GLASGOW, DAVID BOYLE, EARL OF (1833-1915) was the eldest son of Patrick Boyle (great grandson of the 2nd earl). Entering the Navy, he served in the Crimean war and the China war of 1857, retiring with the rank of captain. In 1890 he succeeded to the earldom on the death of his cousin and seven years later was created Baron Fairlie of Fairlie in the peerage of the United Kingdom. He married (1873) Dorothea Elizabeth Thomasina, daughter of Sir Edward Hunter Blair.

Glasgow was appointed Governor of New Zealand, in succession to Lord Onslow, in 1892, and assumed the office on 7 Jun. He found the country impatiently awaiting a solution of the constitutional difficulty which Lord Onslow had left to him. The Ballance Government, unable to force its legislation through the upper house (where it had only five supporters against 31 who were opposed to its policy) had asked Onslow to make 12 new appointments. Though the Colonial Office had already laid down that the governor should take the advice of the ministry in such a matter, Onslow objected. Glasgow inherited his reluctance. He argued that it was necessary to maintain the independence of the Legislative Council as a brake upon the lower house and that if legislation were consistently rejected by the Council the ministry could ask for a dissolution. He offered to appoint nine members, and when the Government declined to accept he suggested that it should resign. This Ballance refused to do, fully believing that when the matter was referred to the Colonial Office it would be decided in favour of the Government. Glasgow submitted the problem in a despatch of 22 Jun 1892. Lord Knutsford, the Colonial Secretary, replying by cable on 10 Aug, expressed the opinion that the Premier's request was reasonable inasmuch as, even if twelve members were appointed, the opposition would still have a strong majority in the Council. He added that the existence of the second chamber might be imperilled unless there was a more even balance between the parties. In a later message he advised the Governor to accept without hesitation the advice of ministers, to reopen the question and to waive his objections. Glasgow acted accordingly, and the twelve new members were appointed on 15 Oct. Keith remarks that since then there has been no serious difference between the two houses in New Zealand.

Glasgow completed his term of office in Feb 1897, being succeeded by Lord Ranfurly. Gisborne says that he was an excellent governor: urbane, frank, hospitable, with that combination of attractive qualities and knowledge of the world so often seen in naval officers, he has shown firmness and ability without political bias. He has taken a kindly interest, without reference to party politics, in all social institutions likely to promote the well-being of the colony. He retired with the respect and good wishes of all classes. Glasgow was president of the Institute of Naval Architects. He died on 13 Dec 1915. His daughter married Sir Charles Fergusson, who was Governor 1924-30.

GB.OP., H.C., 1893-94/198; N.Z.P.D.; Gisborne (p); Keith; D.N.B.; Burke; The Times, 14 Dec 1915.

Reference: Volume 1, page 168

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