WANGANUI.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 226, 27 September 1887, Page 2

WANGANUI.

John Ballance came to the colony in 1866, and settled in Wanganui, starting the " Wanganui Herald " in 1867, a paper in which he still retains the principal interest. During the Maori war he held a commission as cornet in the Wanganui Cavalry, but his commission was cancelled in January, 1869, by Colonel Haultain, then Defence Minister, because of the outspoken criticism of the " Herald." The first time he came forward for Parliament was in 1872, when he stood for Egmont against Major Atkinson and Mr Moorhouso. Major Atkinson was the Stafford candidate, and Mr Moorhouse favoured the Fox-Vogel Government. Finding the votes on the Patea side insufficient to carry hias through,^ being overweighted by the'Taranaki votes, he, at the suggestion of Sir E. W. Stafford, withdrew in favour of Major Atkinson. In 1875, Mr Ballance came forward for Rangitikei, standing against Messrs W. H. Watt and W. Hutchinson (now in Dunedin.) He won that contest and in 1876 stood again for the same seat against Mr J. Bull, a local magnate, and won by a large majority. In 1879 Sir W. Fox brought forward a nominee for Rangitikei, and stood himself for Wanganui. Mr Ballance determined to face Sir W. Fox himself, and stood for Wanganui with Mr Bryce, two members being required. Mr Ballance was elected. In 1881 Mr W. H. Watt beat Mr Ballance for-' Wanganui by four votes, but in 1884 Mr Ballance was again successful, beating Messrs Watt and G. Hutchison. He held office as Colonial Treasurer, Commissioner of Customs and Education in the Grey Ministry,introducing the Beer and Land Tax, and brought into force the Education Act on its present administrative basis with the assistance of Dr Hislop, and though a difficulty arose as to funds, the whole thing was in working order when he left office. He has held the positions of Minister of Lands, Native and Defence,, in the Stout-Vogel Government, and is noted as the originator of the "One Policeman Policy," Village Settlement and other land schemes.