1854 in New Zealand

Population

The estimated population of New Zealand at the end of 1854 is 60,650 Māori and 32,554 non-Māori. [Statistics New Zealand has collated estimates from a number of sources (interpolating where necessary) at cite web |url=http://www.stats.govt.nz/tables/ltds/ltds-population.htm |title=Long-term data series |accessdate=2008-03-14 |format= |work= , in particular cite web |url=http://www.stats.govt.nz/tables/ltds/ltds-population.htm |title=A1.1 Total population.xls |accessdate=2008-03-14 |format=Excel|work= ]

Incumbents

Regal and Vice Regal

*Head of State - Queen Victoria
*Governor – Sir George Grey resigns on 6 January. Colonel Thomas Gore Browne is appointed later in the year, but does not arrive to take up his position until 6 September 1855.

Government and law

After New Zealand’s first general election, held on 1 October 1853 the 1st Parliament opens on 24 May. [ [http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/HstBldgs/History/Resources/3/6/e/36e40376aa2842e6bcce0a4557ebf2bc.htm New Zealand Parliament - Parliament timeline ] ]

There is neither an official Prime Minister/Premier/Colonial Secretary or Finance Minister/Colonial Secretary in the government at this point in time. (see 1st New Zealand Parliament)

*Speaker of the House – When the 1st Parliament opens on 24 May Sir Charles Clifford is unanimously elected as New Zealand’s first Speaker of the House.
*Chief Justice – William Martin

Events

* 4 May: The Māori language magazine, "The Maori Messenger" or "Ko te Karere Maori", which started in 1849, stops publishing. In 1855 it will be revived with a different Māori title. [cite web|url=http://www.stats.govt.nz/NR/rdonlyres/9E78F21A-EF20-4C82-934B-1587FC7489CC/0/StatPubschapter2.pdf|work=Statistical publications 1840-2000|title=Chapter 2: Early Statistical Sources – 19th Century|pages=p 11|format=PDF|publisher=Statistics New Zealand]
*June: The "Canterbury Standard" begins publication. The Christchurch newspaper continues until 1866. [cite web|url=http://www.stats.govt.nz/NR/rdonlyres/9E78F21A-EF20-4C82-934B-1587FC7489CC/0/StatPubschapter2.pdf|work=Statistical publications 1840-2000|title=Chapter 2: Early Statistical Sources – 19th Century|pages=p 12|format=PDF|publisher=Statistics New Zealand]

Arts and literature

Music

Appointments and awards

*Bishop of New Zealand - George Augustus Selwyn

port

Cricket

Horse racing

The Canterbury Jockey Club is formed, the first club of its kind in New Zealand.Todd, S. (1976) "Sporting Records of New Zealand." Auckland: Moa Publications. ISBN 0-908570-00-7] It holds its first meeting, at Riccarton Racecourse, in 1855.

Births

Unknown date

* Alfred Brandon, mayor of Wellington.
* Westby Brook Perceval, politician.

Deaths

ee also

*List of years in New Zealand
*Timeline of New Zealand history
*History of New Zealand
*Military history of New Zealand
*Timeline of environmental history of New Zealand
*Timeline of New Zealand's links with Antarctica

"For world events and topics in 1854 not specifically related to New Zealand see": 1854

References