The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 73
Hon. A. J. Cadman (Minister of Railways and Mines), — Waikato
Hon. A. J. Cadman (Minister of Railways and Mines),
Waikato.
Alfred Jerome Cadman was born in New South Wales in the forties, and is about 50 years of age. He came when a child to the Colony with his parents and [unclear: ew] up in the Auckland Provincial District. He has devoted himself chiefly [unclear: to] mining and timber industries, and has been successful. He has always ta[unclear: ken] been interest in public matters, and both as a local and a colonial politician [unclear: has] his urbanity and courtesy made many friends. He was first returned to the House in 1881 as a follower of Sir George Grey. In 1891, when Mr. Ballance [unclear: med] his Ministry, Mr. Cadman took office (as the Auckland representative) as [unclear: mister] of Native Affairs. The most sensational incident in connection with [unclear: r.] Cadman's political history relates to what is known as the Rees-Cadman episode. Early in 1893, Mr. W. L. Rees, of Auckland, charged Mr. Cadman with using his position as Minister (in conjunction with Mr. W. C. Smith, then member [unclear: r] Waipawa) to further certain Native land transactions of a private character, Mr. Cadman sued Mr. Rees for £1000 damages, but on the case being tried at Napier was awarded nominal damages. The case was repeatedly referred to in Parliament during 1893, and Mr. Cadman at last challenged Mr. Rees to resign and appeal to the Auckland constituency. The challenge being accepted, Messrs. Cadman and Rees both resigned and stood for Auckland. Mr. M'Gowan was elected [unclear: er] Mr. Cadman's seat, and the latter gentleman defeated Mr. Rees in his own costituency, and rejoined the Cabinet. He now holds the portfolios of Railways and Mines. At the General Election of 1893, Mr. Cadman retired from the representation of the City of Auckland, and became a candidate for the Waikato seat.
Cadman, A. J. | 1158 Returned. |
Coates, J. | 1083 Defeated. |
Votes recorded, 2241; number on roll, 2779. Women on roll, 987, of whom 840 voted.