The Rainmaker A Biography of John Ballance Journalist and Politician 1839 – 1893

by Timothy McIvor,

Published by Heinemann Reed, 1989, Hardcover. 290 pages. Illustrations.

A Very Good copy (gift inscription) in slightly worn dust wrapper.

Condition: Dust jacket is in good order other than small tidily repaired fold tear at base of rear flap, some rubbing to boards at base. no markings or inscriptions within, clean and tidy throughout.

John Ballance “the Rainmaker” as Premier of New Zealand ushered in a period of prosperity after depression. He began his political career as a member of Parliament in 1875 and was Premier at the time of his death in 1893. He campaigned for a number of issues including, abolition of the provinces, the provision of free education, womens suffrage, and implemented progressive land tax and progressive income tax. He originally came to New Zealand from Ireland.

Prior to his involvement in politics he founded the Wanganui Herald of which he remained an owner until his death. He was involved in raising a voluntary cavalry group during fighting with the Maori Chief Titokowaru in 1867 and as a result of activities in the field received the New Zealand Medal. The work encompasses a significant period of not only dramatic political change but also colonization, land development, new settlements, and policies to accomplish that. Also Balance was sympathetic to the Maori situation and for a period served as Minister of Native Affairs along with a number of other portfolios.

An insightful biography that provides context to much of New Zealand’s early period of European settlement.