NationMaster - Encyclopedia: William Fox (New Zealand)

Sir William Fox, KCMG served as Premier of New Zealand on four occasions in the 19th century, while New Zealand was still a colony. He was known for his eventual support of Maori land rights, his contributions to the education system (such as establishing the University of New Zealand), and his work to increase New Zealand's autonomy from Britain. He has been described as determined and intelligent, but also as bitter and "too fond" of personal attacks. Different aspects of his personality are emphasized by different accounts, changing mainly due to the reviewer's political beliefs. 1812 was a leap year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... Jump to: navigation, search Map sources for South Shields at grid reference NZ1658 South Shields is a coastal town in South Tyneside, Tyne and Wear, England on the south bank of the mouth of the River Tyne, with a population of about 90,000. ... 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George Marsden Waterhouse (born April 6, 1824 Penzance, Cornwall, Englandâ€“died August 6, 1906 Torquay, Devonshire, England) was a Premier of South Australia from October 8, 1861 until July 3, 1863 and Premier of New Zealand from 11 October 1872 to 3 March 1873. ... Jump to: navigation, search March 3 is the 62nd day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (63rd in leap years). ... Jump to: navigation, search 1873 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... Jump to: navigation, search April 8 is the 98th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (99th in leap years). ... Jump to: navigation, search 1873 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... Sir Julius Vogel (February 24, 1835 - March 12, 1899) was New Zealands first Jewish prime minister. ... A statue of an armoured knight of the Middle Ages For the chess piece, see knight (chess). ... On the Orders insignia, St Michael is often depicted subduing Satan. ... 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Early life

Fox was born in 1812 in South Shields, in northern England. His family was a relatively successful one. He was educated initially at Durham School and then at Wadham College, Oxford. His activities for several years after graduating remain a mystery; no record can be found of him during this period. Some speculate that he was not in England. In 1838, however, he resurfaced studying law in London. 1812 was a leap year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... Jump to: navigation, search Map sources for South Shields at grid reference NZ1658 South Shields is a coastal town in South Tyneside, Tyne and Wear, England on the south bank of the mouth of the River Tyne, with a population of about 90,000. ... Jump to: navigation, search Royal motto (French): Dieu et mon droit (Translated: God and my right) Englands location within the UK Official language English de facto Capital London de facto Largest city London Area - Total Ranked 1st UK 130,395 kmÂ² Population - Total (mid-2004) - Density Ranked 1st UK... Jump to: navigation, search Durham School is an independent British borading and day school in Durham. ... Wadham College is a constituent college of the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. ... Jump to: navigation, search The University of Oxford, located in the city of Oxford, England, is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. ... Jump to: navigation, search 1838 was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ... Aphorism Critical legal studies Jurisprudence Law (principle) Legal research Letter versus Spirit List of legal abbreviations Legal code Natural justice Natural law Philosophy of law Religious law External links Find more information on Law by searching one of Wikipedias sibling projects: Wikibooks Wikiversity has more about this subject: School... London is the capital city of the United Kingdom and of England. ...

Shortly after qualifying to practice as a lawyer, Fox married Sarah Halcomb. The couple decided that, rather than remain in England, they would immigrate to New Zealand, joining an increasing number of other colonists. Upon his arrival in Wellington, Fox's legal qualifications were recognised, but there was little work, and so he supplemented his income by writing for local periodicals. Fox lost the right to practice as a lawyer when, in 1843, he refused to swear an oath that he considered "degrading". This event forced him to focus almost entirely on writing and journalism. Jump to: navigation, search A lawyer is a person licensed by the state to advise clients in legal matters and represent them in courts of law and in other forms of dispute resolution. ... Former parliament buildings on the left and part of the current complex, The Beehive, on the right Wellington (Te Whanganui-a-Tara or Poneke) is the capital city of New Zealand and the countrys second-largest urban area. ... 1843 was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ...

