New Zealand became a British colony in 1840, legitimised by the Treaty of Waitangi and Lieutenant-Governor William Hobson's declaration of 21 May declaring sovereignty over the islands.
The New Zealand Constitution Act (UK) of 1852, which established a system of representative government for New Zealand, was declared operative by Governor Sir George Grey.
The Legislative Council was New Zealand's Upper House, to which members were appointed, not elected. It was abolished in 1950 by government legislation.
The final gathering of the Legislative Council, 1 December 1950. Just before 6 p.m. the members linked arms in the centre of the chamber and sang 'Auld lang syne' and the national anthem before leaving.
