Leaders of Rhodesia from 1890

The Founder

The Rt. Hon. Cecil John Rhodes P.C.  D.C.L.   Prime Minister of Cape Colony

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Cecil John Rhodes 1853 – 1902

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First Rhodesian Council, 1899

First Rhodesian Council, 1899

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Legislative Council of Southern Rhodesia 1903

Front Row: From Left to right, – Sir Thomas Scanlen (Legal Advisor), Col. Heyman M.L.C., Sir Marshall Clarke (Imp. Res. Commissioner), Mr C.H. Tredgold (Attorney General), Sir William H. Milton* (Administrator), Mr. W.H. Haddon M.L.C., Col. Raleigh Grey C.M.G., M.L.C.

Second Row. – Dr. Wyllie M.L.C., Mr. J. Robertson (Clerk to Council), Mr. F.W. Montague (Sec for Mines), Mr. J. Meikle M.L.C., Mr. E. Ross Townshend (Secy for Agriculture), Mr. F.J. Newton C.M.G. (Treasurer), Mr. H.H. Castens (Chief Secy), Mr. J.H. Kennedy (Master High Court), Col. W Napier C.M.G., M.L.C.

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* William Milton played rugby for England in 1874 & 1875 and, after emigrating, he played a key role in promoting and establishing rugby in South Africa.  He went on to play cricket and appeared thrice for South Africa: in the first ever Test at Port Elizabeth in 1889 against England, then again as captain in Cape Town, and finally in 1892.

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Opening of the Legislative Council of Southern Rhodesia, 15th June 1903

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The Legislative Council of Southern Rhodesia 1912

TOP ROW (left to right): E.W.S. Montagu (Secretary for Mines and Works), George Mitchell (Byo), J.H.Kennedy (Master of the High Court), J. Robertson (Clerk of Councils), F.R. Myburgh (Umtali), F. Eyles (Salisbury), E. Edwards (Council Reporter), Col. Heyman (Byo).

SECOND ROW: Col. Raleigh Grey (Salisbury), C.H. Tredgold (Attorney-General), Dr. Eric Nobbs (Director of Agriculture).

BOTTOM ROW: Gordon S.D. Forbes (Byo), Col. R. Burns Begg, K.C. (Resident Commissioner), Sir Wm. Milton (Administrator), Sir Charles Coghlan (Byo), Mr. F.J. Newton (Treasurer).

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Members of the Legislative Council of Southern Rhodesia 1914

Back Row (left to right): (——), J. Robertson Esq. (Clerk of Councils), Capt. Bucknall, Col. Napier, C.M.G., E. Edwards (Council Reporter),

Second Row: J.H. Kennedy (Master of the High Court), — Begbie, Esq., B.I. Collings Esq. J. Arnold Edmunds, Esq., W. Cripps Esq., George Mitchel Esq., Dr. Eric Nobbs (Director of agriculture), J. Duthie, Esq. (Director of Education), W. Cleveland, Esq., Col. Heyman.

Front Row: E.W.S. Montagu (Secretary for Mines and Works), Gordon S.D. Forbes, Esq. D.S.O., C.M.G.,  F.J. Newton, Esq., C.M.G., C.V.O. (Treasurer), Col. R. Burns-Begg, K.C. (Resident Commissioner), Sir William Milton, K.C.M.G., K.C.V.O. (late Administrator), Sir Charles Coghlan,  Col. Raleigh Grey, C.M.G., C.V.O., C.H. Tredgold, Esq. (Attorney-General).

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The Administrator, F.D.P. (later Sir Drummond) Chaplin & Mrs Chaplin in 1915

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Rhodesian and Union Delegates at the conference to consider terms for Rhodesia’s admission to the Union of South Africa, April 1922

Back Row:-  J.H. Eakin,  A.R. Hone,  W.M. Leggate,  D. Hawksley,  Hon. P Duncan,  Right Hon. F.S. Malan,  G Johnson,  L.F. Moore,  J.W. Keller

Middle Row:-  E.C. Baxter,  P.D.L. Fynn,  Sir Raleigh Grey,  Right Hon. Sir Thomas Smartt,  R.G. Garvin,  Sir Randolf Baker,  J. Stewart,  Capt. E. Lane

Sitting:-  J.G. McDonald,  R.D.Gilchrist,  H.T. Longden,  Sir Drummond Chaplin,  Right Hon. General Smuts,  Sir Charles Coghlan,  Mrs. E.T. Jollie,  Sir Bouchier Wrey.