Early political activity

Initially, Fox was opposed to government negotiations with Maori over land, stating that Maori had a right only to land that they used. He also condemned the colonial government's "weak" response to the killing of Arthur Wakefield, a New Zealand Company official who had attempted to expand the settlement at Nelson into Maori-held lands. Fox's criticism of the governor, Robert FitzRoy, eventually played a part in FitzRoy's removal from office. In 1843, Fox was chosen by the New Zealand Company as Wakefield's replacement in Nelson. Captain Arthur Wakefield (1799–1843) was the second brother of Edward Gibbon Wakefield, founder of the New Zealand Company. ... The New Zealand Company formed in 1839 to promote the colonisation of New Zealand. ... The city of Nelson stands on the eastern side of Tasman Bay at the northern end of the South Island of New Zealand. ... Robert FitzRoy Vice Admiral Robert FitzRoy (July 5, 1805 - April 30, 1865) achieved lasting fame as the captain of HMS Beagle and as a pioneering meteorologist who invented weather forecasts, also proving an able surveyor and hydrographer as well as Governor of New Zealand. ... 1843 was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ...

In Nelson, Fox met with mixed success. There was little direct conflict with the Maori, and most of Fox's work was related to economic development. Poor planning and inaccurate land surveying had left colonists with considerably less than had been promised them, and Fox was responsible for resolving the matter. While many modern historians believe that he did a good job, Fox himself found that even his best efforts were not good enough for the angry colonists. Fox increasingly spent his time leading parties into the wilderness near Nelson, an activity which he seems to have enjoyed. Fox was physically active all through his life.

In 1848, William Wakefield (brother of Arthur, killed at Nelson), died. William Wakefield, as the New Zealand Company's senior officer in the colony, was Fox's superior. Fox quickly travelled to Wellington, and managed to secure himself in Wakefield's position. He accomplished this mainly because of the short distance between Nelson and Wellington, which enabled him to win the position before instructions could be received from other cities. He was not the first choice of the Company's board in London (which preferred Francis Bell), but his quick action managed to gain him enough support to receive the appointment. 1848 is a leap year starting on Saturday (link will take you to calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Colonel William Wakefield (1801-1848), married 1826 to Emily Sydney, the fifth child of Edward Wakefield and Priscilla Bell, he was the leader of the first colonizing expedition to New Zealand and founder of Wellington. ... The Right Honourable Francis Bell (1851 â€“ 13 March 1936) was the first New Zealand-born Prime Minister. ...

The Company, however, was in decline after the deaths of both Edward and Arthur Wakefield. Fox gradually became less active in the Company, taking more of an interest in the colonial government. He was a strong opponent of Governor George Grey, who was refusing to grant self-government to the settlers. He frequently denounced the administration and the judiciary as corrupt and incompetent. Jump to: navigation, search A governor is also a device that regulates the speed of a machine. ... George Edward Grey Statue of Sir George Grey in Albert Park, Auckland Sir George Edward Grey KCB (April 14, 1812 - September 19, 1898 ) was a soldier, explorer, Governor of South Australia, twice Governor of New Zealand, Governor of Cape Colony (South Africa), Premier of New Zealand and a writer. ...

In 1851, Fox travelled to London on behalf of a group of Wellington settlers. There, he met with Edward Gibbon Wakefield, elder brother of Edward and Arthur. He discussed his ideas about a constitution for New Zealand, strongly supporting self rule, provincial autonomy, and two elected houses of parliament. He also attempted to meet Earl Grey, the British minister for colonial possessions, but was refused. When a constitution was promulgated the following year, it incorporated some of Fox's ideas, but was not satisfactory to him. Jump to: navigation, search 1851 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... Jump to: navigation, search Edward Gibbon Wakefield Edward Gibbon Wakefield (20 March 1796 â€“ May 16, 1862) was the driving force behind much of the early colonization of South Australia, and later New Zealand. ... Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey, (March 13, 1764 - July 17, 1845), a British Whig statesman and Prime Minister. ...

