Ward, Sir Joseph George

Ward, Sir Joseph George (b. 26 Apr. 1856, d. 8 July 1930). Premier (Prime Minister from 1907) of New Zealand 1906–12, 1928–30 Born in Melbourne, his family arrived in New Zealand in 1860. He became a successful grain merchant and entered local politics, becoming Mayor of Campbelltown (1881–5, 1896–7). He entered Parliament in 1887, and because of his administrative skills he soon entered government as Postmaster-General (1891–6). In 1893, he also became Colonial Treasurer, as which he advocated public works and financial assistance to farmers through cheap loans. He retired from political life in 1897 because of the collapse of his business, but he was immediately re-elected and in 1899 he became Colonial Secretary (Internal Affairs) and Minister of Trade and Customs, and in 1900 Minister of Railways. He continued to push for improved communications throughout the British Empire, and in 1901 realized the universal penny postage in New Zealand. He was instrumental in the creation of the world's first government department of public health, of which he became a minister in 1901. He was also responsible for the creation of public-sector pensions in 1902.

Ward succeeded Seddon in 1906 as Prime Minister, becoming also Minister of Defence, as well as retaining the office of Postmaster-General. He continued Seddon's policies of social reform, creating a sickness and old-age insurance fund in 1910, drawing up a workers' dwelling Act and providing for widows' pensions. He raised the country's financial contribution to the British navy in the developing European arms race, and introduced compulsory military training for young men in 1910. However, in the 1911 elections the resurgence of the opposition and Massey's organization of farming interests ended the long predominance of his Liberal Party, and he resigned in 1912 to become leader of the opposition. In the national government during World War I, he became Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, proving particularly adept at raising and repaying loans to finance the war. He lost his seat in the 1919 elections, but returned to Parliament in 1925, and in 1928 became leader of the United Party, which had emerged from the Liberals. He became Prime Minister again, with the support of the Labour Party. He tried in vain to alleviate the sufferings caused by the Great Depression through active state intervention, and resigned owing to ill health on 15 May 1930.