Sir George Ferguson Bowen

Late in 1867 Bowen was promoted to the government of New Zealand, where he assumed office on 9 February 1868. War with the Maori was still in progress. Bowen met chiefs in conference, made official tours through both islands, and received addresses and gave answers in patriarchal style; he perceived a parallel between the social condition of the Maori highlands and that of the Scottish highlands in the first part of the eighteenth century. He pursued a policy of conciliation, endeavouring to promote good feeling between the Maori and the settlers, hoping to mitigate the damage done by government confiscation of Maori land before and during the wars. He also did much to mollify the population, many of whom were considering association with the United States rather than the even more distant Britain. He was able to convince many of these that Britain's rule could be more responsive than it had hitherto been.
His relations with the home government were less happy - which actually stood him in good stead with many settlers. In 1869 the Gladstone government decreed the removal of all British troops from New Zealand. Bowen strongly objected, in principle and on behalf of his government; in defiance of instructions he delayed the departure of the last regiment. He was rebuked by Lord Granville, the colonial secretary. In 1873 he was made governor of Victoria.
Image courtesy of National Portrait Gallery

New Zealand | New Zealand Administrators