George Evans (Australian politician) facts for kids

George Samuel Evans (born 1802, died 1868) was an important person in the early days of New Zealand and Australia. He was a lawyer, a newspaper editor, and a politician. He even served as a government minister in the Colony of Victoria.

Early Life and Moving to New Zealand

George Samuel Evans was born in Gloucester, England, in 1802. His father was a minister. George studied at a university in Glasgow and became a lawyer in 1837.

Around this time, he met Colonel William Wakefield. Wakefield was planning to set up new settlements in New Zealand. Evans decided to join the first group of settlers going to what is now Wellington. This group was part of the New Zealand Company.

Helping to Build Wellington

Evans sailed from London in 1839 and arrived in New Zealand in March 1840. He came with his wife, Harriet, and their child. The first settlement spot, Petone, often flooded. Evans held a meeting and convinced the settlers to move to a better place, which is now Thorndon in Wellington.

Because of this, many people saw Evans as a "father" figure for Wellington. The Māori people called him 'Nui Nui rangatira', which means 'great chief'.

At first, England had not officially taken control of New Zealand. So, the settlers created their own rules. Evans was a very important leader in this early government. He was like the main judge for the new settlement.

Working with the Government

However, Captain William Hobson soon arrived in New Zealand. He was the first Lieutenant-Governor sent by the Queen. Hobson was not happy about the settlers' self-made government. He said their actions were illegal.

Hobson quickly sent an officer to stop the settlers' government. When the officer arrived, Evans and other leaders welcomed him. They showed that the settlers were loyal to the Queen. The settlers' government was then officially ended.

Evans later gave a speech. He explained why the settlers had made their own rules. But he also told them to accept the Queen's authority. He strongly believed that Wellington should be the main city of the new colony.

Standing Up for Settlers' Rights

Evans continued to be a voice for the settlers. He traveled to Sydney, Australia, to talk to the Governor there. He wanted to make sure that settlers' land claims in New Zealand were fair. He helped ensure that genuine settlers were treated fairly.

Later, Evans also spoke up about the Wairau Affray. This was a serious conflict between settlers and Māori. He also disagreed with Governor Robert FitzRoy on some land decisions.

In 1845, Evans went back to England. He spoke for the settlers who were unhappy with Governor FitzRoy. He met with important government officials to share the settlers' concerns.

Life and Politics in Australia

After his time in New Zealand, George Samuel Evans moved to the Colony of Victoria in Australia. He became very involved in politics there.

When Victoria gained more self-government, Evans was elected to the first Victorian Legislative Assembly. He represented the area of Richmond from 1856 to 1859.

He held important government jobs, too. He was the Postmaster-General of Victoria (in charge of mail services) from 1858 to 1859. He also became the Minister of Lands for a short time.

Evans continued to be a member of parliament, representing other areas like Avoca and Maryborough. He was Postmaster-General again from 1861 to 1863. For a long time, he was also the editor of a newspaper called the Melbourne Herald.

George Samuel Evans passed away in Wellington, New Zealand, in 1868.