In 1875 John Ballance entered parliament in Wellington, New Zealand. He was appointed to the Cabinet in 1878, at the age of 39. He held many positions eg: the portfolios of Education, Treasury, Lands, Native Affairs and Defence.
John Ballance's party was the Liberal Party. As Liberal leader, he was elected Prime Minister in 1891 and stayed there until his death in 1893.
| He upheld Maori rights, he wanted Maori land to
remain in Maori hands. He also fought for free health care and education
for all. His land measures gained him the title of The Rainmaker,
attacking economic depression and pointing New Zealand towards economic
prosperity. John Ballance is also remembered for giving New Zealand
women the vote and benefits to old people.
Sadly, at the age of 54, John Ballance was the first New Zealand Prime Minister to die in office. Around the base of his memorial statue, outside Parliament Buildings in Wellington, are the words, 'he loved the people'. |
|
| Ballance House | Quaker Background | Education and Emigration | Political Career |
