Westland was originally part of the province of Canterbury, and remained so until the year 1870, when Mr. John Hall (afterwards Sir John) was sent over to inaugurate a system of county government. Mr. Hall became the county's first chairman, and held office until the elections were completed, and the newly-constituted body was in working order. Mr. Conrad Hoos, the first chairman formally elected by the County Council, held office for about two years. He was succeeded by Mr. Herman Lahmann, of Greymouth. Mr. Lahmann held the chairmanship for fully two years, until the system was superseded in 1874, by the Provincial Council of Westland. The Superintendent's salary was fixed at £700 a year, and a free house. Mr. J. A. Bonar became the first Superintendent, and he held of fice until the province was abolished, with the other provinces, on the 1st of November, 1876.