ABSTRACT
As is the case with most sorts of men, politicians are more likely to be born than made. If aspects of Austen Chamberlain’s later career cast some doubt on whether he really was a born politician, there can be no question that he was at least born into politics. Before the political battle got under way there was an opportunity for Chamberlain to visit his brother on Andros. By this time Neville was fully engaged in his work on the island and perhaps felt slight resentment towards Austen’s advice and suggestions. In the meantime, however, thought also had to be given to Neville’s career and to the family finances which no longer looked as secure as when the father had retired from his business life. At only forty-two years of age Mary Chamberlain stood as a senior ex-minister in the party’s much depleted ranks. He had served a long political apprenticeship under the watchful eye of his father.
