Von Zedlitz Papers
One of the most significant events during the early history of Victoria University of Wellington (then called Victoria College) was the dismissal of George Von Zedlitz, Professor of Modern Languages. This timeline shows the events that led to the passing of the Alien Enemy Teacher Act 1915 which forced Victoria to dismiss Professor Von Zedlitz.
The events highlighted have been drawn from the Report of the Victoria University College Council, Concerning the Case of Professor Von Zedlitz. Where possible we have included archival material from the Victoria University of Wellington Archive.
The original material and council report can be viewed in its entirety on the NZETC
A biography of Professor Von Zedlitz is available at Te Ara
Hermannswaldau was located in Imperial Germany at the time of his birth. It is now known as Gozdno, a hamlet several kms away from Nowy Kościół in Poland
Friday 10th March, 1871
Von Zedlitz is appointed as the first Chair of Modern Languages
Tuesday 31st December, 1901 Victoria College Council report point 2
German nationality is lost after being absent from Germany for 10 consecutive years according to German law of 1870. However despite having a British domicil for 30 years he has not naturalised. He is considered a German subject.
1913 Victoria College Council report point 3
The Minister of Internal Affairs (Sir Francis Henry Dillon Bell) wrote to Von Zedlitz to seek his assurances that his German 'national character and sympathies' would not lead to contact with the enemy
Dec 1914 Letter from H.D. Bell Page 1. Letter from H.D. Bell Page 2. Statement by H.D. Bell Letter from Von Zedlitz Page 1 Letter from Von Zedlitz Page 2 Statement by Von Zedlitz
Public pressure on the Victoria College council to dismiss Von Zedlitz increased after the Lusitania was sunk
Friday 7th May, 1915 Victoria University Council report point 10
Victoria College Professors and students wrote to the Council expressing their support for Von Zedlitz and asking for him to be retained by the College.
Monday 24th May, 1915 Letter from Professors Letter from 50 students page 1 Letter from 50 students page 2
The council voted to rejected a motion asking Von Zedlitz to resign by 8 votes to 2.
Wednesday 16th June, 1915 Victoria College Council report point 12
Von Zedlitz writes to the Council in response to the Government's intention force his resignation.
Wednesday 1st September, 1915 Letter page 1 Letter page 2
This legislation proposed that 'alien enemies' be prohibited from teaching in New Zealand
Tuesday 14th September, 1915 Victoria University Council report point 17 Newspaper article
Von Zedlitz writes to the Council asking for his resignation to be accepted and released a statement explaining his conduct since the outbreak of war.
Friday 1st October, 1915 Letter from Von Zedlitz Statement page 1 Statement page 2 Statement page 3
Friday 1st October, 1915 Alien Enemy Teachers Act 1915 Education Amendment Act (No. 2)
The Council abides by the Alien Enemy Teachers Act and votes in favour of compensating Von Zedlitz a sum of 700 pounds
Wednesday 20th October, 1915 Victoria College Council report point 22 Victoria College Council report point 22 continued
Von Zedlitz writes a letter of thanks to the Council and his colleagues for their regrets over the termination of his tenure
Wednesday 3rd November, 1915 Letter from Von Zedlitz
