title: 1873 Fox Ministry
text: # 1873 Fox Ministry
  
  The Fourth Fox Ministry was a responsible government which held power in New Zealand from March to April 1873.
  
  ## Background
  
  After the resignation of George Waterhouse as Premier, Governor Bowen asked three-time ex-Premier William Fox to take office as an interim measure. Fox was to hold office only until Julius Vogel returned from a postal conference in Australia. He was described as "fairy godmother and peacemaker" to the Continuous Ministry. Vogel returned to New Zealand at the start of April and asked Fox to stay on to the beginning of the next session of Parliament, but he refused and passed the office on to Vogel.
  
  ## Ministers
  
  The following members served in the Fox Ministry:
  
  | Name | Office | Term |
  | - | - | - |
  | William Fox | Premier | 3 March 1873 – 8 April 1873 |
  | William Fox | Colonial Secretary | 3 March 1873 – 8 April 1873 |
  | Julius Vogel | Colonial Treasurer | 11 October 1872 – 6 July 1875 |
  | Julius Vogel | Postmaster-General | 11 October 1872 – 1 September 1876 |
  | Donald McLean | Minister for Native Affairs | 11 October 1872 – 7 December 1876 |
  | John Bathgate | Minister of Justice | 29 October 1872 – 20 February 1874 |
  | John Bathgate | Commissioner of Stamps | 29 October 1872 – 20 February 1874 |
  | George O'Rorke | Secretary for Crown Lands | 24 October 1872 – 13 August 1874 |
  | George O'Rorke | Minister for Immigration | 24 October 1872 – 11 October 1873 |
  | William Reynolds | Commissioner of Customs | 26 October 1872 – 15 February 1876 |
  | Edward Richardson | Minister for Public Works | 29 October 1872 – 4 January 1877 |
  | Wi Katene | Member of Executive Council | 4 November 1872 – 15 February 1876 |
  | Wiremu Parata | Member of Executive Council | 4 December 1872 – 15 February 1876 |
  