Dr. H. Dean Bamford.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXV, Issue 13, 30 September 1905, Page 42

Dr. H. Dean Bamford.

OPPOSITION CANDIDATE FOR AUCKLAND CITY EAST. On Hie second page of this issue a portrait is given of_ Dr. H. Dean Bamford, a young Auckland barrister and solicitor, who is coining forward in the Opposition interest, to break a lance with Mr F. E. Baiime, M.H.R., the sitting member for Auckland City East. It seems to be the universal opinion of even the staunchest Ministerialists, that while it is a pity Dr. Bamford should have chosen so useful and respected member as Mr Bauine to fight against, that it is a. matter for general congratulation that a young man of so much promise and of so great intellectual ability and high mental culture should come forward to take a share in the great duty of political life, and should be anxious to enter our Parliament. Dr. Bamford is, with justice, regarded as one of the most brilliant examples of what can be achieved under our secondary schools and University educational systems. The son of the Registrar of Deeds in Auckland, Dr. Bamford was born in Nelson in 1878. He was first educated at the Boys’ High School. Napier, remaining there till 1893, being winner of the Tiffen Medal for Dux of School in that year. He then came to the Auckland Grammar School for two years, and once, more proved bis quality by taking first place on both classical and mathematical sides, and then winning the Junior University Scholarship, proceeded to the Auckland University College.; Here he. secured the following scries of honours —He graduated B.A. in 1899, took his LL.B, in 1991, and finally his LL.D, in 1903, an achievement rarely equalled at any University. He was admitted to the Bar as barrister and solicitor in 1901. In the year 1903 Dr. Bamford visited England and represented the University of New Zealand at the Allied Colonial University Conference. His life, it will be seen, lias been one of strenuous effort and brilliant success. His amusements are golfing and lawn tennis, and in both he takes a high place, playing as hard as he works. He was “runner-up” to Mr J. Burns for the Auckland Golf Championship of this year (1905). and was winner in the Double Lawn Tennis Championships last' year. As a debater Mr Bamford took first honours at the University College Debating Club, and was often chosen to represent them in contests against othpr societies. As a debater he is keen and virile, but never virulent. He is a fluent, easy- speaker, with a good grasp of the subjects of the day. and while those on the Ministerial side naturally regret that so promising a contestant in the political arena should have taken the side they consider wrong, yet he is accounted a foeman worthy of the steel of their best. and when he does take his seat in the House, even though it may not be at Ulis, his first attempt, he is sure of a welcome from both Ministerial and Opposition benches. Young, yet of the highest learning, upright, enthusiastic. humorous, good-natured, and of a tireless capacity for hard work, he is made of the stuff which we require in men who are. to sway the destinies of this great and coming country. ,