Community and Activism

A Community Leader

McCallum’s political interest was not limited to issues of national significance. He also took an active role on local and community issues of the time.

He stood for local council, but failed to get the required votes. Another time he records that he was asked to be on council, but later “ordered to remove his nomination”.

Local Politics

The diaries evidence deep involvement in local body politics. McCallum regularly records going to council chambers to attend meetings of the City Council (Auckland), Harbour Board, and the Devonport Borough Council.

It was evident he was highly networked. During elections, he was active in requisitions to support the mayor and other preferred candidates.

Local Issues

The diaries offer insight into local issues of the time such as road dedication, ferry services, road name change proposals and proposed railway links.

We see McCallum involved in various petitions and polls and witness him serve on the Street’s Committee and the Works Committees. We witness him fight on many local matters including:

  • Against the Harbour Board moving the wharf
  • Against removal of ferry
  • Against locating a stable in Bear Gardins
  • Against the tram service
  • Opposed the Post Office

Community, Committees And Societies

At the end of a hard day’s physical work, McCallum did not relax by sitting idle. Most evening’s saw him involved in variety of special interest organisations such as community sports, church, literary and special interest groups.

He provide more than passive support but was an active committee member. These affiliations involved monthly and annual meetings as well as volunteer time for a host of their activities.

McCallum records doing active volunteer work with the following organizations:

  • Auckland Athletic Association  (AAA)
  • North Shore Athletic Association
  • Devonport Bowling Club
  • Devonport Presbyterian Church
  • Devonport English Church
  • Library Society
  • Literary Society
  • Methodist Debating Society
  • Devonport Musical Society
  • Acclimatization Society
  • Athenian Society
  • Orpheus Club (All male club)
  • School Committee (Chair)

Influential In His Industry

McCallum, a builder by trade, was influential in the construction industry. He was a member of the Auckland Builders Association and the Employers Association.

He regularly attended meetings where he was involved in setting wage rates (for carpenters, labourers, and bricklayers) and in resolving disputes with unions.

He was also on the Ratepayers Association (property taxes) and went to Arbitration Court to argue land values of personal property.