NEWMAN, JOSEPH (1815-92) was born at Willoughby, near Alford, Lincolnshire, the son of a small farmer. Educated at Alford Grammar School, he engaged in flourmilling at Louth and grain-buying on behalf of his brother's firm. As a young man, he joined the temperance movement, and became a lifelong teetotaller. He offered his services to the London Missionary Society, but was not accepted. Newman later managed a provision business at Malton.

In 1840 he sailed in the barque James for New Zealand, several recruits for the New Zealand missions being passengers. He bought a town allotment at Auckland, but was unable for some time to acquire farming land. In 1845 he visited Great Britain and married Caroline Ewen, whose brother was afterwards his partner in business as ironmongers in Auckland. Newman now purchased 100 acres close to Kohimarama, and by 1850 he had 60 acres fenced and cultivated. He imported a portable threshing machine, and stud Lincoln sheep. In 1850 he commenced auctioneering, and for several years held successful stock sales, finally selling out to Frank Buckland. In 1857 he visited the Bathurst goldfields in New South Wales and then proceeded to England in the Centurion. On his return the firm's business was moved from Shortland to Queen Street, but, being burned out shortly afterwards, it was closed down. Newman settled for a few years in Hertfordshire, England, and acted on behalf of the Auckland provincial government in securing settlers on the 40-acre system of immigration. He lectured in England, Scotland and Isle of Man with great success, and had much to do with the Albertland scheme.

Returning to New Zealand in 1862, Newman helped to select the Albertland location. He was M.P.C. for Auckland (1853-68) and was a member of the executive in 1864 (during Graham's superintendency). In 1852 he was an alderman of the Auckland municipal council. He stood for Parliament in 1855 without success and represented Raglan (1866-67). In 1870 he commenced business as a sharebroker, and he was later a director of the Auckland Gas Co. He was a visiting justice, a prohibition member of the licensing committee, and a supporter of the Y.M.C.A. and the Congregational church. He died on 4 Jan 1892.

Auckland P.C. Proc.; Brett, Albertlanders; N.Z. Herald, 5 Jan 1892

Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 63

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