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.
Contents
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.
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