Story: Governors and governors-general

Thomas Gore Browne and Bishop Selwyn

Thomas Gore Browne and Bishop Selwyn

In 1856, on his own doubtful initiative, Governor Thomas Gore Browne (left) persuaded reluctant ministers to let him retain control of native affairs and defence. The government took back both posts at the end of Gore Browne's term, but in the meantime he was in the firing line of critics such as Bishop George Selwyn – as illustrated in this clumsily drawn cartoon which appeared in Taranaki Punch in March 1861, as the first Taranaki war came to an end. The demonic shadow behind the bishop shows where the paper’s sympathies lay.

Using this item

Puke Ariki - Taranaki Museum & Library
Reference: ARC2002-538 (Taranaki Punch, 13 March 1861, p. 8)

This item must not be copied or reproduced in any print or electronic media without the prior permission of Puke Ariki Museum and Library. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Gavin McLean, 'Governors and governors-general - Constitutional duties', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/cartoon/33645/thomas-gore-browne-and-bishop-selwyn (accessed 25 April 2024)

Story by Gavin McLean, published 20 Jun 2012, reviewed & revised 28 Sep 2016