Samuel Revans
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Samuel Revans (circa 1807—14 July 1888) was a notable New Zealand newspaper owner, entrepreneur and politician.
Samuel Revans is known to have been a native of London but, as was common in early 19th century, the day, month and even the exact year of his birth have been lost to history. He undertook training as a printer and, after working for a time in London and Canada, attained the post of secretary of the Executive Committee of the New Zealand Company as well as editorship of the New Zealand Gazette, which he initially printed in his London office on 21 August 1839.
Revans arrived in New Zealand on 7 March 1840, docking at Wellington Harbour's Port Nicholson. On 18 April of the same year, he published the second edition of New Zealand Gazette, the first newspaper published in the newly-settled islands. He also invested in the timber business, and established a number of farms. Gradually, he became more distant from his newspaper, leaving both the printing and the editing to his staff. Eventually, his publishing business collapsed, leaving him reliant on his other properties for income.
In 1848, Revans became prominent in the newly-formed Wellington Settlers' Constitutional Association, which advocated representative government. Revans' involvement was briefly interrupted by a sudden business venture—sailing to San Francisco with a cargo of timber and potatoes, which he hoped to sell to participants in the California gold rush. When this enterprise failed to meet with its expected success, Revans returned to New Zealand, where he and William Mein Smith had established a large station at Huangaroa, near modern Masterton, in Wairarapa.
When self-government for New Zealand was finally instituted, Revans stood in the first general election. He was successful, and represented the Wairarapa and Hawke's Bay electorate in the 1st New Zealand Parliament. In the 2nd New Zealand Parliament, he represented the Hutt electorate, but resigned in 1858. Politically, he generally supported Isaac Featherston, a prominent Wellingtonian politician, and opposed Edward Gibbon Wakefield and his son Edward Jerningham Wakefield. Revans was known for his then-radical views on many subjects, including a strong support for republicanism.
Samuel Revans died in relative obscurity in Greytown, Wairarapa at the age of approximately 80.
