Alfred Newman

Alfred Kingcome Newman (27 April 1849 – 3 April 1924) was the mayor of Wellington, New Zealand, in 1909–1910, and a Member of Parliament.

Early life

Newman was born in Madras, India, in 1849. His father was commander of an East India Company ship. The family migrated to New Zealand in 1853 and farmed at Waipukurau. He received his primary education in the Hawke's Bay Region and Auckland, and travelled in 1863 to receive his secondary education in Bath, England.

Political career

Newman was a Wellington City Councillor from 1881 to 1885. He was Mayor of Wellington in 1909–1910.

The resignation of William Levin from the electorate caused an . At the nomination meeting, Thomas Dwan, Alfred Newman and Henry Bunny were proposed as candidates, with Dwan winning the show of hands. At the on 14 May Newman, Bunny and Dwan received 636, 379 and 121 votes, respectively making Newman re-elected unopposed. At the , Newman beat William McLean by 873 to 425 votes.

The Thorndon electorate was abolished at the end of the parliamentary term in 1890. Newman successfully contested the electorate in the . At the , he successfully contested the Suburbs of Wellington electorate. He was defeated in when he stood for Otaki. In the , he came second in the Suburbs of Wellington electorate.

He was MP for Wellington East, from to 1922, when he retired. From 1909 he belonged to the Reform Party.

He was a member of the Legislative Council from 1 June 1923 until his death, and for many years was on the Wellington Education Board, the Wellington College Board of Governors and the Senate of the University of New Zealand.

Personal life Newman was married to Octavia Featherston (1854–1912), daughter of Isaac Earl Featherston, a leading colonial politician. Newman was to have one son. The family prospered, owning estates at Wellington, Hawke's Bay and Wairarapa, and also ran small thoroughbred stud.

He died on 3 April 1924.

Personal views Newman did much to promote science but also held views on white supremacy which were common at the time.

Legacy Newman Terrace in Wellington is named after him.