Today in History

1893 Death of Premier John Ballance

Ballance was the first Liberal Premier. He laid the foundation for a government that was seen as being responsible for making New Zealand 'the social laboratory of the world'.

Ballance arrived in New Zealand in 1866 and settled in Wanganui, where he established the Evening Herald newspaper. During the fighting against Titokowaru in 1868–69 he was both a soldier and war correspondent. He was elected to Parliament in 1875. He called for the abolition of the provincial system and supported state education. He became Colonial Treasurer in 1878 and in 1884 Native Minister in the Stout–Vogel ministry.

Ballance's policies aimed at protecting Maori land were enlightened if somewhat paternalistic. He favoured taking troops out of sensitive areas, believing that they increased tension. It was his suggestion that Ngati Tuwharetoa donate land to become Tongariro National Park.

By 1889 Ballance was leader of the parliamentary opposition. A radical land policy was a key theme of the Liberals' campaign at the 1890 election, which took place against a background of strikes and economic depression. When Premier Harry Atkinson's government was defeated in the House in January 1891, Ballance formed the country’s first Liberal government.

In his last months in office Ballance supported moves to enfranchise women, a reform of which he had long been an advocate. Speaking in the House in 1890 he declared: 'I believe in the absolute equality of the sexes, and I think they should be in the enjoyment of equal privileges in political matters.'

John Ballance died from cancer in Wellington on 27 April 1893. Following a state funeral he was buried at Wanganui three days later. He was succeeded as Premier by Richard Seddon, who was to hold office for the next 13 years.

Image: John Ballance