John Graham (12 January 1843 – 8 February 1926) was a New Zealand Member of Parliament for Nelson in the South Island.
John Graham | |
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Member of the New Zealand Parliament for Nelson | |
In office 1893–1911 | |
Preceded by | Joseph Harkness |
Succeeded by | Harry Atmore |
Personal details | |
Born | 12 January 1843 Nelson, New Zealand |
Died | 8 February 1926 Feilding, New Zealand |
Political party | Liberal |
Early life
Graham was born in Nelson in 1843, the eldest son of one of the earliest European settlers of the region.[1]
Member of Parliament
Years | Term | Electorate | Party | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1893–1896 | 12th | Nelson | Liberal | ||
1896–1899 | 13th | Nelson | Liberal | ||
1899–1902 | 14th | Nelson | Liberal | ||
1902–1905 | 15th | Nelson | Liberal | ||
1905–1908 | 16th | Nelson | Liberal | ||
1908–1911 | 17th | Nelson | Liberal |
John Graham represented the Nelson electorate in the House of Representatives for 18 years from 1893 to 1911, when he retired.[1][2]
The 1893 general election was contested by four candidates in Nelson: Graham (1289 votes), Richmond Hursthouse (1011 votes), John Kerr (910 votes) and William Lock (74 votes).[3] The 1896 general election was contested by Graham and Jesse Piper, who received 2061 and 1718 votes, respectively. Graham was thus elected with a majority of 343 votes.[4]
Independent Liberal
In 1894, Graham successfully opposed the Midland Railway Bill insofar as it proposed to abandon the obligations of the company to provide a railway to Nelson.[5]
As Chairman of the Banking Enquiry Committee of 1896, John Graham frequently came into conflict with the Premier Richard Seddon, the Minister of Lands, John McKenzie, and George Hutchison[6]
Public offices
Graham was for some years chairman of the Town Schools' Committee.[1] He was the first chairman of the Nelson Harbour Board and held that position for twelve years.[7] He served on the Nelson Education Board, the Board of Governors of Nelson College (1894) and Council of Victoria College in Wellington (1899–1912). He was also a member of the Nelson City Council.[8]
Death
Graham died in Feilding on 8 February 1926, after having lived in Nelson for practically all of his life.[1]
See also
References
Further reading
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