(For the current top-level subdivision of Southland in New Zealand, see Southland Region)

The Southland Province was a province of New Zealand from March 1861 until the province rejoined with Otago Province in 1870.

Area

The province was much smaller than the present day Southland region, and included Stewart Island. The capital and largest settlement of Southland Province was Invercargill.

Railways

The Southland Province began a number of railway projects. The branch to Bluff (Which was known as Campbelltown until 1917) opened on 5 February 1867. It was built to international standard gauge of 1,435 mm (4 feet 8.5 inches), wider than the national gauge of 1,067 mm (3 feet 6 inches) gauge. When the central government passed legislation setting a single standard for track gauges, the line was converted to the new gauge in a single day, 18 December 1875. The railway later became part of the New Zealand Railways Department.

Anniversary Day

Founded: April 1 1861 [285444]

New Zealand law provides an anniversary day for each province.

Superintendents

• 1861 James Alexander Robertson Menzies
• 1865 John Parkin Taylor
• 1869 William Wood

Legislation

• 1861 Breaks away from Otago Province
• 1870 Reunited with Otago

Source

• A page containing a map of the old provincial boundaries is available here.
• List at Rulers site with provincial superintendents