COLVIN, JAMES (1844-1919) was born in County Donegal, educated there and emigrated to Victoria in 1861. He was engaged in goldmining at Creswick Creek and Daylesford, and in 1862 came to Otago, where he followed the rushes to Dunstan, Wakatipu and Wakamarina, eventually opening a store at the last-named place. He moved later as storekeeper to Waimea, Hokitika, Grey Valley, Addison's Flat and Westport (1872).

Colvin was a member of the Buller county council (1885-89), chairman of the Westport harbour board (1890), a member of the Nelson education and harbour boards and mayor of Westport (1898-1900). In 1899, as a supporter of Seddon, he defeated O'Regan for Buller, which he represented in Parliament till his death (on 29 Oct 1919). He was senior government whip in 1906, chairman of committees in 1910, and held office as Minister of Mines in the Mackenzie government (1912).

N.Z.P.D., pass. (notably 30 Oct 1919); Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Evening Post, 30 Oct.

Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 1, page 102

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