THE NEW MINISTRY

Evening Star, Issue 20048, 13 December 1928, Page 5

THE NEW MINISTRY

Biographies of Sir Joseph and His Team

SIR JOSEPH WARD

The Right lion. Sir .Joseph George Ward, Prime Minister, is a native of Melbourne, and was bora seventy-two years ago, being tho son of Mr T. A. Ward, a merchant of that city. He received Jits education in a private school at Melbourne, and later at the State school at Bluif, where ho joined the Post and Telegraph Department at tho age of thirteen years. Ho loft to enter a merchant’s office, and at the ago of twenty joined Hie railway service. A year later ho started in business as an export merchant. Ho was one of tho first councillors of the Campbelltown Bonr.ugh, and was its mayor from 1881 till 1836, and from >397-93. Ho was a member of the Bluff Harbour Board for over ton years, and was twice its chairman. His first venture into national politics was in 18S7, when ho contested tho Awarua scat in the Liberal interests against Messrs J. W. Bain and G. Froggatt, both of whom ho defeated From that time for a long period of years Sir Joseph took a very prominent part in the political affairs of New Zealand. He was Colonial Treasurer in the Seddon Government from 1893 to 1896, in which year the occurrence of a crisis i i the affairs of tho J. G. Ward Fanners’ Association led to his resignation trom Ministerial office. In the following year his business misfortunes ft reed" him into bankruptcy, and his seat in the House became vacant, but ho was again elected on offering himself for it. In 1899 he rejoined tho Government as Postmaster-General, and this office was held by him until 1906, his administration being marked by tho introduction of advanced reforms that will long he associated with his name. Among other important public posts lie filled were those of Commissioner of Customs, Minister of Industries and Commerce, Minister of Marine, Minister of Railways, and Minister of Public Health. On three occasions during the absence of Mr Secldon he was called on to fill the position of Acting-Prime Minister He can claim the distinction of being the first Minister of Public Health in the world. Ho was a, leading advocate of tho All-Red cable service, and for his persistent and successful advocacy of the penny postage in New Zealand he received snecial recognition in being knmhtcd in 1901. .When he visited England and laised a special loan at 3 per cent, to finance tlio Advances to Settlers’ Office, which ho initiated, tins was the first time in tho history of Australian or New Zealand finance that such a loan had been raised: Between the years 1802 and 1906 he represented New Zealand at important nostal conferences at Sydney, Brisbane Wellington, Hobart, and Rome. Mr Seddon died while Sir Joseph was absent from the dominion, and on Ins return he assumed offi< e as Prune Minister. He represented Now Zealand at Imperial Conferences in 1907 anct 1911. and was instrumental in securin'' 'the recognition of this_ country as a 'dominion Dining his visits to tho Old Land he received the freedom of Edinburgh, London, Bristol, and Manchester, and was' made an honorary LIj.D. of Edinburgh ami of Dublin. In 1907 he was appointed a Pnvy Councillor. In 1909. on behalf of the New Zealand Government, he made to Britain the historic offer of one, or, it nccessarv, two battle cruiseis, and m I*lll he' was created a baronet. Ine Ward Government survived a no-confi-dence morion early in 1912, but bn Joseph then resigned. Sir Thomas Mackenzie succeeded him as iiime Minister, but his Government was defeated on a motion of no-cunmifiue in July, 1912, and the Reform Party then came into power. In tlo Cabinet Sir Joseph Ward held the po sition of Minister of Hnance from to 1919, and, with Mr Massey, he attended several war conferences m London In December, 1919, after haying ie presented Awarua continuously since 1887, he. was defeated by Mr J. R. Hamilton by 3.164 votes to *.‘107. On the death of Sir William Hornes he unsuccessful lv contested the I auranga scat mm ilist Mr C. E. MacMillan (Reform), who polled 4,360 votes to Sir Joseph’s 3.235. At tho 1920 Gcnc .u Election Sir Joseph was returned for Invercargill, the voting being. „bn Joseph Ward, 4,95/: Mr J. Hai'gest, 4.798; Mr P. W. Hickey, 811. The figures for Hie recent election were: Sir J G. "Ward, 6,699; o. M. Macalistcr, 3,776.

