| Inspector General William Spain January 1851 to December 1851  Â William Spain was born at Cowes, Isle of Wight. Â In 1841 he undertook the role of Commissioner to examine land claims for New Zealand settlers under the guidelines of the Waitangi Treaty. Â After sustained criticism, he left New Zealand in 1845 for Sydney and practised as a solicitor for six years.
In 1851, Spain accepted the appointment of Inspector General of Police. Â However, his time was marred by criticism from the press and members of council. Â The discovery of gold added impossible burdens to his duty and he resigned that year. The 1862 Police Regulation Act owes much to Spain. |