James Menzies (New Zealand politician)
James Alexander Robertson Menzies (21 February 1821 – 18 August 1888) was the first superintendent of the Southland Province in New Zealand from 3 August 1861 to November 1864, during its breakaway from Otago Province (1861 to 1870).[1] He continued serving on the Provincial Council after his superintendency ended.[2]
James Menzies | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 1st Superintendent of Southland Province | |
| In office 3 August 1861 – 13 January 1865 | |
| Succeeded by | John Parkin Taylor |
| Personal details | |
| Born | James Alexander Robertson Menzies 21 February 1821 Mount Alexander (Dunalistair), Perthshire, Scotland |
| Died | 18 August 1888 (aged 67) Wyndham, New Zealand |
| Spouse(s) | Laetitia Anne Featherston
(m. 1865) |
| Children | 5 |
| Relatives | Isaac Featherston (father-in-law) |
| Occupation |
|
During Menzies' tenure as superintendent, two railways projects were undertaken, a railway to link Invercargill to the port at Bluff and a wooden railway to Winton. The former is now known as the Bluff Branch, while the latter was upgraded to the standards of a normal railway and extended to ultimately form the Kingston Branch.[1]
Menzies served on the Legislative Council for 30 years, from 1858 until his death in 1888, and promoted the interests of Southland.[1]
See also
References
- Hall-Jones, John. "Menzies, James Alexander Robertson". Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Retrieved 23 May 2010.
- "Portrait of Dr J. A. R. Menzies". Southland District Council. Archived from the original on 22 May 2010. Retrieved 23 May 2010.