Cowper ministry (1861–1863)

The Cowper ministry (1861–1863) or Third Cowper ministrywas the seventh ministry of the Colony of New South Wales, and third occasion of being led by the Premier, the Honourable Charles Cowper.

Cowper was elected in the first free elections for the New South Wales Legislative Assembly held in March 1856, and fought unsuccessfully with Stuart Donaldson to form Government. When Donaldson's Government faltered a little over two months after it was formed, Cowper formed Government on the first occasion, but he also lost the confidence of the Assembly a few months later. Cowper formed Government on the second occasion between 1857 and 1859; but it also lost the confidence of the Assembly. Cowper was again asked to form Government following the decision by Premier John Robertson to step aside and focus on land reform.[1]

There was no party system in New South Wales politics until 1887. Under the constitution, ministers were required to resign to recontest their seats in a by-election when appointed. These by-elections are only noted when the minister was defeated; in general, he was elected unopposed.

This ministry covers the period from 10 January 1861 until 15 October 1863, when Cowper was defeated at the state election amidst criticism of its financial management.[2][3]

Composition of ministry

Portfolio Minister Term commence Term end Term of office
Premier
Colonial Secretary
 Hon. Charles Cowper MLA 10 January 1861 15 October 1863 &100000000000000020000002 years, &10000000000000278000000278 days
Colonial Treasurer Hon. Elias Weekes MLA 20 March 1863 &100000000000000020000002 years, &1000000000000006900000069 days
Hon. Thomas Smart MLA 21 March 1863 15 October 1863 208 days
Secretary for Lands and Works Hon. John Robertson MLA 10 January 1861 &100000000000000020000002 years, &10000000000000278000000278 days
Secretary for Public Works Hon. William Arnold MLA
Attorney-General Hon. John Darvall MLA 1 August 1863
Hon. John Hargrave MLC 10 January 1861 31 July 1863
Solicitor-General
Representative of the Government in Legislative Council		 1 August 1863 15 October 1863
Clerk of the Executive Council Hon. Charles Cowper, Jr MLA 1 September 1861 &100000000000000020000002 years, &1000000000000004400000044 days

See also

References

  1. ^ Nairn, Bede. "Robertson, Sir John (1816 - 1891)". Australian Dictionary of Biography. Australian National University. http://www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A060050b.htm. Retrieved 2007-02-22. 
  2. ^ Ward, John M.. "Cowper, Sir Charles (1807 - 1875)". Australian Dictionary of Biography. Australian National University. http://www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A030447b.htm. Retrieved 2007-02-20. 
  3. ^ "Former Members - Chronological List of Ministries 1856 to 2009 (requires download)" (Excel spreadsheet). Project for the Sesquicentenary of Responsible Government in NSW. Parliament of New South Wales. http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/web/common.nsf/key/Archives_MemberPage. Retrieved 2010-01-02. 
Preceded by
Robertson ministry (1860–1861)		 Cowper ministry (1861–1863)
1861–1863		 Succeeded by
Martin ministry (1863–1865)
New South Wales ministries
Colonial government (1856-1900)
State government (1901-present)
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