The division of power between the general and provincial governments 1853-67

Abstract

This thesis is not a study of politics or politicians, though both will affect the story deeplyin parts. It attempts to look at one aspect of a short period in what is probably the most neglected side of New Zealand's history - administrative history. The New Zealand Constitution Act placed a problem. Two governments were established, and the functions of government had to be divided between them. This division of power and the relations between the two governments had to be made to produce reasonable efficiency. Several solutions to this problem, and to the attendant issue of the division of revenue between the two governments, were attempted - in 1853, 1856, 1867, 1870 - until the final abolition of the provinces. I shall deal with the early years of the provincial system, tracing some aspects of the system that was worked out for the administrative relations between the two governments. Only so far as they affect this question do I deal with policy, personality or the political conflicts of the day.