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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Mr. Reader Gilson Wood

Mr. Reader Gilson Wood, well-known as a prominent politician in Auckland sat as a member of three consecutive ministries during the “sixties.” He was Colonial Treasurer and Commissioner of Customs in the second Fox Ministry from July, 1861 to August, 1862, in the Domett Ministry which followed from August, 1862, to October, 1863, and in the succeeding Whitaker-Fox Government till November, 1864, holding the same portfolios throughout. The subject of this paragraph was born in 1821 and educated at the Merchant Tailor's School, London. He was brought up as an architect and came to the Colony in 1844. During the northern native troubles he held the commission of lieutenant in the Volunteer Artillery, and took part in the unsuccessful attack on Heke's Pa, Ohinewai, on the 1st of July, 1845, and was mentioned in Colonel Despard's despatch describing that abortive effort. Returning to Auckland Mr. Wood practised as an architect and surveyor. In 1848 he was appointed Government Inspector of Roads, and he afterwards became Deputy Surveyor-General till 1856. He was returned to Parliament in 1861 for Parnell, and three years later as Colonial Treasurer he went to London to float a loan of one million in which he was successful. In 1865 he resigned his position for Parnell; five years later, however, he was again returned for the same constituency. Mr. Wood was opposed to Sir Julius Vogel's great borrowing scheme, and used his influence against it without success. In 1878 he again resigned his seat and went on a trip to England returning the following year when he was elected for Waitemata. Mr. Wood was a good debater, a capable administrator, and possessed more than the average of ability. Gisborne, in his “Rulers and Statesmen of New Zealand,” says “his speeches on great occasions were though at times a little too theatrical in style, admirable specimens of pungent humour, logical force and attractive eloquence.”