1. Harry Atkinson was responsible for guiding the country during a time of economic depression, and was known as a cautious and prudent manager of government finances, though distrusted for some policies such as his 1882 National Insurance scheme and leasehold land schemes.
Harry Atkinson participated in the formation of voluntary military units to fight in the New Zealand Wars, and was noted for his strong belief in the need for seizure of Maori land.
Harry Atkinson was accompanied by his brother Arthur together with members of the Richmond family.
Harry Atkinson was made a sergeant of the Taranaki Volunteer Rifle Company in February 1859 and then commissioned as a captain in March.
Harry Atkinson led No 2 Company throughout the First Taranaki War and saw action at the Battles of Waireka, Mahoetahi and Kaitake.
Harry Atkinson first became involved in politics, as a member of the Taranaki provincial council.
Harry Atkinson represented the Grey and Bell electorate from 1857 to 1865, and again from 1873 to 1874.
Harry Atkinson was a member of the Executive Council from 1868.
Harry Atkinson was highly active in this portfolio, advocating a policy of self-reliance in the conduct of the war.
Harry Atkinson returned to parliament from 1867 to 1869 for the Town of New Plymouth electorate, but in April 1869 he resigned to concentrate on maintaining his farm.
In 1872, Harry Atkinson returned to politics for the Egmont electorate; to defeat William Sefton Moorhouse, who was allied with William Fox, a prominent supporter of Maori land rights.
Harry Atkinson declared that he would "not see a Foxite get in", and narrowly defeated Moorhouse.
Once in parliament, Harry Atkinson soon became involved in economic matters, opposing the policies of Julius Vogel.
Vogel's response was that Harry Atkinson was overly cautious, and would delay economic progress.
Harry Atkinson eventually became part of Vogel's cabinet, but not with portfolios related to negotiations with Maori or to finance.
Harry Atkinson did continue to express his opinions on these matters, but found it increasingly harder to convince people of his views.
In 1876, Vogel retired, and Harry Atkinson managed to secure the Premiership.
Harry Atkinson took over direct responsibility for financial policy, and implemented a less aggressive strategy for borrowing.
Harry Atkinson attempted to reform the system by which money was handled, placing all responsibility for borrowing with the government while increasing control of spending at a district or municipal level.
Harry Atkinson lost power in 1877, only slightly over a year after he gained it.
Harry Atkinson entered opposition, continuing to promote his ideas of financial caution.
Harry Atkinson proposed a number of other measures, including national insurance.
The years 1887 and 1888 were the worst of the Long Depression, and Harry Atkinson cut salaries, raised loans and raised customs duties.
Harry Atkinson was not popular with the wealthy, but they feared the Opposition leaders Grey and Ballance even more.
In January 1888, Harry Atkinson was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George.
In 1891, Harry Atkinson was finally superseded as Premier by John Ballance of the newly created Liberal Party, the country's first organised political party.
Harry Atkinson acceded to the wishes of his friends, and on 23 January 1891 he was appointed to the Legislative Council, along with six other men, to attempt to block any radical bills that Ballance might introduce in the Lower House.