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(From an original kindly donated by a pioneer descendant who wishes to remain anonymous.)

The South Africa Act, passed by the British parliament in 1910, made provision for the admission of Rhodesia to the Union at a later date.  After the Great War, the British government agreed that Rhodesia could choose by referendum whether to become self-governing or join South Africa as a province.  The Colonial Secretary, Winston Churchill, favoured the latter course as did Jan Smuts and for similar reasons.  Accordingly a Rhodesian delegation went to Cape Town to discuss the terms of Rhodesia’s admission to the Union. General Smuts was very keen that Rhodesia should join the Union not least because it would reduce the influence of the Afrikaner nationalists.  Smuts offered Rhodesia a very generous 10 seats in the Union parliament rising to 17 as her population increased and promised significant funds for development.  However, concern about Afrikaner influence proved to be a major factor in fiercely loyal Rhodesians deciding in favour of responsible self-government.  In the final vote the Responsible Government cause won nearly 60% of the vote on a 79% turnout.

It is interesting to speculate what might have happened if Rhodesia had joined the Union in 1923.  Clearly a great South African Dominion had been Rhodes’ own dream and how he might have influenced the decision, had he not died at the early age of 49, is a matter for debate in its own right.  However in 1948 Prime Minister Field Marshal Smuts lost the South African general election by a very narrow margin to the Afrikaner nationalists led by Dr Malan.  In fact Smuts obtained more votes than Malan but fewer seats.  The point of interest is that had Rhodesia been in the Union then Smuts, not Malan, would have won fairly easily and apartheid as promoted by the National Party would most likely never have come about.  Instead a policy based on merit, more akin to that followed by Rhodesia, would probably have been adopted in South Africa which no doubt, similar to Australia, would then also have encouraged mass white immigration.  Clearly the question of Rhodesia having to declare its own independence (UDI) would never have arisen.

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On 1st October 1923, Southern Rhodesia became a self-governing colony with all the powers and functions of responsible government.  His Majesty King George V appointed His Excellency Lieut.-Col. Sir John Chancellor as the first Governor.

 

Sir John Robert Chancellor G.C.M.G., G.C.V.O., D.S.O., R.E.

Governor of Southern Rhodesia 1923-1928

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The following is an extract from the speech made by His Excellency at the inauguration ceremony:

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“When one remembers the sufferings and hardships endured by the early pioneers, their victories over savage tribes, fighting against overwhelming odds, and their struggles with the untamed forces of nature,; when one remembers the vicissitudes the country has undergone owing to wars, drought and disease, one marvels at what has been achieved by men of British race under the inspiration of that great Englishman and great Empire builder, Cecil Rhodes, I like to think that his spirit is present today, a silent witness of an important stage in the fulfilment of one of his dreams.

The British Empire has been built up of territories acquired by various means – conquest, purchase, exchange. In some cases we have reluctantly been compelled to enter countries to put an end to intolerable conditions, and have found that in the interest of humanity it has been our duty to remain.  Sometimes the initiative has been taken by Government, and sometimes, as in the case of Rhodesia, the pioneer work has been done by private enterprise.  I venture  to say that no territory annexed to the British Empire in the last hundred years has come with a more honourable record than Rhodesia.”

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Sir Charles Coghlan K.C.M.G. LL.D., first Premier of Southern Rhodesia.

 [Photo by Van Dyk].

Originally, before the Great War, he had sympathy with Rhodesia joining the new Union of South Africa but later he became an ardent campaigner for self government. In 1917 he strenuously resisted the BSAC plan to amalgamate with Northern Rhodesia which he felt would imperil the grant of responsible government which, through his hard work, was achieved in 1923. He was Premier from 1st October 1923 until his death on 28th August 1927.

He was given the rare distinction of being buried in the Matopo Hills near the Founder, Cecil Rhodes; this location being reserved for those who had “deserved well of their country”.

The hill was referred to by Rhodes as a place where one could get “a View of the World” but the area has long been held sacred.  It was known as Malindidzimu, the place of spirits, by the Karanga before they were conquered by the Ndebele around 1840.  The Matabele however retained the sacred nature of the area and this was then similarly adopted by the whites when they in turn became the rulers of the land that came to be known as Rhodesia.

