NEW FACES IN PARLIAMENT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 901, 7 January 1882, Page 3

NEW FACES IN PARLIAMENT.

Mr Thomas Bracken, member for Dunedin. City Central, is a native of Ireland, where he was born in December, J 844; Ilis father, who was a grocer, spirit merchant, and postmaster hi acpuntry town, died when the subject of our sketch wa6 a mere lad. In the latter end of 1855, Thomas Bracken landed in Melbourne, and served a couple of years apprenticeship to the

chemist and druggist business, but bJng of a rambling disposition, he "threw physic to the dogs," .aid tried hi* hand at the diggings. Fur 10 or 12 years Mr Bracken, like many other men who now occupy important positions, knocked about the colonies, working at various occupations. He had a turn at stockriding, sheep-shearing, store-keeping, and gold-miuing. In 1868 he arrived in Duntdin from Melbourne, and in 186.9 he carried off the Otago Caledonian Society's prize for the best English poem, beating, a large number of competitor?.. In 18.71 he. again won. the. Society's prize. In, 1873 he w&s, engaged by the New Zealand Tablet* Company to establish that paper. In 1874 he joined the Guardian, Company,, and subsequently started, the Saturday Advertiser. Mr Braek.en, was a contributor to the Australian.. Journal, and other, colonial pnbiipations fpr several years. M : r Bracken has published several works, and as a, poet and humourist he has made his mark m colonial literature. His first appearance in politics was made a% the general election in 1879, when he contested Dunedin City in the Grey interest, but was unsuccessful. He is an ultraLiberal, and takes a deep interest in all matters affecting the working classes. Mr Bracken occupies the position of. Deputy-Grand Master of New Zealand of Independent Order of Oddfellows, American Constitution.