[2] He married Mary Ann Askew on 10 July 1850 and they had two sons; William Alfred and John Thomas.
[3][4][5] On the following day, Picard was one of three candidates for the two seats for the Motueka District in the Nelson Provincial Council.
[6][7] On 31 July 1855, an additional member was to be elected for the Nelson Provincial Council.
[8] When the House of Representatives started its third session in early August 1855, James Mackay read a letter from Picard who was asking for a month's leave, but upon protest from Picard's adversary, William Travers, leave was denied.
[11] Picard was described as a "man of considerable culture and education and a brilliant speaker.