BONAR, JAMES ALEXANDER (1841-1901) was a son of Archibald Bonar, an Edinburgh banker (who was later in business in Melbourne and afterwards manager of the Invercargill savings bank, and died in Hokitika, 29 Feb 1872). Born in Edinburgh and educated at the Academy, Bonar came to Australia with his father (1854) and became shipping clerk to Henty and Co. He was a member of Knox Bible class and of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Society at Scotch College, where he participated in debates on political questions (1860). In Melbourne, too, he first took an interest in volunteering, being a sergeant in the artillery. In 1863 he came to New Zealand and entered into business at Invercargill as a merchant (Henderson and Bonar). Two years later they moved to Hokitika, taking with them the agency for McMeckan, Blackwood and Co., of Melbourne, and other shipping companies, as well as Lloyds.

In 1867 Bonar was elected first mayor of Hokitika and also to represent the town in the Canterbury Provincial Council, in which he was a member of the executive and goldfields secretary (1867-68). Governor Grey visited Hokitika during his mayoralty and shortly afterwards called him to the Legislative Council (of which he was a member until his death). In 1868 Westland was given separate administration as a county and Bonar was a member of the council to 1869. When it became a province (1874) he was elected Superintendent and held office until the abolition. He showed great spirit and tact in handling the political riots (1868). Strongly attached to the district, he supported its industries and participated in every form of public service. He was chairman of the harbour and hospital boards and the school commissioners. As a volunteer he was promoted major (1884), and lieut.-colonel (1895) and received the Victoria decoration (1895). He married (1874) a daughter of William Montgomerie Ball (Melbourne). Bonar died on 7 Nov 1901.

Westland C.C. and P.C. Proc. and Gaz.; Hansard, 7 Nov 1901; Col. Gent.; Cycl. N.Z., v (p); Ross (p). Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 1, page 54

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