Entry to Parliament

Before returning to New Zealand, Fox and his wife spent some time travelling in Canada, the United States, and Cuba. When they returned to New Zealand, the new constitution was in effect, and elections had already been held. In 1855, Fox himself was elected MP for Wanganui. He fought on a strong platform of provincial autonomy, and was particularly opposed to the government formed the following year by Henry Sewell (who took the newly created office of Premier of New Zealand). Fox managed to oust Sewell from the new post in only thirteen days, thereby becoming New Zealand's second Premier. Fox, however, lasted only thirteen days himself before being ousted by Edward Stafford. Fox spent the first years of Stafford's premiership in semi-retirement, but later returned to be Stafford's primary opponent in parliament. 1855 was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ... Wanganui is an urban area and district on the west coast of the North Island of New Zealand. ... Henry Sewell (1807 - 1879) was a prominent 19th century New Zealand politician. ... The Prime Minister of New Zealand is New Zealands head of government and is the leader of the party or coalition with majority support in the Parliament of New Zealand. ... Edward William Stafford (1819 - 1901) served as Premier of New Zealand on three occasions in the mid 19th century. ...

Fox appears to have changed his views somewhat regarding Maori land rights, as he strongly opposed the government's policy on that issue. He blamed Stafford's administration, along with Governor Thomas Gore Browne, for the wars in Taranaki, which broke out when a Maori chief refused to sell his land. Fox was widely believed to have converted to support of the Maori, although many modern historians claim that his opposition to land seizure was due to a pragmatic wish to avoid war, not a change of philosophy. Lack of evidence makes it difficult to tell which was the case. Sir Thomas Robert Gore Browne (July 3, 1807- April 17, 1887) was a Governor of St Helena, Governor of New Zealand, Governor of Tasmania and Governor of Bermuda. ... Taranaki is a region in New Zealands North Island and the name of the mountain which is the regions main feature, Geography and people Taranaki is situated on a peninsula on the west coast of the North Island, surrounding the volcanic peak. ...

Premierships

In 1861, Fox successfully passed a vote of no confidence in Stafford, and took the premiership for himself again. Among the measures introduced were law changes designed to accommodate Maori political structures, a halt on attempts to acquire Maori land, and a less confrontational attitude in existing conflicts. Again, dispute exists as to whether this was motivated by pragmatism or support of Maori rights. His attempts to reduce conflict with Maori, however, were undermined by Governor Grey (who had returned for another term), a strong believer in the need to confront Maori militarily. Grey's construction of military infrastructure and his deployment of troops reduced Maori trust of any initiatives by the government. 1861 is a common year starting on Tuesday. ...

Fox, after becoming increasingly involved in a dispute with Grey over responsibility for policy towards Maori, lost a vote of confidence in 1862. The following year, he returned to government, but only as a minister - the premiership went to Frederick Whitaker. Fox appears to have had little to do with the policies of this government, which involved considerable confiscations of land from the Maori. After his term as a minister ended, Fox and his wife travelled in Australia for several years. Jump to: navigation, search 1862 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... Frederick Whitaker was a former Prime Minister of New Zealand. ...

Upon returning to New Zealand, Fox was encouraged by the Opposition to return to politics, which was once again dominated by Fox's rival Edward Stafford. Fox was elected to parliament, and relaunched his attack on Stafford's policies on Maori relations and provincial affairs. Fox defeated Stafford in 1869, taking the premiership for the third time. Fox set about reducing military activities, and ceased any major attempts to engage the Maori with force. Increasingly, however, Fox found himself overshadowed by his treasurer, Julius Vogel. Vogel's extensive plans for the development of New Zealand, involving borrowing money to finance public works, soon became the most prominent feature of Fox's government, but had little to do with Fox himself. Eventually, Fox began to abandon his leadership role within the government, and the resulting disunity allowed Stafford to defeat Fox in 1872. Parliamentary Opposition is a form of political opposition to a designated government, particularly in a Westminster-based parliamentary system. ... Jump to: navigation, search 1869 is a common year starting on Friday (link will take you to calendar). ... Sir Julius Vogel (February 24, 1835 - March 12, 1899) was New Zealands first Jewish prime minister. ... Jump to: navigation, search 1872 was a leap year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ...

