The administration of Sir Thomas Gore Browne, Governor of New Zealand 1855-61

Abstract

On 6 September 1855 Colonel Thomas Gore Browne landed in New Zealand and commenced an eventful period of administration which was terminated by his recall in 1861. The task to which he had been appointed was not an easy one, for the country he had come to govern was in a state of transition. The constitution had recently been changed; vague movements which were to produce new problems were stirring among the native people; and Great Britain was entering on a new policy in dealing with the country. It was no place for a man afraid of hard work or responsibility; but Gore Browne was not the man to shirk either of these, and in the spirit of determination to do the best he could he entered upon a period of administration during which he made many enemies and many loyal friends.