42 Facts About Joseph Ward

Joseph Ward was a dominant figure in the Liberal and United ministries of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Joseph Ward established a successful grain trade in Invercargill in 1877 and soon became prominent in local politics.

Joseph Ward became Prime Minister on 6 August 1906, following Seddon's death two months earlier.

Joseph Ward's government faced strong opposition from the Reform Party and the newly formed socialist parties.

Joseph Ward led the Liberal Party to two election victories, in 1908 and 1911, albeit with a one-seat majority in the latter.

Joseph Ward resigned as head of government on 28 March 1912.

The coalition was dissolved in 1919 and Joseph Ward resigned as Liberal leader.

Joseph Ward became Prime Minister on 10 December 1928, as leader of the United Party, which had formed from the remnants of the former Liberal Party.

Joseph Ward attempted to rejuvenate liberal support in New Zealand but his party lost ground to the New Zealand Labour Party.

Joseph Ward was born in Melbourne on 26 April 1856 to a Roman Catholic family of Irish descent.

Joseph Ward received his formal education at primary schools in Melbourne and Bluff.

Joseph Ward did read extensively, and picked up a good understanding of business from his mother.

In 1869, Joseph Ward found a job at the Post Office, and later as a clerk.

Later, with the help of a loan from his mother, Joseph Ward began to work as a freelance trader, selling supplies to the newly established Southland farming community.

Joseph Ward served on the Bluff Harbour Board, eventually becoming its chairman.

In 1887, Joseph Ward stood for Parliament, winning the seat of Awarua.

Joseph Ward became known as a strong debater on economic matters.

Joseph Ward's increasing occupation with government affairs led to neglect of his own business interests and his personal finances began to deteriorate.

Gradually, Joseph Ward rebuilt his businesses, and paid off his creditors.

Joseph Ward gradually emerged as the most prominent of Seddon's supporters, and was seen as a possible successor.

Joseph Ward was not seen by most as being of the same calibre as Seddon.

Joseph Ward increasingly focused on foreign affairs, which was seen by his opponents as a sign that he could not cope with the country's problems.

In 1901, Joseph Ward established the world's first Ministry of Health and Tourism, and became the British Empire's first Minister of Public Health.

On 26 September 1907, Joseph Ward proclaimed New Zealand's new status as a Dominion.

Joseph Ward presided over a period of economic prosperity and provided state funds to help new settlers to the country.

Joseph Ward occupied himself with relatively minor matters, and took his family on a visit to England, where he was created a baronet by King George V on 20 June 1911.

On 11 September 1913 Joseph Ward finally accepted the leadership of the Liberal Party .

Joseph Ward worked to build alliances with the growing labour movement, which was now standing candidates in many seats.

The Liberal Party chose not contest the election themselves but Joseph Ward actively toured the electorate holding meetings to encourage the electors to vote for the Labour candidate Jim Munro.

Joseph Ward had made preparation for a return to power, but the Reform Party managed to hold the seat.

On 12 August 1915, Ward and accepted a proposal by William Massey and the governing Reform Party to form a joint administration for World War I Ward became deputy leader of the administration, holding the Finance portfolio.

Joseph Ward accepted an offer from Albert Davy and became leader of the new United Party, fighting off three other contenders.

Joseph Ward's health was still poor, and he found the task difficult.

Joseph Ward briefly served as Minister of External Affairs in 1929.

Joseph Ward was attempting to rejuvenate liberal support in New Zealand.

Joseph Ward's cabinet was rather youthful, with only two members, other than himself, having held ministerial portfolios before.

From late-September 1929 Joseph Ward seldom attended debates in the House and from March 1930 Joseph Ward was too ill to even hold meetings of the Cabinet.

Joseph Ward suffered a number of heart attacks, and soon it was Forbes who was effectively running the government.

Joseph Ward was determined not to resign, and remained Prime Minister until well after he had lost the ability to perform the role effectively.

On 28 May 1930, Joseph Ward succumbed to strong pressure from his colleagues and his family, and passed the premiership to Forbes.

Joseph Ward had been promoted to Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George in the 1930 New Year Honours.

Joseph Ward had been an active worshipper there for all of his thirty-seven years as an MP.