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Southern Rhodesia’s First Parliament Under Responsible Government

BBACK ROW – R.D.Gilchrist, J.L. Martin, C.E. Gilfillan, G.M. Huggins, J. Murdoch Eaton, J. Cowden, L.K. Robinson, H.R. Barbour, E. Edwards (Hansard), A. Drew (Clerk of Papers), R.W. Hawtin (Hansard)

MIDDLE ROW – C.C.D. Ferris (Assistant Clerk), Lieut.-Col. D.C.D. Muro, Col. C.F.Birney, Lieut.-Col. O.C. du Port, A. R. Thomson, G.F. Elcombe, J.G. Jeary (Clerk), Major W.J. Boggie, Capt. H. Bertin, F.L. Hadfield, Max Danziger, R. A. Fletcher

FRONT ROW – Sir Ernest W.S. Montagu, Hon. W.M. Leggate, Hon. H.U. Moffat, Hon. P.D.L. Fynn, Hon. Sir Charles Coghlan (Premier), Hon. L. Cripps (Speaker), Hon. Sir Francis Newton, Major the Hon R.J. Hudson, C. Eickhoff (Deputy Speaker), Mrs. E. Tawse Jollie, J.W. Downie.

INSETS – Left, J.P. Rchardson;  Right, F.P. Mennell.

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The Legislative Assembly in 1929

Front row, left to right: Capt. H. Bertin, H.H. Davies, Maj. the Hon. R.J.Hudson, The Hon. J.W. Downie, The Hon. H.U. Moffat (Premier), The Hon. L. Cripps (Speaker), The Hon. P.D.L. Fynn, The Hon. W.M. Leggate, The Hon R.A. Fletcher, C. Eiskhoff (Deputy Speaker).

Second row: B. Munssen Chief Messenger), R.D. Gilchrist, D. MacGillivray, G. Mitchell, Maj. E.L. Guest, J. Murdoch Eaton, C.C.D. Ferris (Clerk Assistant), R.V. Gorle, V.C. (Sergeant-at-Arms), J.G. Jearey (Clerk of the House), C.S. Jobling, G.R. Milne, M.D. Claxton, J.L. Martin, Capt. R.E. Downes, J. Cowden.

Back row: J.H. Malcolm, A.R. Welsh, G.M. Huggins, G. Munro, Miss K.M. Davidson (later Mrs W.D. Gale) (Assistant Libarian), Capt. L.L. Green, M. Danziger, S.M.L. O’Keeffe, L.J.W. Keller.

Insets; left: Col. A.J.Taylor, right: A.R. Thomson

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The Rt. Hon. Sir Godfrey Huggins  C.H., K.C.M.G., K.G.St.J., F.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., M.P.

Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia 1933 – 1953            [Photo by Walter Stoneman]

Godfrey Huggins was born in 1883 and qualified as a doctor and surgeon before coming to Rhodesia for what he had intended as a short stay. He became a member of the first Legislative Assembly in 1924. Following a period of uncertainty after the death of Sir Charles Coghlan, and by now Rhodesia’s leading surgeon, Godfrey Huggins was elected Prime Minister in 1933.  He dominated the Rhodesian political scene for the next 23 years.  He was knighted in 1941 and led Southern Rhodesia into the ill-fated Federation with Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland in 1953.  He was raised to the peerage as Viscount Malvern of Rhodesia and of Bexley in 1955 shortly before his retirement.  He died in 1971.

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Third Parliament of Rhodesia 1934
Third Parliament of Rhodesia 1934

Back Row (l to r): Mr. Delano Thompson (Gwelo), Mr. A.R. Thomson (Wankie), Mr. A.R. Welsh (Bulawayo North), Mr. J.L. Martin (Eastern Districts), Mr. J. Cowden (Bulawayo Central), Mr. E.W.L. Noakes (Mazoe), Mr. C.W. Leppington (Que Que).