HON. G. W. FORBES

Mt- Cl. W. Forbes (member forHurunui), who has been given the portfolios of Lancia and Agriculture, was elected Leader ot the National Party in 3923 on the retirement, through illhealth, of Mr T. M. Wilforcl. Ho has been an enthusiastic Liberal all his life, having been a keen supporter of the late Mr George Laurcnson when that Libera! first won tho Lyttelton scat. Mr Forbes was born at Lyttelton, and was educated at the public school there and at tho Christchurch Boys’ High School. He was in business in Lyttelton, but when the Cheviot Estate came into the hands of the- Liberal Government under the Land and Income Tax Act lie was in tho ballot for sections, and was fortunate enough to draw an exceptionally good one. Ho not only has proved a good farmer, but al»o has taken a lively interest in all public affairs in the settlement, where ho still lives. He imbibed principles cl Liberalism from Mr Laurcnson. He was defeated in his first attempt to win tho Hurunui seat in 1902. In 1908 ho polled 2,056 against Mr 0. F. Clothier’s 1,356, Mr G. D. Greenwood’s 509, and Mr G. T. Pully’s 309. A second ballot gave him a substantia] majority. Ho has represented Hurunni ever since. Ho was Liberal Whip from 1912 until his election as Leader of tho Opposition in 1925. In his younger days ho was a representative footballer and oarsman. The voting in the recent election was as follows:—G. W. Forbes (U.), 4,948: L. R. C, M'Fnrkno (R.), 3,313; F. h. Turley (Lab.), 519.

HON. T. K. SIDEY

Mr Thomas Kay Sidey. the Hew Attorney-General and Leader of the Legislative Council, was born in Dunedin. He received his early education ,at Napier, and then attended Barrett’s Collegiate School in Dunedin and also the Otago Boys’ High School. On leaving the Boys’, High School Ke attended the Otago University for four years; and graduated in arts and law. He* commenced his legal training in the office of Mr Saul Solomon, K.C., and then commenced business on hi? own account. Subsequently his 1 chief'dork, Mr E. E. Collier, was taken into the firm, which is now known as , . Sidey and Collier. The first time he stood for Parliament was in 1896. when he unsuccessfully opposed Mr Arthur Morrison and three other candidates for Caversham. Mr Scddon was in power at this time. Mr Sidey did not

contest the next election in 1899, when Mr A. Morrison was again returned, but when Mr Morrison died in 1901 Mr Sidcy made his second attempt to enter Parliament. He was successful over Messrs W. H. Warren, H- D. Bedford, William Earnshuw, P. Hally, and J. J. Mcikle for tho Cavcrsham electorate. Mr Sidey thereafter withstood all attempts to wrest the seat from him, retiring this year. Mr Sidey always stood as a Liberal. In the House ho fathered a number of legislative proposals. He was the author of the Bill which put tho profession of dentistry on its present improved footing, ami he was tho first to introduce Hie Habitual Criminals Bill, which was taken over by tho Liberal Government. It was at his instance that Hie Immigration Restriction Bill was passed, designed to prevent criminals from Australia coming here on the expiry of their sentence. His name has been for many years prominently associated with the Daylight Saving Bill, in which finally ho achieved something like a record for a private member, his Bill being passed by the House after an all-night sitting. There are other records associated with his name, one of them being the defeat bv bun in several rfeuccessivo divisions of tho Government of which ho was himself a supporter, on the question of tho withdrawal of the sinking funds of local bodies from the bands of their own sinking fund commissioners, whether the loans were Government-guaranteed loans or not. Mr Sidey moved to restrict tho proposal to' State-guaranteed Mr Sidey has held a number of public offices oi importance, among them being tho following;—Councillor and Mayor of Cavcrsham Borough Council, member of the Caversliam School Committee and secretary and president of tho Dunedin and Suburban School Committees’ Association, member, termer vice-chancellor, and now chancellor of the University of Otago, chairman of the High Schools’ Board of Governors, treasurer and president of the Dunedin Horticultural Society, president of the Caversliam Bowling Club, president, of the St. Clair Golf Club, president of the Southern Football Club, patron and president of the Caversliam Lawn Tennis Chib, president of the Caversliam Harriers, patron or president of the St- Kilda and Caversliam Tennis Clubs, the St. Kilda Cricket Club, tho Hillside Workshops Cricket Club, the Hillside Miniature Rifle Club, and many other bodies. Mr Sidey still retains many of these offices.