After this, Fox decided that he would not seek further office. His role in politics, however, was not quite over - when George Waterhouse, Stafford's successor, suddenly resigned, Fox was called upon to assume the premiership as a "caretaker" until a new leader was found. When Julius Vogel returned to New Zealand from an overseas trip, Fox stepped down, and Vogel's premiership began. George Marsden Waterhouse (born April 6, 1824 Penzance, Cornwall, Englandâ€“died August 6, 1906 Torquay, Devonshire, England) was a Premier of South Australia from October 8, 1861 until July 3, 1863 and Premier of New Zealand from 11 October 1872 to 3 March 1873. ...

Later life

In 1879 Fox was created a Knight Commander in the Order of St Michael and St George. Jump to: navigation, search 1879 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... On the Orders insignia, St Michael is often depicted subduing Satan. ...

Fox subsequently became involved in movements against alcohol. He was, on occasion, a Member of Parliament, but this was no longer the primary activity of his life. Fox also continued to undertake considerable physical exercise, climbing Mount Taranaki in 1892 (aged eighty). He died on 23 June 1893. Jump to: navigation, search Bottles of cachaÃ§a, a Brazilian alcoholic beverage. ... Mount Taranaki or Mount Egmont [1] is a dormant stratovolcano located in the Taranaki region on the west coast of New Zealands North Island. ... Jump to: navigation, search 1892 was a leap year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... Jump to: navigation, search June 23 is the 174th day of the year (175th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 191 days remaining. ... Jump to: navigation, search 1893 was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ...

External link

Categories: 1812 births | 1893 deaths | Former students of Wadham College, Oxford | Knights Commander of St Michael and St George | Natives of Tyne and Wear | New Zealand politicians | New Zealand Prime Ministers The Prime Minister of New Zealand is New Zealands head of government and is the leader of the party or coalition with majority support in the Parliament of New Zealand. ... New Zealand coat of arms This image depicts a seal, an emblem, a coat of arms or a crest. ... Henry Sewell (1807 - 1879) was a prominent 19th century New Zealand politician. ... Edward William Stafford (1819 - 1901) served as Premier of New Zealand on three occasions in the mid 19th century. ... Edward William Stafford (1819 - 1901) served as Premier of New Zealand on three occasions in the mid 19th century. ... Alfred Domett (20 May 1811 - 2 November 1887) was a British colonial statesman and poet. ... Edward William Stafford (1819 - 1901) served as Premier of New Zealand on three occasions in the mid 19th century. ... Edward William Stafford (1819 - 1901) served as Premier of New Zealand on three occasions in the mid 19th century. ... George Marsden Waterhouse (born April 6, 1824 Penzance, Cornwall, Englandâ€“died August 6, 1906 Torquay, Devonshire, England) was a Premier of South Australia from October 8, 1861 until July 3, 1863 and Premier of New Zealand from 11 October 1872 to 3 March 1873. ... Sir Julius Vogel (February 24, 1835 - March 12, 1899) was New Zealands first Jewish prime minister. ... Henry Sewell (1807 - 1879) was a prominent 19th century New Zealand politician. ... Edward William Stafford (1819 - 1901) served as Premier of New Zealand on three occasions in the mid 19th century. ... Alfred Domett (20 May 1811 - 2 November 1887) was a British colonial statesman and poet. ... Frederick Whitaker was a former Prime Minister of New Zealand. ... Sir Frederick Aloysius Weld, GCMG (1823â€“1891), , was a New Zealand politician and a governor of various British colonies. ... George Marsden Waterhouse (born April 6, 1824 Penzance, Cornwall, Englandâ€“died August 6, 1906 Torquay, Devonshire, England) was a Premier of South Australia from October 8, 1861 until July 3, 1863 and Premier of New Zealand from 11 October 1872 to 3 March 1873. ... Sir Julius Vogel (February 24, 1835 - March 12, 1899) was New Zealands first Jewish prime minister. ... Daniel Pollen was a former Prime Minister of New Zealand. ... Harry Albert Atkinson served as Premier of New Zealand on four separate occasions in the late 19th century. ... George Edward Grey Statue of Sir George Grey in Albert Park, Auckland Sir George Edward Grey KCB (April 14, 1812 - September 19, 1898 ) was a soldier, explorer, Governor of South Australia, twice Governor of New Zealand, Governor of Cape Colony (South Africa), Premier of New Zealand and a writer. ... 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