Story: Elections and campaigns

On the stump, Greytown, 1899 (1st of 3)

On the stump, Greytown, 1899

Premier Richard Seddon is shown here addressing a Liberal Party rally in Greytown in 1899. Going on the stump, as public campaigning and speechmaking was known, was denounced by some observers when George Grey (a former governor who had become premier) did it in 1879. However, by the 1890s it was accepted. A populist who worked hard to maintain his own popularity, Seddon frequently toured the country speaking at meetings and banquets, and meeting deputations. Known for a superb memory (assisted by briefings from his private secretary), Seddon projected an expansive friendliness and sympathy. In this photograph he wears his trademark frock coat with a flower in the buttonhole.

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Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: 1/2-002266-F

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:

Bryce Edwards, 'Elections and campaigns - Election campaigning', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/35152/on-the-stump-greytown-1899 (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Bryce Edwards, published 20 Jun 2012, updated 1 Jul 2016