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