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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Mr. Adam Cairns

Mr. Adam Cairns, J.P., represented the North Ward in the City Council from 1895 to 1899. He was born in Edinburgh in 1840, and was educated at Newington Academy. After leaving school he was apprenticed to the well-known firm of Messrs. Knox, Samuel and Dickson, wholesale drapers. On the outbreak of the Crimean War Mr. Cairns joined Her Majesty's Navy, and saw active service in H.M.S. “Hastings,” in the Baltic, and was at the bombardment of Sweaborg under Admiral Dundas. Peace being restored, he retired from the Navy, and was engaged as assistant manager to Mr. Morris in the grand saloon of the International Exhibition of 1862. In 1863 he came to New Zealand, and was for about three years providore of the local steamers at Dunedin. He was afterwards in Christchurch, where he successfully conducted the White Hart Hotel for several years. In 1871 he removed to Auckland, where he kept the Royal Mail Hotel, until he retired from business, and paid a visit to Europe, in which he remained for three years. When he returned to New Zealand in 1881, he bought the Star Hotel, Auckland, which, after conducting it for ten years, he sold out to Messrs. Brown, Campbell and Co. Mr. Cairns then spent two years as licensee of the Lake Takapuna Hotel. After enjoying a rest of three years he decided to re-enter the business, and in 1896 became the proprietor of the Grand Hotel, Princes Street, Auckland, one of the
Mr. A. Cairns.

Mr. A. Cairns.

principal hotels of the city. As a Mason, Mr. Cairns has taken the degrees of Master, Mark, and Royal Arch. He was president of the Crimean Veterans' Association for years, and has also been identified with the Auckland Racing Club, having been long a prominent member. Mr. Cairns has now retired from business.