The Martin ministry (1870–1872) or Third Martin ministry was the thirteen ministry of the Colony of New South Wales, and the third and final occasion of being led by the Premier, the Honourable Sir James Martin, KCB, QC.
Martin was elected in the first free elections for the New South Wales Legislative Assembly held in 1856. He came to power as Premier on the first occasion after he successfully defeated Charles Cowper at the 1863 general election.[1] Martin was asked to form government on the second occasion, this time in coalition with his former rival, Henry Parkes, after Cowper again lost the conifidence of the Assembly in December 1865.[1] Martin came to power on this occasion, after Cowper again lost confidence of the Assembly.
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 December 16, 1870 until May 13, 1872, when Martin retired.[2] Upon retirement from politics, he was appointed as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of New South Wales.[1]
| Portfolio | Minister | Term commence | Term end | Term of office |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier Attorney-General |
Hon. Sir James Martin KCB MLA | December 16, 1870 | May 13, 1872 | 1 year, 149 days |
| Colonial Secretary | Hon. John Robertson MLA | |||
| Colonial Treasurer | Hon. George Lord MLA | |||
| Secretary for Lands | Hon. John Wilson MLA | |||
| Secretary for Public Works | Hon. James Byrnes MLA | |||
| Solicitor-General | Hon. William Windeyer MLA | |||
| Postmaster-General Representative of the Government in Legislative Council |
Hon. Joseph Docker MLC |
| Preceded by Cowper ministry (1870) |
Martin ministry (1870–1872) 1870–1872 |
Succeeded by Parkes ministry (1872–1875) |
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