Second Row: Maj. G.H. Walker D.S.O. (Salisbury South), Mr. J.H. Malcolm (Umtali South), Mr. L.J.W. Keller (Raylton), Lt.-Col. T. Nangle (Salisbury District), Sir Hugh Williams Bart., M.C. (Gwanda), Mr. N.H. Wilson (Salisbury Central), Mr. R.H.R. Dickson (Marandellas), Mr. D.M. Somerville (Umtali North), Mr. W.A.E. Winterton (Victoria), Mr. R.A. Fletcher (Matopos), Mr. Capell (Messenger).

Third Row: Lt.-Col. E.L. Guest (Charter), Mr.H.H. Davies (Bulawayo South), Mr. D. Macintyre (Bulawayo Central), Mr. J.G. Jeary (Clerk), Maj. R.V. Gorle V.C. (Sergeant-at-Arms), Mr. C.C.D. Ferris, Maj. L.M. Hastings (Lomagundi), Lt.-Col, J.B. Brady, D.S.O. (Bulawayo North), The Hon. P.D.L. Fynn, C.M.G. (Salisbury North).

Front Row: The Hon. C.S. Jobling (Minister of Agriculture), The Hon. J.H. Smit (Minister of Finance), Capt. R.E. Downes (Hartley, Deputy Speaker and Chairman of Committees), The Hon. Lionel; Cripps, C.M.G. (Speaker)  The Hon. G.M. Huggins, F.R.C.S. (Prime Minister and Minister of Native Affairs), The Hon. S.M. Lanigan O’Keeffe (Minister of Internal affairs and Minister of Justice and Defence), Capt. The Hon. W.S. Senior, M/.C. (Minister of Mines), The Hon/ R.D. Gilchrist (Minister of Transport and Public Works).

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The Colony’s Parliament 1935

Back Row (left to right) Mr. J.W. Keller (Raylton), Mr Donald Macintyre (Bulawayo Central), Mr J.H. Malcolm (Umtali South),                                                  Photo by Mrs E.M. Kennedy A.I.B.P.

Second Row: P.C. Orderly, Mr. A.W.V. Crawley (Marandellas), Major G.H. Walker, D.S.O. (Salisbury South), M. J. Cowden (Bulawayo Central), Mr. Caple (Messenger), Mr R.A. Fletcher (Matopos);

Mr. J.L. Martin (Eastern Districts). Mr. F.D. Thompson (Gwelo), P.C. Orderly.

Third Row: Mr. R.D. Gilchrist (Selukwe), Mr. C.W. Leppington (Que Que), Mr. R.T. Anderson (Salisbury Central), Mr. J.J. Conway (Hartley), Mr. D.M. Somerville (Umtali North), Lt.-Col. J.R. Brady D.S.O. (Bulawayo North), Mr. C.C.D. Ferris (Clerk Assistant), Major R.V. Gorle, V.C. (Sergeant-at-Arms), Mr. J. G. Jearey (Clerk of the House), Mr. W.A.E. Winterton (Victoria), Lt.Col.. E.L. Guest (Charter), Major L.A.M. Hastings, M.C. (Lomagundi), Mr. R.C. Tredgold (Inziza).

Front Row: Mr. H.H. Davies (Bulawayo South), the Hon. V.A. Lewis, M.C., K.C. (Minister of Justice and Internal Affairs,  Salisbury North), The Hon. Sir Percy Fynn (Minister Without Portfolio,  Salisbury North), The Hon. J.H. Smit (Minister of Finance and Commerce,  Salisbury Central), The Hon. G.M. Huggins, F.R.C.S. (Prime Minister and Minister of Native Affairs,  Salisbury District),  The Hon. Allan Ross Welsh (Speaker, Bulawayo North), Capt. the Hon. W.S. Senior, M.C. (Minister of Mines and Public Wortks, Gatooma),  Mr. E.W.L. Noaks (Deputy Speaker and Chairman of Committees, Mazoe),  Capt. the Hon. F.E. Harris, D.S.O. (Minister of Agriculture, Inyati), and Sir Hugh Williams, Bart., M.C. (Gwanda),

Mr. A.R. Thomson (Wankie) was not present when the photograph was taken.

Mr. R.D. Gilchist (resigned) replaced by Mr. Max Danziger.    Mr. J.J. Conway (deceased) replaced by Capt. R.E. Downes.

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The Parliament of Rhodesia in 1939

      Photo by Mrs E.M. Kennedy A.I.B.P.

