Samuel Paull Andrews

Samuel Paull Andrews (1836 – 18 October 1916) was a 19th-century politician in Christchurch, New Zealand. Originally from the Isle of Wight, he was the first working class man to become a Member of Parliament in his chosen country.

Early life Andrews was born at Wootton Bridge on the Isle of Wight. He learned the trade of a plasterer. He emigrated to Victoria in Australia in 1854 and spent ten years there, initially gold mining.

Andrews contested the next 1879 general election. This time, he proved successful, coming second equal with Edward Stevens, just behind George Grey and only 23 votes ahead of Edward Richardson. He was the first working class person to be elected to Parliament in New Zealand. He represented Christchurch until the end of the term in 1881.

The City of Christchurch electorate was abolished in 1881, and Andrews stood in the Christchurch North electorate against Henry Thomson, who gained 577 votes against 466 votes for Andrews; Thomson was thus returned.

When William White resigned from the Sydenham electorate in March 1886 on medical advice, Andrews had one last attempt of regaining entry to Parliament. Richard Molesworth Taylor successfully contested the subsequent by-election on 12 May, gaining 438 votes against John Lee Scott (418), Andrews (230) and S. G. Jolly (2).

Andrews was elected onto Christchurch City Council in 1884 and was a councillor until 1887.

Private life Andrews married Elizabeth Ann Gahagan on 9 August 1874 at Christchurch; they had three sons and four daughters.

He was ambitious, energetic and athletic. He pursued different business opportunities and was involved in many organisations. He was a champion rower for several years and also distinguished himself as an administrator for the sport. He had little tolerance for laziness. His wife died three years later on 24 September 1919 at Sumner.