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 where a monument was erected to his memory by the members of the Hibernian Society of Queensland, of which he was vice-president.

Atkinson, Major Hon. Sir Harry Albert, K.C.M.G., M.L.C., President Legislative Council, New Zealand, is a native of England, and emigrated to New Zealand, where he landed in 1855 with his brother Decimus, and settled on some land in the Taranaki district, where he lived all through the Maori war. The energy of the young colonists in these parts soon took upon it the burden of the tedious war; and a band of volunteers was organised, with Mr. Atkinson as captain, which proved more effective in the issue than the trained regulars, whose freedom of action was hampered by military traditions. The first action in which Mr. Atkinson was engaged was at Waireka, on March 28th, 1860, where the Colonial troops greatly distinguished themselves. Subsequently he took part in the capture of several pas at Kaihihi in Oct. 1860, in the battle of Mahoetahi on Nov. 6th, and the battle of Matarikoriko in December. He was present at the capture of Kaitake on March 24th, 1864, at Sentry Hill, at Ahu-Ahu, at Allen's Hill, at Manutahi, and at Mataitawa. For these and other services he was advanced to the rank of major, and received the thanks of the Government. Previous to this he had been elected to the Parliament of 1863, and on Nov. 24th, 1864, took office as Minister of Defence under Sir. This was a time of great difficulties, for the conduct of the war had forced upon the consideration of the Ministry the advisability of dispensing with the support of the Home Government. It was upon this point that Major Atkinson came first into notice as a politician, for his speech upon the second reading of the Militia Act Repeal Bill was the proclamation of a new era. The English forces were to be withdrawn, and henceforth the colony was to depend upon herself. This principle was accepted by both Houses, and it seemed at first as if the Weld Government, called to establish a new régime, would carry with it the sense of the country. But a series of misfortunes befell the Ministry. The removal of the seat of government from Auckland to Wellington leagued the north against them; financial difficulties embarrassed them; misunderstandings between the Governor and the Ministry were succeeded by a quarrel between the Governor and Sir Duncan Cameron, the general in command of the English forces. In the end, despite some changes in the personnel of the Government, Sir Frederick Weld resigned upon a virtual defeat in an attempt to carry stamp duties, and Sir Edward Stafford was called to power, on Oct 16th, 1865. The Stafford Ministry lasted, with some alterations, till June 28th, 1869; and in 1867-8 Major Atkinson took an active part in the discussions which took place upon the war. From 1869 to 1873 he was not in Parliament. In the latter year he was again returned to the General Assembly. In Oct. 1872 the third Stafford Administration, which lasted only for a month, was succeeded by a Ministry, with Mr. as Premier; but this Cabinet was reconstructed twice, the first time under Sir, and the second under Sir. Under the latter Major Atkinson accepted the portfolios of Secretary for Crown Lands and Minister for Immigration on Sept. 7th and 10th, 1874, respectively. On July 6th, 1875, a third reconstruction took place, and Dr. became Premier, Major Atkinson taking from him the portfolio of Colonial Treasurer, which he added to his former offices. It was in 1875 that the very important Bill abolishing the provincial legislatures, which had been announced in the previous year by Sir Julius Vogel as the policy of the Government, was carried; and it fell to the task of Major Atkinson, as leader of the Lower House, to move the second reading of the bill, which was carried by 52 votes to 17, and subsequently passed through the Upper House and became law. On Feb. 15th, 1876, Sir Julius Vogel resumed his place as Premier and Colonial Treasurer; and, in lieu of the latter office, allotted to his colleague the portfolio of Commissioner of Customs; and at the last rearrangement of this changeful Ministry, upon the departure of Sir Julius Vogel to assume the position of Agent-General in London, Major Atkinson took his place as Premier and Colonial Treasurer. But twelve days later there was a readjustment of offices, and the Premier became also Secretary for Crown Lands and Minister 19