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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Mr. John Sheehan

Mr. John Sheehan succeeded Sir Donald McLean, K.C.M.G., as Native Minister on the accession of Sir George Grey's Ministry, in 1877. He likewise accepted the portfolio of Justice, and retained office till the defeat of the Cabinet, on the 8th of October, 1879. Born in Auckland, In 1844, Mr. Sheehan studied law in the Northern City, and was admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand in 1869. In the following year he entered political life as a member of the Auckland Provincial Council. He made such rapid progress as a politician that in 1870 he became a member of the Provincial Executive. Two years later he was returned to the House of Representatives, and had the honour of being the first Native born member of the New Zealand Legislature. Having learned the Maori language, he acquired considerable influence with the Natives, and was selected by Sir George Grey, K.C.B., to take the portfolio of Native Minister and Justice in his Government. General regret was experienced on the 13th of June, 1886, when it became known that one so promising and talented had passed away when but in his prime.