This 1890's oil painting by James Nairn conveys the small farmers dream - a cottage and farm buldings nestling in the trees
with the farmer in the foreground tending his crops.

1898 Old Age Pensions Act. First cars imported to New Zealand.

1899 New Zealand army contingent is sent to the South African Boer war - Election, 1899 and 1st celebration of Labour Day. In Public Health Act passed setting up Department of Public Health in 1901.

Pacific telegraph cable begins operating between New Zealand, Australia and Fiji. New Zealand election, 1902.

1903 Richard Pearse achieves semi-controlled flight near Timaru. All Blacks play their first Rugby Test Match against Australia's Wallabies in Sydney, Australia. winning 22–3 and in 1905 tour England

Old Age Pension increases to £26 per year; however, eligibility tightened. General election, 1905