Westland Province
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The Westland Province was a province of New Zealand from 1873 until the abolition of provincial government in 1876. The capital was Hokitika.
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[edit] Area
The province covered an area roughly the same as the present day Westland District, on the West Coast of New Zealand. The area was part of Canterbury Province when the provinces were created in 1853. In 1868 the West Coast was separated from Canterbury Province with the formation of the County of Westland, with the boundary line defined as the crest of the Southern Alps. In 1873 the County formed its own Province, the short-lived Westland Province.
[edit] Anniversary Day
When John Hall resigned as Westland county chairman the government appointed James Alexander Bonar. Bonar was chairman during the period of the Fenian riots and is credited with "great tact in handling that explosive situation". In March 1868 he swore in 640 special constables to suppress an Irish nationalist procession in Hokitika. Bonar was replaced by Conrad Hoos, but later - when on December 1 1873 Westland split from Canterbury Province - Bonar resumed, but as the provincial superintendent.
New Zealand law still provides for a provincial anniversary day.
| Provincial District | includes | Actual Day | Observance Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westland | Westport, Greymouth | December 1 | Monday nearest to the actual day (Greymouth) |
[edit] Superintendents
[edit] Legislation
No surviving legislation.
[edit] Source
- A page containing a map of the old provincial boundaries is available here.
- List at Rulers site with provincial superintendents
[edit] References
- ^ Foster, Bernard John (1966). BONAR, James Alexander (1840–1901). Superintendent of Westland. An Encyclopaedia of New Zealand, edited by A. H. McLintock.. Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington.. Retrieved on 2006-10-09.
- ^ Minehan, Francis (7 April 2006). Bonar, James Alexander 1840 - 1901 Merchant, shipping agent, company director, politician. Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington.. Retrieved on 2006-10-09.
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