HON. W. B. TAVERNER

Mr William Burgoyno Taverner. Minister of Railways and Customs (member for Dunedin South), received part of his education at the C'avcrshaiu School and the X’cmaiiuler in Anstialia, whero his parents resided, for a lew years. Ho returned to Dunedin more than thirty years ago. By occupation Mr Taverner is a public accountant, and has carried on business in Dunedin for many y-ears. His public activities commenced when lie was elected to the Portobello Road Board nearly twenty years ago. Ho served on this body for about six years. Ho entered the Dunedin City‘Council as a representative of Caversliam Ward in 19.14, and' in 1917, when the ward system was abolished, ho was returned as a member for Greater Dunedin. He ha.s served the public in a municipal capacity ever since. He was appointed chairman of tho Finance Committee in 1916. and held that position until he was elected mayor (unopposed) in 1927. For two years prior to his election as mayor ho filled the position of deputymayor to Mr Taplcy, with whom lie worked during the period covered by the Exhibition. Mr Taverner was president of the Otago Court at the Exhibition. When the activities of the Dunedin Drainage and Sewerage Board were taken over by the City Council and the St. Kilda Borough Council he assumed the position of chairman of th© Finance Committee, which ho held until he was elected mayor. Mr Taverner has always taken a keen interest in the city’s trading departments, and has had the satisfaction of seeing them grow and prosper in a manner that has been unique in tho municipal history of New Zealand. At present he represents the City Council on the Dunedin Fire Board and the Board of Managers of the King Edward Technical College. He is keenly interested in civil aviation, and is president of the recently-formed Aero Club.

HON. T. M. WILFORD

HON. E. A. RANSOM

Mr T. SI. Wilford, member for Hutt, who' has been appointed Minister of Defence and Minister of Justice, has a long record of service in the House, as he is now “ Father of Parliament.” Ho has represented tho Hutt electorate since 1903. Ho was born in Wellington in 1870, and was educated at Christ’s College, Christchurch. Ho was admitted to the Bar in 1801, and for a considerable number of years was a practising barrister, being tho senior partner' in the legal firm of Messrs Wilford, Levi, and Jackson. Ho was a member of tho Wellington Harbour Board for ton years, and held the position of chairman in 1903-09, and at one period was mayor of the city. Mr Wilford is well known, in sporting circles, and is a prominent racohorse owner. Ho unsuccessfully contested tho Wellington Suburbs scat against the late Dr A. K. Newman in 1893. hut was returned as that constituency’s representative seven years later. Ho won the Hutt seat in 1903, and at every election since ho has proved too good for all coiners. Ho held the portfolio of Justice for two years in the National Government, and upon tho defeat of Sir Joseph Ward assumed tho leadership of the Liberal Party. He was responsible for its change of name during tho 1925 session before he relinquished control on account of ill-health. He undertook an extended health-recruit-ing trip abroad, and his 1925 election campaign was conducted by some of his parliamentary colleagues in his absence. He retained tho scat by over 1,700 votes. - At the 1928 election Mr Wilford polled 6,858 votes, and his opponent (Mr W. Nash, Lab.) 5,739.

Mr E. A. Ransom , (member for Pahiatua), the new Minister of Public Works and Minister in Charge of Roads and Public Buildings, is a New Zealander, having been born in Lower Hutt in March 19, 1868. Ho has resided in the Pahiatua electorate for forty years, and is a prominent sheep farmer. Mr Ransom has had an active association with local body activities in the district. He was for nine years Mayor of Dannovirke (1910-19), and has been the chairman of the Dannevirke. Power Board since its inception. He was the first president of the Dannevirke Chamber of Commerce, Fire Board, a member of the High School Board'and the

Hospital Board, chairman of tho Efficiency Board of Tustces during tho war, and chairman of tho Hawke’s Bay War Relief Association. Mr Ransom is at present a member of tho executive of tho Farmers’ Union and tho Daiincvirko A. and P. Association. Ho has represented his town in football, tennis, and bowling. As a Liberal Mr Ransom was returned to Parliament for Pnliiiitua ill 1923, ami held the seat under tho Nationalist banner in 1925. During the 1925-28 Parliament ho acted as one of the party’s Whips, and on the amalgamation of tho Nationalists with tho United group was appointed Deputy-Leader of tho United Party for tho North Island. In the recent election the result of the poll was as follows: —E. A. Ransom (U.). 3,985; G. It. Smith (R.), 3.282; J. 'Whittle (Lab,), I 479.

