William Henry Eyes

A central figure in the turbulent early politics of Marlborough, William Henry Eyes served as the province's second Superintendent from 1865 to 1870. A former soldier and runholder, his time in office was marked by the intense rivalry between Blenheim and Picton and a political style that often saw him in direct conflict with the Provincial Council. His attempts to assert his authority led to some of the most colourful and chaotic episodes in Marlborough's administrative history.

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From Soldier to Settler

William Henry Eyes arrived in New Zealand in the 1840s as a soldier in the 58th (Rutlandshire) Regiment of Foot. After leaving the army, he came to Marlborough and took up land in the Wairau Valley, establishing himself as a runholder. Like many early settlers, he quickly became involved in the region's burgeoning political scene. He was elected to represent the Wairau district in the Nelson Provincial Council before Marlborough's separation. When Marlborough became its own province, he was elected to its Provincial Council, where he served as Speaker before running for the top office.

A Contentious Superintendency

Eyes was elected Superintendent in 1865, a time when provincial politics were notoriously difficult. He inherited a nearly bankrupt provincial treasury and a council deeply divided by the fierce rivalry between the towns of Blenheim and Picton over which should be the provincial capital. His tenure was defined by constant struggle with the council. Eyes often clashed with members over financial matters and appointments, and at one point, the council refused to vote him a salary.

The most famous incident of his superintendency was the 'Battle of the Barrel', where Eyes physically blocked council members from removing official records from Blenheim to Picton by sitting on a nail barrel in the doorway.

On another occasion, finding himself locked out of the government buildings in Blenheim by a rival political faction, he and his supporters broke in with an axe to reclaim control of the administration. These events, while almost farcical, highlight the intense passion and chaotic nature of establishing a new government in colonial New Zealand.

Later Life and Political Career

Despite the constant turmoil, Eyes held the position of Superintendent for five years. After his term ended in 1870, he remained a significant figure in Marlborough politics for many years. He served as a Member of the House of Representatives for the Wairau electorate from 1868 until his resignation in 1871. He also held various other provincial government roles. William Henry Eyes is remembered as a determined and combative politician who governed during one of the most challenging periods of Marlborough's history, embodying the fractious but formative spirit of the era.