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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]

Mr. Alexander Cairns

Mr. Alexander Cairns was a native of Menstrie, Perthshire, Scotland, where he was born in 1813. He served an apprenticeship as a stonemason, and in 1852 sailed for Victoria. In Melbourne he established a successful iron trade, but in 1862 he forsook Victoria for New Zealand. He entered the iron-mongery trade in Dunedin, and his business was the forerunner of that afterwards and still carried on by Messrs Arthur Briscoe and Co. In 1867, having disposed of his business, Mr. Cairns was appointed superintendent of works under the Provincial Council, and retained the post until the abolition of the provinces. He was elected to the City Council as a representative for South Ward, in August, 1884, and held his seat until the end of his term in 1886. He died on the 10th of December, 1891, leaving a large family of grown-up sons and daughters.