18 Facts About Julius Vogel

Sir Julius Vogel was the eighth premier of New Zealand.

Julius Vogel's administration is best remembered for the issuing of bonds to fund railway construction and other public works.

Julius Vogel was the first Jewish prime minister of New Zealand.

Julius Vogel was an excellent policymaker but he needed a strong leader to restrain him.

Julius Vogel later studied chemistry and metallurgy at the Royal School of Mines.

Julius Vogel emigrated to Victoria, Australia in 1852, being editor of several newspapers on the goldfields, including the Inglewood Advertiser and the Maryborough and Dunolly Advertiser.

On 19 March 1867, Julius Vogel got married in Dunedin to his neighbour Mary "Polly" Clayton, the daughter of architect William Henry Clayton.

Julius Vogel first became involved in politics in 1862, winning election to the provincial council of Otago.

The Fox ministry having been forced to resign, Julius Vogel carried a vote of no confidence in their successors, and in October 1872, returned to power as leader in the Lower House, colonial treasurer and postmaster-general.

Julius Vogel successfully contested the 1884 election in Christchurch North against John Crewes.

Julius Vogel was the first Member of Parliament to be named in New Zealand.

Julius Vogel was premier from 1873 to 1875 and again in 1876.

Julius Vogel finally gave up the colonial office in 1887; from which date he lived in England and was the Agent-General for New Zealand.

Julius Vogel is best remembered for his "Great Public Works" scheme of the 1870s.

Julius Vogel is noteworthy as one of the few practising Jewish prime ministers outside Israel.

Julius Vogel has a reputation as the first New Zealander to write a science-fiction novel: Anno Domini 2000, or, Woman's Destiny, published in 1889.

Julius Vogel died in London, having retired there in 1887 after electoral defeat.

On his death at East Molesey in 1899, Julius Vogel was interred in Willesden Jewish Cemetery in London.