Page "South Island" Paragraph 62

The situation was altered in 1846 when the New Zealand Constitution Act 1846. divided the colony into two provinces: New Ulster Province ( the North Island ), and New Munster Province ( the South Island and Stewart Island ).

Each province had a Governor and Legislative and Executive Council, in addition to the Governor-in-Chief and Legislative and Executive Council for the whole colony.

However, the 1846 Constitution Act was later suspended, and only the Provincial government provisions were implemented.

Early in 1848 Edward John Eyre was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of New Munster.

In 1851 the Provincial Legislative Councils were permitted to be partially elective.