MONRAD, DITLEV GOTHARD (1811-87) was born at Copenhagen, Denmark, and brought up by his uncle, a merchant of Praestoe. Showing unusual promise, he was assisted by the clergy and other citizens to prosecute his studies, and he took his degree with distinction. He read the Old Testament in the original, translated the Arabian Nights into Danish, and devoted much attention to philosophy. His fellow students and friends at this time included Hall (afterwards Prime Minister), Count Knuth, Barfod and the historian Allen.

On the death of King Frederick VI (1839) Monrad attended a public meeting to ask the new king for a constitution, and thenceforward was recognised as a leader in progressive politics. Though he wrote with moderation, he did not escape conflict with the law. In 1840 he was one of the editors of the Faedrelandet. He travelled widely in Europe and urged the liberalising of education in his own country. In 1843 he became editor of the free press organ Dansk Folkeblad, and three years later, through the influence of Knuth, he was given the living of Vesternisley, in Laaland. At the end of 1846 he was elected as the fourth member of the Estates for the city of Copenhagen. On the accession of Frederick VII (1848) the Liberal cause was in the ascendant, and Monrad became a member of the Government, as Minister for Church and Schools. In the following year he took the lead in drafting the new fundamental law. He was made Bishop of Laaland and Falster and elected a member of the Rigsdag for the fourth (Maribo) district, which he represented until 1864. He was also elected to the Rigsraad (or Assembly) for Denmark proper and Schleswig.

Unfortunately the dispute with Prussia over the duchies came to a head. Hall resigned and Monrad reformed the ministry (Dec 1863); but the outbreak of hostilities and the loss of the duchies compelled him to resign (Jun 1864).

His unpopularity was such that he deemed it wise to leave the country. With his wife and family he came to New Zealand, and after spending a few weeks in Nelson and Wanganui bought land at Karere, six miles south of Palmerston North. The war on the West Coast assumed such an alarming aspect in 1868 that Monrad felt it imprudent to remain longer in so isolated a situation, the settlers lower down the Manawatu having withdrawn to Foxton. Hearing that Titokowaru was again advancing southward, he decided to hasten his return to Denmark. His books, plate and other valuables were hastily buried in the ground, and in Jan 1869 Monrad sailed with his family for Europe.

In recognition of the hospitality New Zealand had afforded him, he presented a fine collection of etchings to the Government (now housed in the Turnbull Library). Monrad died on 28 Mar 1887.

Taylor, Past and Present; N.Z. Gaz., 16 Jan 1869; Independent, 19 Jan 1869; The Dominion, 4, 10

Reference: Volume 2, page 48

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