Today in History

1873 Julius Vogel becomes Premier

Julius Vogel was the dominant political figure of the 1870s, serving as Colonial Treasurer and Premier on several occasions, and borrowing heavily to invest in a massive public works and immigration programme.

Born in London of Jewish-Dutch parentage, Vogel worked as a journalist and editor in Australia before settling in Dunedin in 1861. In 1869 he became Colonial Treasurer in William Fox's government. To revive the failing economy he set up a bold 10-year programme of public works and large-scale assisted immigration. This was to be funded by extensive borrowing in the London money market. The rapid and cheap acquisition of Maori land was a key part of this policy, and dramatically speeded up the Crown purchase of land. Vogel and his supporters were certain that Maori and settlers would reconcile when Maori, and their land, became fully integrated in the European economy.

Vogel served as Premier until July 1875 and for another seven-month period in 1876. His ambitious and revolutionary programme altered the shape of the colony, and he is often described as a major 19th-century New Zealand statesman.

Image: portrait of Julius Vogel