22 June 1903 | 18 November 1906 | ||
John Findlay | 23 November 1906 | 26 December 1911 | ||
Minister of Customs | John Ballance | 24 January 1891 | 27 April 1893 | |
Joseph Ward | 1 May 1893 | 16 June 1896 | ||
Richard Seddon | 16 June 1896 | 29 October 1900 | ||
Charles H. Mills | 29 October 1900 | 6 August 1906 | ||
John A. Millar | 6 August 1906 | 6 January 1909 | ||
Alexander Hogg | 6 January 1909 | 17 June 1909 | ||
George Fowlds | 17 June 1909 | 4 September 1911 | ||
Roderick McKenzie | 4 September 1911 | 26 December 1911 | ||
George Laurenson | 28 March 1912 | 10 July 1912 | ||
Minister of Defence | Richard Seddon | 24 January 1891 | 22 June 1896 | |
Thomas Thompson | 22 June 1898 | 23 January 1900 | ||
Richard Seddon | 23 January 1900 | 10 June 1906 | ||
Albert Pitt | 10 June 1906 | 18 November 1906 | ||
Joseph Ward | 23 November 1906 | 28 March 1912 | ||
Arthur Myers | 28 March 1912 | 10 July 1912 | ||
Minister of Education | William Pember Reeves | 24 January 1891 | 10 January 1896 | |
William Campbell Walker | 11 March 1896 | 20 June 1903 | ||
Richard Seddon | 22 June 1903 | 10 June 1906 | ||
William Hall-Jones | 21 June 1906 | 6 August 1906 | ||
George Fowlds | 6 August 1906 | 4 September 1911 | ||
Josiah Hanan | 28 March 1912 | 10 July 1912 | ||
Minister of Finance | John Ballance | 24 January 1891 | 27 April 1893 | |
Joseph Ward | 27 April 1893 | 16 June 1896 | ||
Richard Seddon | 16 June 1896 | 10 June 1906 | ||
William Hall-Jones | 10 June 1906 | 6 August 1906 | ||
Joseph Ward | 6 August 1906 | 28 March 1912 | ||
Arthur Myers | 28 March 1912 | 10 July 1912 | ||
Commissioner of State Forests | John McKenzie | 1 May 1893 | 27 June 1900 | |
Thomas Young Duncan | 27 June 1900 | 21 June 1906 | ||
Thomas Mackenzie | 6 January 1909 | 10 July 1912 | ||
Minister of Health | Joseph Ward | 8 November 1900 | 6 August 1906 | |
George Fowlds | 6 August 1906 | 6 January 1909 | ||
David Buddo | 6 January 1909 | 28 March 1912 | ||
George Warren Russell | 28 March 1912 | 10 July 1912 | ||
Minister of Immigration | John McKenzie | 24 January 1891 | 2 March 1896 | |
William Campbell Walker | 2 March 1896 | 20 June 1903 | ||
Richard Seddon | 20 June 1903 | 10 June 1906 | ||
Charles H. Mills | 10 June 1906 | 6 August 1906 | ||
James McGowan | 6 August 1906 | 6 January 1909 | ||
George Fowlds | 6 January 1909 | 4 September 1911 | ||
George Warren Russell | 28 March 1912 | 10 July 1912 | ||
Minister of Industries and Commerce | Joseph Ward | 20 January 1894 | 2 March 1896 | |
Thomas Thompson | 2 March 1896 | 21 December 1899 | ||
Joseph Ward | 21 December 1899 | 23 November 1906 | ||
James McGowan | 23 November 1906 | 6 January 1909 | ||
Thomas Mackenzie | 6 January 1909 | 10 July 1912 | ||
Minister of Internal Affairs | John Findlay | 19 November 1907 | 6 January 1909 | |
David Buddo | 6 January 1909 | 28 March 1912 | ||
George Warren Russell | 28 March 1912 | 10 July 1912 | ||
Minister of Justice | William Pember Reeves | 24 January 1891 | 28 May 1892 | |
Alfred Cadman | 28 May 1892 | 1 May 1893 | ||
William Pember Reeves | 20 July 1893 | 6 September 1893 | ||
Alfred Cadman | 6 September 1893 | 28 March 1895 | ||
William Pember Reeves | 28 March 1895 | 10 January 1896 | ||
William Hall-Jones | 20 February 1896 | 2 March 1896 | ||
Thomas Thompson | 2 March 1896 | 23 January 1900 | ||
James McGowan | 23 January 1900 | 6 January 1909 | ||
John Findlay | 6 January 1909 | 26 December 1911 | ||
Josiah Hanan | 28 March 1912 | 10 July 1912 | ||
Minister of Labour | William Pember Reeves | 31 May 1892 | 10 January 1896 | |
Richard Seddon | 10 January 1896 | 10 June 1906 | ||
William Hall-Jones | 21 June 1906 | 6 August 1906 | ||
John A. Millar | 6 August 1906 | 6 January 1909 | ||
Alexander Hogg | 6 January 1909 | 17 June 1909 | ||
John A. Millar | 17 June 1909 | 28 March 1912 | ||
George Laurenson | 28 March 1912 | 10 July 1912 | ||
Minister of Marine | Richard Seddon | 3 June 1892 | 1 May 1893 | |
Patrick Buckley | 1 May 1893 | 13 October 1893 | ||
Joseph Ward | 13 October 1893 | 16 June 1896 | ||
William Hall-Jones | 16 June 1896 | 6 August 1906 | ||
John A. Millar | 6 August 1906 | 28 March 1912 | ||
George Laurenson | 28 March 1912 | 10 July 1912 | ||
Minister of Mines | Richard Seddon | 24 January 1891 | 6 September 1893 | |
Alfred Cadman | 6 September 1893 | 21 December 1899 | ||
James McGowan | 21 December 1899 | 6 January 1909 | ||
Roderick McKenzie | 6 January 1909 | 28 March 1912 | ||
James Colvin | 28 March 1912 | 10 July 1912 | ||
Minister of Native Affairs | John Ballance | 24 January 1891 | 4 February 1891 | |
Alfred Cadman | 4 February 1891 | 29 June 1893 | ||
Richard Seddon | 6 September 1893 | 21 December 1899 | ||
James Carroll | 21 December 1899 | 28 March 1912 | ||
William MacDonald | 28 March 1912 | 10 July 1912 | ||
Postmaster-General | Patrick Buckley | 24 January 1891 | 4 February 1891 | |
Joseph Ward | 4 February 1891 | 16 June 1896 | ||
Richard Seddon | 16 June 1896 | 21 December 1899 | ||
Joseph Ward | 21 December 1899 | 28 March 1912 | ||
Harry Ell | 28 March 1912 | 10 July 1912 | ||
Minister of Railways | Alfred Cadman | 24 November 1895 | 28 April 1899 | |
Joseph Ward | 17 May 1900 | 13 January 1906 | ||
William Hall-Jones | 13 January 1906 | 24 May 1908 | ||
John A. Millar | 24 May 1908 | 28 March 1912 | ||
Arthur Myers | 28 March 1912 | 10 July 1912 | ||
Minister of Revenue | Arthur Myers | 28 March 1912 | 10 July 1912 | |
Minister of Works | Richard Seddon | 24 January 1891 | 2 March 1896 | |
William Hall-Jones | 2 March 1896 | 30 November 1908 | ||
Roderick McKenzie | 30 November 1908 | 28 March 1912 | ||
William MacDonald | 28 March 1912 | 10 July 1912 |