Robert McNab facts for kids

Robert McNab in 1908

Robert McNab (born October 1, 1864 – died February 3, 1917) was an important person in New Zealand. He was a lawyer, a farmer, and a historian who loved learning about the past. He was also a politician for the Liberal Party. Near the end of his life, he served as the Minister of Justice for about 18 months.

Robert McNab's Early Life and Education

Robert McNab was born in 1864 on a farm called Dunragget, close to Invercargill. His parents were Janet and Alexander McNab. His father was a "runholder," which means he owned and managed a large sheep or cattle farm. Robert's father was also involved in local politics. He was a representative for the Murihiku area on the Otago Provincial Council and for Cambelltown on the Southland Provincial Council. He even served as the Speaker for the Southland council for a short time.

Robert McNab went to Invercargill District High School. Later, he studied at the University of Otago. He earned several degrees there. In 1893, he got his BA degree. In 1885, he completed his MA in mathematics and physics. Then, in 1891, he earned his LLB degree, which allowed him to become a lawyer. He started working as a lawyer in Invercargill in 1890 and continued until 1896. After that, he took over running his family's farm near the upper Mataura River.

Robert McNab's Political Career

Robert McNab was a member of Parliament for many years. He represented two different areas, called electorates, during his time in politics.

He first represented the Mataura area from 1893 to 1896. In 1896, he lost the election to another politician named George Richardson. However, in 1898, Richardson had to leave his position. Robert McNab then won a special election, called a by-election, and represented Mataura again until 1908. In 1908, he was defeated once more, this time by George James Anderson.

In 1914, McNab won the election for the Hawkes Bay area. He held this seat until he passed away in 1917.

Robert McNab also served as a Cabinet Minister. This means he was part of a small group of important politicians who helped lead the government. From 1906 to 1908, he was the Minister of Lands and the Minister of Agriculture in the government led by Prime Minister Joseph Ward, known as the Ward Ministry. Later, from 1915 until his death in 1917, he was the Minister of Justice, Minister of Marine, and Minister of Stamp Duties. This was during a time when the Liberal Party worked together with the Reform Party in a special wartime government.

Robert McNab's Historical Work

Besides his political work, Robert McNab was very interested in New Zealand's history. He started doing research in the late 1890s. He wrote many articles and books. One of his most important works was Historical Records of New Zealand, which he wrote because the government asked him to.

In 1913, Robert McNab gave his large collection of 4,200 books about history and geography to the Dunedin Public Library. He made a special rule that the library should keep adding to this collection over time. As of 2008, the McNab New Zealand Collection at the library has grown to include about 83,000 items!

Robert McNab's Death

Robert McNab never got married. He passed away in Wellington on February 3, 1917. He was buried in Invercargill.