ALLAN, JAMES (1824-91) was born in Irvine, Ayrshire, the son of John Allan (1791-1863) of Bellfield, Taieri. Brought up at Irvine, he came to Nelson with his parents in the New Zealand (1842) and in 1846 went to Otago with a party which had contracted to survey a large block including the Clutha district. Allan brought the plans to Dunedin early in 1847 and shortly afterwards returned to Nelson, where his father had a small farm, and persuaded them all to go to Otago. They sailed in the schooner Emily, 12 tons, in Apr 1848, accompanied by J. C. Smith (q.v.), who had a quantity of merchandise, produce and building material. Together Smith and Allan started a store and bakery. In 1851 Smith retired to go on land at Hopehill, Taieri, which in the following year he transferred to Allan. A few years later they were in partnership in a run near Tokomairiro, and in 1855 made a journey together to Riverton for cattle, which they drove back. The run contained 13,000 acres, including Gabriel's Gully and the Woolshed. About 1860 Allan sold out to John Martin (q.v.) and shortly afterwards the run was resumed for mining purposes. Allan now devoted his attention to the freehold at East Taieri, which he increased eventually to 5,000 acres. He was a successful farmer and breeder. In 1864 he was captain of the East Taieri Rifles and a leading marksman. In 1870 he was elected M.P.C. for Taieri, which he represented to 1875. He was a member of the Taieri county council, the Grey road board and the school committee. Allan married (1850) Jane, daughter of Richard Sutcliffe (who arrived in the Ajax, 1849). He died on 5 Jul 1891. (See G. M. THOMSON.)

Otago P.C. Proc; J. A. Thomson (p); James Smith in Evening Star, 23 Mar 1898; Otago Witness, 23 Mar 1898 (P); Otago Daily Times, 7 Jul 1891.

Reference: Volume 1, page 21

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