File:Sir Joseph Ward - Authie, France - 30 June 1918 (16985501838).jpg

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Joseph Ward was born on April 26 1856. Ward was born in Melbourne on 26 April 1856 to a Roman Catholic family of Irish descent. In 1863, the family moved to Bluff (then officially known as Campbelltown), in New Zealand's Southland region, seeking better financial security. In 1869, Ward found a job at the Post Office, and then as a clerk. Later, with the help of a loan from his mother, Ward began to work as a freelance trader, selling supplies to the newly established Southland farming community.

Ward became involved in local politics very quickly. He was elected to the Campbelltown (Bluff) Borough Council in 1878, despite being only 21 years old – at age 25 he became Mayor, the youngest in New Zealand. He also served on the Bluff Harbour Board, eventually becoming its chairman. In 1887, Ward stood for Parliament, winning the seat of Awarua. Politically, Ward was a supporter of politicians such as Julius Vogel and Robert Stout, leaders of the liberal wing of Parliament – Ward's support was unusual in the far south. Ward became known as a strong debater on economic matters. In 1891, when the newly founded Liberal Party came to power, the new Prime Minister, John Ballance, appointed Ward as Postmaster General. Later, when Richard Seddon became Prime Minister after Ballance's death, Ward became Treasurer (Minister of Finance).

On the occasion of the visit of HRH the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York (later King George V and Queen Mary) to New Zealand, he was knighted as a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) for overseeing the introduction of the Penny Post throughout New Zealand. Ward’s first time as Prime Minister ran from 6th August 1906 to 28 March 1912. Ward became Prime Minister again, 22 years after his original appointment after the election of 1928.

This image of Joseph Ward is from 1918 whilst he was Deputy Prime Minister during the war-time coalition. The image was taken by the official New Zealand Expeditionary Force photographer Henry Armytage Sanders. Sanders was an Official NZEF Photographer (service number 37194) and was appointed by the New Zealand Government to document the New Zealand Division during World War One. It is part of a group of photos taken by Sanders which are often referred to as the 'H' series.

Reference: Reference: ACGO 8398 IA76 7/13 H691 archway.archives.govt.nz/ViewFullItem.do?code=24204027

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