HON. W. A. VEITCH

Mr W. A. Veilch (member for Wanganui), the new Minister of Labour and Minister of Mines, ivas born at Port of Mciiteith, Perthshire, Scotland, on May 25, 1870. His education was received from bis father, who was a Scottish primary school teacher. Before entering politics in New Zealand Mr Veitcli was an engine driver on the New Zealand Railways, a member of tho Railway Appeal Board, and president of tho Railway Superannuation Board. He was returned to Parliament for Wanganui'in 191], and has held tho seat continuously for tho past seventeen years. Ho subscribes himself as a Liberal supporter of the United Party, of whoso organisation

he was elected president in September, 1928, when the leadership of tho new political group was given to Sir Joseph Ward. In 1927 Mr Veitch hud organised u Literal revivalist movement, which resulted in the ultima to consolidation of tho moderate forces opposed to tho Government. Ho is a student of practical railway finance, and advocates its administration from the viewpoint of tho welfare of tho staff, the safety of tho travelling public, and tho service value to tho department in the development of tho country. For a number of years ho was a member of tho Wanganui Harbour Board, and is now an active member of the Wanganui River Trust and Domain Board. Ho unsuccessfully _ contested the, Wanganui mayoralty in 1917. Mr Veitch was ono of tho founders of tho Aramoho Boating Club, and is, on principle, a sympathetic supporter of all forms of athletics, believing that they make for virility and clean living. He is a firm believer in daylight saving. At the recent general election Mr Veitch polled 4,557 votes, Mr W. J. Rogers (Labour) 2,584, and Mr N. J. Lewis (Reform) 2,482.

HON. H. ATRIORE

Mr Harry Atmore (Independent Liberal, Nelson), the new Minister of Education, has been member for Nelson since 1911, ■ Ho is a sou of the late Mr Edward Atmore, of Nelson, and was educated at the Nelson Public School. It was in 1902 that he first stood for Parliament as an Independent Liberal. ~He was then defeated by Mr J. Graham, the sitting member, by 623 votes. In 1905 ho stood again, but was once more beaten, though his minority on this occasion dwindled to 29. It was reduced .even further in 1903, for on this occasion he was beaten by 14. On both occasions he was opposed by Mr Graham. In 1911 he was returned to the House, winning in the second ballot by 1,633 votes. He was defeated in 1914 by 187 votes, but was re-elected in 1919 by a 510 majority. At each election since then ho has held the seat with large majorities. Ho is a brilliant debater, and is regarded as

ono of llio best speakers in the Uouso. He i Has ' served on the Nelson Lity Council, > Hospital Board, and otter public bodies in the Nelson distnc . Throughout his parliamentary career he has maintained an attitude or independence, refusing to link up, although giving the Liberals general support. In the recent election ho pollen 5,365 votes to 3,091 by his opponent, F. W. 0. Smith (Reform).

HON. I B. DONALD

Mr J. B. Donald (Auckland East), Postmaster-General and Minister of Telegraphs, is a well-known Auckland business man.' An Aucklander by

birth, Mr Donald is the second son of the late Mr A. B. Donald, who many years ago founded tho firm of Donald and Edenborongh, merchants and Island traders. He entered his father’s business on completing his education at old Queen’s College, carried on by tho late Dr A. MacArthur, S.M., m Upper Queen street, and has been associated with the firm of A. B. Donald, Ltd., for thirty years, being at present managing director, _ Ho Is forty-eight year's of age, and is a ' justice of the peace.

