by Hobson, following instructions from the British secretary of state for the colonies. The department's role was "to watch over the interests of the Aborigines as their protector" and had religious, social and intellectual aspects. It was also given a second role, which conflicted with the first; since the Treaty of Waitangi, the Crown was the sole purchaser of Māori land, and the department's role was to action the purchases. Clarke managed to persuade Hobson to free him of the land purchase role, but it remained within the scope of the Sub-protectors. In 1843, Forsaith was promoted to Protector in succession of Clarke. Forsaith worked closely with the second Governor, Robert FitzRoy. They travelled in the Cook Strait area in 1844, and to the Māori meeting at Waikanae following the Wairau Affray near Tuamarina, the first serious clash of arms between Māori and colonists. Forsaith was then stationed in Wellington and witnessed the Te Aro land purchase in February 1844. He negotiated with Te Rangihaeata about the evacuation of land in the Hutt Valley, but the actions of the New Zealand Company and the impatience of the settlers to move onto disputed land resulted in the Hutt Valley campaign. He acted as interpreter for Mathew Richmond, the Government Superintendent for the Southern District, and Bishop Selwyn, the first Anglican Bishop of New Zealand. When the influential chief Te Rauparaha visited Wellington in 1845, he was shown around by Forsaith. In 1846, the department was abolished by the next Governor, George Grey, as he wanted to have influence over Māori issues himself. Grey appointed a Native Secretary instead. Forsaith left Government employment in the following year. Business interests Forsaith opened a drapery store in Auckland's Queen Street. He had this business from 1847 to 1862. He also edited the Daily Southern Cross newspaper for a while. He became a Justice of the peace in 1857. Political career New Ulster Council The Proclamation of 1852 stipulated that the New Ulster Legislative Council, which had been in place since 1848, was to have twelve elected and six nominated members. Forsaith was asked by a group of electors to become a candidate. Elections in the Northern Division District were held on 31 August 1852, and Allan O'Neill (from Bayswater) and Forsaith were returned. The council had not met by the time the New Zealand Constitution Act 1852 arrived, which resulted in the abolition of