Edward William Stafford

Edward Stafford was born in Edinburgh in 1819 and educated at Trinity College, Dublin. He also attended The Royal School, Dungannon between 1830-36. He was a keen jockey often riding his own horses and was judged by some to be the best jockey in New Zealand.

Stafford arrived in New Zealand in 1843 and settled in Nelson. In 1846 he married Emily Charlotte Wakefield, who died in 1857.

He was elected Superintendent of Nelson in 1853 and became MP for Nelson in 1855. He declined appointments in the Cabinets of Sewell and Fox (both lasted a fortnight) and on 2 June 1856 became Premier himself. Stafford was seen as a moderate between the extremes of centralism and provincialism.

During his first term the provinces of Hawkes Bay (1858), Marlborough (1859) and Southland (1860) were created. He also married Mary Bartley on 5 December 1859.

On the issue of the Government's native policy Stafford lost a confidence vote by 24 votes to 23 and resigned office on 12 July 1861 being replaced by Fox. Stafford spent the next four years as an opposition MP.

Weld resigned under pressure and ill-health on 16 October 1865 and Stafford replaced him, starting his second term. His second term was mainly concerned with native issues and it was on this policy that he lost a no confidence vote by 40 to 29 and resigned on 28 June 1869 having been Premier for nearly 10 out of the 13 years of responsible government.

However he returned reluctantly as Premier on 10 September 1872 but heading up a weak and divided government which only lasted until 11 October 1872 when Vogel won a motion of no confidence and became Premier.

Stafford continued as MP for Timaru until March 1878 and the retired to live in England. He was knighted KCMG in 1879 and in 1887 made GCMG. He dies on 14 February 1901.