BACK ROW:  D. Macintyre, J.P. de Kock, Captain H. Bertin, K.C., T.A. Kimble, L.J.W. Keller, Major L.A.M. Hastings, M.C., F.D. Thompson, P.B. Fletcher, E.P. Vernall, W.H. Eastwood, Major G.H. Walker, D.S.O., W.A.E. Winterton.

MIDDLE ROW:  A.E. Davies (Chief Messenger), C.W. Leppington, Captain A.W. Whittington, H.V. Wheeler, J.B. Lister, C.C.D. Ferris (Clerk of the House), Lt.-Col. A.J. Tomlinson (Sergeant-at-Arms),  G.E. Wells (Assistant Clerk of the House), E.C.F. Whitehead, Max Danziger, Col. W.H. Ralston, D.S.O., M.C.,  L.B. Fereday,  Col. J.B. Brady, D.S.O., G.E. Pennell (Messenger).

FRONT ROW:  E.W.L. Noaks (Deputy Speaker), Hon. R.H. Tredgold (Minister of Justice and Defence), Hon. J.H. Smit C.M.G. (Minister of Finance and Commerce), Hon. G.M. Huggins, F.R.C.S. (Prime Minister and Minister of Native Affairs),  Hon. A.R. Welsh (Speaker),  Hon. Sir P.D.L. Fynn C.M.G. (formerly Minister of Internal Affairs) Capt. Hon. F.E. Harris D.S.O. (Minister of Agriculture and Lands),  Lt.-Col. Hon. E.L. Guest O.B.E. (Minister of Mines and Public Works), H.H. Davies (Minister of Internal Affairs).

T.H.W. Beadle was not present.

 

Rhodesian House of Assembly 1948.

Members of Parliament and Staff of the Legislative Assembly 1948

Front Row (left to right): Mr R.O. Stockil (Leader of the Opposition); the Hon E.C.F. Whitehead, O.B.E. (Minister of Finance); The Hon P.B. Fletcher (Minister of Agriculture and Lands); the Rt. Hon. Sir Godfrey Huggins P.C., C.H., K.C.M.G., F.R.C.S. (Prime Minister); the Hon Sir Allan Welsh (Speaker); Mr. T.I.F. Wilson (Deputy Speaker and Chairman of Committees); the Hon. T.H.W. Beadle O.B.E., K.C. (Minister of Justice and Internal Affairs); the Hon. R.F. Halsted O.B.E. (Minister of Industry and Development); the Hon. I.J.W. Keller C.B.E.

Second Row: H. Hampton (Chief Messenger); Mr. L.M. Cullinan; Mr. G.H. Hackwill M.C.; Mr. J.R. Dendy Young K.C.; Mr. T. Titley Haworth (Librarian); Mr. C.C.D. Ferris O.B.E. (Clerk of the House); Mr. E. Grant-Dalton (Serjeant-at-Arms); Lt.-Col. G.E. Wells E.D. (Clerk-Assistant); Mr. L.J. Howe-Ely (Committee Clerk); Mr. N. St. Quinton C.B.E.; Mr. R.A. Ballantyne; Mr. J.M. Caldicott; Mr. L. Ruile (Assistant Messenger).

Third Row: Mr. N.G. Barrett; the Hon. Humphrey Gibbs; Mr. L.J. Smit; Mr. H.A. Holmes; Mr. G. Munro; Mr. D. Macintyre C.B.E.; the Hon. W.A.E. Winterton (Minister of Native Affairs); Mr. L.M.N. Hodson K.C.; Mr. A.M.F. Stuart; Mr. P.A. Wise.

Back row: Mr. I.D. Smith; Mr. R.S.G. Todd; Mr. B.A. Barker; Mr. J.M. Greenfield K.C.; Mr. D.W. Lardner-Burke.

