1853 in New Zealand

The old provinces of New Munster and New Ulster are abolished and replaced by the Provinces of New Zealand. The first general election is held marking a major step on the way to self-government.

Population

The estimated population of New Zealand at the end of 1853 is 61,850 Māori and 29,600 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

Government and law

New Zealand’s first general election, held on 1 October. The House of Representatives has 37 elected members, and 14 members are appointed to the first Legislative Council. [ [http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/HstBldgs/History/Resources/3/6/e/36e40376aa2842e6bcce0a4557ebf2bc.htm New Zealand Parliament - Parliament timeline ] ] The 1st Parliament opens on 24 May 1854

The first Speaker of the House is not elected until Parliament opens on 24 May 1854. There is neither an official Prime Minister/Premier/Colonial Secretary or Finance Minister/Colonial Secretary until after the 2nd New Zealand Parliament is formed after the 1855 election. (see also 1st New Zealand Parliament).

*Chief Justice – William Martin
*Liuetenant Governor, New Munster - Edward John Eyre (until 7 March when the Provinces of New Ulster and New Munster are abolished and replaced by the Provinces of New Zealand).
*Liuetenant Governor, New Ulster - Robert Henry Wynyard (until 7 March when the Provinces of New Ulster and New Munster are abolished and replaced by the Provinces of New Zealand).

Events

* 17 January [ [http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/timeline&new_date=17/01 Today in History | NZHistory ] ] : With the passing of New Zealand Constitution Act 1852 the previous year the Provinces of New Zealand are created. The fomer Provinces of New Ulster and New Munster, which had been in place since 1846, are abolished. New Ulster is split into Auckland, New Plymouth and Wellington; New Munster is split into Nelson, Canterbury and Otago. Each of the new provinces has its own legislature, known as a Provincial Council, that elects its own Speaker and Superintendent.
* 16 November: "The Wanganui Record" starts publishing, but folds six weeks later, on 28 December. [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 13|format=PDF|publisher=Statistics New Zealand]

Arts and literature

Music

Appointments and awards

*Bishop of New Zealand - George Augustus Selwyn

port

Cricket

Horse racing

Births

Unknown date

* (in England): Albert Moss, cricketer.
* Robert Alexander Wright, politician and Mayor of Wellington.

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 1853 not specifically related to New Zealand see": 1853

References