Parker ministry

The Parker ministry was the third ministry of the Colony of New South Wales, and was led by the Premier, the Honourable Henry Parker. Parker was elected in the first free elections for the New South Wales Legislative Assembly held in March 1856 and, following the failure of the Donaldson and Cowper Governments to maintain the confidence of the Assembly, was asked to form Government.[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 3 October 1856 until on 7 September 1857, when Parker resigned his commission, having lost an electoral bill.[1] During this period, there was a slight re-arrangement to the ministry, following the resignation of William Manning on account of ill-health.[2]

Composition of ministry

Portfolio Minister Term commence Term end Term of office
Premier
Colonial Secretary
Hon. Henry Parker MLA 3 October 1856 7 September 1857 339 days
Colonial Treasurer Hon. Stuart Donaldson MLA
Secretary for Lands and Works Hon. John Hay MLA
Attorney-General Hon. William Manning MLA 3 October 1856 25 May 1857 234 days
Hon. John Darvall MLA 26 May 1857 7 September 1857 339 days
Solicitor-General 3 October 1856 23 May 1857
Hon. Edward Wise MLA 23 May 1857 7 September 1857 107 days
Vice-President of the Executive Council Hon. Edward Deas-Thompson MLA

See also

References

Preceded by
Cowper ministry (1856)
Parker ministry
1856–1857
Succeeded by
Cowper ministry (1857–1859)