Septimus James Edgar Closey

Septimus James Edgar Closey (13 October 1892 – 3 November 1981) was a New Zealand soldier, social crediter and politician.

Biography Early life and career Closey was born in Lancashire in 1892. He and his family moved to New Zealand when he was 12 years old where they purchased a farm in the King Country. At the outbreak of World War I he enlisted in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.

After the war he married Amy Finch and moved to Northland and worked as a builder then farmer. He was a member of the Ōtorohanga Borough Council where he was involved in improving rural education facilities. He was interested in army bands, rugby and racing. He served as president of the New Zealand Ayrshire Society. Following the election Closey tried to build a mutually beneficial relationship between the social credit movement and the Labour Party, writing to the finance minister Walter Nash. However Closey's intended outcome of a partnership did not eventuate and his goal of a credit authority being established as an independent wing of government was likewise unrealised. Nevertheless, he co-operated with many Labour MPs to establish affordable housing policies and a system of guaranteed prices for farmers.

He supported the establishment of the Social Credit Party in 1953 and became the party's first president. He founded 160 branches of the party throughout the country. He was also a prolific pamphlet author for social credit ideas and frequently lectured on economics.

He was also a friend of radio personality Colin Scrimgeour.

Later life and death He moved from Auckland to Christchurch in 1975. His wife died in March 1981. Closey died in Christchurch on 3 November 1981 aged 89. He was cremated at Canterbury Crematorium.