. New Zealand rulers and statesmen from 1840 to 1897 . , 1861, the Stafford .Ministrywas turned out by a majority of one on a vote of generalwant of confidence, and the Home Government inOctober, 1861, replaced Sir Thomas Gore Browne,whose term of office had expired, by Sir George Grey,whose general ability and former experience in NewZealand they believed would speciallv qualify him torestore it to peace and prosperity at this most criticaljuncture. The Fox Ministry took office in July, 1861. It con-sisted at first of Sir William Fox, who was Premier, , Mr. Reader Wood, and Mr.
. New Zealand rulers and statesmen from 1840 to 1897 . , 1861, the Stafford .Ministrywas turned out by a majority of one on a vote of generalwant of confidence, and the Home Government inOctober, 1861, replaced Sir Thomas Gore Browne,whose term of office had expired, by Sir George Grey,whose general ability and former experience in NewZealand they believed would speciallv qualify him torestore it to peace and prosperity at this most criticaljuncture. The Fox Ministry took office in July, 1861. It con-sisted at first of Sir William Fox, who was Premier, , Mr. Reader Wood, and Mr. WalterMantell ; Mr. Henry Sewell and Mr. Crosbie Ward The Fox Ministry 151 joined it shortly afterwards. Dr. Featherston onlyconsented to be a member of the Ministry till the closeof the Session, as he would not give up the office ofSuperintendent of the Province of Wellington and couldnot permanently hold both offices. I have alreadysketched the characters of Sir William Fox, Dr. Feather-ston, and Mr. Sewell. A few words may be said as tothe Ml. Reader Wood. Mr. Reader Wood was a man of good ability. He hadgreat common sense, considerable administrative capacity,and a well furnished mind, and he soon developeddebating power. His speeches on great occasions, tboughat times a little too theatrical in style and delivery, wereadmirable specimens of pungent humour, logical force, 152 New Zealand Rulers and Statesmen and attractive eloquence. It cannot, however, be saidthat his political career has fulfilled the hopes which hisabilities led many persons to form regarding it. He wassadly devoid of sentiment, a moral quality which, withincertain limits, is an essential element of political , no doubt, from this defect, there grew upon himan ungeniality of political temperament, a love of satur-nine solitude, and an inability to adapt himself to theexigencies of party. He could not lead, and he wouldnot follow. He preferred to hold himself aloof from allparties
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