Absent / Inset: The Hon. G.A. Davenport, (Minister of Mines and Transport)

 

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Rhodesian House of Assembly. First Session, Twelfth Parliament, 1970

Rhodesian House of Assembly. First Session, Twelfth Parliament, 1970

Front Row (Seated: l.-r.): Mr D. Divaris, I.C.D. (Chief Whip); The Hon. D.C. Smith, I.C.D. (Minister of Agriculture); The Hon. P.K.V. van der Byl, I.D. (Minister of Information, Immigration and Tourism); The Hon. B.H. Mussett, I.D. (Minister of Commerce and Industry); The Hon. A.P. Smith I.D. (Minister of Education); The Hon. J.J. Wrathall, I.D. (Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, Minister of Posts); The Hon. I.D. Smith, I.D. (Prime Minister); The Hon. A.R.W. Stumbles, I.C.D. (Speaker); Col. G.H. Hartley, I.C.D., O.B.E., E.D. (Deputy Speaker and Chairman of Committees); The Hon. D.W. Lardner-Burke, I.D. (Minister of Justice, Minister of Law and Order); The Hon. J.H. Howman, I.D. (Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Defence, Minister of the Public Service); The Hon. I.F. McLean, I.D. (Minister of Health, Minister of Labour and Social Welfare); The Hon. M.H.H. Partridge, I.C.D. (Minister of Local Government and Housing); The Hon. I.B. Dillon, I.D. (Minister of Mines); The Hon. R.T.R. Hawkins, I.C.D. (Minister of Transport and Power, Minister of Roads and Road Traffic).

Second Row (l.-r.): Mr. G. Shauyarira (Head Orderly); Mr. F. Grundy (Principal Doorkeeper); Mr. B. Ponter, I.C.D.; Mr. F.A. Alexander, I.C.D.; Mr. C.F.S. Clark, I.C.D.; Mr. W.E. Stuttaford; Mr. A. Moseley, M.M.; Lt. Col. A.J.W. MacLeod, I.C.D., D.S.O.; Mr. C.A.R. Savory; Mr. A.S. Holland; Mr. L.B. Moore (Under-Secretary to Parliament); Mr. L.J. Howe-Ely, I.C.D. (Secretary to Parliament); Mr. E.G.H. White (Serjeant at Arms); Mr. M.A. van Ryneveld (Deputy Secretary to Parliament); Mr. B.S. Gaydon (Assistant Secretary to Parliament); Mr. J. Christie, I.C.D.; Mr. D. Fawcett Phillips, I.C.D.; Mr. P. Palmer-Owen, I.C.D.; Mr. E. Broomberg; Mr. A.G. Mells; Mr. S.H. Millar, I.C.D.; Lt. Col. H.D. Tanner, I.C.D., O.B.E.; Mr. T.M. Ellison, I.C.D.

Third Row (l.-r.): Mr. R.G.S. Simmonds; Mr. G.R. Hayman; Mr. R.B. Hope-Hall, I.C.D.; Mr. J.J. Burger; Mr. J.M. Gondo; Mr. M.M. Bhebe; Mr. D.M. Mamate; Mr. W.S. Moraka; Mr. A.T. Mungate; Mr. L.J. Mahlangu; Mr. L.A. Ndhlovu; Mr. N.A. Gandanzara; Mr. A.L. Lazxell, I.C.D.; Mr. A. McCarter; Mr. R. Cronjé; Brig. A. Skeen, I.C.D., O.B.E.

Fourth Row (l.-r.): Mr. T.A. Pinchen, I.C.D.; Mr. D.J. Brink; Mr. R.E.D. Cowper;  Dr. C.E. Barlow; Mr. E.G. Watungwa; Mr. E.G. Sifuya; Mr. R.C. Makaya; Mr. T.M. Chikonyora; Mr. J.M. Khabo.

Fifth Row (l.-r.): Mr. J.P.B. Nilson; Mr. J.A. Newington, I.C.D., A.F.C. (Deputy Chairman of Committees); Mr. T.I.F. Sandeman; Mr. J.J.L. de Kock, I.C.D.; Mr. W.M.Irvine, I.C.D.; Dr. D.A. Hamilton-Richie, I.C.D.; Mr. E.A. Sutton-Pryce.

