Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Domett, Alfred
DOMETT, ALFRED (1811–1887), colonial statesman and poet, son of Nathaniel Domett, was born at Camberwell Grove, Surrey, 20 May 1811. From 1829 to 1833 he was at St. John's College, Cambridge, but left without a degree. In 1833 he published a volume of poems, and contributed verses to ‘Blackwood's Magazine’ in 1837, 1838, and 1839. One of the latter, ‘A Christmas Hymn,’ deservedly attracted general attention. In 1839 Domett issued a second volume, a poem on Venice. Meanwhile he was living a life of ease, for the most part in London, but at times diversified by tours in Europe and America. His most intimate friend was Mr. Robert Browning, the poet. In 1841 he was called to the bar at the Middle Temple, and shared chambers with Joseph Arnold, afterwards chief justice of Bombay. In May 1842 he purchased land of the New Zealand Company and emigrated to the colony. Mr. Browning mourned his sudden departure in the poem entitled ‘Waring,’ first published in ‘Bells and Pomegranates’ (1842). In New Zealand Domett filled in succession nearly all the chief administrative offices. He was colonial secretary for New Munster (1848), secretary for the whole colony (1851), commissioner of crown lands and resident magistrate at Hawke's Bay (1853–6), M.P. for Nelson (1855), prime minister (1862–3), secretary for crown lands, legislative councillor, and commissioner of old land claims (1864), registrar-general of land (1865), and administrator of confiscated lands (1870). He married an English lady, and returned to England in 1871. Settling in London, he renewed his acquaintance with Mr. Browning, who had testified to his continued affection for his old friend during his absence in his ‘Guardian Angel’ (1855). In 1872 Domett issued a volume of verse entitled ‘Ranolf and Amolia, a South Sea Day Dream,’ descriptive of New Zealand scenery and Maori customs, in which he incidentally eulogised Mr. Browning's genius. A second edition appeared in 1883. His latest publication was ‘Flotsam and Jetsam, Rhymes Old and New’ (1877), dedicated to Mr. Browning. He was made C.M.G. in 1880. Domett died on 2 Nov. 1887.
Besides the literary work mentioned above, Domett was the author of the following official publications: ‘Narrative of the Wairoan Massacre,’ 1843; ‘Petition to the House of Commons for the recall of Governor Fitzroy,’ 1845; ‘Ordinances of New Zealand Classified,’ 1850.
[Men of the Time, 12th edit.; W. Gisborne's New Zealand Rulers and Statesmen (1886), 134 et seq. (with portrait); Dr. Furnivall's Browning Bibliography.]