HON. JOHN G. COBBE

Mr John G. Cobbe (member for Oroua), the new Minister of Marine and Industries and Commerce, was born in the King’s County, Ireland, where his family has been engaged in extensive farming operations ior a long period. He was educated in Tullamoro and Dublin, and after coming to New Zealand he settled, in Feilding, and was managing director of John Cobbe, Ltd., until his retirement in 1919. Since that date Mr Cobbe has devoted greater attention to his considerable sheep farming interests in the Wanganui River district. He was the first president of the Feilding Chamber of Commerce, an , office he filled on several subsequent occasions, and wag also the inaugural president gf

tho_ Fcilding A. and P. Association, again acting in that capacity in 10-J and 1924. For some years lie has been chairman of directors of the Feilding Farmers’ Freezing Company, Ltd., and Manawatu . representative on tho Wellington Harbour Board, of which ho has been chairman since May, 1927. Mr Cobbe is also chairman of the Harbour Boards’ Association of New Zealand. Cricket is the sport ho is chiefly interested in. In the recent election Mr Cobbe polled 4,096 votes to 3,412 by his opponent, Mr J. G. Eliott (Reform), «

HON. D£ LA PERRELLE

Mr P. A. do- la Pcrrcllo (Awariia), Minister of'lnternal Affairs, was born in the Lakes District, Southland, liftyiivc years ago. His parents arrived on tho goldfields in 1863. After leaving school Mr Pcrrcllo .joined tho staff of tho ‘Lake County Press,’ and at the ago of twenty-one years purchased the paper from Mr W. J. Marsh. At that early ago he was also appointed a justice of the peace. From tho time ho took over the paper ho closely identified himself with tho_ progress of the Lukes District, both in regard to the fostering and development of the agricultural and mining industries. ■ lie also took an active part in public bodies. Ho was a member of tho Arrow Borough Council, member of the Wakatipu Licensing Bench, Lake County representative of the Southland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, a steward of tho Lake County Jockey Club, ajid captain of the Wakatipu Mounted Rifles. He was the promoter of die Lake County A. and P. Association, and was instrumental in starting the Lake County Co-operative Dairy Factory Company. In 1912 ho purchased tho Winton ‘Record.' Very soon his activities in the interests of Winton and district were evident. Ho was ono of the promoters of the Wm-

ton A. and P. Association, from which emerged tho Winton Experimental Farm. Ho is a member of the Southland Education Board, and for the past eight years has been its chairman. He is also a member of the Southland High Schools’ Board of Governors and of the Awarua Licensing Bench, and has continuously identified himself with the progress of Southland. In 1902 Mr Perrcllc married a daughter of tiic late Mr Francis Grant, of Milton. He was elected as tho member for Awarua in 1922, when lie defeated Mr J. R. Hamilton by .3,531 votes to 3,480, but was defeated by the same opponent at tho next General Election. The voting at the recent election was as follows:—P. A. do la Pcrrello 4,132, J. R. Hamilton (R.) 3,186, W. C. Denham (Lab.) 251.

NON. A. J. STALLWORTHY

Mr A. J. Stall worthy (Eden), Minister of Public Health, is flic oldest son of the late Mr John Stallworthy, lormcrly Liberal'member for Kaipara. Mr A. j. Stallworthy was born in Auckland, and accompanied his parents to tho Northern Wairoa as a boy. Four years ago he sold out his business of the ‘Northern Advertiser,’ of which ho was editor-proprietor, and went, to Auckland to rejoin his children attending the Auckland University College. Li the north Mr Stallworthy was known as a' versatile platform speaker, a preacher in the evangelical churches, and an enthusiast in local and general politics. He was an original member of the Hobson Electric Power Board. Last year ho was elected to tho Auckland "City Council, and his social and public interests iucludc_ membership of the New Zealand Tourist League, the Young Citizens’ League, and the Auckland Play and Recreation Association. He is honorary organiser of the Auckland Band of Hope Union and a member of a special committee set up .by the Justice Department under the Inebriates’ Institutions Act, Ho is also president of the Auckland branch' of file Protestant Political Association.

P'A AHRANA NGATA

Sir Apirana Ngata, tho new Minister of Native Affairs 1 and Minister for-tho Cook Islands and member of tho Executive Council representing the Native race, was born 1 at Kavvakavya, To Araroa, near East Cape, on July 31, 1874. Ho. was educated at the Native village school, To Auto College, and Canterbury College, and passed the examination for his B.A. degree in 1893. Ho later secured his M.A. degree (honours in political science) and his LL.B.'in 1896. He was admitted as a barrister and solicitor in 1897. On the formation of the To Ante Students’ Association (Young Maori Party) in 1899 he was appointed travelling secretary, necessitating his giving up practice. Ho initiated reforms in sanitation. Ho was elected member for tho Eastern Maori scat in 1905, and has represented that constituency without a break since that year. He was a Minister without portfolio in the Ward Cabinet (1909-12).