Absent (Insets l.-r.):  The Hon. L.B. Smith, I.D. (Minister of Internal Affairs);  Mr. J.B. Hove;  Mr. L. Masenda;  Mr. R.T.D. Sadomba

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Rhodesian Cabinet, July 1970

The Rhodesian Cabinet, July 1970

Left to right: Hon. D.W. Lardner-Burke, M.P., Minister of Justice and Minister of Law and Order; Hon. D.C. Smith, M.P., Minister of Agriculture; Hon. P.K.V. van der Byl, M.P., Minister of Information, Immigration and Tourism; Hon. M.H.H. Partridge, M.P., Minister of Local Government and Housing; Hon. R.T.R. Hawkins, M.P. Minister of Transport and Power and Minister of Roads and Road Traffic; Hon. J.J. Wrathall, M.P. Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Minister of Posts and Telecommunications; Hon. I.D. Smith, M.P. Prime Minister; Hon. J.J. Howman, M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Defence and Minister of the Public Service; Hon. A.P. Smith, M.P., Minister of Education; Hon. I.F. Mclean, M.P., Minister of Health and Minister of Labour and Social Welfare; Senator The Hon. P. van Heerden, Minister of Lands and Minister of Water Development; Hon. B.H. Mussett, M.P., Minister of Commerce and Industry; Hon. I.B. Dillon, M.P., Minister of Mines; Hon. L.B. Smith, M.P., Minister of Internal Affairs.

 

 

 

Rhodesian Front Parliamentary Caucus, June, 1974.

Rhodesian Front Parliamentary Caucus, June, 1974.

FRONT ROW (Left to Right):  Hon. D.C. Smith, ID;  Senator the Hon. F. van Heerden, ID;  Hon. L.B. Smith, ID;  Hon.  M.H.H. Partridge, ICD;   Hon. B.H. Mussett, ID;  Hon. P.K.F.V. van der Byl, ID;  Hon. D.W. Lardner-Burke, ID;  Hon. I.D. Smith, ID (Prime Minister);  Hon. J.J.Wrathall, ID;  Hon J.H.Howman, ID;  Hon I.F.McLean, ID;  Hon. A.P. Smith, ID;  Hon. I.B. Dillon, ID;  Hon. R.T.R. Hawkins, ICD.

SECOND ROW (Left to Right):  Ald. D. Divaris, ICD;  G.R. Hayman;  R.E.D. Cowper;  J.J.L. de Kock, ICD;  E. Broomberg;  A.G. Mells;  J. Christie, ICD;  Ald. S.H. Millar, ICD;  C.F.S. Clark, ICD;  Brig. A. Skeen, ICD, OBE;  J.A. Newington, ICD, AFC.

THIRD ROW (Left to Right):  B. Ponter, ICD;  A. McCarter;  R.B. Hope Hall, ICD;  A.L. Lazell, ICD;  D. Fawcett Phillips, ICD;  R. Cronje;  H.G. Squires;  A. Holland;  Lt. Col. A. J.W. MacLeod, ICD, DSO;  P.F. Shields.

FOURTH ROW (Left to Right):  J.J. Burger;  W.E Stuttaford;  A. Mosely;  E.A. Sutton-Pryce;  T.I.F. Sandeman;  E.M. Micklem;  Lt. Col. H.D. Tanner, ICD, OBE.

BACK ROW (Left to Right):  R.G.S. Simmonds;  J.P.B. Nilson;  Dr. C.E. Barlow;  J.C. Gleig;  G.R. Olds;  Dr. D.A. Hamilton Ritchie, ICD;  D.J. Brink.

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The Northern Rhodesia Legislative Council 1940

This photograph of the Northern Rhodesia Legislative Council is included as it shows the young Roy Welensky, who became Prime Minister of The Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland from 1957-1963.

Back Row: Mr. G.E. Thornton, M.B.E. (Commissioner of Income Tax);  Sir Leopold Moore,  Mr. H.F. Wright (Clerk to the Council)), Mr. C.J. Lewin, M.C. (Director of Agriculture); Major H.K. McKee, M.C.;  Capt.  R.E. Campbell.

Middle Row: Mr. R. Welensky, Mr. T.F. Sandford, C.M.G. M.B.E. (Secretary for Native Affairs);  Mr. T.S. Page,  Mr. K.R. Tucker, C.B.E. (Financial Secretary); Capt. A.A. Smith, O.B.E.;  Mr. J.F.C. Haslam, M.C. (Director of Medical Services); Mr. H.F. Cartmel Robinson, O.B.E. (Provincial Commissioner).

Front Row: Mr. H.W. Wilson (Attorney General),  Mr. W.M. Logan, C.M.G., O.B.E. (Chief Secretary);  His Excellency the Governor, Sir John Maybin, K.C.M.G.;  Lt.-Col. S. Gore-Browne, D.S.O.; and Lt.-Col. A. Stephenson, C.M.G., C.B.E., D.S.O., M.C.

