PRIME MINISTERS OF NEW ZEALAND

The First Premier

It is often stated that J. E. FitzGerald and T. S. Forsaith were the first two Premiers of New Zealand. This is quite erroneous. They were nothing more than members, without portfolio, of the Executive Council, which was presided over by the Administrator, Lieutenant-Colonel R. H. Wynyard. The first responsible ministry did not take shape until April 1856, with Henry Sewell as Colonial Secretary. To him, therefore, goes the honour of being the first Premier.