George William Forbes

Forbes was born in 1869 in Lyttelton, near Christchurch. After attending Lyttelton School and Christchurch Boy’s High School, he worked in his father’s store in Christchurch.

At the age of 24, Forbes began farming in Cheviot. He was a foundation member of the Cheviot County council, and got married there, aged 29, to Emma Serea Gee.

Seddon had warned Forbes to bide his time, however Forbes decided to stand for the Hurunui seat in 1902, and did not win. He tried again, this time successfully, and won as Liberal candidate in 1908. Forbes was to hold this seat until 1943. In 1912 Forbes became a Liberal whip, holding office until 1922.

During this term in government, there was a split in the Liberal Party, and Wilford announced that his side would take the name National. On 13 August 1925 Forbes was elected leader of the party, and went on to be Deputy Prime Minister from 1928 to 1930. On 14 May 1930 Ward resigned as Prime Minister, and the United caucus elected Forbes as leader. Forbes was sworn in as Prime Minister on 28 May, also taking on the Finance role.

Coalition government was being widely demanded and an inter-party conference was held from August to September 1931 to draw up an agreed economic policy. Forbes demanded a coalition government to share responsibility, and hence became Prime Minister of the Coalition Government on 22 September 1931. Coates became the Minister of Finance under Forbes, who presided in the shadow. A perception began to grow that Coates was far too active, and Forbes far too passive. At the election in November 1935 Forbes’ followers reduced and for the first time he was elected on a minority vote. He was elected leader of the opposition, much as a stop-gap.

Forbes resigned from the leadership at the end of the 1936 session but retained his seat. He did not stand for Parliament in 1943, and died at Crystal Brook, his Cheviot farm, on 17 May 1947. Forbes was survived by his wife, two daughters and a son.