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Newfoundland is Britain's oldest colony. It was claimed for England by John Cabot in 1497. In 1583 Sir Humphrey Gilbert  officially claimed it as a colony of England.

From 1583 until 1949 Newfoundland would maintain it's seperate political identity.  Settlement began early in the 17th century.  However, a succession of pirate raids, warfare and  oppressive "Fishing Admirals" plagued early communities and discouraged growth.

In 1660, Louis XIV, France's SUN KING, signed a warrent authorizing the settlement of Plaisance, Terre Neuve. Plaisance would be the Capital of France's Newfoundland colony until 1713, when it was abandoned under the terms of the Treaty of Utrecht.

After a long succession of seasonal "Fishing Admirals", a Governor was dispatched from England to Newfoundland in 1729.  For most of the eighteenth century, English Governors usually remained in Newfoundland only for the summer. They would return to England in the fall. Eventually Governors began to overwinter in the Colony.

In 1803 Governor Vice Admiral Gambier recommended self government for the colony. In 1832 Newfoundland was granted Representitive Government. In 1855 Newfoundland gained Self Government.

In 1867 the people of Newfoundland voted against Confederation with Canada. Newfoundland would remain a seperate political entity for a further four generations.

In 1931 Newfoundland became a Dominion, of equal status within the British Empire as Australia, New Zealand, Canada and South Africa.  However, the Great Depression hit the Newfoundland economy hard. Economic instability led to political crisis. In 1934 Newfoundland reverted to the status of a Crown Colony. A Commission to govern the Colony was appointed.

In 1947 the National Assembly of Newfoundland was convened. The mandate of the National Assembly was to debate the various forms of Government that the people were to choose from. Included were the ideas of "Responsible Government", "Economic Union with the United States",  "Independence", a continuation of "Commission of Government" or  "Confederation with Canada".

The National Convention dispatched three delegations: one to the United Kingdom and two to the Dominion of Canada.

In 1947 and 1948 two referendums were held. In the first there were three options; "Responsible Government", "Commission of Government" and Confederation". "Responsible Government" won the ballot but it did not win a majority of all ballots cast.

A second referendum was held. In the second referendum only two options appeared; "Responsible Government" and "Confederation". On July 22, 1948 the people of Newfoundland voted, by a narrow margin, to join the Confederation of Canada.
 

National Assembly delegates board a ship in St. John's Harbour for departure to the Dominion of Canada. Left to Right: Higgins, Ballam, Crummey, Smallwood, Bradley, unknown, Ashbourne  1947. Photo from private collection.

Delegates of the Newfoundland National Convention arrive in the Dominion of Canada. 1947. Photo from private collection.

Delegates of the National Convention of Newfoundland are guided around Parliament. In this picture delegates are shown where the coat of arms of Newfoundland will be carved, if Newfoundland agrees to join the Canadian Union. Newfoundland was united with Canada on March 29, 1949. Left to Right: Crummey, Ballam, unknown, Ashbourne, Smallwood. Photo: The Star.

Delegates of the National Convention of Newfoundland are guided around Parliament. In the back ground can be seen the West Block and the Prime Minister's Offices. Photo: The Star.

Standing:Crummey, Burry.Sitting: Smallwood, Bradley, MacKenzie King.

Delegates of the National Convention of Newfoundland meet in Parliament. F. G. Bradley K.C. shakes hands with the Prime Minister of Canada,MacKenzie King.  Photo: The Star.

Members of the National Convention of Newfoundland and members of the Canadian Government in the House of Commons. Left to Right Seated: J. R. Smallwood, J.G. Bradley, K.C., Rt. Hon. Prime Minister W.L. MacKenzie King, Rt. Hon. L.S. St. Laurent, Rt. Hon. J.L. Ilsley. Standing: P.W. Crummey J.P., Rev. L.L. Burry B.A., T.G.W. Ashbourne J.P., B.A., Hon. V.C. Abbott, G.F. Higgins, J.J. McCann, C.H. Ballam, Hon. H.F.G. Bridges.  Photo: National Film Board.

National Convention Delegates Ashbourne, Ballam and Crummey relax in a Canadian Public House. Ottawa 1947. Photo from Private Collection.

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