 He first represented the Karori and Mākara electorate (1872–1873), and then the City of Wellington electorate (1873–1876).He was called to the Legislative Council on 23 July 1878, where he served to 20 December 1895 when he resigned.He was Colonial Secretary (1884–1887) and leader of the Upper House in the second Stout-Vogel Ministry, and Attorney-General (1891-1895) and Colonial Secretary (1891-1895) in the Ballance and Seddon ministries.