ATKINSON, SIR HARRY ALBERT New Zealand statesman, was born at Chester, England, and migrated to New Zealand in 18J5. He distinguished himself in the Waitara war of 186o-65, and entered parliament in 1863. As minister of defence in Sir Frederick Weld's ministry (1864-65) he was identi fied with the "self-reliance" policy of using colonial troops only against the Maori. In 1873 he re-entered parliament, and in became treasurer. Except during six months in 1876, he thenceforth held that post whenever his party was in power. From Oct. 1874 to Jan. 1891 Atkinson was only out of office for about five years. He was three times premier, and was always the most formidable debater and fighter in the ranks of the Conservative opponents of the growing Radical party.
He was mainly responsible for the abolition of the provinces into which the colony was divided from 1853 to 1876. He re pealed the Ballance land tax in 5879, and substituted a property tax. In 188o and again in 1888 he raised the customs duties, amongst other taxes, and gave them a quasi-protectionist char acter. In 188o he struck io% off all public salaries and wages; in 1887 he reduced the salary of the governor by one-third, and the pay and number of ministers and members of parliament. By these means revenue was increased, expenditure checked, and the colony's finance reinstated. Atkinson advocated compulsory national assurance, and the leasing as opposed to the selling of crown lands.
Defeated in the general election of Dec. 1890 he became speaker of the legislative council. While leaving the council chamber after the sitting of June 28 1892, he died suddenly of heart disease. Though brusque in manner and never popular, he was esteemed as a vigorous, upright, and practical statesman.