The Life and Work of Richard John Seddon (Premier of New Zealand, 1893–1906)
With a History of the Liberal Party of New Zealand

A 1907 biography of Richard Seddon (1845–1906), New Zealand's longest-serving prime minister (1893–1906), illuminating the Liberal Party's history.

James Drummond (Author)

9781108062008, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 22 August 2013

450 pages, 25 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 2.5 cm, 0.57 kg

A successful journalist, naturalist and author, James Drummond (1869–1940) began his biography of Richard John Seddon (1845–1906), New Zealand's prime minister, while his subject was still alive and in office. Originally intended as a collaborative effort, the work had to be completed without further assistance following Seddon's sudden death on a voyage from Australia to Auckland in June 1906. It was published in 1907, along lines 'that Mr Seddon approved of', and with an introduction by the prime minister at the time, Sir Joseph Ward. A popular figure, Seddon led his party to victory at five successive general elections. The book traces his life from his English childhood, through his emigration and entry into politics, to his last days, charting the achievements, personality and beliefs of New Zealand's longest-serving prime minister to date, and shedding light on the history of the Liberal Party.

Preface
Introduction
1. Early life and life on the goldfields
2. Elected to the House of Representatives
3. His first session
4. The continuous ministry again
5. Days of parochialism
6. The Stout-Vogel combination
7. The Liberal Party in opposition
8. A prominent Liberal leader
9. The new Liberal ministry
10. Minister for public works
11. More difficulties
12. Mr Seddon as premier
13. A banking crisis
14. Labour legislation
15. Conciliation and arbitration - boards of conciliation
16. Conciliation and arbitration - the Arbitration Court
17. Other reforms
18. Settling the land
19. The imperialist
20. The humanist
21. In cartoon and story
22. Last days
Appendix
Index.

Subject Areas: Australasian & Pacific history [HBJM]