This is an auction for THE UPPER HOUSE IN COLONIAL NEW ZEALAND by A H McKintock.

Subtitled "A study of the Legislative Council of New Zealand in the period 1854-1887".

Revised and completed by G A Wood.

This copy has been *** SIGNED *** by Mr Wood.

For a description of the contents of this book, see the second photograph.

From the Encyclopedia of New Zealand:

"Today New Zealand’s Parliament has a single chamber, the House of Representatives (the Lower House). Between 1853 and 1950 there was a second chamber, the Legislative Council (the Upper House). The members of the Legislative Council were appointed – initially for life, although most resigned before their demise. Its major role was to amend or reject bills which had been passed by the House of Representatives. As New Zealand’s equivalent of the British House of Lords, the Council was intended to play an important oversight role. But in practice it had little to do. Once governments appointed its members the Council had little independence. If it proved troublesome, the government of the day could simply appoint new members who supported its policies. The big showdown came in 1891, when the Council obstructed the radical policies of the new Liberal government. An attempt to stack the Council backfired initially when the governor refused to approve the nominees. From then on the Council existed mainly to reward members of the House for loyal service. From the 1890s members were appointed for renewable seven-year terms..."

Hardback 1897.

271 pages + a fold out sheet listing the sessions of the New Zealand Parliament from 1854 to 1890.

Very good condition.

The cost of shipping is $4.95 (ordinary post) or $6.95 (tracked mail). If you are on rural delivery and want tracked mail, the shipping cost will be $9.95.

There is of course no charge for shipping if you collect this book from my shop in Palmerston North following the auction.

Payment within seven days, please.