ANDERSON, GEORGE JAMES (1860-1935) was born at Back Creek, Bendigo, Australia, and came to New Zealand in 1862 with his parents, who were attracted by the gold rush at Gabriel's Gully. He attended the Lawrence school until the age of 14, when he began work as a compositor's apprentice. In 1890 he married Mary Annie, daughter of Edward Ball.

After experience on the mechanical side of several newspapers, Anderson became business manager of the Mataura Ensign, Gore, and in 1908 took control of the editorial department. In the same year he was elected member of the House of Representatives for Mataura (defeating a strong opponent), and he held this seat continuously until he was defeated in 1928 (by D. McDougall). Anderson was for some years a member of the Gore High School board of governors, and of the Southland education board. In 1920 he accepted a portfolio (as Minister of Internal Affairs) in the Massey Government. Besides that office (which he held 1920-21), he was Minister of Labour (1921-25), and Minister of Marine in 1922. In the Coates Government (1925-28) he was Minister of Labour and of Mines, and was for a time Minister of Pensions and of the Government Printing and Publishing department. After his defeat in 1928 he was called to the Legislative Council (1929), of which he was a member till his death (on 16 Dec 1935).

Who's Who N.Z., 1932; Otago Daily Times, 17 Dec 1935 (p).

Reference: Volume 1, page 23

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