1876 Vogel Ministry

Last updated December 03, 2024

The Second Vogel Ministry was a responsible government which held power in New Zealand from February to September 1876.^[1]

Background

The Continuous Ministry had abolished the Provinces and carried out an extensive public works scheme by the time Sir Julius Vogel returned to New Zealand from a mission seeking a further loan from London. He now reassumed the Premiership, but previous supporters of Vogel’s policies, such as John Davies Ormond, now refused to serve in Government and pressured the Ministry to retrench public spending.^[2] Additionally, the abolition of the Provinces meant that the central government now had to pay for public education, leading to reduced spending, cuts in the public works and immigration budget, and another £2 million overseas loan.^[3]

The liberal opposition, led by Sir George Grey, blocked the final sale of the Piako Swamp to a syndicate led by Thomas Russell, arguing that a direct sale of confiscated Māori land was illegal and that the Government was giving favourable treatment to a wealthy banker and political ally. The Government was saved on this issue by the Speaker’s casting vote.^[4]

When the House met, Vogel resigned, citing personal attacks from the Opposition over his perceived extravagance with the finances at a time of low export prices.^[5] He also had a “morbid fear” of dying poor,^[6] so he arranged to hand over the Premiership to someone who would appoint him to the salaried position of Agent-General - in September, he landed on Harry Atkinson.^[6]

Ministers

The following members served in the Vogel Ministry:^[7]

Name	Office	Term
Sir Julius Vogel	Premier	15 February 1876 - 1 September 1876
	Colonial Treasurer	15 February 1876 - 1 September 1876
	Postmaster-General	11 October 1872 - 1 September 1876
	Commissioner of Telegraphs	8 April 1873 - 1 September 1876
Sir Donald McLean	Minister for Native Affairs	11 October 1872 - 7 December 1876
Daniel Pollen, MLC	Colonial Secretary	4 July 1873 - 13 October 1877
Edward Richardson	Minister for Public Works	29 October 1872 - 4 January 1877
Harry Atkinson	Secretary for Crown Lands	7 September 1874 - 1 September 1876
	Minister for Immigration	10 September 1874 - 1 September 1876
	Commissioner of Customs	15 February 1876 - 3 July 1876
Charles Bowen	Minister of Justice	16 December 1874 - 13 October 1877
Charles Bowen	Commissioner of Stamp Duties	16 December 1874 - 13 October 1877
William Swanson	Member of Executive Council	11 March 1876 - 1 September 1876
George McLean	Commissioner of Customs	4 July 1876 - 13 October 1877

Notes

↑ Wilson, J. O. (James Oakley) (1985). New Zealand parliamentary record, 1840–1984 (4th ed.). Wellington: Government Printer. p. 66.
↑ Bassett, Judith (1969). Sir Harry Atkinson. Reed. p. 43.
↑ Dalziel, Judith (1986). Julius Vogel: Business Politician. Auckland University Press, Oxford University Press. p. 210.
↑ Dalziel, Raewynn (1986). Julius Vogel: Business Politician. Auckland University Press, Oxford University Press. p. 212.
↑ McLintock, Alexander Hare; Warwick Robert Armstrong, M. A.; Taonga, New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage Te Manatu. "VOGEL, Sir Julius, K.C.M.G." An encyclopaedia of New Zealand, edited by A. H. McLintock, 1966. Retrieved 6 November 2022.
1 2 Dalziel, Raewynn (1986). Julius Vogel: Business Politician. Auckland University Press, Oxford University Press. p. 213.
↑ Wilson, J. O. (1985). Parliamentary Record of New Zealand (4th ed.). Wellington: Government Printer. p. 66.

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References

Wilson, James Oakley (1985) [First published in 1913]. New Zealand Parliamentary Record, 1840–1984 (4th ed.). Wellington: V.R. Ward, Govt. Printer. OCLC 154283103.

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[1] Wilson, J. O. (James Oakley) (1985). New Zealand parliamentary record, 1840–1984 (4th ed.). Wellington: Government Printer. p. 66.

[2] Bassett, Judith (1969). Sir Harry Atkinson. Reed. p. 43.

[3] Dalziel, Judith (1986). Julius Vogel: Business Politician. Auckland University Press, Oxford University Press. p. 210.

[4] Dalziel, Raewynn (1986). Julius Vogel: Business Politician. Auckland University Press, Oxford University Press. p. 212.

[5] McLintock, Alexander Hare; Warwick Robert Armstrong, M. A.; Taonga, New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage Te Manatu. "VOGEL, Sir Julius, K.C.M.G." An encyclopaedia of New Zealand, edited by A. H. McLintock, 1966. Retrieved 6 November 2022.

[:0-6] 1 2 Dalziel, Raewynn (1986). Julius Vogel: Business Politician. Auckland University Press, Oxford University Press. p. 213.

[7] Wilson, J. O. (1985). Parliamentary Record of New Zealand (4th ed.). Wellington: Government Printer. p. 66.

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