Furthering British interests in New South Wales: the role of the Governors 1891-1914

The thesis examines the relationship between Britain and New South Wales during the period 1891 to 1914, focusing on the role of colonial governors. The thesis aims to explore the role of governors both as formal representatives of imperial authority and as promoters of a shared sense of cultural community. The central purpose of this exploration is to uncover the patterns of adaptation of governors to local expectation of them over the period and to evaluate their degree of success in furthering imperial interests by so doing. -- Evolution of the role of governor in the pivotal decades before and after Federation is explored by examination of three key themes. The first theme deals with local and imperial expectations of the role itself, and of the qualifications thought necessary for appointment to the office. The second theme explores governors' performance of the political duties of their role and traces how the imperial representative had to adapt to the changing circumstances over the period. Finally, a key contribution to historical knowledge involves an exploration of the governor's social and cultural performance. Just as the rise of the British 'welfare monarchy' during this period concentrated on developing a renewed image of community-binding benevolence, it is argued, so it also provided a model for governors to follow in New South Wales.