History and Politics
Politically Active
McCallum lived in a period of colonial uprisings, of great social and political change.
He was deeply involved – politically active at all levels, in central government, local councils and community affairs. He was an activist, an official, an organizer, and a volunteer.
Notable Events
The McCallum Archive intricately weaves together accounts of daily life with significant historical events. Eyewitness testimonies of key moments in history are seamlessly interwoven with detailed depictions of everyday experiences. This provides unparalleled insights into how broader historical events affected ordinary people and their communities.
McCallum was a passionate advocate for the causes he believed in, and his documents offer rare insights and personal perspectives on a range of notable events.
- Boer War…including personal perspectives controversial issues such as dispatching troops to Africa.
- Liberalism …he was a member of the Liberal Association, the Reform Club, and supporter of the Liberal Party.
- Women’s Suffrage Movement …he was a strong advocate for women’s rights.
- Prohibition … he was fiercely against liquor in bars and very proactive in No (alcohol) License Opposition.
- World War I…he espousing on issues such as military training for boys (he was against), and recruiting (he was on recruiting committees and called on houses himself).
- Spanish Flu Epidemic
- The Great Depression
Political Rallies And Speeches
Political rallies and speeches
McCallum regularly attended Parliamentary sessions where he sometimes opined “Listened to a lot of twaddle.”
He references the Parliamentary Party, Union Parliament, and trade unions. He records going attending numerous rallies and speeches by politicians such as:
His political interest extended when traveling. In London, England he visited the House of Commons where he listened to a debate about “Reducing the salary for the Secretary for War”.
Elections
National elections were important to McCallum. Pre-election he would volunteer to be on his chosen candidate’s committee, mobilize support, help in fundraising. He records folding up notices to be sent out and putting up signs to vote.
On election day, he would volunteer in various capacities such as making the stalls and helping in the polling booths and with election rolls.
Later on, there would be much excitement to check the ballots and go downtown to witness the results.
