Early life

Baume was born "Friedrich Baume" in Dunedin, New Zealand, in 1862. His parents were Joseph Baume and Emilie Ehrenfried, Joseph was a photographer by trade.^[1] Between 1877 and 1883, Baume pursued careers in both commerce and journalism before studying law. He was admitted to the bar in 1884 and graduated with a Bachelor of Law in 1891.^[1] In 1896 he established a legal practice with A. E. Whitaker, a son of Frederick Whitaker.

Political career

Upon moving to Auckland, Baume became a prominent figure there and soon entered the political arena. He became a member of the Auckland City Council as well as the Auckland Harbour Board.^[1]

From 1902 to 1905 he was one of the three Members of Parliament representing the multi-member City of Auckland electorate.^[2]

Before 1905, he had been associated with the New Liberal Party group, which disappeared after 1905.

In 1905, the multi-member electorates were split up, and he won the newly created Auckland East electorate.^[2] Baume was later considered for membership of Joseph Ward's first cabinet in 1906, however he was passed over due to his connections with the liquor trade.^[1]

Baume's health began to deteriorate and in 1909 he suffered a serious heart attack where the premature announcement of his death was reported.^[1] His health was to never fully recover and resigned in 1910 citing ill-health but died in Bad Nauheim, Germany, before the resulting by-election was held. He was succeeded in the Auckland East electorate by his cousin Arthur Myers.^[3]