Sir William Hall-Jones

Category One: Persons of Prominent International Standing

Date of Birth

16 January 1851 at Folkestone, Kent, England

Died

19 June 1936 at Wellington

Married

Rosalind Lucy Purss 1877

Children

Two sons and three daughters

Education

  • English public schools
  • Apprenticeship as a joiner

Career

  • Member of Timaru Borough Council (five years)
  • Member of Levels Road Board (three years)
  • MP for Timaru 1890-1908
  • Government Whip 1891-93
  • Minister of Justice, Public Works, Marine and Railways in Seddon administration
  • Became Acting Prime Minister in 1906 when Seddon visited Australia

On Seddon’s death several weeks later Hall-Jones agreed to become Prime Minister but only until the return from overseas of Sir Joseph Ward. Hall-Jones was a Minister in the Ward Government and in 1908 became New Zealand High Commissioner to London, serving four years. On returning to New Zealand he became a member of the Legislative Council until his death. Seddon said of Hall-Jones : “He is the best administrator I have in my cabinet.”

Honours

  • Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) 1910
  • Life Member Timaru Oddfellows Lodge
  • Awarded the Freedom of Folkestone 1928

Last updated: 16 Sep 2021