1. Harry Robson Lake was a New Zealand politician who served as Minister of Finance for six years in the second National government in the 1960s.
19 Facts About Harry Lake
1. 2.
Harry Lake died of a heart attack when only 55 years old.
3.
Harry Lake attended Riccarton Primary School and Christchurch West District High School.
4.
Harry Lake was further educated at the University of Canterbury, gaining a bachelor's degree in commerce.
5.
Harry Lake was then employed for five years at the Vacuum Oil Company before joining a firm of public accountants, in which he later became a partner.
6.
Harry Lake established an accountancy practice in 1943 and then a senior partner in the firm of Lake, Glynn and Smith.
7.
Harry Lake served a term as chairman of the Christchurch branch of the Society of Accountants.
8.
Harry Lake was deemed medically unfit for active service in World War II.
9.
Harry Lake was a member of the Christchurch Drainage Board and was chairman of its finance committee.
10.
Harry Lake was the treasurer of the Canterbury-Westland division of the National Party.
11.
Harry Lake was immediately elevated to Cabinet by Prime Minister Keith Holyoake, becoming minister of finance.
12.
Undoubtedly the reason for Harry Lake's promotion was the fact he was a close friend and political confidante of Holyoake.
13.
In recognition of his lack of experience Harry Lake was officially ranked only sixth in Cabinet, a lower position than a minister of finance would normally expect.
14.
Harry Lake was appointed Minister of Statistics and Minister of Revenue.
15.
In 1964, Harry Lake suffered his first heart attack, which reduced his energy somewhat but did not impair his ability to perform his role.
16.
Ultimately Harry Lake did not have a chance to respond to this problem, however.
17.
In February 1967 Harry Lake returned to Christchurch to attend the funeral of his wife's uncle, where he suffered a second heart attack, and died.
18.
Harry Lake was survived by his wife and two children.
19.
Harry Lake was succeeded as minister of finance by Robert Muldoon, and as MP for Fendalton by Eric Holland.