John Ballance

Ballance was born in Glenavy Co Antrim Ireland, 1839. He was educated at Glenavy national school and was brought up on the farm until he was apprenticed as an iron-monger in Belfast. He travelled to Birmingham, and then Melbourne before arriving in New Zealand in 1865.

In New Zealand, Ballance found he had time on his hand and began writing to the local newspapers. During the Maori wars, Ballance helped to found the Wanganui Cavalry, of which he was a member. He also began writing columns in the Herald, a newspaper he was later to run himself.

Ballance first essayed to enter politics in 1873, when he stood for Egmont, but retired in favour of Harry Atkinson. Two years later, he entered Parliament as Member for Rangitikei, where he became good friends with Grey and Stout.

In 1878, under the Grey ministry, Ballance was sworn in as Commissioner of Customs and Minister of Education, and on 18 April that year he also became Commissioner of Stamp Duties. Then, two months later, he took office as Colonial Treasurer. Soon after, Grey and Ballance had a disagreement leading in Ballance's decision to resign from Cabinet. At the following General Election, Ballance became Member for Wanganui.

Following the 1884 election Ballance took the portfolios of Native Minister and Minister of Defence. In 1887, Ballance became the leader of the Liberals in opposition. After some contention, the government lost the 1890 election, and on 24 January, Ballance was elected as premier. He remained Premier for over two years until, on 27 April 1893, he died in office.