James Yems
James Yems | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1812 |
| Died | 1868-09-10 |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, auctioneer |
| Years active | 1841–1864 |
| Known for | Member of the Taranaki Provincial Council for New Plymouth (1861–1863) |
James Yems (1812 – 10 September 1868) was a politician and auctioneer based in New Zealand. He arrived in Wellington on 24 May 1841 aboard the ship Lord William Bentinck and relocated to Taranaki the following year, in 1842. Yems pursued a career as an auctioneer until 1845, after which he moved to South Australia. Subsequently, he returned to New Zealand and secured election to the Taranaki Provincial Council, serving as the representative for New Plymouth from 1861 until 1863. On 26 January 1864, Warwick Weston was chosen unanimously to succeed him on the Provincial Council.
Election
On 10 June 1861, four positions were open in the 'Town of New Plymouth' ward of the Taranaki Provincial Council, with six contenders nominated. Among these candidates were sitting members and former MP Francis Gledhill, current councillor Edward Larwill Humphries, 'Grey and Bell' provincial representative George Yates Lethbridge, future member Warwick Weston, and James Yems himself. Although an initial show of hands indicated support for Gledhill, Humphries, Watt, and Yems, Weston requested a formal poll. The final vote tally was as follows:
| Ranking | Party | Name | Number of votes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Independent politician | James Yems | 69 |
| 2. | Independent politician | Francis Gledhill | 66 |
| 3. | Independent politician | Edward Larwill Humphries | 63 |
| 4. | Independent politician | George Yates Lethbridge | 43 |