England. There, he negotiated a number of deals for New Zealand. William Richmond became Treasurer in his absence. In 1859, when Sewell returned to New Zealand, he became Treasurer once again, but stepped down again after only a month, leaving Richmond to resume the role. In the 18 January 1860 by-election, Sewell contested the Christchurch electorate successfully against Michael Hart. He resigned towards the end of 1860 to become Registrar-General of Lands. Executive positions and Legislative Council In 1861, he was appointed by Fox to the Legislative Council, a position that he held until 1865. When fighting broke out with Māori in 1860 over land grievances, Sewell attempted to promote negotiation and compromise. Sewell, who was a mild pacifist, believed that conflict with Māori could only properly be resolved by introducing a fair method of land purchase, one which did not involve coercion. To this end, he twice proposed a Native Council Bill, which would have created Māori-run institutions with the authority to supervise all Māori land deals. Both attempts failed. Sewell later resigned from a post as Attorney-General over the government's land confiscation policies. Soon afterwards, he published a pamphlet entitled The New Zealand native rebellion, in which explained his views on the causes of (and solutions to) the conflict with Māori. Later in his political career, Sewell briefly held positions as Attorney-General, Minister of Justice, and Colonial Secretary (the latter being distinct from the Premiership by this time). During his career he represented the Town of Christchurch 1853–1856 (resigned) and 1860 (retired), and the Town of New Plymouth 1865–1866. He was defeated in 1866 for Lyttelton by Edward Hargreaves. He served on the Legislative Council from 1861 to 1865. Later life In 1873 Sewell retired from politics, and returned to England shortly afterwards. He died in Cambridge on 14 May 1879 and is buried in the Old Churchyard, Waresley, Huntingdonshire. See also Elizabeth Missing Sewell, sister, author of religious & educational works and novels James Edwards Sewell, brother, Warden of New College, Oxford Richard Clarke Sewell, brother, barrister and reader in law to the University of Melbourne William Sewell, brother, Church of England clergyman and author Notes References External links |- |- Prime Ministers of New Zealand New Zealand finance ministers Attorneys-General of New Zealand Members of the New Zealand House of Representatives Members of the Cabinet of New Zealand English emigrants to New Zealand People from Newport,