1855 New Zealand general election

In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of 1855 New Zealand general election, a topic that has captured the interest of academics, experts and enthusiasts alike. With a vast repertoire of aspects to consider, from its history to its implications in modern society, 1855 New Zealand general election is a topic that promises to offer a myriad of interesting perspectives. Along these lines, we will seek to unravel the mysteries surrounding 1855 New Zealand general election, presenting data, studies and ideas that will help us understand its importance and relevance today. Prepare to embark on a journey of discovery that will take you to explore the depths of 1855 New Zealand general election and its many facets.

1855 general election
← 1853 26 October – 28 December 1855 1860–61 →
All 37 seats in the New Zealand House of Representatives
  First party
 
Leader Henry Sewell
Party Independent
Leader's seat Town of Christchurch
Last election 37 seats
Seats won 37
Seat change Steady
Premier before election

Office Established

 Subsequent Premier

Henry Sewell
Independent

The 1855 New Zealand general election was a nationwide vote to determine the shape of the New Zealand Parliament's 2nd term. It was the second national election ever held in New Zealand, and the first one which elected a Parliament that had full authority to govern the colony.

Background

The first New Zealand elections had been held after the passage of the New Zealand Constitution Act 1852 by the Parliament of the United Kingdom. The 1st Parliament did not have the ability to appoint the executive branch (Cabinet) of the New Zealand government, however, and a major dispute arose between Parliament and the Governor. In the 2nd Parliament, Parliament gained the powers it sought — for this reason, some see the 1855 elections, not the 1853 elections, as the beginning of New Zealand democracy.

At the time of the 1855 elections, there were no political parties in New Zealand. As such, all candidates were independents. Governments were formed based on loose coalitions, with prospective Prime Ministers needing to seek support from enough individual MPs to command a majority. This means that nobody could truly be said to have "won" an election — a government usually rose or fell based on its ability to make deals with MPs, not on election results.

The election

In the 1855 elections, voting occurred on a different day for each individual seat. The first seat was elected on 26 October, and the final seat was elected on 28 December. An estimated 9,891 people were eligible to vote, although records are poor for some areas. The number of electoral districts was 24, with some districts electing multiple MPs. The total number of seats was 37. Some parts of the colony were not part of any district, and did not have representation in Parliament.

Results

Member Electorate Province MP's term Election date
John Cuff Akaroa Canterbury First 28 December
John Logan Campbell City of Auckland Auckland First 27 October
Thomas Beckham City of Auckland Auckland First 27 October
William Daldy City of Auckland Auckland First 27 October
Frederick Merriman Auckland Suburbs Auckland Second 27 October
Walter Brodie Auckland Suburbs Auckland First 27 October
Hugh Carleton Bay of Islands Auckland Second 24 November
Dingley Brittin Christchurch Country Canterbury First 20 December
John Hall Christchurch Country Canterbury First 20 December
Henry Sewell Town of Christchurch Canterbury Second 18 December
John Cargill Dunedin Country Otago Second 11 December
William Cargill Dunedin Country Otago First 11 December
James Macandrew Town of Dunedin Otago Second 11 December
Charles Brown Grey and Bell New Plymouth First 8 November
Alfred Ludlam Hutt Wellington Second 16 November
Dillon Bell Hutt Wellington First 16 November
James FitzGerald Town of Lyttelton Canterbury Second 21 December
Charles Parker Motueka and Massacre Bay Nelson First 8 November
Alfred Domett Town of Nelson Nelson First 12 November
Edward Stafford Town of Nelson Nelson First 12 November
William Richmond Town of New Plymouth New Plymouth First 5 November
Thomas Henderson Northern Division Auckland First 27 October
Walter Lee Northern Division Auckland Second 27 October
Alfred East Omata New Plymouth First 10 November
John Williamson Pensioner Settlements Auckland First 27 October
Joseph Greenwood Pensioner Settlements Auckland Second 27 October
Charles Taylor Southern Division Auckland Second 26 October
Robert Graham Southern Division Auckland First 26 October
Charles Elliott Waimea Nelson First 5 November
William Travers Waimea Nelson Second 5 November
John Smith Wairarapa and Hawke's Bay Wellington First 26 November
William Wells Wairau Nelson First 19 November
William Fox Wanganui and Rangitikei Wellington First 27 November
Charles Clifford City of Wellington Wellington Second 13 November
Isaac Featherston City of Wellington Wellington Second 13 November
William Fitzherbert City of Wellington Wellington First 13 November
Dudley Ward Wellington Country Wellington First 15 November

Notes

  1. ^ "General elections 1853-2005 - dates & turnout". Elections New Zealand. Archived from the original on 14 November 2014. Retrieved 12 September 2010.
  2. ^ Wilson 1985.
  3. ^ a b Scholefield 1950, p. 102.
  4. ^ a b c d Scholefield 1950, p. 99.
  5. ^ a b Scholefield 1950, p. 95.
  6. ^ Scholefield 1950, p. 126.
  7. ^ a b c Scholefield 1950, p. 97.
  8. ^ Scholefield 1950, p. 111.
  9. ^ Scholefield 1950, p. 138.
  10. ^ Scholefield 1950, p. 121.
  11. ^ a b Scholefield 1950, p. 120.
  12. ^ a b Scholefield 1950, p. 106.
  13. ^ Scholefield 1950, p. 131.
  14. ^ a b Scholefield 1950, p. 104.
  15. ^ Scholefield 1950, p. 140.
  16. ^ Scholefield 1950, p. 136.
  17. ^ Scholefield 1950, p. 113.
  18. ^ Scholefield 1950, p. 148.
  19. ^ a b Scholefield 1950, p. 109.
  20. ^ Scholefield 1950, p. 143.
  21. ^ a b "Election of members to represent the Waimea districts". Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle. Vol. XIV. 7 November 1855. p. 2. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
  22. ^ Scholefield 1950, p. 139.
  23. ^ Scholefield 1950, p. 147.
  24. ^ Scholefield 1950, p. 107.
  25. ^ Scholefield 1950, p. 100.
  26. ^ Scholefield 1950, p. 105.
  27. ^ Scholefield 1950, p. 146.

References

  • Scholefield, Guy (1950) . New Zealand Parliamentary Record, 1840–1949 (3rd ed.). Wellington: Govt. Printer.
  • Wilson, James Oakley (1985) . New Zealand Parliamentary Record, 1840–1984 (4th ed.). Wellington: V.R. Ward, Govt. Printer. OCLC 154283103.
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