Sir William Fox (1812-1893) explorer, author, businessman, and politician, he
was one who helped shape the Constitution Act of 1852, which established home
rule for New Zealand. He also served as the nation's prime minister for a
period.
After emigrating to New Zealand with his wife in 1842, William became editor
of the 'New Zealand Gazette' and 'Britannia
Spectator'. Fox became an agent for the New Zealand Company the following
year and its principal agent in 1848. His lobbying in England (1851–52) was
probably responsible for the addition of Taranaki to the five original provinces
in the Constitution of 1852, which granted self-government.
Published in 1851, this 177 page work is Fox's description of the events
leading up to the Constitution. This work provides statistical and descriptive
accounts of each of the colonies of New Zealand, as well as providing details
relating to the Maoris, and government both current and proposed ideas.
Fox's leading role as an explorer, New Zealand Company agent and incipient
colonial politician gave the book an authority and pungency lacking from so many
contemporary accounts.
High quality scanned images of the whole of the original book. This CD has been bookmarked for easy navigation, and pages can be searched, browsed, enlarged and printed out if required.
Contents:
Chapter 1. Descriptive and Statistical
1. General Description of the Islands
2. The Separate Colonies
- Wellington
- Nelson
- Otago
- Canterbury
- New Plymouth
- Auckland
3. The Pensioner Villages
Chapter 2. The Natives
1. Their Number
2. Their Civilization
3. Our Relations With
4. Native Character
5. Missionary Influence
6. Native Title to Waste Lands
7. The Waste Lands
Chapter 3. Government
1. The Existing Form
2. Present Government - Effects of.
3. Administration of Justice
4. Currency, and Intestate Estates
5. Communication between different Settlements
6. Self-Government
7. Constitutions - Existing and Proposed
Appendix
On the Transfer of Land.
