Story: Public service

Richard Seddon opening a railway line, 1906

Richard Seddon opening a railway line, 1906

Building and extending railway lines and rail services was a major function of New Zealand's public service in the first years of the 20th century. Here, Premier Richard Seddon arrives to open the first section of the Hokitika–Ross railway on the West Coast. Before entering national politics Seddon had spent 20 years working as a goldminer and publican on the West Coast, and appreciated the importance of large-scale public works such as railways. He died in 1906, the year this photo was taken.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, James Ring Collection
Reference: PA1-o-436-20-1
Photograph by James Ring

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Richard Shaw, 'Public service - Political control', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/33016/richard-seddon-opening-a-railway-line-1906 (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Richard Shaw, published 20 Jun 2012, reviewed & revised 8 Mar 2021