George Forbes (New Zealand politician)
|
The Right Honourable George William Forbes |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| 22nd Prime Minister of New Zealand | |
|
In office 28 May 1930 – 6 December 1935 |
|
| Monarch | George V |
| Governor-General |
Charles Bathurst George Monckton-Arundell |
| Preceded by | Joseph Ward |
| Succeeded by | Michael Joseph Savage |
| 9th Leader of the Opposition | |
|
In office 13 August 1925 – 4 November 1925 |
|
| Preceded by | Thomas Wilford |
| Succeeded by | Harry Holland |
|
In office 6 December 1935 – 2 November 1936 |
|
| Preceded by | Michael Joseph Savage |
| Succeeded by | Adam Hamilton |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
12 March 1869 Lyttelton, Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Died | 17 May 1947 (aged 78) Cheviot, New Zealand |
| Political party |
Liberal (1908–1928) United (1928–1936) National (1936–1947) |
| Spouse(s) | Emma Serena Gee |
| Children | 3 |
| Religion | Anglican |
George William Forbes (/fɔːrbz/; 12 March 1869 – 17 May 1947) served as the 22nd Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1930 to 1935. Few expected him to become Prime Minister when he did, and some believed him unsuitable for the post; it was his misfortune to hold office during the very worst period of the Great Depression. He nevertheless remained in power for five years. Often referred to as "Honest George", Forbes had a reputation for probity, rare debating skill, and impressive memory. His courteous and friendly attitude earned him the liking and respect of parliamentarians from all sides of the House. Throughout his time in national politics his Hurunui constituents held Forbes in high regard: even when Prime Minister he would roll up his sleeves and help load sheep from his farm on the railway wagons for market. Forbes headed the coalition government that eventually became the modern National Party.
Forbes was born in Lyttelton, just outside the city of Christchurch. He gained his education at Christchurch Boys' High School in Christchurch, and did not attend university. He became known for his ability at sport, particularly in athletics, rowing, and rugby where he captained the Canterbury team. After finishing school he briefly worked in his father's ships' chandlery business in Lyttelton, but later established himself as a successful farmer near Cheviot, to the north of Christchurch. He quickly became active in the local politics of the region, particularly with regard to the Cheviot County Council and the Cheviot Settlers' Association.
At the 1902 election, Forbes made his first attempt to enter national politics, standing for the Hurunui electorate. He stood as an independent, having failed to gain the Liberal Party nomination. He lost the election. At the 1908 election, however, he became the Liberal Party's official Hurunui candidate, and won the seat of Hurunui. He would hold this seat for thirty-five years.
...
Wikipedia