FITZGERALD, James Edward 1818–1896

Arrived in Lyttelton in 1850 and was appointed by the Governor, Sir George Grey, as Immigration Officer and Superintendent of page 95 Police, and almost immediately published the first edition of the Lyttelton Times as a tri-weekly paper. Was first Superintendent of Canterbury 1853–57, returning then to London on account of his health, and acting there for Canterbury settlement. In 1860 returned to Canterbury, founded the Christchurch Press “to combat the political evil he and his colleagues believed to be overrunning the Province”, the first issue appearing 25 May 1861. Took a leading part first in Provincial politics, then in House of Representatives as member for Christchurch. Retired 1867 to become Comptroller and Auditor General until his death. A collection of his pen and ink drawings and watercolours of the early Canterbury settlement, of great historical value, is in the Canterbury Museum.