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The Hon. Ian Douglas Smith, G.C.L.M., I.D.

Prime Minister of Rhodesia 1964-1979

He led Rhodesia to independence on 11th November 1965.

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Rhodesians of all races are proud of their country and their heritage. This pride stems from their achievements, particularly over the last 70 years. At the turn of this century, the population of Rhodesia was less than 400 000 people, made up mainly of the two main indigenous tribes, namely the Matabele and the Mashona.

With the advent of the European and his civilisation, brought about by the establishment of mission stations in the early days, the administration of the British South Africa Company up to 1923, self government from then on and Independence since 1965, peace and prosperity manifested themselves.

The effect of this European influence was dramatic, and where stagnation previously reigned, civilised life gradually developed to the stage where today the population of Rhodesia is approaching 6 million people.

Modern communications systems link the major centres, greatly facilitating the development and expansion of an already sophisticated economy. Highly developed local government and medical facilities make for the easy administration of the healthy population. Agriculture is the most important industry, and experts have praised some of our farming methods as being amongst the most advanced in the world; we certainly lead many countries when it comes to conservation.

We have one of the finest climates in the world, and the beauty of some parts of our country defies description. We cannot claim any credit for these two factors, but believe they have something to do with Rhodesians being what they are.

The interest Rhodesia has generated abroad accounts for the ever-increasing number of tourists who visit our country every year, and last year some 400 000 visitors, a number comparable to the total population of the country less than a century ago, visited us.

I do not wish to leave you with the impression that Rhodesia is a Utopia. One of our major objectives is the integration of our African population into the economy and the development of his home-lands for the national good. It is my hope that we can achieve our objectives in the air of peace and tranquility which prevails today. 

Ian Smith, speaking in 1972

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Ian Douglas Smith by Veronica Burleigh.

This extract from Veronica Burleigh’s portrait of Rhodesia’s Prime Minister has captured very well his solid and determined personality.

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The Hon. Clifford Walter Dupont, G.C.L.M., I.D, First President of Rhodesia, 1970-1975.

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CW Dupont was born in London in 1905 of Huguenot ancestry. He read law at Cambridge and practised from 1928-1948. At the start of WW2 he was commissioned into The Royal Artillery. He emigrated to Rhodesia in 1948. In 1958 he was elected as the member for Fort Victoria in the Federal Assembly and in 1962 was elected to the Charter constituency in the Southern Rhodesia Parliament. In 1964 he defeated Sir Roy Welensky in the Salisbury constituency of Arundel. He was appointed Minister of Justice and subsequently became Deputy Prime Minister. In 1965 he was appointed Officer Administering the Government until, following a referendum, Rhodesia became a Republic. He died in 1978.

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John J. Wrathall, second President of Rhodesia, 1975-1978

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John Wrathall was born in England and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1935. He emigrated to Rhodesia in 1936 and was Rhodesia’s longest serving Minister of Finance prior to being sworn in as President.  He died in office.

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Explanation of some post-nominal letters used on this page and elsewhere

CBE = Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire

CH = Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour

CMG = Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George

CVO = Commander of the Royal Victorian Order

DCL = Doctor of Civil Law – a senior degree awarded by Oxford University

DSO = Distinguished Service Order – for gallantry and leadership in the face of the enemy, 2nd only to the VC (Victoria Cross)

Esq = Esquire; in the UK it is a title of respect previously accorded to men of higher social rank, but which later became a general courtesy title for any man in a formal context.

FRCS = Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons

G.C.L.M. = Grand Commander of the Legion of Merit  (Rhodesian award)

I.D. = Independence Decoration  (Rhodesian award)

I.C.D. = Independence Commemorative Decoration  (Rhodesian award)

KC = Kings Counsel; presently, in 2021, QC = Queens Counsel; a senior advocate at law in the UK and Dominions.

KCMG = Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George

KCVO = Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order

KGSt.J = Knight of the Order of Saint John

LL.D = Doctor of Laws

LRCP = Licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians

MBE = Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire

MC = Military Cross – follows the DSO – for exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy

OBE = Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire

PC = Privy Counsellor to the King or Queen of Britain, a formal and select body of advisers to the British Sovereign.